[Press Release] YBS International Berhad Announces Strategic Acquisition of Allied Group of Companies, Supported by EXIM Bank as Funding Partner


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Acquisition to Drive Revenue from RM100M to RM600M and Triple Workforce, Marking YBS’s Transition to a Large-Scale Global Enterprise
GEORGETOWN, Penang — January 22, 2026 — YBS International Berhad today finalised a strategic investment signing ceremony for the acquisition of Allied, funded in partnership with EXIM Bank. This landmark acquisition is set to triple the company’s workforce from 1,000 to 3,000 employees and marks YBS International Berhad’s official transition from a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) into a large-scale global enterprise.
The acquisition serves as the cornerstone for a massive regional expansion. YBS International Berhad will significantly increase its manufacturing footprint with expanded facilities in Johor Bahru and Melaka, alongside new international operations in Vietnam and Bangkok. This move secures diversified revenue streams and a broader customer base, positioning the company to compete on a global stage.
Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, stated, “YBS’s expansion beyond Penang underscores the scalability and global competitiveness of Penang-based companies. This milestone reflects the strength of Penang’s manufacturing ecosystem in enabling homegrown firms to scale regionally and compete globally, reinforcing investor confidence in Penang as a launchpad for internationally competitive enterprises.”
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “YBS International Berhad’s strategic acquisition of the Allied Group marks a pivotal milestone in the company’s journey from a Penang-based SME to a large-scale global enterprise. By expanding high-value manufacturing operations across Johor Bahru and Melaka while establishing a wider regional footprint in Vietnam and Thailand, this investment strengthens Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem and creates skilled employment for Malaysians, aligned with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. This development also reflects strong confidence in Penang’s role as a key industrial hub, as well as in Malaysia’s talent, infrastructure and business-friendly environment. It also reinforces MIDA’s commitment to championing Malaysian- owned companies as they scale globally and compete in high-value international markets.”
“This acquisition is a defining moment on our road to the billion-ringgit mark. While we project our revenue to scale from RM100 million to RM600 million, we remain focused on disciplined execution” said Mr. Yong Chan Cheah, Group Managing Director and CEO of YBS International Berhad. “We recognise that it will take two to three years to fully integrate this investment, as we work to transform our current RM100 million foundation into RM400 million of sustainable, high-value capacity.”
Central to this achievement is the partnership with EXIM Bank, whose role as an integral funding partner has been vital in making this project possible. Their support reflects the confidence of the financial sector in Penang’s industrial players and highlights the importance of strategic collaboration between industry and banking in driving sustainable, high-impact growth for the Malaysian economy.
The strategic acquisition was supported by EXIM Bank Malaysia through a USD-Islamic Financing. The financing agreements were signed with Faizah Mustapa, Chief Business Officer (CBO) signing on behalf of EXIM Bank Malaysia, and Yong Chan Cheah, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, signing on behalf of YBS International Berhad witness by Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Chow Kon Yeow.
A Commitment to Sustainable Growth Addressing the investor community, YBS International Berhad emphasized that this acquisition is designed for long-term value creation. The company is committed to a disciplined integration process, ensuring the expansion remains sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with its core values of integrity, innovation, and resilience.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude The transition to a large-scale enterprise is a culmination of nearly two decades of support. YBS International extends its deepest gratitude to:
- Government Agencies: SME Corp, for the foundational 2007 grant; PDC and InvestPenang, for expediting state and government processes; MIDA and MATRADE, for supporting process improvements and overseas expansion; and MITI, for facilitating the partnership with EXIM Bank.
- Financial Partners: EXIM Bank, specifically Venan and Datuk Nurbayu, for their confidence and vital partnership.
- Leadership and Community: COO Jeff Low, for upgrading organizational systems to international standards; and the business community, with special thanks to Dato’ Dr. Mohd Sofi Bin Osman, Dato’ Jimmy Ong and Dato’ Seri Ooi Eng Hock for their unwavering support.
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About InvestPenang
InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for the promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realise its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention), Global Business Services (GBS) Focus Group (promoting and developing digital economy) and Penang Silicon Design @5km+ (establishing a unique and interconnected ecosystem for IC design and technology enterprises). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook; LinkedIn; WhatsApp Channel and TikTok.
About YBS International Berhad
YBS International Berhad is a leading provider of high- precision engineering solutions and plastic injection moulding. With a growing footprint across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, YBS specialises in delivering integrated manufacturing services to high-value global markets.
About Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank Malaysia)
Established in August 1995, EXIM Bank Malaysia provides financing and advisory support to Malaysian businesses pursuing global ventures across diverse sectors. EXIM Bank Malaysia fulfils its mandate to enhance competitiveness of Malaysian industries internationally, offering comprehensive banking and takaful products.
Effective 1 May 2025, EXIM Bank Malaysia became a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB).
For media enquiries, please contact:
InvestPenang
Elaine Cheah / Arief Ferdaus
Communications & Business Intelligence
Tel: +604-646 8833
Email: elaine@investpenang.gov.my / arief@investpenang.gov.my
YBS International Berhad
Samantha Goh
PA to Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
Tel: +6019-976 8366
Email: samantha.goh@ybsinternational.com
Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank Malaysia)
Mohd Ronnee Osman
Corporate Communications Department Level 1, EXIM Bank,
Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603 2601 2397
Fax: +603 2601 2469