ASEAN Speaks

In this episode, we take a closer look at the ambitious goal of "Improving the lives of 1 million households across ASEAN by 2025," as seen through the lens of Maybank. Chief Sustainability Officer Shahril Azuar Jimin expands on this goal as well as outlines Maybank’s mission of “Humanising Financial Services”. Speaking with our guest, is esteemed moderator and interviewer, Nadia Azmi. Here’s what you will learn: Maybank's mission to "Humanise Financial Services" has driven us to identify the needs of the communities in ASEAN. Through the goal of improving the lives of 1 million households across ASEAN by 2025, various initiatives and programmes were launched to promote financial literacy and inclusion. By incorporating ESG factors as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals into our operations and decision-making, we are committed to being transparent and accountable in our sustainability journey. The ‘coffee shop bank’ is set to be a driving force for good in the ASEAN region. Check out other amazing stories by listening to our show, ‘The Social Circle’ on ASEAN Speaks by Maybank. Thank you for joining us on our journey to learn about the goodwill of others.

In this insightful episode, we explore the innovative concept of social enterprise; a model that combines the noble intention of doing good with the practicality of sustaining a living. Host Sam Yeow is joined by Kim Lim, the Co-Founder of Pichaeats which provides food delivery services with dishes cooked by refugees. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that social enterprises face, highlighting how they balance profit and purpose while advocating for the causes they support. Here’s what you will learn: Understanding the Social Enterprise model: We provide an in-depth look at this hybrid approach that merges business and karmic impact, explaining how it offers a sustainable way to give back to the community. The hidden challenges of social enterprises: We delve into the lesser-discussed challenges faced by social enterprises, including defining 'profit,' recognising different scales of impact, and their role as advocates for the causes they support. Balancing good and business: We explore the complex process of navigating the balance between purpose and profit in social enterprises, discussing strategies for success and long-term sustainability. Listen to the inspiring story from ‘The Social Circle’ on ASEAN Speaks by Maybank.

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the world of social advocacy, moving beyond the traditional approach of providing handouts to the needy and disadvantaged. Host Sam Yeow is joined by our guest, Heidy Quah, who leads Refuge for the Refugees, a movement that campaigns for basic human rights such as education and healthcare for refugees. We'll hear from a passionate social advocate, exploring their focus, challenges, and how we as a society can navigate effective advocacy for those in need. Here’s what you will learn: Rethinking the approach to helping the disadvantaged: We discuss the limitations of handouts and donations and explore more sustainable solutions like education, opportunities, and tailored programmes that empower people in need. The power of social advocacy: We deep dive into Heidy’s cause, challenges she faces, and how she’s using her passion to create meaningful change Overcoming the challenges of social advocacy: We explore the obstacles that social advocates face and discuss strategies for overcoming them in order to create a more effective and lasting impact. Listen to the inspiring story from ‘The Social Circle’ on ASEAN Speaks by Maybank.

In this uplifting episode, host Sam Yeow interviews two individuals who share their unique experiences and perspectives on acts of goodwill for the community. We delve into the challenges, barriers, and motivations that drive them to make a difference, demonstrating that no matter your circumstances, you can make a positive impact in your own way. Our first guest, Charis Ding, Co-Founder of MYReaders, shares her journey in empowering children through literacy and providing more opportunities for upcoming generations. We are then joined by Yu Ren Chong, Dep. Executive Director of WAO Malaysia who advocates for women’s rights. Here’s what you will learn: Inspiring stories from those actively working to better the lives of others, highlighting their unique reasons and experiences. Overcoming challenges and barriers: We discuss the distinct obstacles faced in their pursuit of goodwill, and how they overcame these challenges to make a meaningful impact. The power of will and tenacity: This episode emphasises on the point that regardless of circumstance, the will to make a difference can lead to remarkable change. Listen to these inspiring stories from ‘The Social Circle’ on ASEAN Speaks by Maybank.

The fourth episode of our series 'Exploring Sustainable Values' explores the future of sustainable impact and effective integration between ESG principles and Islamic Finance. Dato’ Rafique Merican, Group CEO of Islamic Banking, Maybank, talks about the future of sustainable Islamic Finance, the initiatives, and technologies to look forward to.

The third episode of our series 'Exploring Sustainable Values' focuses on implementing Systems Thinking into Sustainable Finance. James Vaccaro, CEO of RePattern shares his perspectives on current trends in the sustainable financial sector, challenges to tackle, and introduces a systems thinking perspective on the notion of sustainability.

