KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (collectively “CIMB” or “the Bank”) announced a strategic collaboration with Weixin Pay or more well known as WeChat Pay through a dedicated solution, Weixin Mini Program (“the Programme”) to boost CIMB-affiliated merchants’ businesses. This initiative marks a significant step forward in enabling seamless cross-border payments, enhancing Malaysian merchants’ visibility, and empowering businesses to tap into the digital savvy and inbound Chinese tourists.
The collaboration reflects CIMB’s commitment to strengthening cross-border transactions – enabling local merchants to offer a smooth and trusted payment experience for Chinese consumers using Weixin Pay, one of China’s most widely adopted payment platforms. By integrating the Programme and Weixin Pay, merchants in Malaysia can showcase offerings digitally, engage Chinese travellers before arrival to the country, and facilitate in-store transactions via DuitNow QR. This end-to-end ecosystem creates convenience for travellers and a competitive edge for Malaysian merchants, especially in sectors such as retail, F&B and hospitality.
Daniel Cheong, Head of Consumer Banking Malaysia, CIMB said, “This collaboration underscores CIMB’s drive to advancing cross-border connectivity and creating opportunities that uplift communities and businesses, in line with our purpose of Advancing Customers and Society. By leveraging CIMB’s digital capabilities with Weixin Pay’s extensive global reach, we are enabling merchants to reach high-value travellers and participate more fully in the digital economy. Through the Programme, merchants gain access to a platform that is familiar to Chinese consumers, making it easier for travellers to discover, engage and transact seamlessly – even before arriving in Malaysia. This partnership reinforces our mission to deliver connectivity, convenience and commercial growth for businesses nationwide.”
According to a report by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia received nearly 1.8 million tourists from China during the first five months of 2025, and this number is expected to increase. CIMB’s collaboration with Weixin Pay strategically coincides with peak travel seasons for Chinese visitors, ensuring merchants are well-positioned to capture demand during Malaysia’s busiest inbound periods. In tandem with Visit Malaysia 2026, the partnership will further amplify opportunities for cross-border spending and reinforce Malaysia’s position as one of the top travel destinations amongst foreign tourists.
David Chong, Assistant Regional Director, Southeast Asia of Weixin Pay said, “Malaysia has become one of the key focus markets for the Programme expansion, driven by strong demand from local businesses looking to reach Chinese travellers through digital-first channels. Weixin Pay is actively strengthening our ecosystem in Malaysia — from payment innovation to merchant enablement — and this collaboration with CIMB marks an important milestone in the journey.”
On 1 January 2026, participating merchants will receive a dedicated merchant page within the Weixin Pay’s ecosystem to showcase their products and services. They will benefit from high visibility within its ecosystem, location-based discovery, promotional campaigns, and insights into their incremental traffic and purchase intent, driven by pre-trip and in-destination search trends. Participating merchants will overcome common barriers such as high integration costs, complex technical requirements, and limited visibility to Chinese consumers through a streamlined, cost-efficient onboarding process that eliminates complicated integration. They will also receive exclusive exchange rates, making cross-border transactions more affordable and seamless. From micro, small and medium enterprises (“MSMEs”) to major retail destinations, the Programme empowers businesses to compete effectively in a digital-first regional marketplace.
About CIMB
CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM79.0 billion as at 30 September 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 571 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 30 September 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 91.455% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.83% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.
SOURCE: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com
--BERNAMA
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
DALI ALLIANCE ROLLS OUT WIRELESS TO DALI GATEWAYS TEST, CERTIFICATION SPECIFICATIONS
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- The DALI Alliance, the international authority for lighting technology standardisation, has launched new test and certification specifications for Wireless to DALI Gateways.
The release allows seamless control of wired DALI devices from either Bluetooth Networked Lighting Control (NLC) or Zigbee wireless ecosystems and provides access to data from DALI systems, paving the way for increased interoperability and flexibility in the lighting industry.
“The introduction of these test and certification specifications for Wireless to DALI Gateways is a significant milestone. It opens up new possibilities for integrating DALI with wireless systems, creating a broader range of solutions for the industry.
“By standardising these gateways, we are promoting interoperability and providing a path forward for developers, manufacturers, and professionals in building automation,” said the DALI Alliance General Manager, Paul Drosihn.
