KUALA LUMPUR, 10 OCTOBER 2025 – OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad and its Islamic banking subsidiary, OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad, have commended the MADANI Government’s 2026 National Budget, describing it as a bold and reform-driven blueprint for building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready economy.
The Bank said the Budget’s strong focus on fiscal discipline, institutional reform, and governance will help strengthen investor confidence, enhance transparency, and create a more accountable financial ecosystem.
Supporting Malaysia’s Reform and Growth Momentum
In its statement, OCBC Malaysia highlighted the Government’s Fiscal Responsibility Act and the upcoming Government Procurement Act as key measures that reinforce good governance and responsible spending. These, the Bank noted, will ensure Malaysia continues to maintain credibility among investors while advancing reform in public finance and administration.
OCBC also welcomed the prioritisation of high-growth strategic sectors such as semiconductors, energy transition, and digital innovation, which it described as essential to positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for advanced industries and technology-led investment.
Championing Regional Connectivity and Cross-Border Collaboration
The Bank lauded the Government’s forward-looking initiatives to enhance cross-border trade and economic cooperation, particularly through the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), the ASEAN Power Grid, and the newly introduced ASEAN Business Entity (ABE) status.
OCBC said these initiatives not only reaffirm Malaysia’s strategic leadership in the region but also strengthen ASEAN’s potential as an interconnected and collaborative growth community.
With its strong footprint across ASEAN and Greater China, OCBC Malaysia said it remains ready to support businesses looking to expand across borders and will continue to play an active role in the development and success of the JS-SEZ.
Driving Sustainability, Green Finance, and Innovation
The Budget’s measures to encourage green financing, AI innovation, and the introduction of a Carbon Tax align closely with OCBC’s long-standing commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
OCBC Malaysia noted that it continues to promote the adoption of AI technologies internally and remains focused on enabling ESG-aligned investments, reflecting its vision of supporting Malaysia’s sustainable growth ambitions.
Empowering SMEs and Inclusive Entrepreneurship
The Bank also welcomed the RM50 billion allocation for SME financing and guarantees, alongside targeted programmes for women and Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
OCBC said these initiatives complement its own efforts, such as the OCBC Women Unlimited SME Programme, which empowers Malaysian women business owners through financial inclusion, advisory, and access to responsible lending.
A 90-Year Legacy of Partnership and Progress
As one of Malaysia’s oldest foreign banks, OCBC Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the nation’s long-term economic aspirations.
“As a financial institution with over 90 years of presence in Malaysia, OCBC looks forward to collaborating with the Government and stakeholders to help drive meaningful economic outcomes — for now and beyond.”
The Bank emphasised that Malaysia’s path toward a future-ready, high-value economy requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, underpinned by trust, innovation, and inclusivity.
