
Malaysia's US$43 Billion Potential Asset Tokenisation Opportunity
From left: Ranjit Singh Gill, Director, Head of Product & Market Development, Kenanga Investors Berhad ("Kenanga Investors"); Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Kenanga Investors; Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad; Qin En Looi, Partner, Saison Capital Pte Ltd; Teong Hng, Co-Founder & CEO, Satori Research Ltd; and Jitendra Singh Jaitawat, Co-Founder & CEO, Helicap Labs Pte Ltd.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 August 2025 - Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (""), Saison Capital Pte Ltd, Helicap Labs Pte Ltd ("") and Satori Research Ltd, today announced the release of a white paper that offers insights into the asset tokenisation industry's potential and its significance in driving financial transformation in Malaysia. Titled Project Juara: Malaysia's Asset Tokenisation Opportunity ("") and authored by all four parties, it estimates that Malaysia's tokenised asset market could reach US$43 billion by 2030, spanning regulated products such as unit trusts, bonds and sukuk.Project Juara aligns with national interest, particularly in light of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's remarks in April 2025 that "with the right steps, Malaysia can position itself at the forefront of this transformation", after discussions on the nation's potential as a major hub for digital assets and the blockchain industry.Against this backdrop, Project Juara charts a way towards building a robust digital asset ecosystem using a call to action and whole-of-nation approach. Traditional financial institutions can act as early adopters and counterparties to asset owners, who in turn create credible investment-worthy products. Equally important are infrastructure providers, government agencies and community leaders whose collective efforts can help shape the future of Malaysia's digital economy to make investing inclusive, equitable and empowering for every Malaysian. The report encourages all parties to recognise that each has a distinct yet interdependent role in creating a progressive capital market landscape.This report highlights the scale of what is possible if we take the right steps today. While digitalisation has enhanced customer interfaces and experience, tokenisation offers a deeper structural reform by reshaping how financial assets are issued, traded and governed. As such, Project Juara dives deep into examining the institutional, regulatory and technological conditions needed to unlock that potential by drawing on lessons from other markets and models across Southeast Asia. It aims to provide a roadmap that sparks dialogue and guides real action.Kenanga Group has significantly expanded its digital footprint in recent years, not only by launching cutting-edge platforms such as Kenanga Digital Investing (KDI) and the Rakuten Trade online stockbroking platform, but also through a series of strategic investments and partnerships. This includes a stake in Kinetic DAX Sdn Bhd (KDX), one of the country's first licensed digital asset exchanges, reinforcing its commitment to digital assets and the broader crypto ecosystem. In addition, Kenanga has invested in pioneering fintech and digital finance companies including Helicap Pte Ltd (Helicap) (data-driven private credit), Bay Group Holdings Sdn Bhd (CapBay) (supply chain financing), Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd (e-money and remittance services), and entered partnerships with leading technology and payment firms such as Ant Group Co, Ltd. These initiatives demonstrate Kenanga's proactive approach to shaping Malaysia's financial future through innovation, collaboration, and a robust presence in digital and digital asset markets.Saison Capital Pte Ltd is the venture capital arm of Credit Saison; it invests in early stage companies across all verticals, with a focus on fintech, e-commerce and Web 3.0.HELIX is a blockchain-based tokenisation startup founded by Helicap. HELIX enables the issuance of tokenised private credit and alternative assets.Satori Research Ltd is a leading liquidity provider, market maker and algorithmic trader for digital assets.For more information about Kenanga Group, please visit https://www.kenanga.com.my/ Hashtag: #Kenanga
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad 197301002193 (15678-H)
Established for over 50 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad ("The Group") is a leading financial group in Malaysia, offering a wide range of services, including equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending, and trade financing. The Group's digital innovations include the launch of KDi GO, a wealth-centric app, along with game- changing products such as Rakuten Trade, Malaysia's first fully digital stockbroking platform, and Kenanga Digital Investing, an A.I. robo-advisor.
Kenanga has garnered multiple awards, including top honours at the Bursa Excellence Awards 2024 and The Edge Malaysia Centurion Club 2023. The Group also secured the Top 20 Overall Excellence and the Niche Cap Excellence Award at the National Corporate Governance and Sustainability Awards 2024. As one of the highest- scoring constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index and a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact, Kenanga continues to drive collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the financial industry.
