The 2025 AGM meeting season in Malaysia reflects a dynamic shift toward physical and hybrid meeting formats, driven by regulatory changes and a focus on enhanced shareholder engagement. Companies are adapting to evolving expectations by leveraging advanced digital tools and hybrid-ready solutions to ensure compliance and accessibility. At BoardRoom Malaysia, our expertise in managing AGM meetings underscores our leadership in delivering seamless, engaging, and compliant shareholder experiences.

Our comprehensive report, based on data from AGM and EGM proceedings in 1H 2025, provides actionable insights into meeting trends, attendance patterns, proxy form processing, and strategies to optimise shareholder participation.

Discover how you can navigate the busy AGM season effectively while balancing regulatory demands and stakeholder expectations.

As Malaysia moves towards a more digitised, transparent corporate governance model, the AGM shareholder meeting is undergoing a significant transformation. Recent regulatory changes now permit listed companies to follow a hybrid meeting format, combining physical and virtual participation.

This shift aligns with broader trends in shareholder engagement, allowing companies to enhance accessibility while meeting their compliance obligations. From 1 March 2025, all publicly listed companies (PLCs) will be required to conduct their general meetings in either a physical or hybrid format, as mandated by the Securities Commission Malaysia.

As the corporate landscape evolves, company directors are weighing key considerations such as transparency, compliance, shareholder engagement, risk management, and, increasingly, reputation. Hybrid formats offer strategic opportunities to address all of the above while reinforcing best practices in governance.

The AGM shareholder meeting is a legally mandated annual event where shareholders review financial performance, elect directors, approve dividends and make other major corporate decisions. It plays a central role in upholding corporate accountability.

In Malaysia, there are several types of shareholders’ meetings.

These include:

• Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) – a statutory annual shareholder meeting for listed companies.
• Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) – called to address urgent or special matters.
• Class Meetings – held for shareholders of a specific class of shares, typically to vote on issues that affect their rights.

What is changing now is the format in which these meetings can be conducted. The hybrid meeting model allows participants to attend either in person or online. According to Richard Lee, Director of Client Management at BoardRoom Malaysia, hybrid meetings have risen significantly.

Listed companies increasingly favour hybrid meetings, aiming to improve flexibility, reduce venue costs, and expand shareholder access.

All registered shareholders of a company are entitled to attend its AGM shareholder meeting. They may participate in person, via proxy, or through virtual platforms for meetings conducted in hybrid formats. This ensures inclusive access, allowing both local and international shareholders to engage in key corporate decisions regardless of location.

The Malaysian regulatory environment has been quick to adapt. Under the Companies Act 2016, all public companies must hold AGMs within six months of their financial year-end. Bursa Malaysia also imposes listing rules around disclosure, shareholder voting, and proper conduct of meetings.

Hybrid meetings help ensure:

• Transparency: All shareholders can attend, regardless of location.
• Accountability: Online voting and documentation mirror in-person processes.
• Shareholder rights: Electronic registration, e-proxy, and remote voting maintain equal participation.

As Richard notes, while the AGM meeting procedure for hybrid formats largely mirrors that of physical ones, additional team members may be required to manage the online experience, including Q&A handling, live streaming and e-voting logistics.

BoardRoom, as a leading share registrar in Malaysia, handles these processes end-to-end, ensuring companies maintain full compliance and a seamless user experience.

AGM meeting scheduling and documentation validation also require particular attention in hybrid formats, especially to meet submission deadlines and ensure that proxies and remote attendees are properly authenticated.

Beyond compliance, hybrid AGMs offer numerous strategic benefits for listed companies:

The move to hybrid AGM shareholder meetings is more than a regulatory shift. It allows listed companies to elevate governance, engage more shareholders, and future-proof their operations.

By embracing hybrid formats, companies can align with regulatory best practices while unlocking strategic benefits like improved participation, reduced risk, operational efficiency and enhanced corporate reputation. However, doing so requires a partner with the experience, systems and local expertise to execute flawlessly.