The second episode of our series 'Exploring Sustainable Values' aims to explore and understand the role of leaders when it comes to leading a value-based organisation. We spoke to Dr. Aamir A. Rehman, founder of Fajr Capital where he provides insights on the struggles, barriers and attributes that makeup a leader when implementing sustainability values. 

The first episode of our series 'Exploring Islamic Values' aims to introduce the uninitiated to the world of sustainability, Islamic Finance, and the relationship between the two fields. We spoke to the general public to understand their point of view and address any misconceptions they might have.

In this week's ASEAN Speaks, our host Thilan breaks down the key developments shaping Singapore’s markets as the US government shutdown nears resolution and expectations rise for a December Fed rate cut.In light of that, we review Singapore banks’ 3Q results, highlighting why OCBC has been upgraded to BUY, while DBS remains a BUY and UOB a HOLD. Thilan explains the trends driving net interest income, non-interest income, and capital returns across the sector.Our TMT analyst Hussaini, then joins to discuss SingTel, sharing insights from its Associate performance and how that could influence upcoming results.Covering for Samuel, our gaming analyst, Sheryl covers Genting Singapore's strong 3Q results, reiterating its BUY call due to upcoming 4Q seasonality, and expansion in non-gaming attractions as key drivers for continued growth.Promo: Don’t miss our Punchy Techy Offer! Win up to SGD5,000 in shopping vouchers by executing BUY trades on Azeus Systems, Info-Tech Systems, or AvePoint until 31 January.

The countdown to year-end has begun and markets are showing momentum. In this week’s episode of Market Monday, host Thilan breaks down the key movers and macro shifts shaping Singapore’s investment landscape.Xuan Hao shares his BUY initiation on iFAST with a target price of SGD11.95, highlighting the catalysts behind the fintech’s strong outlook.Next, we turn to Sheng Siong, which surged nearly 6% after strong 3Q results. Analyst Hussaini reiterates a BUY rating, calling the supermarket chain one of the best proxies for Singapore’s domestic growth story.Special guest Tim Philips, founder of TimTalksMoney and SGX Academy Trainer, joins to discuss SaaS and cloud stocks such as AvePoint and what makes this sector appealing to investors.Promo: From now until 31 January, investors who trade AvePoint, Azeus Systems, or Info-Tech Systems on SGX will receive a SGD20 shopping voucher.

In this week’s episode of ASEAN Speaks, Thilan Wickramasinghe, our Head of Research, introduces the 3Q25 Singapore banks outlook, and discussed "value-up" reforms that could unlock value and sustain the SMID rally. We then turn to Hussaini Saifee, our TMT analyst, who breaks down his decision to downgrade SEA Limited to a HOLD, citing slower margin recovery.Finally, our host, Jarick Seet, discusses his decision to maintain a BUY on Marco Polo Marine, highlighting their new growth opportunities. Stay tuned for more insights on ASEAN markets in our next episode.

In this week’s episode, Seng Yeow hosts, joined by Erica and Hussaini. Seng Yeow opens the discussion with the week’s key geopolitical and macro developments — including renewed Israel–Hamas tensions and the U.S. plan to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports by November 1 — framing them as signs of growing strain in global markets. He notes that “markets don’t die of altitude — they die of exhaustion,” reflecting the cautious investor sentiment seen lately. Erica shares insights on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, highlighting the country’s push for long-term self-sufficiency and structural reforms. Hussaini wraps up with a defensive view, reiterating a BUY rating on Sheng Siong for its resilient fundamentals and steady performance amid uncertainty.

In this week’s episode of ASEAN Speaks, Hussaini Saifee, our TMT analyst, introduces the emerging concept of Agentic Commerce — what it means for the future of online shopping, how it compares to existing e-commerce platforms, and the implications for key regional players such as Sea Ltd.We then turn to Malaysia, where our host, Thilan, breaks down the state of digital banks. With five new licensees, competition is heating up, but profitability remains a distant goal. Jarick Seet shares insights from his recent roadshow with Sanli Management, outlining key growth drivers and the rationale behind his strong BUY call on the company.Finally, Krishna Guha discusses his upgrade on Lendlease Global Commercial Trust, highlighting company-specific drivers, the impact of falling benchmark rates, and his quick take on the overall REIT sector outlook.

