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News

Weixin Holds First Malaysia Open Class For Business Solutions

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Weixin today held its first-ever Open Class in Malaysia, bringing together over 200 local merchants, service providers and industry representatives in Kuala Lumpur to explore how the Weixin ecosystem — comprising Mini Programs and Weixin Pay — can help Malaysian businesses better serve the growing wave of Chinese visitors, unlock new digital growth opportunities, and contribute to the success of Visit Malaysia 2026. Opening Presentation by Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia. At the event, Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia, shared that Chinese visitor arrivals to Malaysia have maintained strong growth momentum for four consecutive years. In January and February 2026 alone, the number of Chinese visitors exceeded 1.03 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 27%. For merchants, integrating digital experiences that Chinese visitors are accustomed to, such as payment methods and Mini Programs, is becoming increasingly important. In the latest cross-border data released by Weixin for the 2026 Chinese New Year period, Malaysia ranked among the top five global destinations for Weixin Pay offline transaction volume. Offline transaction value in Malaysia recorded a 131% year-on-year increase, while Mini Program transaction value grew over 140%. The positive growth reflects increased tourism demand with the launch of the nation’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. The momentum also stemmed from a strong recovery in cross-border tourism between Malaysia and China, following the mutual visa-free policy between the two countries that took effect in July 2025 and saw over four million Chinese visitors travelling to Malaysia last year. Tourism Malaysia, which signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Weixin Pay in January 2026, is targeting to welcome 47 million visitor arrivals for Visit Malaysia 2026. Weixin Mini Program Transaction Grows 140% YoY; AirAsia, KLIA Ekspres and Gokoo Among Ecosystem Partners A growing number of Malaysian enterprises have moved to establish their presence within the Weixin ecosystem. AirAsia, Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost carrier, has launched a Weixin Mini Program for flight bookings, enabling Chinese passengers to search, book and pay entirely within the Weixin app without downloading a separate app. KLIA Ekspres, the express rail link connecting Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city centre, has integrated Weixin Pay and Mini Program, providing arriving Chinese tourists with a seamless first-mile transit experience. Multiple premium hotels in Malaysia now offer commission-free direct bookings through Mini Programs, while merchants across the country — from shopping malls to night market stalls — are leveraging preferential exchange rate voucher tools introduced by Weixin Pay to increase average transaction values and drive social sharing among Chinese visitors. Millions of Merchants Connected to Weixin Ecosystem via PayNet On the payments infrastructure side, Malaysia’s national payments network PayNet has fully integrated DuitNow QR with Weixin Pay, enabling over three million DuitNow QR touchpoints to accept payments from Chinese visitors without additional setup or cost. The event also featured Gokoo, a Southeast Asian lifestyle services platform that launched in Kuala Lumpur in December 2025. Built on the Weixin Mini Program framework, Gokoo offers food delivery, restaurant bookings, hotel reservations and home services to visitors and local users. The platform currently operates across eight countries with more than one million total transactions, demonstrating the versatility of the Mini Program model beyond serving inbound visitors. Weixin Mini Programs currently serve over 1.1 billion monthly active users. In 2025, the Mini Program ecosystem expanded to cover 100 countries and regions across 108 industry verticals, with cross-border transaction value growing over 70% year on year. The Weixin Open Class Malaysia session marks the latest step in Weixin’s ongoing efforts to support international partners and help local businesses connect with Chinese consumers through digital tools.

News

Tune Talk App Launches NOVA Astrology Feature For Star Sign Insights

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Tune Talk is adding a lifestyle feature to its mobile platform with the launch of Tune Talk NOVA, a new astrology subscription service now available in the Tune Talk App. The feature offers users both Western and Chinese zodiac readings, providing personalised AI-powered daily forecasts alongside their usual mobile services. With Tune Talk NOVA, subscribers can enjoy daily, monthly and yearly horoscope readings, zodiac profiles, compatibility insights and shareable astrology content. The service is designed to give users a fun and engaging way to check their daily outlook or explore compatibility with friends. Tune Talk said demand for astrology and horoscope content continues to grow across the Asia-Pacific region, especially among Millennials and Gen Z users who prefer mobile-first digital experiences. To celebrate the launch, first-time monthly subscribers will receive one month of full NOVA access for free via auto-renewal. Charges will only begin from the second month onward, and users can cancel within the first 30 days to avoid fees. NOVA passes start from RM5 for one-day access, while monthly passes begin at RM8 depending on eligibility. The feature is free for Epik+ 50 subscribers. Epik+ 35 and Epik+ 50 users can also earn 100 Tune Talk Points by checking their horoscope readings for three consecutive days. Tune Talk co-founder and chief executive officer Gurtaj Singh Padda said users are increasingly looking for personalised digital experiences that go beyond core mobile services. He added that Tune Talk NOVA is designed to meet that demand by offering a simple value-added feature that fits into users’ daily routines.