To learn more about how BoardRoom can support your next hybrid AGM, visit: BoardRoom Share Registry Services

In Malaysia’s dynamic capital markets, companies often reach an inflexion point — a phase where strategic expansion, greater investor access, or stronger market visibility becomes essential to continued growth. One proven pathway is a transfer of listing, commonly known as an uplistingin the financial and investment circles, where companies migrate from alternative boards such as the ACE or LEAP Markets to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia.

This move is not merely symbolic. For many growth-stage or mid-cap companies, uplisting offers the chance to reposition as stable, investor-ready entities with robust governance and long-term potential. As the regulatory framework evolves to support such transitions, understanding the true value of a transfer listing has never been more important for corporate leaders.

Uplisting refers to the process of moving a company’s stock from a junior or alternative exchange board, such as the ACE Market or LEAP Market, to a more regulated and prestigious platform, namely the Main Market. In Malaysia, these listing boards differ in terms of financial performance requirements, public shareholding spread, governance expectations, and investor accessibility.

The LEAP Market is tailored for micro and small enterprises with fewer compliance obligations and a limited investor audience (primarily sophisticated investors).

The ACE Market, by contrast, caters to growth-stage companies with broader investor access and moderately stricter requirements.

The Main Market caters to mature businesses with strong financial track records, robust governance practices, and the capacity to meet more stringent regulatory standards. A successful transfer listing to this board signals a company’s ability to operate at a higher level of public market scrutiny and often signals its ambitions for national or regional expansion.

A transfer listing entails a comprehensive review of the company’s financial position, corporate governance, internal controls, and operational readiness. Bursa Malaysia assesses applicants based on profitability track records, shareholder thresholds, and compliance history.

Enhancements to the listing framework introduced in 2023 have made streamlined the transfer listing process, especially for transfers from the ACE Market to the Main Market. These updates have reduced procedural duplication and accelerated access to the Main Market’s benefits, such as increased visibility, broader investor reach and wider access to capital.

Choosing to pursue a transfer of listing isn’t simply about prestige; it delivers tangible, long-term strategic benefits that can enhance a company’s growth and sustainability.

Here are some of the key advantages:

Even well-prepared companies can face roadblocks during the transfer listing process. Anticipating these challenges early on can help pave the way for a smooth and successful transition.

A successful transfer listing is more than a compliance milestone; it’s a strategic transformation in how a company operates, presents itself, and competes in the marketplace. From enhanced investor trust to operational maturity, the impact of a transfer listing extends well beyond listing day. It lays the foundation for sustainable growth and broader opportunities in Malaysia’s capital market.

To navigate this journey successfully, it is important to work with experts who understand the nuances of governance, regulatory compliance, and market readiness. At BoardRoom Malaysia, we guide companies through every phase of the IPO application and share registration process and into their post-listing journey. Whether you’re taking early steps or preparing to leap to the Main Market, our team is ready to help unlock your company’s full potential.

Read about the regional IPOs we’ve supported and see how we’ve helped companies achieve successful market debuts.

Ready to go public or transfer a listing on Bursa Malaysia? Contact us today to start your journey with confidence.

Starting 1 March 2025, companies in Malaysia will no longer be permitted to hold fully virtual Annual General Meetings (AGMs). Under the new guidelines issued by Bursa Malaysia, all listed companies must provide a physical venue for shareholders, even if they also allow online participation.

Although this may seem like an added responsibility, it’s also a chance to host more engaging and accessible meetings. Hybrid AGMs, which combine physical and virtual attendance, can help you comply with the updated rules while offering shareholders the convenience of joining from anywhere.

In this article, we will explain the key regulatory changes, highlight the advantages of hybrid AGMs, and share practical tips to help you adapt smoothly. We will also introduce BoardRoom’s new fixed-location hybrid meeting venue, a cost-effective solution to simplify your AGM planning.

Under Bursa Malaysia’s revised Listing Requirements, all public-listed companies (PLCs) must host AGMs at a physical venue starting from 1 March 2025. This means fully virtual AGMs will no longer be allowed.

The aim is to promote greater transparency and inclusivity by allowing shareholders to attend in person, while addressing technological barriers through hybrid setups that maintain online access.

