Latest news with #RM15bil
The Star
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Abang Jo declines to comment on Rafizi's remarks on gas rights negotiations
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has declined to comment on former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's remarks that oversights in the negotiations on gas resource rights between PETRONAS and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) could have serious repercussions on the nation's economy. "That is his view. I have no comment," he told reporters after opening the Public Sector Financial Transformation Conference here on Wednesday (Aug 6). Rafizi was reported to have said that PETRONAS risked losing between RM15bil and RM20bil annually if Sarawak's claims to gas resources were accepted without considering the existing overall financial structure. In the latest episode of his podcast "Yang Berhenti Menteri" on Monday (Aug 4), he said PETRONAS contributed RM30bil to RM35bil annually to the government's coffers. "If this sum drops, it would have an impact on the nation's ability to fund basic services," he said, adding that this included schools, hospitals, infrastructure development, pensions and civil service salaries in Sarawak and across the country. Rafizi also said Sarawakians deserved more revenue from their resources, but the negotiations should result in a win-win solution. "I agree that Sarawak should get more, but we need to find a way that will not impact the industry, PETRONAS' sustainability and the country," he said.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Big banks collaborate on Johor data centre deal
PETALING JAYA: United Overseas Bank (M) Bhd (UOB) has announced its role as joint coordinator, mandated lead arranger, underwriter, and bookrunner in one of South-East Asia's largest data centre financing deals. The landmark deal, which involves a dual currency loan of RM15bil, is also the largest syndicated green Islamic facility in Malaysia. DayOne Data Centres Singapore Pte Ltd announced yesterday it had closed a landmark RM15bil equivalent multi-currency financing arrangement comprising a RM7.5bil Murabahah Term Financing facility and a US$1.7bil offshore term loan facility. OCBC Bank (M) Bhd and its parent, Singapore-based Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp Ltd, is joint coordinator, mandated lead arranger, bookrunner, and green financing coordinator (MLAB), with OCBC Bank also serving as joint syariah adviser. The deal supports DayOne's data centre development in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). UOB arranged the financing in syndication, together with other banks. The financing involved CIMB Investment Bank Bhd, the Singapore arm of CIMB Bank Bhd, Credit Agricole CIB, DBS Bank Ltd, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd, Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore), United Overseas Bank Ltd, and UOB (M) Bhd as MLABs. UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei said the landmark transaction reflects the bank's commitment to supporting infrastructure projects that advance sustainable digital transformation across Asean. 'By jointly financing DayOne's data centre in the JS-SEZ, we are not only supporting Malaysia's digital economy but also strengthening the connectivity backbone that enables businesses from both sides of the Causeway to thrive in the digital age. 'We remain committed to the continuous support and development of the JS-SEZ as a strategic economic corridor that enhances regional connectivity and drives sustainable growth,' she said. Headquartered in Singapore, DayOne is a global leader in digital infrastructure, with a growing footprint across tier-one and emerging markets, including Singapore, Johor, Batam in Indonesia, Greater Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and beyond. The financing facility enables DayOne to refinance existing loans while funding new data centre developments, creating a stable foundation for long-term growth and optimal capital allocation across their expanding regional portfolio. Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) meanwhile said it is underwriting RM2.5bil to support DayOne Data Centres. The amount is one-third of the largest syndicated Islamic financing for data centres in the Asia Pacific. Maybank president and group chief executive officer Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli said the transaction represents Maybank's largest Islamic financing commitment to the data centre sector. Meanwhile, OCBC Bank said the dual-tranche financing – structured under the Green Loan Principles – will partially fund the refinancing and capital expenditure of DayOne's data centres in Johor. The data centres in Johor already meet or are expected to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold or higher certification by the US Green Building Council, setting a new benchmark for sustainable digital infrastructure. OCBC Bank chief executive officer Tan Chor Sen said that, as one of the largest integrated financial services groups in the region, OCBC's regional strength enables it to support both the onshore and offshore tranches of this landmark syndication. 'As a key MLAB, we supported DayOne with one of the highest underwriting commitments, reflecting our commitment to fostering a sustainable future that aligns with our leadership in responsible finance,' Tan said
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
UOB part of RM15bil Financing for data centre project in Johor-Singapore zone
The event was witnessed by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz (standing, centre), together with UOB Malaysia CEO Ng Wei Wei (standing, left), UOB Malaysia managing director and country head of wholesale banking Andy Cheah (seated, left) and DayOne CEO Jamie Khoo (seated, fourth from left). KUALA LUMPUR: United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB) announced its role as joint coordinator, mandated lead arranger, underwriter, and bookrunner in one of Southeast Asia's largest data centre financing deals. The landmark transaction, which involves a dual currency loan of RM15bil, is also the largest syndicated green Islamic facility in Malaysia. The deal supports DayOne's transformative data centre development in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). UOB arranged the financing in syndication with six other banks. UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei said the landmark transaction reflects the bank's commitment to supporting infrastructure projects that advance sustainable digital transformation across Asean. 'By jointly financing DayOne's data centre in the JS-SEZ, we are not only supporting Malaysia's digital economy but also strengthening the connectivity backbone that enables businesses from both sides of the Causeway to thrive in the digital age. 'We remain committed to the continuous support and development of the JS-SEZ as a strategic economic corridor that enhances regional connectivity and drives sustainable growth,' she said. Headquartered in Singapore, DayOne is a global leader in digital infrastructure, with a growing footprint across tier-one and emerging markets, including Singapore, Johor (Malaysia), Batam (Indonesia), Greater Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and beyond. The financing facility enables DayOne to refinance existing loans while funding new data centre developments, creating a stable foundation for long-term growth and optimal capital allocation across their expanding regional portfolio.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