ESG

Maxim Malaysia, Society Of The Blind Promote Independent Travel With Accessible App

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For many visually impaired individuals, booking a ride has long meant relying on assistance. That experience took a step forward today as Maxim E-Hailing Malaysia, in collaboration with the Society of the Blind in Malaysia, demonstrated how voice talkback technology can support independent ride bookings at the Inclusive Mobility Seminar 2026 held at Wisma SBM. The session brought together approximately 40 visually impaired participants, who were introduced to how the Maxim app works with screen reader and voice talkback functions, allowing users to navigate the platform and arrange rides without visual input. The initiative highlighted how assistive technology can be integrated into everyday mobility services to improve independence and confidence in travel. A key highlight of the seminar was a guided live booking demonstration, where participants used voice-assisted commands to navigate the app, input destinations and simulate ride requests. The hands-on session provided a practical understanding of how the system responds to spoken input in real time, bridging the gap between digital accessibility features and real-world usage. Participants were supported throughout the session by facilitators, ensuring a structured and comfortable learning environment. The exercise allowed attendees to familiarise themselves with the application at their own pace, reinforcing confidence in using digital transport services independently. In addition to the live demonstration, participants were introduced to Maxim’s OKU-friendly tariff, including eligibility criteria, registration steps and fare structure. The briefing aimed to ensure that accessibility extends beyond app usage to include inclusive pricing options designed for the community. “Accessible technology should not be an added feature, it should be a standard. Through this initiative, we want to ensure that visually impaired users are able to navigate the Maxim app independently using voice talkback support and book rides with confidence. This seminar is part of our ongoing commitment to making everyday mobility more inclusive and empowering for all,” said Syed Abdul Syarif, Head of Division Kuala Lumpur, Maxim E-Hailing Malaysia. “I had the opportunity to experience making a booking on my own during the live demonstration, with guidance from the Maxim team. It was a very meaningful experience for me, as it showed that I can navigate the app and arrange my own rides with more confidence,” said Puan Farahin, a participant who took part in the live demo. To further enhance the session, a supervised ride simulation was conducted with a designated Maxim driver. Selected participants took part in a short demonstration ride, allowing them to experience real-world interaction, including communicating pick-up details and travel requirements in a controlled setting. “We would like to thank Maxim E-Hailing Malaysia for their commitment and willingness to collaborate with us in advancing accessible mobility. It is encouraging to see continuous efforts being made to improve digital services for the visually impaired community. Initiatives like this provide meaningful exposure and help our members gain confidence in travelling independently,” said Dr Ahmad Shamsuri, Vice President, Society of the Blind in Malaysia. For participants, the experience went beyond technical learning. It represented a practical step towards greater independence in daily travel, where digital tools and human support work together to make mobility more inclusive and accessible in real terms. The seminar builds on the ongoing Memorandum of Understanding between Maxim E-Hailing Malaysia and the Society of the Blind in Malaysia, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving mobility access for the visually impaired community through technology and collaboration. As digital platforms continue to evolve, initiatives like this demonstrate how assistive features such as voice talkback can be meaningfully integrated into essential services, enabling users to move through their daily lives with greater autonomy and confidence.

ESG

Powerwell Marks 40 Years Of Growth, Honours People Behind Success

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Leading homegrown power distribution specialist manufacturing low voltage (“LV”) and medium voltage electrical distribution equipment, Powerwell Holdings Berhad (“Powerwell” or the “Group”) (“佳电控股”), has marked its 40th anniversary, also known as its Ruby Anniversary, with a celebratory event held on the evening of 17 April 2026, commemorating four decades of steady growth, industry relevance, and operational resilience.  (from left to right): Mr. Tan Yee Sin, Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Tee Joe Ee, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, Ms. Wong Yoke Yen, Managing Director, Mr. Tang Yuen Kin, Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Mr. Chong Guang Wei, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr. Soh Wei Wei, Executive Director. Reaching its Ruby Anniversary is a meaningful milestone for Powerwell. Since its establishment, the Group has grown alongside Malaysia’s industrial development, building a strong presence across key sectors while adapting to evolving market dynamics. Today, Powerwell is well positioned within high-growth segments such as data centres, renewable energy, semiconductors, and the infrastructure space, where demand for reliable and efficient power infrastructure continues to expand. At the heart of this journey is the Group’s continued emphasis on people. Powerwell has increasingly placed importance on fostering a culture that recognises and rewards employees, while strengthening its ability to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. Initiatives such as its talent retention programmes and Employee Share Option Scheme (“ESOS”) support alignment with the Group’s long-term growth, while providing opportunities for meaningful participation in value creation. Ms. Wong Yoke Yen, Managing Director (left) and Mr. Tan Yee Sin, Chief Financial Officer (right), presenting the grand prize, a Proton e.MAS vehicle, to the lucky draw winner, a Powerwell employee, in a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the evening and a fitting reminder that the heart of the company has always been its people. Concurrently, Powerwell continues to build its pipeline of talent to support high-value and high-tech industries. As the Group moves forward, it remains guided by its purpose of empowering possibilities for its customers, employees and partners. As Powerwell marks this milestone, the Group remains guided by its tagline of ‘Empowering Possibilities’, as the Group continues to build on its established foundation and capture the exciting opportunities ahead to deliver sustainable growth in the years to come. The anniversary celebration brought together employees, management, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders in a night of appreciation and camaraderie. In a reflection of the Group’s shared pride and journey, a Proton e.MAS vehicle took centre stage as the grand prize of the night’s lucky draw. The choice of a homegrown brand mirrors Powerwell’s own journey as a Malaysian company that has grown and established itself over the decades.