According to the DALI Alliance in a statement, the new specifications support both wired and wireless connectivity within lighting systems, giving users greater flexibility to select the most suitable lighting control solution for specific applications.
The specifications ensures that standardised gateways translate effectively between DALI systems and Bluetooth NLC or Zigbee wireless protocols, providing a reliable link between wired and wireless technologies. This standardisation is designed to boost market confidence and accelerate adoption of DALI-based solutions in smart building environments.
The DALI Alliance's commitment to open, industry-defined specifications helps avoid compatibility issues associated with proprietary solutions and ensures a consistent user experience across different lighting and control systems.
-- BERNAMA
The release allows seamless control of wired DALI devices from either Bluetooth Networked Lighting Control (NLC) or Zigbee wireless ecosystems and provides access to data from DALI systems, paving the way for increased interoperability and flexibility in the lighting industry.
“The introduction of these test and certification specifications for Wireless to DALI Gateways is a significant milestone. It opens up new possibilities for integrating DALI with wireless systems, creating a broader range of solutions for the industry.
“By standardising these gateways, we are promoting interoperability and providing a path forward for developers, manufacturers, and professionals in building automation,” said the DALI Alliance General Manager, Paul Drosihn.
According to the DALI Alliance in a statement, the new specifications support both wired and wireless connectivity within lighting systems, giving users greater flexibility to select the most suitable lighting control solution for specific applications.
The specifications ensures that standardised gateways translate effectively between DALI systems and Bluetooth NLC or Zigbee wireless protocols, providing a reliable link between wired and wireless technologies. This standardisation is designed to boost market confidence and accelerate adoption of DALI-based solutions in smart building environments.
The DALI Alliance's commitment to open, industry-defined specifications helps avoid compatibility issues associated with proprietary solutions and ensures a consistent user experience across different lighting and control systems.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, December 22, 2025
SME SENTIMENT INDEX 2H 2025 SIGNALS STRONGER ECONOMIC MOMENTUM AND RISING CONFIDENCE AMONG MSMES
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (“BPMB”) Group has released the findings of its SME Sentiment Index for the second half of 2025 (“2H 2025”), signalling a stronger economic momentum and rising optimism across the country’s MSME landscape. The overall Sentiment Index rose to 56.8, compared with 55.1 in 1H 2025, reflecting improved expectations on economic conditions, sales prospects, expansionary activities and employment despite elevated external pressures.
SME Bank’s Relief President and Chief Executive Officer, Samad Majid Zain said “Malaysian MSMEs continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, supported by stronger economic fundamentals and opportunities ahead. The rise in the Sentiment Index with 68% of respondents expecting higher sales and 53% planning to expand their workforce, reflects a more positive operating climate even as the business community navigates higher external import tariffs, wider Sales & Services Tax (“SST”) application and adjustments in electricity costs. The strongest optimism is recorded among manufacturing segments, where up to 89% of businesses anticipate growth. These trends signal that MSMEs are preparing for increased demand and renewed investment activity. SME Bank will continue to support MSMEs in strengthening their financial position, improving productivity and enhancing competitiveness as Malaysia advances toward sustainable economic growth.
Key Highlights at a Glance:
· Growth optimistic sectors underscore consistency with strategic national objectives.
· Expansion plans strengthen sales outlook, with optimism reaching up to 89% in sectors preparing for increased market activity.
· Operating costs remain elevated as policy adjustments take effect, prompting MSMEs to intensify cost control and efficiency measures.
· Workforce expansion is gaining momentum, with 53% of MSMEs planning to hire in line with improving demand expectations.
· Technology adoption continues to drive performance, with wider use of digital tools enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
· Improving cash reserves across MSMEs, although micro enterprises remain the most vulnerable due to tight liquidity conditions.
SME Bank’s Head of Economic Analysis, Mazlina Abdul Rahman said, “The findings provide a clear and timely view of the evolving risk landscape. While 58% of enterprises expect the economy to expand, the variation across business sizes remains significant. Micro enterprises are the most optimistic at 65%, whereas only 44% of medium sized firms expect growth, reflecting the impact of rising costs and external uncertainty. Liquidity conditions have improved, with the proportion of MSMEs holding less than six months of reserves declining to 31% from 34%, and those with reserves beyond three years increasing to 15%. Yet financing appetite remains high, with 81% of respondents planning to obtain funding for working capital or expansion. These insights allow SME Bank to calibrate risk assessments with greater precision and ensure that our support remains responsive, prudent and aligned with sector realities.”