DayOne secures RM15bil landmark deal for sustainable data centres
OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd chief executive officer Tan Chor Sen KUALA LUMPUR: DayOne Data Centers has closed a landmark RM15bil equivalent multicurrency financing, comprising a RM7.5bil Murabahah Term Financing facility and a US$1.7bil offshore term loan facility. OCBC Bank (M) Bhd and its parent, Singapore-based Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, acted as joint coordinator, mandated lead arranger, bookrunner, and green financing coordinator (MLAB), with OCBC Bank also serving as joint Shariah adviser. The financial close was commemorated at a signing ceremony held today. In a statement, OCBC Bank said the dual-tranche financing—structured under the Green Loan Principles—will partially fund the refinancing and capital expenditure of DayOne's data centres in Johor, which meet or are expected to meet LEED 'Gold' or higher certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, setting a new benchmark for sustainable digital infrastructure. Headquartered in Singapore, DayOne is a global leader in digital infrastructure, with a growing footprint across tier-one and emerging markets, including Singapore, Johor (Malaysia), Batam (Indonesia), Greater Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and beyond. OCBC Bank Chief Executive Officer Tan Chor Sen said that, as one of the largest integrated financial services groups in the region, OCBC's regional strength enables it to support both the onshore and offshore tranches of this landmark syndication. 'As a key MLAB, we supported DayOne with one of the highest underwriting commitments, reflecting our commitment to fostering a sustainable future that aligns with our leadership in responsible finance.' Meanwhile, OCBC Bank managing director, senior banker and head of investment banking Tan Ai Chin said: 'OCBC Bank is honoured to have acted as MLAB for this landmark financing, underscoring our dominance as the top lead arranger in the syndicated loan market. The 'double-green' structure—merging Islamic and sustainable finance, coupled with the green feature of the facility—drew overwhelming demand, with oversubscription of two times by local and international banks.' 'We have been a leader in digital infrastructure financing regionally and remain dedicated to delivering tailored ESG financing solutions to drive sustainable digital infrastructure ecosystems forward,' she said. The financing also involved CIMB Investment Bank Bhd, CIMB Bank Bhd (Singapore Branch), Crédit Agricole CIB, DBS Bank Ltd, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd, Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore), United Overseas Bank Limited, and UOB (M) Bhd as MLABs.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Nestlé showcases cocoa innovation & sustainability at MICF 2025
Nestlé Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols (right) and Ragai Anak Chabu, a cocoa farmer from Sarawak, showcasing the KitKat Dark Borneo chocolate and ice cream — both crafted using single-origin cocoa beans from East Malaysia. KUALA LUMPUR: Nestlé Malaysia took center stage at the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, highlighting the distinct cocoa heritage of Sabah and Sarawak. The event was held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), bringing together industry leaders and cocoa enthusiasts from around the world. As a Platinum Sponsor, Nestlé emphasised its commitment to sustainable cocoa farming and product innovation. The spotlight was on KitKat Dark Borneo, a premium single-origin chocolate crafted exclusively from cocoa beans grown in Sabah and Sarawak, highlighting the unique flavours of Malaysian cocoa. In a statement, the food and beverage giant said it aimed to source 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa from local Malaysian farms by 2034, in an effort to revitalise Malaysia's cocoa farming industry. Nestlé Malaysia's commitment to ethical sourcing, halal-certified production and long-term sustainability extends across its cocoa supply chain. KitKat Dark Borneo, developed under this partnership, reflects Malaysia's expertise in cocoa cultivation, crafted with locally grown beans that embody the country's deep-rooted traditions. Nestlé Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols said that with exports reaching RM15bil in 2024, Malaysia's cocoa processing sector continues to expand, largely supported by imported cocoa beans. 'Local cocoa production, however, remains largely untapped, presenting significant opportunities – not only for industry growth but also for enhancing the livelihoods of farming communities, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where conditions are ideal for cultivating high-quality cocoa. 'Nestlé Malaysia is fully committed to working alongside local stakeholders to expand cocoa farming while upholding the highest standards of sustainability, traceability and human rights compliance. 'We are excited to transform the dedication of North Borneo's farmers into innovative products that bring joy to Malaysians and our consumers worldwide, just as we have with KitKat Dark Borneo – now introduced in a special ice cream edition that celebrates Malaysia's cocoa heritage and promising future,' Aranols said. All KitKat Dark products are proudly produced at Nestlé's Halal-certified Chembong Industrial Complex in Negeri Sembilan, one of the largest Nestlé confectionery and Ice Cream plants in Asia. This facility serves as a pivotal export manufacturing hub, supplying Halal KitKat products to Asean markets and other global destinations.
