Pawns following suit: MoneyMax makes $6.1m venture to Malaysia

Another proof that it isn’t a bank for the poor anymore.

Singapore’s largest pawnbroker, ValueMax, set foot on Malaysian soil a few weeks ago in an aim to popularize its brand abroad. It is the first among the city’s top pawnbrokers to expand overseas.

MoneyMax is making a similar move, undertaking a joint venture with Malaysian jeweler Mr Chong Mei Sang as it plans to penetrate Asian markets outside of its home base. The pawnbroker has invested $6.1 million for a 51% stake in the JV firm, and plans to expand to 34 outlets in Malaysia over the next 3 years.

Pawnbroking is starting to gain popularity again, as pledges and loans continue to soar and pawnbrokers encouraged to expand business not only by opening new stores but going overseas.

Here’s more:

The pawnbroking industry has undergone a radical change in profile from its traditional roots. Gone are the days of pawnbrokers having intimidating and solemn-looking shopfronts caged with steel bars; today, pawnbroking shops have a friendlier, and more modern look. Meanwhile, acceptance of pawnbroking is growing, as more people from different and younger age groups utilise pawnbroking services. There are now 214 pawnshops in Singapore, with three of the largest pawnbroking chains listed on the Singapore stock exchange.

If you've been wondering whether SBR could work for your company — yes, probably.

A lot of the companies we partner with started as readers. They'd been following our coverage for a while, saw their own customers and competitors in it, and eventually asked the obvious question: could we do something with you? The answer is usually yes. The shape of it depends on what you're trying to do.

The options are broader than most people assume — thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. Some partners use one channel; most use a mix. We figure out the right combination by starting with your brief, not with our rate card.

So if the question has been on your mind, here's the easy way to ask it.

We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how. It's a better use of everyone's time.

Book a meeting

| Or download the media kit (PDF)

240,000 senior readers quarterly in print Top 1,700 Singapore companies reached

7 markets across Southeast Asia