19/05/2026

BIZ & FINANCE TUESDAY | MAY 19, 2026

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PETALING Demanlink Connexion Sdn Bhd, a Sarawak based telecommunications infra structure company, yesterday reaffirmed its partnership with EdgePoint Infrastructure to support the continued expansion of digital connectivity infrastructure across Sarawak. EdgePoint announced an addi tional investment of up to RM10 million towards realising an imme diate pipeline of Demanlink ini tiatives in Sarawak. The partnership enables Deman link to step up its capacity and capabilities towards delivering larger, bespoke connectivity infrastructure solutions at scale and speed, while JAYA: Local institutions net buyers on Bursa for fifth week, inflow at RM233 million KUALA LUMPUR: Local institutions extended their net buying streak on Bursa Malaysia for the fifth consecutive week, recording net inflow of RM233.2 million last week amid continued foreign selling across regional equity markets. According to MBSB Investment Bank Bhd (MBSB IB), retailers also reverted to net buying after the previous week’s outflows, posting net inflows of RM92.4 million during the week ended May 15. On Bursa Malaysia, foreign institutions reverted to net selling after the previous week’s inflows, recording net outflows of RM325.5 million as investor sentiment was weighed down by persistent inflationary pressures, elevated oil prices and geopolitical uncertainties, the investment bank said. MBSB IB said foreign institutions recorded net outflows on four of the five trading days during the week, with the largest outflow recorded on Friday (RM202.9 million), followed by Tuesday (RM64.9 million), Thursday (RM60.3 million) and Wednesday (RM19.4 million). Monday was the only exception as it saw net inflows totalling RM22 million. “Across the markets we monitor, foreigners reverted to net selling after the previous week of inflows, with net foreign outflows totalling US$17.12 billion,” the investment bank said in its weekly fund flow report yesterday. It said South Korea recorded the largest foreign outflow during the week, followed by Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia, while Thailand and the Philippines were the only markets to record net inflows. Meanwhile, MBSB IB said the technology sector recorded the highest net foreign inflows on Bursa Malaysia at RM135.5 million, followed by industrial products and services (RM75.9 million) and financial services (RM75.6 million). “The average daily trading volume (ADTV) was mixed across investor classes, with retailers and foreign institutions rising 14.2% and 3.4%, respectively, while local institutions declined 3.7%,” MBSB IB said. The bank also said Malaysia’s economic growth remained resilient in the first quarter of 2026, sustaining growth above 5.0% for the third consecutive quarter, supported by domestic spending, business activity and resilient exports. – Bernama

Funding Societies partners Boost Bank to support SMEs PETALING JAYA: Funding Societies and Boost Bank, Malaysia’s first homegrown Expansion of Shell Malaysia’s Westports fuel terminal begins this year PETALING JAYA: Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd announced the expansion of the Shell Westports Fuels Terminal at a groundbreaking event officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari yesterday. This project will introduce new import infrastructure, comprising three additional petrol and diesel tanks, enabling the terminal to accommodate full medium-range vessel parcels and improving supply efficiency and operational capability. Construction is expected to begin this year and will be carried out in phases, with expansion readiness targeted from early 2028. All contracts for the project have been awarded to Malaysian incorporated companies. “Shell is committed to doing its part to support the government of Malaysia in ensuring reliable fuel supply for the nation and all Malaysian motorists. And today’s groundbreaking marks major progress in our efforts to contribute to strengthening national energy security. With this investment, we are strengthening this terminal to do more: to bring in fuels more competitively, to handle larger volumes and to keep supply reliable across the country. Simply put, its better infrastructure, stronger supply, greater resilience,” shared Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd managing director Shairan Huzani Husain.

