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Energy & Technology

NanoMalaysia Signs MoU With Three Firms To Explore Use Of Agricultural Waste

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PUTRAJAYA, NanoMalaysia Bhd (NMB), an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three companies to explore converting agricultural waste into cellulose nanofibers for use in advanced industrial applications. The MoU was signed with SEED Tech Sdn Bhd (STSB), XMU Jiageng Education Development Sdn Bhd (XMU), and China-based Henan Yujian Building Renovation Technology Co Ltd (YJ). MOSTI Minister Chang Lih Kang said the agreement reflects a shared goal of promoting sustainable innovation across Asia, using science and technology to drive both economic growth and environmental protection. “Malaysia produces around 168,000 tonnes of agricultural waste every day, yet less than 10% is reused in industrial applications. This partnership taps into a major economic opportunity by turning waste into valuable resources, in line with our Bioeconomy Blueprint and Advanced Materials Technology Roadmap,” he said. The MoU was signed by NMB’s COO Mohamad Hafiz Zokipli, STSB director Zhang Liang, XMU vice-president Prof Zhang Ying, and YJ general manager Sun Lili. Chang added that Malaysia aims to raise its gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, from the current 1.04%. He emphasized that public-private and international partnerships like this are vital to reaching that goal. He said the collaboration paves the way for commercialization through licensing, intellectual property creation, talent exchange, joint ventures, and product development across Malaysia, China, and the Asia-Pacific region. “This effort supports Malaysia’s shift from a resource-based economy to one led by knowledge and innovation, in line with the Malaysia MADANI Government’s sustainability pillar and the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030),” he said. In a statement, MOSTI said the partnership will help bring nanotechnology from lab to market, with applications in construction, automotive, and engineering sectors. Using nanofibers as additives in materials such as polymer composites and rubber can improve fracture resistance by 1–10%, while their use as binders can boost structural strength by up to 30%, potentially cutting material costs by as much as 50%. The collaboration combines the research strengths and industry experience of all four parties to deliver high-impact results for Malaysia and the region.

Investment & Market Trends

OCBC Lowers 2025 Outlook As Tariff Worries Continue, Despite Solid Q2 Results

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SINGAPORE, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) has revised its 2025 economic outlook downward, citing persistent global tariff uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, even as the bank posted resilient earnings for the second quarter of 2025. OCBC reported a net profit of S$1.81 billion for Q2, in line with analyst expectations and slightly above the S$1.77 billion posted in the same period a year earlier. The bank attributed the performance to steady loan growth, improved net interest margins, and a strong showing from its wealth management and insurance units. However, Group CEO Helen Wong said that continued friction in global trade policies — particularly between the US and China — is clouding the regional economic outlook. “While our core businesses remain stable, the prolonged uncertainty around tariffs and protectionist policies continues to weigh on investment confidence and supply chain stability,” she noted during the earnings briefing. OCBC’s key markets, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Greater China, have seen moderate growth, but Wong highlighted that the bank is adopting a “more measured stance” in forecasting next year’s business climate. The lender now expects GDP growth across its core ASEAN markets to moderate to 3.5%–4.0% in 2025, down from its earlier projection of 4.3%–4.7%. It also warned of potential pressure on asset quality and loan demand if trade disruptions persist. Despite the cautious outlook, OCBC’s fundamentals remain solid. Net interest income rose 8% year-on-year, underpinned by higher interest rates and sustained lending activities. Fee income, however, declined slightly due to lower investment product sales amid market volatility. The bank maintained its interim dividend at S$0.30 per share, reflecting confidence in its capital position. OCBC’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio stood at 15.2% as of end-June, well above regulatory requirements. Looking ahead, OCBC plans to maintain its focus on regional expansion, sustainable finance, and digital transformation. “We are actively investing in digital platforms and green financing initiatives to support long-term growth,” Wong added. Still, she cautioned that the full-year guidance would remain conservative unless there is meaningful progress in resolving major global trade disputes.

