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Tune Talk, Malaysia’s fully cloud-native Mobile Network Operator (MNO), announced at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 the successful completion of Phase 1 of its Cloud Core Network Modernization in partnership with Nokia — becoming the first ASEAN telco to deploy this advanced cloud-native core technology at scale. Phase 1 was completed in January 2026, with Phase 2 now underway to further enhance automation, orchestration, and intelligent network capabilities. Built on a fully containerized, microservices-based architecture, the new cloud-native core delivers elastic scalability, resilient performance, and real-time intelligence, setting a new benchmark for how modern mobile networks are designed and operated. A Core Strategy Delivering Measurable Results Tune Talk’s cloud-native core strategy is already translating into significant business momentum: Subscriber base grew from 0.95 million in 2024 to 1.8 million by end-2025 On track to reach 2.5 million subscribers by mid-2026 Improved network stability and service consistency Reduced operational complexity through automation Enhanced scalability without proportional cost increases “The rapid subscriber growth underscores the effectiveness of our technology-first strategy—where infrastructure modernization directly fuels commercial acceleration,” said Gurtaj Singh Padda, Co-founder and CEO of Tune Talk. “This is not an upgrade. This is a structural reset of how a mobile network operates. By becoming the region’s first telco to implement this cloud-native core architecture at scale, we have built a platform designed for hyper-growth, automation, and digital service innovation.” “Our collaboration with Tune Talk shows what’s possible when cloud-native technology is used not just to modernize networks, but to transform how operators grow and innovate,” said Raghav Sahgal, Chief Customer Officer at Nokia. “By providing a fully containerized, cloud-ready core, Nokia is helping partners like Tune Talk build intelligent, resilient networks that scale at speed and unlock new digital services — giving them greater control, efficiency and the foundation for advanced connectivity experiences.” Building Full Network Independence In parallel with its core modernization, Tune Talk is also building its own roaming capabilities, strengthening its position as a fully independent cloud-native MNO. By developing in-house roaming infrastructure, Tune Talk gains greater control over international connectivity, enhances quality of service for subscribers abroad, and unlocks new cross-border innovation opportunities. The combination of an ASEAN-first cloud core deployment and proprietary roaming infrastructure positions Tune Talk as a forward-leaning digital MNO ready for the next stage of regional expansion. As Malaysia accelerates its digital transformation ambitions, Tune Talk’s partnership with Nokia demonstrates that global-scale innovation can originate from Southeast Asia — driving a new era of cloud-native mobile network evolution.

KJTS Group Bhd has proposed to acquire a 70.67% stake in engineering solutions provider iHandal Holdings Sdn Bhd for RM10.1 million in cash, as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the energy efficiency sector. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, KJTS said its wholly owned subsidiary, KJ Technical Services Sdn Bhd, has entered into a share sale and purchase agreement with Corellia Holdings I Sdn Bhd to acquire 16.7 million redeemable and convertible preference shares B in iHandal. The shares will be converted into ordinary shares upon completion of the transaction. Following the acquisition, iHandal will become a 70.67%-owned subsidiary of KJ Technical Services and an indirect subsidiary of KJTS. Corellia Holdings I is wholly owned by AHAM Asset Management Bhd, with Datuk Wira Johan Ariffin Rozali Wathooth serving as its director. Established in 2009, iHandal specialises in sustainable engineering solutions focused on energy efficiency. Its proprietary Heatfuse™ technology captures and repurposes waste heat to improve energy utilisation. The company serves commercial and industrial clients including hotels, hospitals and manufacturing facilities, and operates across Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania and North America. For the financial year ended June 30, 2024, iHandal reported a net loss of RM1.23 million, improving from a RM3.19 million loss recorded in FY2023. The company had previously posted a net profit of RM426,000 in FY2022. KJTS said the acquisition will complement its existing cooling energy management and building support services by expanding its offerings into broader energy optimisation solutions. The group noted that the combination of both businesses could create cross-selling opportunities and enable KJTS to pursue larger and more complex projects, supported by enhanced engineering and implementation capabilities. Despite iHandal’s recent losses, KJTS said these were mainly attributable to financing costs and project timing, adding that the company’s core operations continue to deliver positive gross margins. The acquisition will also provide KJTS access to iHandal’s technical expertise, intellectual property and engineering team, strengthening the group’s capabilities and supporting its regional expansion plans. The RM10.1 million purchase will be funded entirely through internally generated funds and will not impact KJTS’ issued share capital or major shareholdings. Subject to the fulfilment of conditions precedent, the transaction is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026. Shares of KJTS closed 1.5 sen higher, or 2%, at 76 sen on Thursday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM524.79 million. The stock has declined 27.6% over the past year.