As part of initiatives to generate greater awareness of capital raising and investment opportunities in the Malaysian capital market within the Sabahan business community, Capital Markets Malaysia, an affiliate of the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), hosted the Invest Borneo Forum in Kota Kinabalu today.
Targeting Sabah based corporations, micro, small-and-medium enterprises (MSMEs) and entrepreneurs, this half-day forum focused on how the full spectrum of capital market funding solutions, from IPOs and bonds to alternative market-based financing, namely equity crowdfunding (ECF) and peer-to-peer (P2P) financing, may be used to fund and expand the business operations of Malaysian business owners.
While traditionally companies have looked to banks for financing, the funding landscape has rapidly evolved in recent years. The capital market plays a significant role in financing the real economy, with total funds raised through bond, sukuk and equity issuances amounting to RM114.6 billion in 2018. The Malaysian capital market, with its diverse range of funding options, is also well positioned to cater to SMEs and entrepreneurs at varying stages of financing needs.
The Invest Borneo forum also provided delegates with a view of how digital investment management platforms can provide Malaysians with a more convenient, affordable, and accessible channel to manage and grow their wealth. Speakers at the forum, panellists representing investment banks, ECF and P2P operators, digital investment platforms and rating agencies, gave an in-depth view and understanding of the Malaysian capital market and how to leverage it for their capital raising and investment needs.