09/04/2026

BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | APR 9, 2026

16

completed a share buyback delivering a 300% (3x) return to its early Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) investors – marking one of the most notable exits in Malaysia’s ECF space. Under the buyback, shares were repurchased at RM390 per unit – three times the original entry price of RM130. The buyback concludes an eight year growth journey that began in 2017, when FinSpark launched its ECF campaign on Ata Plus. A single Facebook Live pitch session helped generate RM1.2 million within 24 hours, with the campaign ultimately attracting nearly RM2.2 million in pledges from over 400 investors. Despite being oversubscribed by almost 500%, the company capped the raise at RM1.5 million in line with its internal capital strategy, returning Bus Cap secures ACE Market IPO approval KUALA LUMPUR: Bus Cap Bhd, a premier bus builder with over five decades of established market presence, has secured the green light from Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd to undertake its initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the ACE Market. The proposed IPO entails a total offering of 126,516,400 ordinary shares in Bus Cap. This comprises a public issue of 107,347,200 new shares and an offer for sale of 19,169,200 existing shares via private placement to selected investors. TA Securities Holdings Bhd has been appointed as the principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter, and placement agent for the IPO. With a heritage spanning over 58 years, Bus Cap has built a formidable track record serving bus operators, travel companies, and government agencies in Malaysia, while successfully expanding its market presence into Singapore. For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024, Bus Cap recorded strong revenue of approximately RM56.4 million, translating to a Profit After Tax (PAT) of RM6.9 million. This financial performance was underpinned by surging demand for versatile and higher-capacity buses, particularly semi-high deck models. Managing director Ng Chai Sing said: “Receiving the green light from Bursa Malaysia is a strong validation of the foundation we have built over the last five decades. “Transitioning to the public markets gives us the financial agility to aggressively modernise our operations and capture a larger slice of the bus building industry. “Amid rising demand from bus operators in Malaysia and Singapore for higher-capacity, more efficient fleets, this proposed listing equips us with the capital and technological edge to meet evolving needs.” The proposed listing will directly support Bus Cap’s next phase of structural growth. Key expansion initiatives include the development of a new production facility to scale up its manufacturing capacity, strategic investments into semi-automated fabrication technologies to drive operational productivity, and the strengthening of working capital to fulfil an expanding order book.

Malaysia Airlines and Visa tie up to drive travel demand

KUALA Malaysia Airlines and Visa have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing customer experiences and driving travel demand across Malaysia Airlines’ global network. The three-year partnership brings together Visa’s global leadership in digital payments and Malaysia Airlines’ expertise in delivering premium travel experiences, with a shared ambition to create more seamless, personalised and rewarding journeys for travellers. LUMPUR:

o Both parties to focus on joint marketing initiatives and customer-centric innovations

and

mobile

app,

further

reinforcing airline’s commitment to delivering greater value and accessibility to travellers. Malaysia Aviation Group CEO of airline business Bryan Foong said: “Today’s travellers expect journeys that are not only seamless, but also personalised and rewarding. “Our partnership with Visa reflects our commitment to delivering more integrated travel experiences – combining connectivity, convenience and value across every touchpoint of the journey. “Together, we are unlocking new opportunities to engage travellers more meaningfully while driving demand across our network.” Visa Malaysia country manager Previn Pillay said: “Travel plays a vital role in how Malaysians connect with the world, and we continue to see strong momentum in overseas travel and spending. “Through our partnership with Malaysia Airlines, we are unlocking meaningful value for Visa cardholders beyond payments – from rewarding offers and exclusive privileges to smoother booking and travel journeys. “Together, we are proud to support the continued growth of international travel and tourism, while helping Malaysians explore the world with greater ease and confidence through secure, seamless and globally accepted payment experiences.” This partnership underscores both organisations’ commitment to advancing Malaysia’s position as a key travel hub in the region, while delivering elevated and more connected travel experiences for customers. the

engagement through data - driven marketing and targeted social media activations As part of the partnership rollout, Visa cardholders will enjoy an additional 5% discount with promo code MHVISA26 on the Malaysia Airlines and Firefly bookings from April 2 to 13, 2026 on the Malaysia Airlines website

Under the collaboration, both parties will focus on joint marketing initiatives and customer – centric innovations, including integrated campaigns to stimulate travel demand across Malaysia Airlines’ international network; exclusive benefits and co – branded offers for Visa cardholders and enhanced digital

Pillay and Foong at the MoU signing ceremony.

FinSpark completes share buyback, delivers 300% return to early investors KUALA LUMPUR: FinSpark, a Malaysian financial education and digital media company, has surplus commitments. The round closed with 318 investors, 75% aged 35 and below.

short-term gains. We prioritised reinvestment, operational discipline and sustainable expansion. “This buyback reflects the cumulative results of that strategy. “Equity Crowdfunding requires patience from both founders and investors. We are pleased to have delivered a meaningful outcome for those who believed in our long-term vision.” Ata Plus CEO and Co-founder, Elain Lockman commented: “A 300% return over eight years is a strong outcome in the ECF landscape. “While equity crowdfunding remains a higher-risk asset class compared to traditional products, this demonstrates the potential upside when companies execute well and investors remain disciplined. “While FinSpark shows we can ‘win big,‘ diversification is still the key to navigating the possibility of capital loss.”

Since its fundraising, FinSpark said in a statement yesterday that it has undergone several strategic expansions. The company transitioned from a subscription-based model into Valueinmind, its online financial education platform, which recorded RM4 million in net profit in 2020 during the Covid-19 period. Building on that foundation, FinSpark expanded into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through SUMA College, focusing on digital marketing skills; and Financial advisory services via MMC Financial Planning. These initiatives strengthened recurring revenue streams and diversified the company’s growth platform. FinSpark CEO Spark Liang said: “From day one, our focus has been on building long-term value rather than

Liang (left) and FinSpark co-founder Alvin Tan.