The SME Sentiment Index survey was conducted between July to October 2025 and gathered responses from 1,971 entrepreneurs and business owners across 40 sectors and all business sizes. The survey offers comprehensive insight into business sentiment and remains a key reference point for assessing Malaysia’s economic trajectory. The full SME Sentiment Index 2H 2025 report can be accessed at:
https://www.smebank.com.my/documents/d/guest/sme-sentiment-index-2h-2025
Click here for more info: https://go.smebank.com.my/SMESI
Issued by:
SME Bank Strategic Communication
SOURCE: SME Bank
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Arnee Ismail
Head, Strategic Communication
SME Bank
Tel: +603 2603 7700 / +6019-6633390
Email: communications@smebank.com.my
--BERNAMA
SME Bank’s Relief President and Chief Executive Officer, Samad Majid Zain said “Malaysian MSMEs continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, supported by stronger economic fundamentals and opportunities ahead. The rise in the Sentiment Index with 68% of respondents expecting higher sales and 53% planning to expand their workforce, reflects a more positive operating climate even as the business community navigates higher external import tariffs, wider Sales & Services Tax (“SST”) application and adjustments in electricity costs. The strongest optimism is recorded among manufacturing segments, where up to 89% of businesses anticipate growth. These trends signal that MSMEs are preparing for increased demand and renewed investment activity. SME Bank will continue to support MSMEs in strengthening their financial position, improving productivity and enhancing competitiveness as Malaysia advances toward sustainable economic growth.
Key Highlights at a Glance:
· Growth optimistic sectors underscore consistency with strategic national objectives.
· Expansion plans strengthen sales outlook, with optimism reaching up to 89% in sectors preparing for increased market activity.
· Operating costs remain elevated as policy adjustments take effect, prompting MSMEs to intensify cost control and efficiency measures.
· Workforce expansion is gaining momentum, with 53% of MSMEs planning to hire in line with improving demand expectations.
· Technology adoption continues to drive performance, with wider use of digital tools enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
· Improving cash reserves across MSMEs, although micro enterprises remain the most vulnerable due to tight liquidity conditions.
SME Bank’s Head of Economic Analysis, Mazlina Abdul Rahman said, “The findings provide a clear and timely view of the evolving risk landscape. While 58% of enterprises expect the economy to expand, the variation across business sizes remains significant. Micro enterprises are the most optimistic at 65%, whereas only 44% of medium sized firms expect growth, reflecting the impact of rising costs and external uncertainty. Liquidity conditions have improved, with the proportion of MSMEs holding less than six months of reserves declining to 31% from 34%, and those with reserves beyond three years increasing to 15%. Yet financing appetite remains high, with 81% of respondents planning to obtain funding for working capital or expansion. These insights allow SME Bank to calibrate risk assessments with greater precision and ensure that our support remains responsive, prudent and aligned with sector realities.”
The SME Sentiment Index survey was conducted between July to October 2025 and gathered responses from 1,971 entrepreneurs and business owners across 40 sectors and all business sizes. The survey offers comprehensive insight into business sentiment and remains a key reference point for assessing Malaysia’s economic trajectory. The full SME Sentiment Index 2H 2025 report can be accessed at:
https://www.smebank.com.my/documents/d/guest/sme-sentiment-index-2h-2025
Click here for more info: https://go.smebank.com.my/SMESI
Issued by:
SME Bank Strategic Communication
SOURCE: SME Bank
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Arnee Ismail
Head, Strategic Communication
SME Bank
Tel: +603 2603 7700 / +6019-6633390
Email: communications@smebank.com.my
--BERNAMA
EIG ACQUIRES 49.87 PCT STAKE IN PERU GAS PIPELINE OPERATOR TGP
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- EIG, an institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, has acquired a 49.87 per cent equity stake in Transportadora de Gas del Perú S.A. (TgP) from Canada Pension Plan Investment Board via its managed investment vehicles.
According to EIG in a statement, TgP operates Peru’s principal natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines under a long-term concession, supplying approximately 40 per cent of the country’s power generation.
EIG Global Head of Infrastructure, Matt Hartman said the company is pleased to complete the transaction and embark on the next phase of its partnership with TgP.
