CIMB achieves MSCI AAA rating and ranks #1 globally in WBA’s Financial System Benchmark

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Group”) has been upgraded from AA to AAA in the MSCI ESG Ratings, the highest possible rating. The upgrade reflects strengthened sustainability practices and disclosures, particularly in the consumer protection and workforce management pillars. Furthermore, CIMB maintained a robust environmental score of 9.2, a testament to its disciplined management of environmental risks within its credit underwriting process.

MSCI ESG Ratings evaluate how well companies manage the environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) risks and opportunities specific to their industry that may affect financial performance. Using rules-based methodologies, MSCI assesses thousands of global issuers by combining corporate disclosures with alternative data sources. Each company is then assigned a rating from AAA to CCC, reflecting its resilience to these risks relative to its industry peers.

Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Group said, “Our recent achievements reflect our efforts in embedding sustainability more deeply into our core operations, ensuring our foundational frameworks become part of our daily decision-making. This approach is integral to our Forward30 strategy, where sustainability is not treated as a standalone agenda, but as a key driver of how we grow and deliver impact.

While we are encouraged by the MSCI AAA rating and the recognition from the World Benchmarking Alliance, we view these benchmarks primarily as indicators that our strategy is moving in the right direction. What truly differentiates CIMB is our ability to translate ambition into execution by supporting our clients through the transition and delivering meaningful, real-economy impact across ASEAN, in line with our purpose of advancing customers and society.”

CIMB was also ranked #1 globally among financial institutions in the 2025 Financial System Benchmark by the World Benchmarking Alliance (“WBA”), as well as securing the #2 spot globally for Inclusive Finance, in recognition of its efforts to expand access to financial services and support a just transition that ensures socio-economic progress reaches all segments of society. These advancements are supported by the implementation of sector-specific environmental credit policies and transparent governance practices.

WBA’s Financial System Benchmark assesses how the world's 400 most influential financial institutions are transforming the financial system for a more just and sustainable future. The benchmark encourages action by identifying areas where progress and leadership are possible, measured against global standards and peer performance.

Beyond external ratings, CIMB’s focus is on supporting and enabling its customers as they navigate the transition to a more sustainable economy. As part of its commitment to mobilising RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030, the Group is sharpening its efforts to help clients manage transition risks and capture opportunities linked to decarbonisation and nature- positive solutions. This includes expanding CIMB’s sustainability advisory, carbon finance and nature finance offerings, with a strong emphasis on practical support for small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”) through sector-specific workshops that help translate sustainability requirements into clear business and financing strategies. The Group also aims to connect businesses with credible decarbonisation solution providers and incentivise progress through sustainability-linked financing tied to measurable outcomes.

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 91.45% 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

TII, WEF UNVEIL ABU DHABI CENTRE FOR FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES AT DAVOS MEETING

Technology Innovation Institute and World Economic Forum Announce ‘Abu Dhabi Centre for Frontier Technologies’ at Davos (Photo: AETOSWire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have announced the launch of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Frontier Technologies, a new centre within WEF’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Global Network.

The collaboration was formalised during a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, marking a significant step in strengthening international cooperation to shape the future of frontier technologies.

TII Chief Executive Officer, Dr Najwa Aaraj said the new centre brings together research excellence, policy leadership and global collaboration on a single platform to advance frontier research and development while enabling scientific breakthroughs to move from the laboratory into real-world application.

“By translating innovation into responsibly governed, scalable solutions, we are reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for science, innovation and impact,” she said in a statement.

Supported by an agile regulatory environment and a strong link between research, policy and execution, the United Arab Emirates offers a unique platform for piloting, deploying and scaling emerging technologies at a national level, a capability that will be amplified via WEF’s globally connected C4IR network.

The new centre positions Abu Dhabi as a global epicentre for pioneering research of advanced technologies, with a focus on quantum computing, robotics, propulsion and space systems, and related artificial intelligence applications.

Through this strategic partnership, TII joins a globally connected innovation ecosystem designed to accelerate the responsible adoption of transformative technologies.

The centre aims to advance research and development in critical frontier technologies while showcasing Abu Dhabi’s thought leadership through proof-of-concept pilots, regulatory sandboxes and global convenings.

-- BERNAMA

CGTN: China, Canada Pledge Deeper Bilateral Cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) – China Global Television Network Corporation (CGTN) has published an article highlighting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, underscoring renewed momentum in bilateral relations and broad prospects for cooperation under evolving global conditions.

In a statement, CGTN said China and Canada are positioning themselves for deeper, mutually beneficial collaboration across key sectors, including trade, energy, agriculture and forestry, green technology, and tourism.

