Yoma counters Myanmar's headwinds with diverse business, strong governance

MYANMAR'S mixed economic outlook and bloated property market weigh on Yoma Strategic Holdings in the short-to-medium term, but the company's strong governance and ability to execute a diversification strategy suggest that it will be a resilient investment despite the headwinds.

Yoma, a Myanmar-focused conglomerate with property, automotive, consumer and investment businesses, is reaching a key milestone. Its tourism arm, which includes the iconic Balloons over Bagan business, is on the verge of attaining a Catalist listing on the Singapore Exchange through a reverse takeover of SHC Capital Asia.

If the deal is completed as expected in December, Yoma will hold a 41.6 per cent stake in SHC, which will be renamed Memories Group. This will be the first major spin-off for Yoma.