23/05/2026

BIZ & FINANCE SATURDAY | MAY 23, 2026

13 Insken investments to strengthen social enterprises hit RM5 million

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM5 million has been invested by the National Entrepreneurship Institute (Insken) since 2022 to strengthen the country’s social enterprise sector through initiatives focused on capacity building, market access and social enterprise accreditation. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the investment aligns with the Madani government’s efforts to position social enterprises as a driver of Malaysia’s inclusive economy. He said social enterprises are

impact procurement opportunities, operational subsidies, event participation and strategic business matching. He also encouraged more social enterprises to obtain accreditation through Insken to enhance credibility and gain access to financing, tax exemptions, government agendas, exhibitions and other forms of support. Based on the Social Entrepreneurship Action Framework 2030 and the British Council’s The State of Social Enterprise in Malaysia study, Malaysia had an through

statement yesterday. Among the initiatives implemented by Insken are engagement sessions with industry players, social enterprise accreditation clinics, international conferences, and programmes to strengthen networking and market access locally and abroad. Sim said 3,875 participants have benefited from Insken’s programmes and initiatives to date. He said Insken had also allocated RM200,000 over the past six months to help 20 social enterprise entities expand their markets and community

becoming increasingly important amid geopolitical uncertainties, global supply chain disruptions and social changes, as the model not only focuses on profit, but also addresses social and environmental issues through creative and sustainable business approaches. “As an example, an ageing society in the future will require greater access to community care services, healthcare assistance and broader social support systems, all of which can also be driven through the social enterprise model,” he said in a

estimated 20,000 social enterprises as of 2018. To date, 600 business entities have received social enterprise accreditation through Insken, comprising 281 Aspiring Social Enterprises, 252 Basic Social Enterprises and 67 Accredited Social Enterprises. Meanwhile, Insken CEO Viviantie Sarjuni said the agency is moving towards mainstreaming social procurement practices to help social enterprises become more competitive, sustainable and ready to expand further. – Bernama

Chin Hin posts stronger profit despite revenue dip

Alliance Bank reports resilient FY26 results KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd reported resilient financial performance for the financial year ended March 31, 2026 (FY26), supported by sustained business momentum, diversified income growth and continued execution of its Acceler8 strategy amid a more challenging global environment. The bank’s net profit after tax stood at RM826.5 million, representing a 10.1% year-on-year (yoy) increase, while revenue came in at RM2.47 billion, driven by growth in both net interest income (NII) and non-interest income (NOII). NII of RM2.01 billion was driven primarily by higher loan volumes, while the net interest margin (NIM) stood at 2.34%. NOII grew 42% yoy to RM459.2 million. The cost-to-income ratio for the year stood at 47.9% as the bank continued its investments in people and technology. Group CEO Kellee Kam said, “Our performance for FY26 reflects the disciplined execution of our Acceler8 strategy and the resilience of our diversified business model. As we navigate global uncertainties, we are focused on leveraging our solid financial foundation to stand by our customers, support their transition journeys, and deliver responsible, long-term value to all stakeholders.” Alliance Bank continued to accelerate its sustainability agenda during FY26 through financing, ecosystem collaborations and practical transition support for businesses. Since FY22, the bank has achieved cumulative RM16 billion in new sustainable banking business, progressing steadily towards its revised FY28 target of RM17 billion. Under its Sustainability Impact Programme, the bank achieved RM598 million in approved financing during FY26, exceeding its annual target and bringing cumulative approved financing under the programme to RM1.8 billion.

surging 22.6% to RM122.95 million and PBT quadrupling to RM15 million. Within the building materials division, the Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) and precast concrete business recorded a 17.5% increase in revenue to RM142.49 million, while PBT rose to 40.1% to RM13.3 million, supported by improved demand and execution efficiency. Group earnings were further supported by a RM10.55 million net gain on bargain purchase following the strategic acquisition of Chin Hin Concrete KL Sdn Bhd. Group managing director Datuk Wira Chiau Haw Choon ( pix ) said, “This was a steady quarter for Chin Hin. We achieved improvements in margins and cash flow while revenue was slightly lower. The stronger contribution from property development and home & living reflects our ongoing shift towards a more balanced and higher-quality earnings profile. Our focus remains clear – to strengthen execution, convert work into cash and protect margins, as we build a more resilient and integrated organisation” Looking ahead, Chin Hin said it remains focused on disciplined execution across its four core businesses, supported by its integrated ecosystem. The building materials division is expected to benefit from ongoing infrastructure and industrial activity, alongside improved capacity following the commissioning of Drymix Line C.

KUALA LUMPUR: Chin Hin Group Bhd, Malaysia’s integrated builder, developer, and home solutions provider posted a resilient performance, improved earnings quality and strengthened financial discipline for its first quarter ended March 31, 2026 (Q1’26). The group reported a solid profit before tax (PBT) of RM68.05 million, supported by a structurally improved earnings mix and continued margin expansion, alongside a robust RM5.41 billion execution pipeline spanning its core business. For the quarter under review, the group recorded revenue of RM931.96 million, a slight 2.1% moderation from RM951.95 million in Q1’25. Despite the softer top line, Chin Hin achieve stronger profitability, with gross profit rising 2.7% to RM182.03 million, lifting the gross profit margin to 19.5%. PBT grew 1.4% to RM68.05 million. The group’s performance was underpinned by stronger contributions from its property development and home & living o Property development and home & living segments lift margins and earnings quality in first quarter 2026

divisions, reflecting a continued shift towards higher-margin segments. The property development division recorded a 24.4% increase in to RM233.08 million, with PBT rising 13.5% to RM29.82 million, supported by progressive billing milestones and sustained sales across ongoing developments. The home & living segment delivered improved profitability despite lower segment revenue, with PBT increasing 6.5% to RM26.2 million. The kitchen and wardrobe systems business remained a key driver, with revenue