In 2025, a record 125 Canadian companies participated at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, reflecting growing commercial engagement between the two economies.

During Carney’s visit to China, the two countries signed multiple cooperation documents spanning trade, customs, energy, construction, culture, and public security, signalling a shared commitment to expanding practical cooperation.

At their meeting in Beijing, President Xi emphasised that the healthy and stable development of China–Canada relations serves the interests of both countries and contributes to global peace, stability, and prosperity. 

He called for advancing a new strategic partnership grounded in responsibility to history, the people, and the international community.

Bilateral ties have shown signs of recovery since late 2025, following leader-level engagements at the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the United Nations General Assembly, as well as subsequent visits by senior Canadian officials. China has also resumed group tour services to Canada, strengthening people-to-people exchanges.

Both leaders highlighted the complementary nature of their economies. China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner, while Canada’s strengths in clean energy, biomanufacturing, and agricultural technology align closely with China’s industrial upgrading goals.

In a joint statement, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, promoting two-way investment, and maintaining a fair and open business environment. They also agreed to address economic and trade issues through constructive dialogue, including via a renewed China–Canada Joint Economic and Trade Commission.

President Xi called for deeper and broader cooperation to strengthen shared interests, positioning China and Canada as long-term partners in common development and collaboration.

-- BERNAMA

VIETNAM ISLAND METROPOLIS PROJECT GAINS GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AT TIMES SQUARE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Gold Coast Vung Tau is positioning Vietnam on the global map with the emergence of its first international island metropolis, developed under the Eco–Cinematic Living philosophy to create an integrated living environment that connects nature, amenities, and community.

The development’s TVC was recently showcased on large-format LED screens at Times Square, New York, highlighting its ambitions to attract a global audience with a Vietnam-born island metropolis built to international standards.

Drawing inspiration from Australia’s Gold Coast, Gold Coast Vung Tau is positioned beyond conventional residential development, according to a statement.

At the heart of the project, “Eco” represents a complete ecosystem where boulevards, landmark amenities, and expansive natural scenery operate cohesively as a fully functioning city. This vision forms the foundation of Mega Living—an expansive lifestyle shaped by scale, openness, and long-term planning.

Located in southeastern Ho Chi Minh City, the development benefits from the infrastructure and tourism advantages of Vietnam’s Southern Key Economic Region. It is approximately 60 minutes from the city centre and 35 minutes from Long Thanh International Airport.

Covering 1,300 hectares, the masterplan includes 300 hectares of interconnected waterways, 150 hectares of parks and green spaces, and over 100 on-site and nearby amenities. A key highlight is an 85-hectare outlet destination, planned to become the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.

According to the developer, the project leverages the region’s strong infrastructure and tourism fundamentals to establish Gold Coast Vung Tau as a must-visit destination, contributing to the elevation of Vietnam’s international image in the travel and leisure sector.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia's New Role in Tech Investment: Nexus Meridian Capital’s Platform-Based Approach

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan 16 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexus Meridian Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd has announced plans to establish five new regional offices across Southeast Asia by 2026, creating more than 200 high-value jobs. This move is accelerating Malaysia’s transformation into a “regional platform hub.” The strategic expansion underscores Malaysia’s shift from a traditional business outsourcing model toward a more complex, system-driven digital economy. In Southeast Asia's tech landscape, Malaysia is transitioning from a manufacturing hub to a "digital economy and regional platform hub." This shift is driven by policy maturity, infrastructure, and converging capital flows. Consequently, more technology-oriented holding companies are establishing physical entities in Malaysia to participate in long-term digital development. Within this trend, Nexus Meridian Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd stands out as a noteworthy case study.

Why Malaysia Attracts Technology Holding Companies
Malaysia offers a "middle ground advantage": a mature, transparent regulatory framework combined with a market still in a deep phase of digital transformation. Increasingly, Malaysia serves as a pivotal node for regional synergy, making long-term strategic positioning and platform integration practically feasible.

Nexus Meridian Capital: A Systematic Approach
Nexus Meridian Capital did not pursue a market entry centered on single products or short-term trends. Instead, it adopted a systematic approach focused on:
 

1. Platform Viability: Enhancing e-commerce retention and monetization through gamified tasks and virtual economic systems.
2. AI Integration: Moving AI from a simple tool to an enterprise-level decision-making system.
3. Governance and Integration: Leveraging holding company structures to achieve scale through localized incentives and platform strategies.
    

This aligns with the global shift from "rapid expansion" toward "structural quality and sustainability."

From Project Thinking to System Capabilities
While individual project lifecycles are often limited, long-term value resides in underlying systems and platform architecture. Nexus Meridian Capital functions as a holding entity that builds replicable, scalable technical frameworks rather than chasing short-term scale. This approach provides strong resilience against market cycles.