To meet these requirements, companies will need to:

• Book a physical location for their AGM.
• Ensure that the quorum requirements are met with attendees present on-site.
• Provide seamless connectivity and clear communication for virtual participants.
• Enable secure live voting and interactive Q&A functions for both physical and online attendees to ensure equitable participation.

With the right support and tools, a hybrid meeting can help you manage all these tasks effectively, ensuring a smooth experience for your team and your shareholders.

A hybrid AGM combines the best of both worlds — a physical venue for in-person participation, along with virtual tools that allow remote shareholders to join, vote and engage online while meeting Bursa Malaysia’s requirements.

Here are some straightforward tips to help you run a successful and compliant hybrid Annual General Meeting:

To help companies adapt to the new AGM requirements, BoardRoom Malaysia has partnered with a trusted provider to launch a new fixed-location hybrid meeting venue. This service is designed to help you hold a professional, compliant, and stress-free AGM without needing to manage every detail yourself.

• Prime Location: Conveniently located with easy public transport access such as LRT, and ample parking.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Stable high-speed internet, live streaming setup, interactive display, real-time voting systems and tech tools to ensure your AGM run without a hicth.
• On-Site Expert Support: A dedicated team of meeting managers and IT professionals to handle everything, from logistics to troubleshooting, so you can focus on your presentation.
• Cost-Effective Packages: Affordable and flexible packages tailored to suit your needs, whether you expect a small turnout or a larger audience.

BoardRoom’s Share Registry Services (SRS) team can support every part of your AGM process, from preparing your Notice of Meeting and managing proxies to ensuring accurate vote tabulation.

Learn more about our Share Registry Services and how we can help with your next AGM.

With decades of experience supporting listed companies across Asia, BoardRoom Malaysia is trusted for delivering secure and compliant meeting services.

When you choose our Hybrid-Ready AGM Suite solution, you are getting:

• A fully equipped, compliant meeting space
• End-to-end AGM support from our SRS professionals
• Peace of mind knowing your AGM is in expert hands

Let us take care of the venue, the tech and the admin so you can focus on engaging with your shareholders and delivering results.

The move away from fully virtual AGMs may feel like a big shift, but it presents a great opportunity to improve how you connect with your shareholders. With the right planning and support, hybrid meetings can be both compliant, cost-efficient and highly effective.

By following these simple tips, you can run hybrid meetings that are professional, smooth and inclusive for everyone, whether they attend in-person or online.

Contact our team today to learn more or request a custom quote.

In Malaysia, the share registry landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as technology reshapes traditional processes. One of the key innovations driving this change is the share registry portal, an advanced online tool that streamlines shareholder services and regulatory compliance.

These portals not only enhance operational efficiency but also play a critical role in improving shareholder engagement. By integrating technology into share registry services, Malaysian companies can reduce administrative burdens and ensure transparency and compliance with local regulations, making share registry portals essential to their success.

The share registry market in Malaysia is evolving rapidly, driven by an increasing number of IPO listings and demand for advanced technological integration to meet the changing needs of modern investors. Key innovations like share registry portals, shareholder management systems and online meeting services are reshaping the industry.

Alex Chew, Director of Share Registrar Services Asia at BoardRoom Malaysia says the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many traditionally brick-and-mortar businesses to adopt digital solutions to remain competitive.

“To stay ahead, you’ve got to embrace technology to drive the business,” he says, emphasising that the shift from conventional paper-based services to online mediums is now essential. “Realistically, a fully digital adoption may take time but the journey to engage and adopt technology solutions is unavoidable to remain relevant,” he added.

As the number of share registry providers increases, the focus on regulatory compliance and operational efficiency becomes paramount. Richard Lee, Director of Client Management, Share Registrar Services Asia at BoardRoom Malaysia, stresses the importance of up-to-date shareholder solutions in navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape. Technology can help by providing a clear audit trail, improving communication and ensuring accurate record-keeping.

“Share registry solutions are crucial in supporting operational and compliance efficiency,” Richard says.

The move towards paperless transactions is a testament to this evolution. It simplifies processes like the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP), which can now be submitted electronically rather than through cumbersome paper forms.

From a corporate governance perspective, implementing a standard operating procedure (SOP) is vital for ensuring compliance and protecting shareholder interests, Alex explains.

