The Capital Markets & M&A Forum 2025: Malaysia Edition, hosted by ARC Group at the esteemed Equatorial Plaza, marked a major milestone as the firm celebrated its 10th anniversary. The event brought together over 400 distinguished guests, including senior executives, investors, legal and advisory professionals, and entrepreneurs—reinforcing ARC Group’s commitment to connecting global capital with opportunity in emerging markets.
Themed around growth, strategy, and cross-border collaboration, this year’s forum offered timely insights into Southeast Asia’s evolving financial landscape, bridging capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and long-term economic strategy.
The day commenced with a heartfelt opening address from Alicia Tien, who reflected on ARC Group’s transformation from a 15-square-meter office into a global investment bank and management consulting firm with a presence across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Her remarks set the tone for the day, emphasizing the firm’s entrepreneurial roots, international growth, and commitment to excellence in cross-border advisory.
A keynote by Paul Chong, Venture Partner at ARC Group, followed, providing a strategic deep dive into “Going Public – Choosing Between IPO, RTO, and De-SPAC.” Drawing on his vast experience in global capital markets, Paul Chong delivered a nuanced comparison of public listing routes, offering actionable insights for Malaysian and regional companies considering international capital markets.
The mid-morning panel, “Company Preparations for Going Public,” featured leaders from ARC Group, Black Chamber Management, Ong Eu Jin Partnership, and others. Moderated by Dr. Julianne Huh, the session covered regulatory readiness, governance, investor positioning, and financial structuring—providing a roadmap for private companies eyeing the public arena.
In the afternoon, Valentin Ischer, Managing Director at ARC Group, presented “From Startup to Exit”—a keynote exploring the full lifecycle of entrepreneurial growth and strategic M&A. He outlined the core pillars of deal value creation and highlighted emerging exit strategies across the region’s mid-market landscape.
A subsequent panel on “The Future of M&A in Emerging Asia”, moderated by Ischer, brought together speakers from Christopher & Lee Ong, Ænon, Baker Tilly, and ARC Group. The discussion addressed regional consolidation trends, the role of strategic investors, and sectors positioned for growth amidst shifting regulatory environments and economic realignment.
Closing the event, Xi Zhang, Partner at ARC Group, delivered a thought-provoking keynote on “China 2030 and Implications for Southeast Asia.” His session offered a macroeconomic lens on China’s long-term transformation and provided actionable takeaways for ASEAN businesses navigating trade shifts, digital acceleration, and supply chain evolution.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in off-the-record exchanges, built strategic relationships, and discussed actionable ideas to navigate Southeast Asia’s dynamic capital environment. The forum served as both a celebration of ARC Group’s decade of achievement and a forward-looking platform for the future of deal-making in Asia.
Carlos Lopez, COO of ARC Group, added:
“These events have always held a special place for us—not just as platforms for sharing insights, but for building lasting relationships. This year’s forum was particularly meaningful as we marked ARC Group’s 10-year anniversary. It was a proud moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and an inspiring one to envision where we’re headed next.”
The exclusive event welcomed over 400 esteemed guests, including senior executives, investors, legal advisors, and industry leaders. Their active participation throughout the day underscored the strength of the region’s financial community and the continued relevance of the Capital Markets & M&A Forum as a key platform for insight, dialogue, and collaboration. Stay connected with us via www.arc-group.com and follow us on LinkedIn for future event announcements and insights.
ARC Group is committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration within Malaysia’s financial community, looking forward to future events that will continue to shape the financial landscape.
Anna Sahlberg Carlsson
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
Receive our latest market insights, news and reports, and business bulletins.