Property

HCK Capital Buys Two Land Parcels In Selangor For RM38.6 million

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KUALA LUMPUR, HCK Capital Group Bhd is purchasing two freehold land parcels in Selangor from Bandar Setia Alam Sdn Bhd for a total cash consideration of RM38.64 million. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the company said the acquisition will be made through its indirect wholly-owned unit, Reside Capital Sdn Bhd, which has signed two conditional sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) with Bandar Setia Alam. The first parcel, measuring 1.2107 acres, is priced at RM19.51 million, while the second parcel, at 1.2199 acres, will cost RM19.13 million. Both are located within Setia City BizPark, a commercial area in Selangor. Bandar Setia Alam is mainly involved in property development and investment. HCK Capital noted that the deals are subject to several conditions, including approval from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) if the purchase amount exceeds RM20 million, the issuance of separate land titles, and state authority consent where required. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. “The strategic location and strong demand for commercial properties in the area are expected to support HCK’s earnings over the medium to long term,” the company said. As of Friday, HCK Capital’s share price closed flat at RM2.16, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM1.35 billion.

News

SkyGate Solutions Partners With Singapore Firm For Precision Manufacturing In Penang

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KUALA LUMPUR, SkyGate Solutions Bhd, formerly known as Ewein Bhd, has partnered with Singapore-based New Jin Hai Pte Ltd (NJH) to launch a high-precision manufacturing venture in George Town, Penang. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Friday, the precision engineering and industrial property group said the joint venture will operate under a newly established company, SkyGate NHJ Technology Sdn Bhd (NHJ Tech). SkyGate’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SkyGate NHJ Sdn Bhd (SNHJ), will hold a 51% stake, while NJH will hold the remaining 49%. NJH is fully owned by Suzhou New Hongji Precision Part Co Ltd and functions mainly as an investment arm. SkyGate Solutions, based in Penang, will invest RM19.55 million—representing its 51% share of the total RM38.34 million capital commitment. The funds will go toward building the factory, training workers, and providing operational capital. The joint venture will focus on producing metal forming machinery and machine tools, with an eye on Malaysia’s growing semiconductor industry. It will also benefit from NJH’s advanced, fully digitalised production technology. While the JV is not expected to have a major impact on earnings for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025, SkyGate anticipates a positive contribution in the years to follow. SkyGate Solutions’ shares closed three sen higher at 69 sen on Friday, giving the company a market value of RM220.5 million.

Investment & Market Trends

Malaysia To Buy 30 Additional Boeing Aircraft Worth US$9.5 Billion

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia plans to purchase another 30 Boeing aircraft as part of the second phase of its procurement deal with the United States, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He said the move is part of ongoing reciprocal negotiations aimed at addressing Malaysia’s trade deficit with the US. “To help reduce the trade imbalance, Malaysia will proceed with large-scale purchases, including Boeing aircraft. Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has already committed to buying 30 aircraft worth US$9.5 billion under the first phase, and another 30 aircraft valued at US$9.5 billion in the second phase,” Zafrul said at a special press conference on the US tariff announcement. The United States recently announced a reduction in tariffs on Malaysian exports, cutting them to 19% from the previously planned 25%. MAG had earlier confirmed its plan to upgrade its fleet with new Boeing aircraft, reinforcing Malaysia’s position in the global aviation industry. The order includes 30 aircraft—18 Boeing 737-8s and 12 Boeing 737-10s—powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, with an option to purchase 30 more. These deals are part of broader negotiations between the US and several countries—including Japan, the UAE, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Bangladesh—aimed at securing aircraft orders in exchange for lower US tariffs.

Investment & Market Trends

Singapore’s GIC Is Leading The Race To Buy A Stake In A Spanish Broadband Joint Venture

