Kuala lumpur: Forbes Asia today unveiled its 2026 Best Under A Billion list, featuring 200 of Asia-Pacific's top-performing small and mid-sized listed companies, with the number of Malaysian firms on the list more than doubling to 19 companies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, over half of Malaysia's companies on the list benefitted from the country's artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure boom. Forbes Asia highlighted that the small and mid-sized companies appearing on this year's list are successfully navigating the challenges of geopolitical tensions and volatile energy markets. The lineup is dominated by businesses that are in step with the fast-evolving tech sector and the global AI boom.

As in previous years, China accounts for the largest number of companies featured on the list with 28, followed closely by India with 27. Malaysia's Southern Cable Group, a manufacturer of low- and high-voltage cables, made its debut on the list, supported by the booming data centre industry, which contributed 15 per cent of its RM1.8 billion revenue in 2025.

The Best Under A Billion list spotlights 200 publicly listed companies out of 19,000 in the Asia-Pacific region, with annual sales above US$10 million (US$1=RM4.09) and below US$1 billion. Forbes Asia noted that software companies as well as suppliers of key electronic components and tools for semiconductors account for 25 per cent of those who qualified.

BERNAMA News Agency also reported that other companies on the list are capitalising on the accelerating adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy by meeting the industries' growing demand for specialised equipment and services.