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AEON360 has partnered with Google Cloud to improve how customers shop, pay and access services across the AEON ecosystem. The multi-year collaboration will start in Malaysia before expanding to other Southeast Asian markets where AEON operates. (From left to right) Glen Cha, Chief Technology Officer, AEON360; Low Ngai Yuen, Managing Director, AEON360; Daisuke Maeda, Chairman, AEON360; Hana Raja, Country Manager, Malaysia, Google Cloud. AEON360 said the initiative is part of its plan to connect its retail, financial services and lifestyle businesses using artificial intelligence. Chairman Daisuke Maeda said the partnership will help shift AEON from basic digital services to AI-driven “agent” systems that can recommend products, handle tasks and personalise offers for customers, starting in Malaysia. As part of the collaboration, AEON360 will use Google Cloud’s BigQuery to build a shared data platform across its businesses. This will support AI tools that deliver more personalised product recommendations, pricing, rewards and financing options based on customer behaviour and consented data. The system aims to create a more seamless experience across AEON services, including platforms like myAEON2go and AEON MaxValu, where customers can receive tailored offers, check stock availability and access payment or rewards options. The partnership also includes AI development and staff training through a new Innovation Foundry in Kuala Lumpur, supported by Google Cloud. The centre will help train employees and build AI tools for retail and customer engagement. AEON360 will also use Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise for customer experience functions and is exploring Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol to extend services to platforms like Google Search. It is also looking into integrating with Google Pay and Google Wallet for smoother transactions. Google Cloud Malaysia Country Manager Hana Raja said the collaboration will remove fragmented shopping experiences by using AI to create a more connected and seamless customer journey. AEON360 is a joint venture between AEON Credit Service (M) Bhd and AEON Co. (M) Bhd, formed to unify the group’s retail, finance and lifestyle businesses under a shared data and membership platform.

Maruss Sdn Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Switzerland’s SwissP Defence AG to explore collaboration in ammunition production in Malaysia. In a statement, Maruss said the agreement was signed at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition and witnessed by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari. Maruss Sdn Bhd managing director Syafiq Razi (left) and SwissP Defence AG chief commercial officer Christopher Leitner at the signing ceremony, witnessed by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari. Maruss is a Malaysia-based licensed manufacturer of small arms ammunition and weapons, while SwissP Defence, owned by Italy’s Beretta Holding, produces small-calibre ammunition and defence technologies for military and law enforcement use. Under the MOU, Maruss may gain exclusive rights to manufacture selected high-performance ammunition components locally. The partnership also includes technology sharing and long-term cooperation between both parties. Both companies said the collaboration aims to support Malaysia’s National Defence Industry Policy 2026 by strengthening local defence manufacturing capabilities and reducing import reliance. Maruss managing director Syafiq Razi said the agreement marks an important step in establishing the company’s presence in both the local and international defence sectors. SwissP chief commercial officer Christopher Leitner said the company supports Malaysia’s defence industry development and recognises Maruss’ established customer base. Maruss added that the partnership builds on discussions that began in 2024 and continued into this year, with plans to develop products marketed as “Made in Malaysia, with SwissP technology.”

Exxon Mobil Corp is exploring the sale of its gasoline station network in Hong Kong as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline its global retail operations. According to people familiar with the matter, the US oil major is considering a potential valuation of about US$500 million to US$600 million (RM1.9 billion to RM2.3 billion) for the assets, though discussions are still ongoing and no final decision has been made. The company operates the stations under the Esso brand and currently runs 39 fuel stations in Hong Kong, based on its website. The possible divestment comes amid increasing uncertainty in the global fuel retail industry, where volatile oil prices and the rising shift toward electric vehicles are reshaping long-term demand. Exxon has been actively streamlining its downstream retail portfolio worldwide and has engaged advisers to explore sales of Esso-branded stations in several markets, including France, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Last year, it also agreed to sell its Singapore Esso service station network to PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk. In February, rival Chevron Corp also agreed to sell its Hong Kong fuel business to Thailand’s Bangchak Corp for US$270 million, reflecting broader consolidation in the sector. Separately, Hong Kong’s fuel market faces long-term pressure from high retail prices and government incentives encouraging electric vehicle adoption, including registration tax waivers. Exxon has not commented on the potential sale.