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Singapore’s GIC Pte Ltd has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire a significant minority stake in a Spanish fibre-optic broadband joint venture owned by MasOrange SL and Zegona Communications plc, according to sources familiar with the matter. GIC is currently in discussions with the owners about purchasing a 20% to 30% stake in the venture. The deal could value the business—which covers over 12 million premises—at between €6 billion and €7 billion (US$6.9 billion to US$8.1 billion or RM29.3 billion to RM34.2 billion), including debt. Although the talks are at an advanced stage, the agreement is not yet final and could still face delays or fall through, the sources said. The joint venture was formed in January by Vodafone Spain (owned by Zegona) and MasOrange, with an estimated enterprise value of €8 billion to €10 billion. The companies had announced plans to bring in an investor for a 40% stake. Orange SA’s chief financial officer, Laurent Martinez, recently expressed confidence that the deal could be completed by year-end. Spain boasts one of Europe’s most extensive fibre broadband networks. However, heavy competition due to overlapping coverage has impacted profitability. Despite this, the sector remains attractive to long-term investors like pension funds and private equity firms because of its stable returns and relatively low operating costs once the infrastructure is in place. MasOrange was formed through the merger of Masmovil Ibercom SA and Orange’s Spanish operations. Orange holds a 50% share in the joint venture, while the remaining stake is owned by investment firms Cinven, KKR & Co., Providence Equity Partners, MasOrange’s CEO, and others. Representatives for Orange, GIC, Zegona, Cinven, MasOrange, and KKR declined to comment, while Providence did not respond to inquiries.

News

Tanco Signs Additional Agreement With MBINS For Port Dickson Free Zone Development Project

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KUALA LUMPUR, Tanco Holdings Bhd, via its indirect subsidiary Tanco Land Sdn Bhd, has signed a supplemental agreement with Menteri Besar Incorporation Negeri Sembilan (MBINS), further reinforcing their joint venture for the Port Dickson Free Zone (PDFZ) project. This new agreement builds upon the original JV framework between both parties, following the incorporation of their joint venture entity, PDFZ Sdn Bhd, and recent media coverage regarding MBINS’s acquisition of the initial 121.41 hectares of land for the development. “This supplemental agreement strengthens and clarifies the partnership structure and outlines the land acquisition process for the strategically significant PDFZ initiative,” Tanco said in a statement today. As part of the agreement, MBINS will directly acquire the first 121.41-hectare parcel in Mukim Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson, for RM88.5 million on behalf of the JV. The purchase is being financed through advances provided by Tanco. Tanco added, “This collaborative arrangement exemplifies strong public-private synergy and marks a major milestone in pushing forward the project’s implementation. It also sets a clear foundation for future expansion.” MBINS is currently in negotiations to secure a second parcel of the same size and is committed to acquiring the remaining land needed for the development. It also intends to appoint the JV as the sole developer of the entire PDFZ. Tanco group managing director, Datuk Seri Andrew Tan Jun Suan, said the agreement further strengthens the company’s strategic alliance with the Negeri Sembilan state government. “With well-defined roles and a streamlined land acquisition process, we are now well-positioned to proceed with Phase 1 of the 574.65-hectare PDFZ project, in line with the National Physical Plan (NPP),” he said. He also noted that the PDFZ will serve as a vital component of the Malaysian Vision Valley 2.0 initiative and complement Tanco’s Smart AI Container Port (MIDPORT), reinforcing Negeri Sembilan’s role as a key hub for logistics, manufacturing, and high-value industries.

