THREE Malaysian companies have secured places among Asean's 10 most valuable brands, with Petronas retaining second position despite a 4% decline in its brand valuation.
Brand Finance's Asean 500 report valued Petronas at US$13.8 billion, attributing the decline to softer energy prices rather than weakening customer relationships.
Genting climbed from 11th to ninth place after its brand value increased 23% to US$6 billion, while Maybank retained 10th position with a 4% rise to US$5.4 billion.
Brand Finance Asia-Pacific managing director Alex Haigh said Malaysia had strong representation across the energy, leisure and banking sectors.
"Petronas's brand value this year reflects softer energy prices rather than weaker customer relationships, as perceptions of its reputation and reliability continue to strengthen at home," he said.
He said brands that continued to build trust during downturns were better positioned to recover value when market conditions improved.
Petronas also recorded Asean's highest sustainability perceptions value, at US$1.3 billion, reflecting public perceptions of its sustainability efforts, including its energy transition strategy and net-zero carbon emissions commitment.
Genting's improved valuation was driven by stronger operating performance, higher business volumes in leisure and hospitality, and increased tourism demand in Malaysia and Singapore.
Maybank's growth was supported by solid financial performance and improving wealth fees.
Other Malaysian brands also recorded higher valuations, with AirAsia rising 17% to US$2.3 billion, Malaysia Airlines increasing 27% to US$771 million, CelcomDigi gaining 6% to US$1.8 billion and KPJ Healthcare surging 45% to US$305 million.
Singapore's DBS Group retained the top spot, with its brand value rising 8% to US$18.56 billion, while Thailand's PTT remained third at US$8.73 billion despite a 5% decline.
Singapore-based Marina Bay Sands climbed from eighth to fourth after a 35% increase to US$7.98 billion.
Across the region, the combined value of the 500 ranked brands rose 8% to US$315.6 billion. - October 31, 2026