“If you have a policy on SOP in place, whether in manual or digital mode, you are able to comply from the get-go because everything is in electronic mode,” Alex says. This shift not only aids in maintaining accurate records and transparent communication but also aligns with the stringent regulations set forth by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia, reinforcing the need for efficient and compliant shareholder management software in the industry.

The integration of technology significantly enhances shareholder engagement and operational efficiency. Tech-enabled share registry portals, such as the BoardRoom Smart Investor Portal (BSIP), provide 24/7 access to vital services, allowing investors to engage with their share registrars anytime, anywhere.

As Alex says, “Online mediums like our online portal have become a crucial and essential channel for the public or an investor to reach our share registrar services electronically.

“The best thing about going online is it’s available around the clock. It’s a service that is available 24/7 versus the typical over-the-counter service, which is only available on a weekday during business hours.”

This shift away from traditional manual services has streamlined processes, eliminating the need for in-person visits to submit forms or request hard copies. BoardRoom’s online platform allows shareholders to engage more efficiently with the share registry, providing instant notifications and system mailers regarding important updates. This digital approach improves user experience and aligns with modern shareholders’ expectations for seamless technology in their interactions.

Moreover, shareholder management software enhances flexibility and convenience for users. Shareholders can now manage their investments smoothly across multiple devices, ensuring they remain informed and engaged.

As the share registry market in Malaysia continues to evolve, the increasing adoption of technology is set to play a critical role in shaping the future of shareholder services. With the potential for artificial intelligence to enhance these systems further, companies that embrace these advancements will likely enjoy improved shareholder satisfaction and loyalty, solidifying their position in a competitive landscape.

BoardRoom Smart Investor Portal (BSIP) offers a significant competitive advantage. Its advanced features and functionality increase shareholder engagement and ensure seamless execution of corporate actions.

Key features of BoardRoom Smart Investor Portal (BSIP)

BoardRoom’s state-of-the-art shareholder management software exemplifies how tech-enabled solutions can transform share registry services. Focusing on enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, these advanced tools position BoardRoom as a market leader.

Recently, some of Boardroom’s clients BoardRoom client reported saving up to 30-40% on mailing costs by using BoardRoom’s electronic communications.

Traditionally, shareholders received dividends by cheque with a copy of the tax voucher, but with the implementation of e-payment more than 15 years ago, a good majority shareholders now received dividend paid by electronic crediting to their bank account directly. Most of the tax vouchers are still being sent separately via postal mail. Now, with the introduction of BoardRoom’s e-Notice system, the tax vouchers are delivered electronically. This streamlined approach accelerates communication, reduces reliance on paper usage, supports sustainability initiatives, and lowers costs.

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) marks a significant milestone in a company’s journey, allowing it to transition from private ownership to a publicly traded entity. Malaysia stands out as a compelling listing destination for companies considering an IPO. With a robust regulatory framework, diverse investor community, and vibrant capital market ecosystem, Malaysia offers a conducive environment for companies to unlock their growth potential and thrive in the competitive business landscape.

Before proceeding with an IPO in Malaysia, it’s essential to consider the following:

Companies should anticipate various fees associated with the IPO application process, including advisory fees for professionals such as investment banks and solicitors, underwriting fees if the company uses the services of an underwriter to facilitate and manage the IPO, as well as expenses related to regulatory filings and compliance.

Understanding the timeline for a typical IPO in Malaysia is crucial for effective planning. While timelines may vary depending on various factors, including regulatory approvals and market conditions, companies should expect the process to take several months from initial planning to listing day.

When it comes to navigating the intricate process of IPO application in Malaysia, BoardRoom emerges as a trusted partner. With more than 50 years of experience and expertise in corporate services, BoardRoom offers comprehensive support and guidance tailored to meet the unique needs of companies venturing into the IPO landscape. From ensuring regulatory compliance to facilitating due diligence and prospectus development, our team of seasoned professionals is dedicated to orchestrating a seamless IPO journey.

As a full-suite share registry provider, we also provide services such as corporate action services, share registry maintenance and coordination, AGM meeting and scrutineering services , corporate secretarial and corporate governance advisory services.

