Nine Malaysian PLCs on Forbes Asia's 2025 Best Under A Billion list

• Forbes Asia specifically highlighted that the renewable energy, electric vehicle and data centre companies had benefited from the boost in momentum in their industries.

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 5): Nine Malaysian companies made it to Forbes Asia’s 2025 “Best Under A Billion” list, which recognises the top 200 small and midsized companies in Asia-Pacific with annual sales below US$1 billion (RM4.23 billion).

The nine public listed companies (PLCs) on the list include Able Global Bhd (KL:ABLEGLOB), Crescendo Corp Bhd (KL:CRESNDO), Frontken Corp Bhd (KL:FRONTKN), Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd (KL:HIBISCS), Hup Seng Industries Bhd (KL:HUPSENG), ITMAX System Bhd (KL:ITMAX), Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd (KL:KERJAYA), Pekat Group Bhd (KL:PEKAT), and Scientex Bhd (KL:SCIENTX).

In a statement on Tuesday, Forbes Asia said the growth within the Asia-Pacific region was predicted to maintain a slow pace due to the trade tensions ongoing in the region.

However, the 200 companies on the list were able to remain consistent or thrive through these challenges, it added.

The list includes companies ranging from an array of industries, such as financial services, the beauty industry, electric vehicle companies, renewable energy companies, and data centres. 

Forbes Asia specifically highlighted that the renewable energy, electric vehicle and data centre companies had benefited from the boost in momentum in their industries.

The Malaysian companies featured on the list are specifically within the tech, automation, oil and gas, property development, and food processing industries.

The Best Under A Billion list began in 2002, with previous notable Malaysian companies featured including real estate developer IOI Properties Group Bhd (KL:IOIPG), which was also featured in the Forbes US Global List in 2004, and AirAsia.

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