A Steady Flow of IPOs Kicks Off 2026
A Steady Flow of IPOs Kicks Off 2026

A Steady Flow of IPOs Kicks Off 2026

Tue, Apr 14, 2026 11:46 AM

Malaysia’s IPO market has entered 2026 with steady momentum, supported by a healthy pipeline of listings and continuing investors’ interest.

Following an active 2025, where over 60 companies were listed on Bursa Malaysia, activity has remained consistent, with more than 50 IPOs expected in 2026. However, investor participation is becoming increasingly selective.

What Happened in Q1 2026?

In the first quarter of 2026:

  • 12 companies were listed on Bursa Malaysia.
  • The majority were on the ACE Market.
  • Listing activity remained steady, but investor participation is seen more selective.

More than half of overall participation was concentrated in the larger IPOs, indicating that investors may be showing greater selectivity in their investment approach.

Key Trends Investors Should Know

  1. Listings Remain Active, But Most Are Small in Sizes

A steady flow of ACE Market IPOs shows that companies continue to tap the financial market for capital. Nonetheless, these listings are generally low in liquidity.

  1. Investor Interest becoming More Discriminating

Participation is increasingly concentrated in a selective group of IPOs, particularly those with stronger visibility and clearer growth narratives.

This illustrates investors are becoming more discerning rather than broadly participating across the board.

  1. Early Trading Activity Varies

Depending on trading interests, certain IPOs see stronger engagements during the early days while others remain relatively quiet – reflecting a more steady and selective positioning.

Why SUNMED Stood Out?

One of the most notable IPOs in Q1 was Sunway Healthcare Holdings Berhad (SUNMED, 5555).

The stock attracted stronger interest due to:

  • Its larger scale and visibility.
  • A clear expansion pipeline.
  • Established branding and flagship hospital presence.

A significant portion of IPO participation during the quarter was concentrated in SUNMED, reinforcing the trend towards larger and more recognizable listings. As of 9 April, SUNMED closed at RM1.92, standing out as one of the more actively traded IPOs during the period.

Upcoming IPOs to Watch

Several companies are expected to list in April:

One listing drawing attention is Empire Premium Food Berhad (Sushi Empire), known for Malaysia’s halal grab-and-go sushi chain. Its business model stands out due to:

  • No dine-in requirement
  • Lower rental costs
  • High customer turnover

Research projects net profit growth from RM37.9 million (FY25) to RM49 million (FY27), with an IPO price of RM0.70 and a fair value of RM0.89.

How Should Investors Approach IPOs Now?

The current IPO environment is not weak — but it is more selective. For investors, this means:

  • Focus on fundamentals – prioritize companies with clear growth and earnings visibility.
  • Be mindful of liquidity – smaller IPOs may see lower trading activity.
  • Observe sentiment – early interests can signal subsequent trading patterns.
  • Stay selective – not all IPOs are likely to perform equally.

Final Thoughts

Q1 2026 reflects a balanced IPO environment in Malaysia — active in terms of listings, but more measured in terms of participation. With a strong pipeline of companies expected to list, IPOs remain an area to watch. In the current environment, being selective may matter just as much as being early.