Insights

Implementing an ERP system is a major undertaking for any SME. This 10-step best practice guide provides a clear roadmap for a successful ERP implementation in Malaysia, helping you to avoid common pitfalls and maximize your return on investment.

Identifying the early warning signs of financial distress can be the key to survival for your business. This guide outlines 7 key financial and non-financial indicators that every business owner in Malaysia should be aware of.

Whether you are looking to sell your business, raise capital, or plan for the future, understanding the value of your business is crucial. This guide provides a practical overview of the business valuation process in Malaysia for business owners.

Now that MFRS 16 has been in effect for several years, what are the key lessons learned? This article provides a post-implementation review of the new lease accounting standard, highlighting common challenges and best practices for Malaysian companies.

From mixing personal and business finances to poor record-keeping, Malaysian SMEs often make common accounting mistakes that can lead to financial issues and non-compliance. This guide highlights the 7 most common errors and provides practical tips on how to avoid them.

Facing a tax audit from the LHDN can be a daunting experience. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step approach to help you navigate the process with confidence, from preparation to resolution.

The digital tax landscape in Malaysia is evolving rapidly. This guide provides a clear explanation of the two key components of digital tax in Malaysia: the Service Tax on Digital Services (SToDS) and the new mandatory e-invoicing system.

Are you taking full advantage of the tax incentives available to your SME in Malaysia? This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the latest tax incentives for 2025 and 2026 to help you reduce your tax burden and invest in your growth.

The upcoming ISSA 5000 standard will bring a new level of rigor to sustainability assurance. This guide provides an overview of the new standard and what it means for businesses and assurance providers in Malaysia.

As an individual investor in Malaysia, it's important to understand the new 2% tax on dividend income. This guide breaks down the new rules and explains what they mean for your investment returns.

With Malaysia's carbon tax on the horizon, now is the time for businesses to prepare. This guide provides a clear overview of the proposed carbon tax and practical steps your business can take to mitigate its impact and identify new opportunities.

The role of the CFO is evolving. In today's business landscape, CFOs are uniquely positioned to drive their company's ESG strategy, creating long-term value for all stakeholders. This article explores how CFOs in Malaysia can champion the ESG agenda.

The traditional audit is becoming a thing of the past. Propelled by advancements in Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, the future of audit is moving towards a more continuous, data-driven, and forward-looking approach. This article explores the key trends that are shaping the future of audit and what it means for businesses in Malaysia.

Traditional bank financing is not the only option for SMEs in Malaysia. This guide explores the growing landscape of alternative financing, including Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending, equity crowdfunding, and other innovative solutions that can help your business secure the funding it needs to grow.

In today's digital age, finance teams are a prime target for cybercriminals. This guide provides practical advice on how to protect your company's sensitive financial data, manage cybersecurity risks, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations in Malaysia.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is no longer just for large corporations. Malaysian SMEs are increasingly expected to report on their ESG performance. This guide provides a simple, practical introduction to ESG to help you get started on your sustainability journey.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it's here, and it's transforming the accounting and finance landscape in Malaysia. From automating mundane tasks to providing deep analytical insights, AI is empowering businesses to become more efficient, agile, and competitive.

The Global Minimum Tax, a key component of the OECD's BEPS 2.0 project, is set to significantly impact multinational enterprises operating in Malaysia. This guide explains the core concepts of Pillar Two and what Malaysian businesses need to do to prepare for this new era of international taxation.

Common tax exposures arise from cross‑border services, licensing and intercompany charges. This article summarises WHT triggers, related‑party pricing basics, and documentation packs that support positions taken. It includes a simple health‑check approach, contract clauses to reduce risk, and a practical calendar for ongoing monitoring.

Many SMEs rely on short‑term visibility and manual routines. This guide sets out a practical forecasting cadence, receivables and payables discipline, inventory controls, and covenant monitoring. It compares simple spreadsheet models with system‑supported options, and includes a roadmap and KPIs that CFOs can implement within a quarter.

Finance teams face weekly SST queries around scope, mixed supplies, and cut‑over during rate changes. This guide offers a practical approach to registration, grouping, apportionment, documentation, record‑keeping and returns. It addresses system tax code setup, common errors and how to correct them, with simple checklists for reviews and audit readiness.

As companies scale, the decision to remain on MPERS or adopt MFRS has consequences for recognition, measurement and disclosures, as well as audit scope and financing. This guide explains key differences, common triggers to transition, and first‑time adoption pitfalls. It outlines planning steps, system/reporting changes and a practical timeline aligned to year‑end.