This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group's Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Sabah govt allocates RM600,000 to help e-hailing workers open EPF accounts, says Hajiji
KOTA KINABALU, Aug 17 — The Sabah government will allocate about RM600,000 for gig workers in the e-hailing sector to open Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said a total 11,109 applications have been received from e-hailing workers to contribute to the EPF. 'I would like to announce that the state government is allocating nearly RM600,000 to assist those (e-hailing workers) who have yet to open up their EPF account,' he said at the Sabah Moto Day 8.0 at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Drill Field near here, today. Hajiji was also glad to note that Sabah Moto Day continued to grow exponentially attracting about 60,000 motorcylists and motor enthusiasts from all over Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei this year. The presence of many riders and visitors proved that motorcycling activities continue to hold a place in the hearts of youths and the general public, he said. 'I am impressed to see the support shown by all participants, regardless of age, race and religion, coming together to share the same passion. 'We should view this gathering from a positive perspective, as it can contribute, to some extent, to the economic generation of our state due to the large number of participants and visitors in conjunction with this programme, he said. Advising participants of the Sabah Moto Day to prioritise safety while on road, Hajiji also hoped the gathering would help create greater safety awareness among the two- wheeler enthusiasts. The chief minister also informed the participants that the state government viewed youths as asset, hence various initiatives have been implemented to develop the human capital. The state government of today had spent a total RM1.33 billion including RM848.26 million for education assistance and RM485 million specifically for talent and skills development programmes from 2021 to 2025, he said. 'This has never been done by previous state governments. We are committed to develop our youths who are our future leaders,' he said. At the end of his speech, Hajiji also led the participants to offer Al-Fatihah prayer for the late Zara Qairina Mahathir. — The Borneo Post


Free Malaysia Today
7 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
SIC eyes long-term expansion plans, says CEO
In 2023, Sepang International Circuit turned a profit for the first time since the pandemic, with the return of international events like MotoGP. (Sepang International Circuit pic) KUALA LUMPUR : After weathering the financial strain resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is charting a new growth trajectory, anchored by land monetisation, strategic investments, and expanded commercial offerings. SIC's CEO, Azhan Shafriman Hanif, said the circuit is finalising a 10-year long-term business plan to unlock the commercial potential of its 303ha landbank. Azhan Shafriman Hanif. 'We only utilise about 50% of the land during international events. The rest sits idle most of the year. We want to change that by bringing in investors to develop hotels, motorsport facilities, vehicle storage, attractions, and food and beverage outlets,' he told Bernama. A key obstacle was the unresolved land tenure, which was now close to being ironed out, Azhan said. He noted that although the finance ministry took over SIC's facilities from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd in 2009, the land remained under MAHB's ownership. 'Any investor would ask, who do I sign the lease with? And we couldn't answer that directly. With the sub-lease agreement now progressing, we can finally negotiate long-term leases and unlock investment opportunities,' he said. Azhan, who was appointed CEO in April 2020, said the early years of his leadership were marked by crisis management, as Covid-19 halted all large-scale events, which were the circuit's core revenue driver. 'It was tough. We couldn't lay off staff or cut salaries, being under the finance ministry, and the youth and sports ministry. But we had to tighten allowances and pause overtime,' he recalled. Turning point In 2023, SIC turned profitable for the first time since the pandemic, with the return of international events like MotoGP. 'That year marked our turning point. In 2022, we had just six months to prepare for the MotoGP after the borders reopened in April. But we pulled it off,' he said, adding that it was his first MotoGP season since becoming CEO. Beyond motorsports, he envisions transforming Sepang into a lifestyle hub with improved amenities for both visitors and staff. A small but symbolic first step was the opening of a lakeside cafe that is currently the only F&B outlet within the circuit compound. 'It sounds simple, but before this, you had to drive out just to get lunch. We need more eateries, convenience stores, and family-friendly spaces. We want people to come here, hang out, and enjoy more than just the races,' he said. Azhan said discussions were ongoing to develop commercial plots for local F&B brands and everyday conveniences to serve event-goers, staff, and nearby communities. Although the circuit no longer hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix, SIC has grown into an active motorsports and entertainment hub, with events fully booked well into next year. He said the crowds have also returned, and the recent Super GT saw more than 78,000 spectators, boosted by a collaboration with the Nihon Matsuri festival. Azhan believes that SIC's strategic location, being near Port Klang and KLIA, gives it a unique edge to be a regional hub for motorsports, lifestyle and automotive showcases. 'Let's say you hold an auto show here. Not only do you see the cars, but you can actually test them on the track. You can't do that on a normal road,' he said. SIC has lined up concerts, exhibitions and conventions throughout the year, while also courting organisers for new events in 2026. The upcoming highlights include the Malaysian Festival of Speed, featuring drift events and karting slalom, to be held in September.


Free Malaysia Today
7 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
We shouldn't have dropped F1, says SIC chief
Liberty Media Corp, the owner of F1, has quoted a price of US$70 million (RM295 million) per race in Malaysia, Sepang International Circuit CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif said. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : It was a mistake for Malaysia to give up the hosting rights for the Formula 1 (F1) grand prix, says Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif. He said it was a tall order now to host the F1 race in Sepang as there is a long waiting list for a place on the motorsport event's calendar. He added that it would also be very costly with Liberty Media Corp, the owner of F1, having quoted a price of US$70 million (RM295 million) for the rights to host the race in Malaysia, New Straits Times reported. 'That does not include our setup costs, in the region of RM10-20 million per year. In total, it would cost us more than RM300 million to bring back the race (annually),' he was quoted as saying. Nonetheless, Azhan believes there is a strong interest to bring the F1 grand prix back to Malaysia, adding that if enthusiasts and stakeholders were really serious about this, then 'maybe we can start the conversation'. He maintained that every stakeholder must be involved and contribute to make this a success, saying Malaysia should take a leaf from Singapore. '(Singapore) has everyone on board to make their F1 grand prix a success, from the ministries to the corporate sector and hotels. Everybody contributes. 'It has to be like that if we bring it back here,' he said, adding that the returns on investments will not be immediate. Azhan then warned against making the same mistake with the hosting rights for the MotoGP, saying that negotiations for a contract renewal with event organiser Dorna Sports will take place soon. 'We do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past. We let F1 go and now it is very hard to bring it back. I hope we don't make the same mistake with MotoGP,' he was quoted as saying. In April 2023, youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh said it would be 'quite impossible' for Malaysia to host F1 races in Sepang again because of the high costs it would incur. However, Motorsports Association of Malaysia president Mokhzani Mahathir said F1 races could return to Sepang if the corporate sector was willing to bear the costs. Malaysia first hosted the F1 grand prix in 1999 and it became a popular attraction for motorsports enthusiasts from around the world every year. The last race in Malaysia was held in 2017 after Putrajaya decided not to renew the hosting rights due to a decline in returns.