Media OutReach

XIXILI Empowers Nursing Mothers with Expert Advice by Ricca Tai

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 August 2025 – In commemoration of Breastfeeding Week 2025, XIXILI shows its commitment to inclusivity by collaborating with Ricca Tai, a licensed pharmacist with a special focus on mothercare, post-natal wellness, and breastfeeding support, to provide expert breastfeeding advice for mothers. XIXILI’s Award Winning Ultra Soft Pansy Wireless Nursing Bra “Breastfeeding can be both rewarding and challenging, particularly for new mothers learning how to express milk comfortably and effectively,” says XIXILI spokesperson Grace Tan. “It’s a deeply personal journey that requires patience, support, and the right tools to ensure both mother and baby feel nurtured throughout the experience.” According to Grace, XIXILI remains dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers with thoughtfully designed nursing bras that prioritise comfort, functionality, and confidence. This combined initiative with Ricca Tai reflects the brand’s ethos of empowering mothers with products that support their needs during this important stage of life. Expert Advice For New Mothers When it comes to breastfeeding, Ricca advises that women obtain an accurate measurement of their nipples to help determine the correct breast shield size, which significantly impacts comfort and milk output. She advises measuring the nipple diameter (excluding the areola) in millimetres after breastfeeding or pumping and adding 2–4 mm to determine the appropriate flange size. A poorly fitted shield may cause discomfort, reduced milk flow, or nipple damage. The Importance of Nursing Bras & Breast Pumps Maintaining proper posture can enhance the pumping experience. An upright, well-supported position with relaxed shoulders is recommended. Hands-free pumping bras or dual-function nursing bras can help keep flanges securely in place, reducing arm strain and allowing mothers to focus on other tasks. Ricca further states that techniques such as applying warm compresses, gentle massage, and maintaining skin-to-skin contact with the baby can also support milk let-down. When selecting a breast pump, she notes that lifestyle requirements should guide the decision. Manual or single electric pumps are suitable for occasional use, whereas double electric or hospital-grade pumps are ideal for regular pumping. For mothers who value discretion and mobility, wearable, hands-free pumps with quiet operation and leak-proof designs are practical options. XIXILI’s Innovative Designs For Breastfeeding Mothers The Ultra Soft Pansy Maternity Nursing Bra is designed to offer both comfort and practicality for new mothers. This seamless maternity bra is ideal for wearing at home or on casual days out, providing a wire-free, high-coverage fit. Crafted with ultra-soft, stretchy knitted fabric, it features removable cup pads for optional shaping and coverage, a breathable centre mesh panel for better ventilation, and a wide, snug elastic band under the bust for lasting comfort. The U-shape back wing, adjustable shoulder straps, and three-panel hook fastening offer reliable support, while easy-access clips allow breastfeeding with just one hand. By combining thoughtful design with comfort and elegance, XIXILI’s nursing bra and bralette collections are crafted to help mothers feel both supported and confident throughout their breastfeeding journey. The collections are available online and at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. For more information, visit XIXILI’s official website. Hashtag: #XIXILI https://www.xixili-intimates.com/https://www.facebook.com/XIXILI.OfficialFanPage/https://www.instagram.com/xixili_intima/https://www.tiktok.com/@xixili_intima?https://www.youtube.com/user/xixilipage The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. XIXILI A homegrown Malaysian brand, XIXILI offers beautiful fashion lingerie and shapewear in Malaysia that prioritises fit and comfort. With an extensive range of bra sizes from A to I and bands 65 to 110cm, XIXILI caters to women of all shapes and sizes. Expert fitters are dedicated to helping each customer find the perfect bra, boosting confidence and enhancing silhouettes. XIXILI became the first Malaysian lingerie brand to introduce a Try-On in 3D avatar tool, allowing customers to virtually try on XIXILI lingerie using a 3D avatar tailored to their specific body type and measurements. Whether for everyday wear or something special, XIXILI ensures women always look and feel amazing.