Malaysia's e‑invoicing rollout requires CFOs to align finance, tax and systems. This playbook covers phasing by turnover, data and master records, mapping of tax and withholding, control design and archiving, integration options with ERP and middleware, and practical change management. Use the testing and cut‑over checklist to reduce operational disruption and keep financial reporting consistent.

SharePoint Online is Microsoft's cloud-based collaboration and document management platform for enterprise operations. This guide covers centralized repositories, metadata classification, version control, security management, workflow automation with Power Automate, information architecture design, governance frameworks, and migration from file servers for Malaysian enterprises implementing regulatory compliance solutions.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations is an enterprise-grade ERP platform for organizations with complex operational requirements. This guide covers financial management capabilities, regulatory compliance features, operations management, implementation methodology, and selecting the right implementation partner. Learn about multi-entity consolidation, tax management, supply chain integration, and the role of chartered accountants in F&O implementations.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP solution for SMEs integrating financial management, supply chain, sales, and operations. This guide covers implementation for Malaysian businesses including data migration, regulatory compliance with MPERS and MFRS, system configuration, user training, integration with local systems, and selecting the right implementation partner for successful deployment.

Corporate tax filing in Malaysia follows procedures under Income Tax Act 1967, requiring Form C submission with supporting schedules and financial statements. Companies with financial year ending 31 December 2024 must file by 31 July 2025, or 31 August 2025 via e-Filing. Understanding filing requirements, adjusted income computation, estimated tax obligations, and common issues enables companies to meet deadlines while avoiding penalties and audit risks.

The Inland Revenue Board's Tax Audit Framework 2025 governs systematic examination of taxpayer compliance under Malaysia's Self-Assessment System. Companies selected for desk or field audits must submit comprehensive documentation within specified timeframes and respond to preliminary findings within 18 days. Understanding the audit process, penalty structures reaching treble the tax undercharged, and voluntary disclosure options enables informed responses.

The Inland Revenue Board released updated Transfer Pricing Guidelines in December 2024, introducing penalties up to RM100,000 for documentation non-compliance. Companies with cross-border related party transactions exceeding RM10 million annually must prepare comprehensive transfer pricing documentation before tax return due dates to avoid penalties and audit risks under Malaysia's transfer pricing regime.

Liquidation represents the formal process of winding up a company's affairs, realizing assets, and distributing proceeds to stakeholders according to statutory priorities. The Companies Act 2016 provides frameworks for both voluntary and compulsory liquidation in Malaysia. Understanding winding up procedures, director obligations, and creditor rights enables stakeholders to navigate the liquidation process while ensuring compliance with legal requirements throughout asset realization.

Scheme of arrangement under Section 366 of the Companies Act 2016 provides Malaysian companies with a flexible, court-supervised mechanism to restructure obligations with creditors or members. This statutory process enables binding arrangements affecting all stakeholders while offering moratorium protection during implementation. Understanding the scheme process, approval requirements, and strategic applications enables companies to utilize this restructuring tool effectively.

Corporate restructuring provides Malaysian companies facing financial difficulties with strategic options to restore viability and preserve stakeholder value. The Companies Act 2016 offers various mechanisms for companies to address financial distress through operational improvements, capital reorganization, and debt restructuring. Understanding available restructuring tools and regulatory requirements enables directors to navigate financial challenges while fulfilling their fiduciary duties.

Small and medium enterprises form the backbone of Malaysia's economy, representing 97.4% of business establishments. As these businesses mature and pursue growth, strategic corporate finance advisory becomes fundamental for navigating expansion, capital raising, and value creation. Corporate finance advisory helps Malaysian SMEs optimize capital structure, evaluate growth opportunities, and make informed financial decisions aligned with long-term business objectives.

Due diligence is the investigative process that precedes mergers, acquisitions, and significant corporate transactions. For Malaysian companies involved in M&A activity, thorough due diligence identifies risks, validates assumptions, and informs transaction terms. The Companies Act 2016 imposes fiduciary duties on directors to act in the company's interests, making proper due diligence not merely advisable but a legal obligation for transaction participants.

Business valuation is a critical process for Malaysian companies considering mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, shareholder disputes, or seeking external funding. A properly conducted valuation provides an objective assessment of a company's worth based on financial performance, market conditions, and industry benchmarks. Understanding valuation methodologies and regulatory requirements under the Companies Act 2016 and MFRS is fundamental to making informed strategic decisions.

Malaysia's e-invoice mandate through MyInvois is transforming business transactions. This article covers the phased rollout timeline through July 2025, technical integration requirements with LHDN systems, operational impacts on finance teams, implementation challenges encountered by early adopters, SME concerns, strategic opportunities beyond compliance, and immediate actions businesses should take now based on their phase allocation to prepare for this digital transformation.