In this week’s episode of ASEAN Speaks, Singapore takes center stage with a construction boom that could reshape the economy. Our Macro Team forecasts the sector to grow at more than 5% annually between 2025 and 2030—well above GDP. Hak Bin shares how this compares with past cycles, what’s fueling the surge, the potential spillover to the broader economy, and the key risks to watch.We then move to the Telco and Internet space. Hussaini breaks down Optus’ latest outage just as a Singtel delegation meets Australian regulators, plus what Simba’s latest results mean for Singtel and StarHub. He also covers Grab’s launch of self-driving services in Punggol and what it could mean for earnings and valuations. And with Wilmar’s cooking oil case overturned by Indonesia’s Supreme Court, Hussaini explains the implications for the stock.Tune in for these insights and more to help you navigate the week’s market moves.Edited by Xuan Hao, Wanzhen

In this week's episode of ASEAN Speaks, out host Thilan unpacks the bullish momentum in Singapore's markets and the launch of SGX's new Next 50 indxed, as well as what they mean for small- and mid-cap investors.Sheryl takes us through Eric's deep dive on ComfortDelGro's underperformance versus the STI, and how earnings from Copenhagen could provide a boost. Finally, Xuan Hao shares fresh insights on Food Empire, highlighting strong earnings momentum in Vietnam, the brand's positioning in a competitive market, and how management is navigating headwinds in Russia.

In this week’s ASEAN Speaks, our host Thilan kicks off with the latest tailwinds driving Southeast Asia’s internet and telecom sectors.Hussaini, our TMT analyst, breaks down Sea Limited’s Shopee momentum and AI-driven gaming push, then explains why he’s bullish on Singapore Telecommunications and Indosat.Finally, Seng Yeow from our Quant team reviews Malaysia’s 2Q earnings season, highlighting positive market sentiment and key portfolio rebalancing signals.Edited by Shaina and Sheryl

In this week’s ASEAN Speaks, our host Thilan looks at why Singapore continues to attract safe haven flows amidst regional uncertainty.Hussaini, our TMT analyst, shares why he thinks the telco sector still has more upside, with a new BUY on StarHub and higher target price on Singtel.Next, our transport analyst, Eric highlights ComfortDelGro’s latest CityCab deal, explaining why this could close the performance gap with other midcaps.Across the Causeway, Desmond wraps up 1H results for Malaysian banks and explains why “no bad news is good news” for the sector heading into 2H.Edited by Wanzhen & Shaina

In this week's ASEAN Speaks, our host Thilan goes through the many tailwinds boosting Singapore's market.Brian comes in to talk about Singapore's recent jump in manaufacturing numbers and why the economics team is forecasting a potentially higher GDP growth for Singapore.Hussaini, our TMT analyst talks about Singtel's recent investor day and the key takeaways that he believes supports his reiteration of a BUY on Singtel.Focusing on Indonesia, Etta goes through why he believes GoTo share price is likely to double after GoTo posts their 1H numbers amidst the chaos happening in Indonesia currently.Jarick also comes on to highlight ISOTeam's FY25 earnings, their future prospects and expected rebound as well as on Marco Polo Marine's interest on listing in Taiwan.Edited by Bruce

In this week's episode Jarick Seet is stepping in for Thilan as today's host. Jarick opens today's episode by talking about how markets are currently fatigued from Trump's tariffs reflecting in investors' actions over the past week. Krishna comes on to talk about ST Engineering and why he believed fundamentally the stock looks weak explaining his downgrade to a HOLD.Jarick also explains his downgrade to a HOLD of Singapore Post where he believes management lacks the long-term strategy as a non-essential asset is being held on to. Jarick also goes through Marco Polo Marine and why he believes this quarter's earnings warrants the company another chance as the storm seems to have passed.Edited by Xuan Hao, Bruce

In this week's episode, Thilan highlights several stock picks amidst earnings seasons and a lot of tariff uncertainties as well as geopolitical issues. Jarick comes on to talk about his recent initiation Sanli Environmental which he believes will benefit largely from potential government contracts. Jarick also briefly goes through CSE Global's results and explains why it was inline with expectations.Hussaini comes on to the show to talk about Singtel and StarHub results and how the market consolidation post M1 acquisition by Simba will benefit the two main players in Singapore's telco space. He also goes through why he remains bullish on Sea Limited amidst another quarter of earnings beat and raise.Thilan goes through plantations and explains why despite less coverage, investors should not ignore the great set of results the sector has been seeing. He goes through First Resources, Bumitama Agri and Wilmar International.Edited by Xuan Hao, Lucia, Bruce