Future Direction: Long-Termism
The core challenge for Nexus Meridian lies in evolving its platform capabilities while maintaining stability. In a tech landscape returning to rationality, enterprises focused on systems may attract less initial attention but often demonstrate superior value over extended cycles.

Company: Nexus Meridian Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd
Contact Person: Alex Joos
Email: qsbkoon@nexusmh.com
Website: https://nexusmh.com/
Telephone: +60 135963 395
City: Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya 

SOURCE: Nexus Meridian Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd 

Great American Insurance Group Hires Natt Wattanaumphaipong To Singapore Leadership Role

 

Nattakorn Wattanaumphaipong

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- Great American Insurance Group has appointed Nattakorn (Natt) Wattanaumphaipong as Senior Director, Technical Underwriting for the Singapore Branch of its flagship insurer, Great American Insurance Company.

Wattanaumphaipong brings over 20 years of industry experience and will oversee strategic management of technical underwriting and portfolio management, executing strategies that support the Singapore Branch’s business expansion plan.

He will work with the Singapore Branch Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Deputy CEO to drive product development and identify opportunities in existing and new markets for profitable growth, according to a statement.

Prior to this role, Wattanaumphaipong served as Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer at a global speciality and property and casualty (re)insurer. He has also held leadership positions in management, reinsurance underwriting, and business development across the Asia Pacific region.

Wattanaumphaipong earned a Master of Business Administration from the National University of Singapore and a Master of Commerce from the University of New South Wales. He is also an Accredited Director with the Singapore Institute of Directors.

The Singapore Branch of Great American Insurance Company offers a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions for commercial clients, supported by a team of experienced underwriters who tailor policies to meet customer needs.

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Great American Insurance Group specialises in property and casualty insurance, focusing on speciality commercial products for businesses worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

SME BANK’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2026 REPORT: OVERNIGHT POLICY RATE TO HOLD AT 2.75% AS MALAYSIA’S ECONOMY EXPANDS AT 4.3%

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) has released its latest report on Malaysia’s Economic Outlook 2026 (“the Report”), which forecasts that Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”) is expected to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (“OPR”) at 2.75% throughout 2026, providing a stable monetary environment to support Malaysia’s economic expansion. The Report projects Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) to grow by 4.3%, despite heightened global uncertainties.

According to the Report, domestic growth momentum is expected to remain resilient, supported by sustained micro, small and medium enterprise (“MSME”) activities and continued policy support, which are expected to help cushion the economy against external headwinds from rising protectionism and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Overall, the growth outlook is broadly aligned with projections by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

SME Bank’s Relief President and Chief Executive Officer, Samad Majid Zain, said, “Malaysia’s growth outlook for 2026 remains resilient, driven by the strength of MSMEs in sustaining domestic demand, employment and productivity. The National Budget 2026 reinforces this momentum with RM50 billion in financing and guarantee facilities with SME Bank entrusted to implement nearly RM2 billion in strategic national initiatives to support MSMEs scaling, technology adoption and productivity enhancement across priority sectors, in alignment with BNM’s Performance Measurement Framework and the Government’s MADANI economic framework.”

Key Highlights at a Glance:

· Services are likely to cushion overall growth, supported by resilient household consumption underpinned by accommodative monetary and fiscal policies, including higher allocations for Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Phase 2 civil servant salary adjustments, which are expected to help ease cost pressures and sustain consumption.
· Manufacturing faces higher tariff exposure, as 67.1% of the Industrial Production Index is export oriented, increasing vulnerability to external demand shocks and trade policy developments.
· Construction activity is set to normalise, following two years of exceptional post pandemic growth driven by infrastructure and private sector projects.
· The mining sector is expected to remain subdued, constrained by moderating demand from key importing economies and lower global crude oil prices.

SME Bank’s Head of Economic Research, Mazlina Abdul Rahman, said, “We project inflation to rise moderately to 1.7% in 2026, remaining at a manageable level. Headline inflation averaged 1.4% year on year for the first 11 months of 2025, lower than 1.9% in the corresponding period in 2024, before edging higher from July 2025 following the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax to additional service sectors, selected non-essential goods and utility tariff adjustments. Looking ahead, lower Brent crude oil prices, expectations of a stronger ringgit compared to the 2025 average and the absence of further fuel subsidy rationalisation this year should help keep inflation in check,” she elaborated.

The full report can be accessed at:
https://go.smebank.com.my/ECO2026

For more information:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1v6RXMzwWrfUjyk18u5dS1dC_09pO3dlL

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