Sarawak’s telecom munications smart pole in Taman Impiana, Siburan, Demanlink’s maiden built-to-suit site in Kampung Jepak, Bintulu, and in building coverage solutions such as at One Shell Square in Miri. Other programmes deployed in partnership are EdgePoint’s cor porate social responsibility Con nectivity for Communities Pro gramme that aims to empower underserved schools and com munities across Asean with essential digital resources and connectivity. Two digital class rooms in schools in Long Miri and Simunjan have been launched to date. first 5G banking capabilities. Together, we are better placed to expand access to practical, asset-backed financing solutions for SMEs and mid-tier companies across Malaysia, and we look forward to building a partnership that delivers meaningful impact over time.” Boost Bank CEO Fozia Amanulla said, “At Boost Bank, expanding access to financing for underserved MSMEs remains a key priority. Many businesses have viable operations and assets but may still face barriers in accessing financing due to limited credit history, docu mentation challenges or the absence of solutions structured around their business needs. “This partnership reflects the role we believe digital banks can play in Malaysia’s financial ecosystem, working with fintech partners to extend reach, support responsible innovation and deliver more inclusive financing solutions to businesses. We are pleased to partner with Funding Societies to support Malaysian businesses with practical, pro perty-backed financing that can help them unlock liquidity, strengthen cash flow and pursue growth.” The partnership, they said, reflects both organisations’ shared ambition to expand access to property-backed and structured business financing solutions for SMEs in Malaysia, while building a broader fintech-bank colla boration model that supports innovation, inclusion and responsible financing growth.

o Collaboration aims to broaden access to property-backed financing for micro, small and medium enterprises

digital bank, are teaming up to broaden access to property backed business financing for small and medium enterprises, including asset-owning MSMEs and growing SMEs, in Malaysia. The collaboration brings together Boost Bank’s regulated banking capabilities and Funding Societies’ digital SME financing expertise to serve businesses that continue to face gaps in accessing timely, structured and practical financing solutions. The collaboration will span multiple products and customer segments, with both parties intending to explore additional financing solutions over time. As the first initiative under this partnership, Funding Societies will originate property-backed business financing for eligible SMEs, supported by Boost Bank’s balance sheet participation. In a joint statement yesterday, they said that this will enable business owners across Malaysia to unlock liquidity from their industrial or residential pro perties to fund working capital, business expansion and con tinuity needs. The financing is intended to support business purposes and is secured by property, distinguishing it from conventional mortgage lending. Looking ahead, both parties intend to explore additional areas of collaboration to broaden access to structured financing for businesses across the SME spectrum that have historically

Fozia: Many businesses are viable but may still face barriers in accessing financing. been underserved by traditional financial institutions. Funding Societies Malaysia country head Chai Kien Poon said, “Many SMEs and mid-tier companies in Malaysia have strong assets and viable growth plans but still face gaps in accessing financing that is timely and structured around their needs. We have seen first-hand

Chai: Right financing at the right time can help a business move forward. how the right financing at the right time can help a business move forward – and how the lack of it can hold one back. “Our partnership with Boost Bank brings together Funding Societies’ digital SME financing expertise and deep under standing of property-backed financing needs, with Boost Bank’s balance sheet and digital

Demanlink and EdgePoint to accelerate Sarawak’s digital connectivity

simultaneously leveraging Edge Point’s regional best practices and knowledge capacity building. It also ensures the local teams have future-ready technology and operational capabilities to com plement their strong local expertise and understanding of Sarawak’s unique connectivity, geographic and community needs. Demanlink CEO Hanad Yusuf said, “Our partnership with EdgePoint has been pivotal in our efforts to deploy innovative, tailored connectivity infrastructure in support of Sarawak’s digital aspirations. Edge Point’s long-term commitment and continued investment reinforces our belief in the growth potential of the

diverse communities, together with local stakeholders and the state authorities. Since 2024, we have partnered with Demanlink and have made significant investments to support various connectivity infrastructure initiatives across Sarawak. We look forward to con tinuing working with Demanlink in the coming years.” To date, the partnership has enabled the deployment of

state and Demanlink’s commitment to support our client’s connectivity goals.” EdgePoint Infrastructure CEO and founder Suresh Sidhu said, “Our partnership with Demanlink builds on our mission to build a robust, digitally connected Asean and enhance regional integration. We will continue to support Demanlink in their efforts to deliver meaning ful connectivity to Sarawak’s