“Our priority is to support TgP’s operational excellence and long-term stability, delivering value for customers and stakeholders throughout Peru,” he said.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul, EIG specialises in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis.
As of Sept 30, EIG had assets under management of US$24.3 billion and has committed more than US$51.7 billion to the energy sector through 421 projects or companies across 44 countries over its 43-year history. (US$1 = RM4.07)
-- BERNAMA
According to EIG in a statement, TgP operates Peru’s principal natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines under a long-term concession, supplying approximately 40 per cent of the country’s power generation.
EIG Global Head of Infrastructure, Matt Hartman said the company is pleased to complete the transaction and embark on the next phase of its partnership with TgP.
“Our priority is to support TgP’s operational excellence and long-term stability, delivering value for customers and stakeholders throughout Peru,” he said.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul, EIG specialises in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis.
As of Sept 30, EIG had assets under management of US$24.3 billion and has committed more than US$51.7 billion to the energy sector through 421 projects or companies across 44 countries over its 43-year history. (US$1 = RM4.07)
-- BERNAMA
MELTWATER WINS THREE COMPARABLY AWARDS
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- Meltwater has secured three Comparably Awards, underscoring its continued commitment to building a strong culture, investing in leadership, and creating an environment where employees can do their best work.
Recognised for Best CEOs, Best Company Culture and Best Company Compensation, the awards are based entirely on anonymous employee feedback and reflect Meltwater’s focus on collaboration, trust, and shared values.
By investing in career growth, Meltwater in a statement said its leadership ensures every team member has the resources and support needed to perform meaningful work.
“This honour reflects the work we do every day to build a collaborative, inclusive culture. That effort starts at the top with our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Box, whose commitment to transparency, respect, and accountability helps create an environment where employees are not only supported, but also inspired to grow, contribute, and thrive.
“We are proud to have our commitment to people, leadership, and total rewards recognised by Comparably,” said its Chief People Officer, Peyton O’Connor.
This year, Meltwater has received a total of 13 Comparably Awards, including Best Career Growth, Best Leadership Teams, Best Engineering Teams, and Best HR Teams. The company remains committed to supporting employee well-being and engagement, recognising their critical role in long-term success.
Comparably Awards are determined by sentiment feedback from current employees who anonymously rate their employers on Comparably.com, with data collected over the past 12 months to ensure an accurate representation of employee experiences.
With a presence in 50 locations across 25 countries, Meltwater is a global leader in media, social, and consumer intelligence, analysing approximately one billion pieces of content daily to deliver actionable insights for businesses worldwide.
-- BERNAMA
Recognised for Best CEOs, Best Company Culture and Best Company Compensation, the awards are based entirely on anonymous employee feedback and reflect Meltwater’s focus on collaboration, trust, and shared values.
By investing in career growth, Meltwater in a statement said its leadership ensures every team member has the resources and support needed to perform meaningful work.
“This honour reflects the work we do every day to build a collaborative, inclusive culture. That effort starts at the top with our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Box, whose commitment to transparency, respect, and accountability helps create an environment where employees are not only supported, but also inspired to grow, contribute, and thrive.
“We are proud to have our commitment to people, leadership, and total rewards recognised by Comparably,” said its Chief People Officer, Peyton O’Connor.
This year, Meltwater has received a total of 13 Comparably Awards, including Best Career Growth, Best Leadership Teams, Best Engineering Teams, and Best HR Teams. The company remains committed to supporting employee well-being and engagement, recognising their critical role in long-term success.
Comparably Awards are determined by sentiment feedback from current employees who anonymously rate their employers on Comparably.com, with data collected over the past 12 months to ensure an accurate representation of employee experiences.
With a presence in 50 locations across 25 countries, Meltwater is a global leader in media, social, and consumer intelligence, analysing approximately one billion pieces of content daily to deliver actionable insights for businesses worldwide.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, December 19, 2025
Toshiba Unveils High-Speed CCD Image Sensor For Inspection Equipment
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has launched "TCD2400DG", a lens-reduction type charge-coupled device (CCD) linear image sensor developed expressly for line scan cameras used in visual inspections.
Image inspection equipment incorporating line scan cameras, including colour sorters, is widely used for applications such as sorting and grading food products, recognising and removing foreign objects, and identifying types of recycled plastics.
