PETRONAS retains crown as Malaysia's most valuable brand for 16th straight year

KUALA LUMPUR: PETRONAS remained Malaysia's most valuable brand for the 16th consecutive year in 2026, while the combined value of the country's top 100 brands rose 5% to US$62.2 billion, according to Brand Finance.

In its Malaysia 100 2026 report, the brand valuation consultancy said PETRONAS retained the top spot despite a 4% decline in brand value to US$13.8bil.

Brand Finance said the national oil company continued to demonstrate resilience through stable operating fundamentals, upstream expansion and ongoing investments in long-term energy transition initiatives despite softer global energy prices.

Genting ranked second after its brand value rose 23% to US$6bil, driven by stronger operating performance and a recovery in regional tourism demand.

Maybank maintained third position, with its brand value increasing 4% to US$5.4bil on the back of steady income growth, disciplined cost management and improving asset quality across its core Asean markets.

Meanwhile, 100PLUS emerged as Malaysia's fastest-growing brand, with its brand value surging 166% to US$190mil.

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“National champions such as PETRONAS, Maybank, Tenaga Nasional and Proton in energy, banking, infrastructure, and consumer sectors remain the foundation of the country’s brand landscape, while we are also seeing stronger momentum from emerging brands tied to logistics, connectivity, digitalisation, and lifestyle consumption.

“As Malaysia accelerates investment into technology, energy transition, and regional trade integration, the conditions are increasingly in place for Malaysian brands to strengthen their competitiveness both regionally and globally,” Brand Finance Asia Pacific managing director Alex Haigh said.

The report identified Westports and MISC as Malaysia's brands to watch this year.

Westports' brand value rose 21% to US$149mil, supported by higher container throughput and capacity expansion plans, while MISC's brand value increased to US$678mil on stronger profitability and growth in energy-related maritime solutions.

In terms of brand strength, Genting retained its position as Malaysia's strongest brand with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.1 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating.

Tenaga Nasional ranked second with a BSI score of 91.5 and an AAA+ rating, followed by Proton with a BSI score of 90.7 and an AAA+ rating.

PETRONAS also led Malaysian brands in sustainability perceptions, recording the highest Sustainability Perceptions Value of US$1.3bil.

The report also highlighted Tenaga Nasional for its environmental initiatives, Maybank for its social impact programmes and Dutch Lady Milk Industries for strong governance practices.