08/04/2026

BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | APR 8, 2026

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M’sian SMEs told to adopt productivity-enhancing tech PETALING JAYA: Innovation,

KUALA LUMPUR: Meta Bright Group Bhd’s 51%-owned subsidiary Meta Bright Chargesini Sdn Bhd (MBC) has secured banking facilities totalling up to RM8.5 million from AmBank (M) Bhd. This financing package serves as a major capital catalyst for the next phase of the group’s EV charging infrastructure expansion. The financing structure comprises two distinct tranches. The principal facility, Term Loan 1 of up to RM8 million, is allocated to part-finance up to 80% of the capital expenditure required for the purchase, installation, and commissioning of new EV charging ports. Since the expansion of the group’s energy division into Malaysia’s EV market, MBC has successfully commissioned 25 charging stations, comprising a total of 82 charging points (67 AC and 15 DC chargers). This rapid rollout is synergised through its equity partner ChargeHere EV Sdn Bhd (the operator of ChargeSini). Together, they command the undisputed top spot in Malaysia’s Charge Point Operator (CPO) rankings. ChargeSini currently operates a market-leading 1,110 charging points nationwide, comprising 761 AC points and 349 DC points. Meta Bright Group executive director of corporate and strategic planning Derek Phang Kiew Lim said: “Securing this RM8.5 million facility from AmBank is a major commercial milestone for our EV infrastructure blueprint. We are now moving beyond the foundational setup and stepping firmly into the aggressive scaling phase. Having a dedicated project financing structure allows us to deploy assets much faster and more efficiently, without tying up our core working capital.” Phang added that together with ChargeSini’s market-leading network, their immediate priority is to rapidly build out their physical footprint, capture further market share, and lock in high-quality recurring revenue for the group. Meta Bright secures RM8.5m financing for EV charging rollout

o Profitability up but proportion reaping over 10% of revenue from online sales down: Survey

technology and young entrepreneurs continue to power growth among Malaysian small business, but this has yet to translate into sustained improvements in business performance, according to CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey findings. While half of Malaysian small businesses report improved profitability from their technology investments over the past two years, the proportion generating more than 10% of revenue from online sales declined from 74% in 2024 to 62% in 2025. Digital payment usage has also declined in 2025 with 74% of small businesses receiving more than 10% of their sales through digital payment platforms such as GrabPay, Touch ‘n Go and Boost, compared to 78% in 2024. Priya Terumalay ( pix ), CPA Australia’s regional head for Southeast Asia said while government initiatives have helped support technology adoption, these efforts have yet to drive significant uptake of deeper productivity enhancing technologies such as artificial intelligence, process automation, data LABUAN: Labuan Port continues to play a strategic role as an industrial support hub, particularly for the oil and gas (O&G) sector, with about 70% of its cargo activities linked to the industry. Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd (MPM) said O&G cargo dominates port operations, involving the handling of industrial equipment as well as a small volume of chemicals, pipelines and other energy-related components, positioning Labuan Port as an important support base for the sector in the Borneo region. The matter was highlighted during a working visit and briefing session with Deputy Finance Minister

cyberattack in 2025. Only 39% their cybersecurity protections over a six month period, the second lowest result among the 11 markets surveyed. Despite the challenges, business sentiment on the Malaysian economy remains positive with 75% of small businesses expecting the economy to grow in 2026. A strong 77% also anticipate business growth this year, although improved access to effective finance, especially for investment will be important to enable deeper digital transformation and build resilience. “This is particularly crucial for outward-oriented small businesses navigating global supply chain pressures and trade policy uncertainty that could weigh on growth, especially firms integrated into regional supply chains.” Priya said. low volume of consumer cargo handled at the port is influenced by logistics patterns, with more than 80% of goods entering Labuan transported by land from Sabah using lorries before being shipped via roll on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services between Menumbok and Labuan. “This method is more flexible and cost-effective for importers, making the port less utilised for consumer cargo,” it said. As such, Labuan Port continues to function primarily as an industrial support port, particularly for oil and gas-related activities. The Finance Ministry delegation’s visit aimed to enhance understanding of the port’s role in reviewed

analytics and systems integration. “Technology investment remains concentrated in computer hardware and customer-facing functions like mobile apps and payments, while structural constraints continue to limit more transformative approaches,” she said. “With cost pressures remaining a persistent challenge compressing margins, policy priorities should focus on addressing structural constraints such as re-orienting digital support towards automation, systems integration, and data use along with support for productivity-enhancing responses rather than short-term relief.” Businesses making technology investments must include adequate protection measures to minimise cyber risk exposure as 35% of small businesses lost time or money due to a Liew Chin Tong at Labuan Port yesterday. General cargo accounts for up to 30% of total activities, comprising consumer-related goods such as construction materials. However, the volume remains limited compared to other ports due to more efficient logistics chains via land routes and ferry services from mainland Sabah. Meanwhile, consumer cargo contributes less than 4%, covering selected commodities such as rice, sugar, frozen food including poultry, meat and fish, as well as duty-free food and beverage products for the local market. MPM explained that the relatively

Labuan Port enhances role as oil and gas hub

supporting economic, trade and industrial activities in the Federal Territory of Labuan. MPM is the port operator appointed by the Transport Ministry through the Labuan Port Authority, responsible for managing terminal operations, wharf activities and overall shipping coordination. Liew and delegation also visited the port jetty to observe operational facilities and cargo handling processes firsthand. Megah Port Management is part of the Labuan-based Lion Logistics Group, which has over 30 years of expertise in logistics, maritime and transportation at both national and regional levels. – Bernama

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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