TCD2400DG is a colour CCD linear image sensor featuring 4,096 picture elements arranged in a three-line array and a seven-micrometre pitch between elements. Each line functions independently to recognise red, green and blue (RGB).
According to Toshiba in a statement, the sensor offers a maximum line rate of 22.7 kilohertz (kHz), more than double the 10.5 kHz performance of the company’s existing TCD2564DG product used in image inspection equipment.
The higher readout speed enables image inspection systems to process large volumes of image data more quickly and accurately, supporting improved processing performance for high-speed inspection environments.
The sensor is capable of acquiring high-resolution colour images without the need for colour interpolation processing required by Bayer filter arrays, making it suitable for colour line scan camera applications that require immediate judgement.
Toshiba will continue to expand its product lineup and promote advances in imaging and sensing technology that support applications including scanners for multifunction devices and inspection equipment.
-- BERNAMA
CGTN: HAINAN FREE TRADE PORT LAUNCHES ISLAND-WIDE SPECIAL CUSTOMS OPERATIONS
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- China Global Television Network Corporation (CGTN) has reported that island-wide special customs operations have been launched at south China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), allowing freer entry of overseas goods alongside expanded zero-tariff coverage and more business-friendly measures.
According to CGTN, Chinese President Xi Jinping, when hearing a work report on the FTP in early November, hailed the special customs operations as a landmark move to expand high-standard opening up and promote an open world economy.
He also called for greater efforts to facilitate cross-border flows of factors of production and to create a first-rate business environment, CGTN said in a statement.
The idea of establishing the Hainan FTP was first proposed in 2018. Since then, multiple preferential policies, including duty-free shopping and low corporate income tax, have been introduced to gradually shape a more business-friendly free trade port.
CGTN noted that following the launch, the share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP will rise from 21 per cent to 74 per cent, with the number of tariff-free items expanding from about 1,900 to 6,637, covering nearly all production equipment and raw materials.
Another key policy introduced in recent years is the 30 per cent value-added threshold, which allows companies to source raw materials globally, add value locally in Hainan and sell finished products into the mainland market duty-free.
CGTN cited Hainan Weili Medical Technology, a major global catheter supplier, as an example of a company benefiting from the policy. The firm has seen tariff reductions since becoming Hainan’s first pilot for medical device processing and value-added operations in early 2023, having previously sourced most of its raw materials from Southeast Asia.
Head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, Huang Hanquan, was quoted by CGTN as saying that the FTP’s policies help create a trade route from Southeast Asian raw materials through Hainan processing to mainland distribution, positioning the island as a hub linking domestic and international markets.
Huang added that the launch of island-wide special customs operations demonstrates China’s commitment to high-standard opening up, boosting both the domestic economy and global growth.
-- BERNAMA
According to CGTN, Chinese President Xi Jinping, when hearing a work report on the FTP in early November, hailed the special customs operations as a landmark move to expand high-standard opening up and promote an open world economy.
He also called for greater efforts to facilitate cross-border flows of factors of production and to create a first-rate business environment, CGTN said in a statement.
The idea of establishing the Hainan FTP was first proposed in 2018. Since then, multiple preferential policies, including duty-free shopping and low corporate income tax, have been introduced to gradually shape a more business-friendly free trade port.
CGTN noted that following the launch, the share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP will rise from 21 per cent to 74 per cent, with the number of tariff-free items expanding from about 1,900 to 6,637, covering nearly all production equipment and raw materials.
Another key policy introduced in recent years is the 30 per cent value-added threshold, which allows companies to source raw materials globally, add value locally in Hainan and sell finished products into the mainland market duty-free.
CGTN cited Hainan Weili Medical Technology, a major global catheter supplier, as an example of a company benefiting from the policy. The firm has seen tariff reductions since becoming Hainan’s first pilot for medical device processing and value-added operations in early 2023, having previously sourced most of its raw materials from Southeast Asia.
Head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, Huang Hanquan, was quoted by CGTN as saying that the FTP’s policies help create a trade route from Southeast Asian raw materials through Hainan processing to mainland distribution, positioning the island as a hub linking domestic and international markets.
Huang added that the launch of island-wide special customs operations demonstrates China’s commitment to high-standard opening up, boosting both the domestic economy and global growth.
-- BERNAMA
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