Contact us today to help your business navigate the complexities of the IPO application process and increase the chance of successfully listing on Bursa Malaysia.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an annual meeting where a company’s shareholders and board of directors come together. It plays an important part in facilitating effective corporate governance in Malaysia, acting as a crucial forum for direct dialogue between shareholders and the management team. With AGMs, companies can enable transparent decision-making and strategic direction setting and solidify investor confidence. In this guide, we explore the regulatory requirements, preparation processes, best practices for conducting AGMs in Malaysia, and how to ensure compliance and foster stakeholder engagement.

Once the preparation stage is completed, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be conducted in compliance with a set of formal procedures and protocols, which include:

Shareholder participation is a key element in any AGM in Malaysia, as it enables stakeholders to have a meaningful impact on the company’s operation and development.

Their participation usually includes the following activities and rights:

Voting allows shareholders to exercise their rights and influence the company’s decisions. Shareholders can vote in person or via proxy for each resolution. This could be done via a show of hands or electronic voting.

Resolutions are formal decisions that shareholders vote on during the AGM, which can include the approval of financial statements, election or re-election of board members, mergers, acquisitions, or changes in the company’s constitution.

These sessions enable shareholders and the company’s board of directors to communicate directly. In particular, shareholders can raise questions, seek clarifications, and express concerns regarding the company’s operations, financial health and strategies.

In recent years, there have been numerous changes to AGMs in Malaysia. The majority of these have been propelled by simultaneous worldwide developments in technology and increased awareness of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

The adoption of digital formats for has increased significantly around the world, including Malaysia. Even with physical meetings making a comeback in 2023, virtual meetings accounted for 58% of all meetings in Malaysia.

ESG topics have gained prominence in corporate governance. Shareholders increasingly demand transparency and action on issues such as climate change and sustainable business practices through resolutions at AGMs. Bursa Malaysia has also introduced the new enhanced Sustainability Reporting Framework, aimed at facilitating businesses in embracing global standards for disclosing ESG-related information. By strengthening your ESG compliance, companies can help attract investment, improve your corporate reputation and minimise your risk of penalties for non-compliance.

Bursa Malaysia has released the Best Practice Guides on AGMs, which provide a thorough framework for navigating the changing environment. These principles assist businesses in adopting international best practices, ensuring regulatory compliance, and organising productive meetings. They address useful issues, including how to improve shareholder involvement, how to employ technology for distant voting, and how to enable open dialogue about ESG issues.

BoardRoom offers comprehensive share registry services, managing more than 350 AGMs and meetings every year in Malaysia. With a strong focus on enhancing engagement, streamlining proceedings, and ensuring regulatory requirements are met, BoardRoom empowers businesses in your AGM preparation.

Contact us today to discuss your AGM needs and make your next AGM a seamless experience.

Annual general meetings (AGMs) play a pivotal role in shaping the future of public companies by encouraging informed decision-making and strategic planning. These crucial gatherings bring together key stakeholders, including board members and shareholders, to collectively steer the company’s direction. They can help your company build shareholder confidence and maintain a competitive advantage.

In addition to traditional share registrar duties, a full suite share registry services provider can offer support for various types of meetings such as AGMs, extraordinary general meetings, and special general meetings, provide companies with secure processes to protect clients’ data while also offering a wide range of polling solutions and assistance for companies navigating the complexities of IPO listings. In this article, we focus on how full suite share registry service providers can empower businesses to prepare their board members for AGMs, with the view to facilitate meaningful shareholder engagement and promote strong compliance with local regulations.

In our recent webinar, ‘2023 AGMs and EGMS – What Have We Learned’, more than 50% of respondents identified cost as a major concern when considering hybrid meetings. Many believe that hosting hybrid meetings costs twice as much due to the need for physical venues and remote setup. While rising costs and logistical expenses pose challenges, they also create opportunities for creative solutions.

One strategy is downsizing venues, prioritising quality over quantity. The key is to strike a balance between limited physical attendance and remote participation.

Here are our tips on how you can maximise cost efficiency and engagement in your hybrid meetings.