Media OutReach

8.8 Shopee Live Fashion Week: Shop Trending Fashion at Lagi Murah and Lagi Stylish Prices!

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 AUGUST 2025 – Get ready with Shopee this 8.8 Live Fashion Week, where the latest fashion trends meet irresistible deals. Shop guilt-free daily with 50% off Lagi Murah deals on trending pieces from favourite brands like Zanzea, Zoe Arissa, and Habib. Stack your savings further with no minimum spend free shipping vouchers and exclusive livestream vouchers daily to make every fashion find a steal. 8.8 Shopee Live Fashion Week Catch Malaysia’s favourite content creators Sharifah Rose, Shak Shazwan, and Cupcake Aisyah as they share their must-have picks, unmissable styling advice, and tips on finding fashion gems at Lagi Murah prices. Stay tuned for their runway debut during the Shopee Live Fashion Runway Show on 7 August, and snag their featured outfits at discounted prices! Here’s what to look for during the 8.8 Shopee Live Fashion Week: Shopee Lagi Murah Daily 50% Off Fashion Deals Indulge with 50% off daily Lagi Murah deals on trending fashion items across athleisure, accessories, shoes, and many more to nail the perfect look without hurting the wallet! Just look for the ‘Lagi Murah‘ tag to unlock all the lowest-priced deals, guaranteed. Free Shipping at No Minimum Spend Shop more and worry less about delivery fees this 8.8 with Shopee’s Free Shipping vouchers with no minimum spend. But why stop there? Keep the savings rolling by selecting delivery at more than 5,000 Self Collection Points available nationwide. Daily 50% Off Livestream Vouchers Shop smart through Shopee Live by claiming daily 50% off livestream vouchers for even more discounts. With daily fashion shows throughout the campaign, every buyer is guaranteed to find a gem at Lagi Murah prices. Front-Row Seats to Daily Fashion Shows Tune into fashion marathons happening daily from 12PM to 9:30PM on Shopee Live. Fashion enthusiasts do not want to miss daily showcases of the trendiest fashion finds and special appearances by fashion-forward content creators. Not only that, score up to 50% off Livestream Vouchers on top of the Lagi Murah deals, making every ringgit go further and every shopping spree rewarding! Get Ready with Shopee (#GRWS) Contest Not sure what to shop for this 8.8? Explore up to two thousand outfit inspirations with the Get Ready With Shopee (#GRWS) hashtag to find fresh styling ideas and be on top of the latest fashion trends. Join the fun by voting for the best #GRWS looks and stand a chance to win from a 1 million Shopee Coins prize pool. Voters from the top 20 most-liked #GRWS videos will be randomly selected to win Shopee Coins during the Shopee Live Fashion Runway Show on 7 August. With special appearances by Sharifah Rose, Shak Shazwan, and Cupcake Aisyah, don’t miss this chance to also grab winning looks with exclusive discounts available only that night too! Spin and Win Big: Score Coins All 8.8 Long! From 1 to 9 August, unlock massive savings with Daily Coins Shower, where one lucky winner will win 8,888 coins daily. Out of spins? Don’t worry! Just spend RM30 to instantly unlock one more spin and boost chances of being the lucky daily winner. Fashion that’s Lagi Murah With daily 50% off fashion and livestream vouchers, campaign-long fashion contests, daily fashion shows, and Shopee Coin giveaways, 8.8 brings a week packed with unbeatable style and savings. Every stream, spin, and vote adds to the excitement, turning the countdown to the Shopee Live Fashion Runway Show on 7 August into the pinnacle event not to be missed! Visit https://shopee.com.my/m/fashion-beauty or open the Shopee app now to explore the best Lagi Murah fashion deals. Hashtag: #Shopee The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Shopee Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities. Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce. Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and Monee. For Media Enquiries Shopee Public Relations Team: [email protected]

Media OutReach

Dusit International signs strategic partnership for hotel development in France

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PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 August 2025 – Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with SYDEL, a French real estate investment company, to establish Dusit France – a joint venture created to bring Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to France for the first time. Dusit International and SYDEL formally established Dusit France at a signing ceremony held in Paris. Pictured (from left): Mr Donatien Carratier, Head of Dusit France; Mr Jordan Elbaz, Partner, SYDEL; Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International; and Mr David Elgrably, Partner, SYDEL. Leveraging SYDEL’s local knowledge and operational expertise, the joint venture will focus on identifying opportunities for Dusit Hotels and Resorts, whose portfolio of nine brands spans the lodging spectrum – from affordable lifestyle hotels to full-service luxury retreats. Brands being considered for the French market include Dusit Thani (Bespoke Luxury), Devarana – Dusit Retreats (Wellness Luxury), Dusit Collection (Character Luxury), Dusit Hotels (Upper Upscale), dusitD2 (Lifestyle Upscale), Dusit Princess (Upper Midscale), ASAI Hotels (Lifestyle Midscale), and Dusit Suites (Lifestyle Long Stay). Together, Dusit and SYDEL will identify strategic locations, support asset owners with repositioning projects, and introduce innovative hotel concepts focused on delivering memorable guest experiences, championing well-being, and creating long-term sustainable value. The partnership was formalised at an exclusive signing ceremony held on 10 July 2025 in Paris. At the event, Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International, shared the vision for Dusit France and outlined the group’s growth ambitions in the region. “We are thrilled to partner with SYDEL to seek opportunities to expand Dusit’s footprint and bring our distinctive brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to France – one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations,” said Mr Cretallaz. “This partnership marks an important milestone in our global expansion strategy, and we are confident that our unique blend of cultural authenticity, innovation, and gracious service will resonate strongly with travellers and developers alike.” Dusit’s portfolio currently spans 294 properties across 18 countries, including 55 operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 239 luxury villas under Elite Havens. In Europe, the company operates the upper-upscale Dusit Suites Athens in Greece, located in the vibrant coastal district of Glyfada on the Athenian Riviera. Hashtag: #dusitinternational The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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