Property

Northern TechValley Garners FDI Interest

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Integrated industrial park Northern TechValley @ BKE has garnered Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) interest from corporations based in Singapore, US and China, in addition to domestic investments to date. The RM1.3 billion Gross Development Value industrial park – developed by Suling Hill Development Sdn Bhd (Suling Hill), a joint venture between AME Elite Consortium Berhad and Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd – has thus far attracted customers from various industries, including warehousing, distribution hub, show room, printing, service centre, autoparts, construction machinery, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine, and logistics sectors. Speaking at the launch of Northern TechValley @ BKE show unit today, Suling Hill Development director Dylan Tan Teck Eng was encouraged by rising awareness of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) compliance as a deciding factor in new facility investments. “Our commitment is clear: We intend to catalyse the trajectory of growth-focused companies by providing infrastructure-ready and ESG-forward facilities in Northern TechValley @ BKE. We are beginning to see companies appreciate that ESG is as much an internal discipline as it is an external practice. As global supply chains evolve, businesses are increasingly required to meet higher ESG and environmental standards. Developments aligned with frameworks such as GreenRE provide a stronger foundation for manufacturers to position themselves, not just for compliance, but for competitiveness in global markets. While Northern TechValley’s GreenRE certification for buildings already points to a fundamental posture, customers are able to augment social indicators for employee wellbeing through the recreational facilities and workers’ accommodation within our industrial park. Hence, being ESG-integrated is a meaningful growth catalyst for customers’ alignment with their own stakeholders, be they suppliers, customers or employees.” Northern TechValley @ BKE has obtained GreenRE certification for both development and buildings, and integrates sustainability features such as eco-conscious materials. Amongst other initiatives, Suling Hill adopts thermally efficient materials, utilises durable construction, and flexible-functional design to reduce long-term operating costs, extend lifecycle performance, and enable efficient operations. The first phase of Northern TechValley @ BKE comprises 1½-storey detached standard factories across over 20 acres, of which the show unit was launched today. Subsequent phases on approximately 150 acres, which run concurrently, consist of larger built-to-suit facilities in accordance with customer requirements, workers’ accommodation, and general access infrastructure. At present, Suling Hill Development is undertaking infrastructure works, such as power and water supply, and high-speed fibre-optic internet. At the same time, it is also constructing a RM30 million flyover bridge to enhance direct access to the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE). The 413-metre bridge aims to reduce travel time and improve logistics flow for businesses operating within and around Northern TechValley @ BKE. The flyover is slated for physical completion in end-2026, with targeted commencement in early 2027. From a broader perspective, Tan opined that the current market circumstances represent a window of opportunity for Malaysia’s industrial parks in light of the country’s stable fundamentals, including sound fiscal management, skilled workforce, and pro-investment policies. “Our deep experience over the past 30 years has shown that both FDI and domestic direct investment play a significant role, especially when global supply chains are disrupted, and diversification is the preferred strategy for long-term continuity. In addition to enquiries from global and regional companies, we are also registering interest from companies in South Peninsular, indicating their own aspirations to continue their growth journey. We are therefore optimistic that Northern TechValley stands in good stead to capture this demand,” concluded Tan.

News

AIROD, Airbus Defence Sign MoU To Boost Malaysia’s A400M MRO Capabilities

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AIROD Sdn Bhd, a leading Malaysian military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider and a subsidiary of National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus Defence and Space at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 Exhibition to strengthen Malaysia’s capabilities in maintaining the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) fleet of four Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. The mandate reflects continued confidence by the Malaysian Government and RMAF in AIROD’s proven capabilities while ensuring the highest standards of aircraft maintenance and operational readiness. The signing was witnessed by the Honourable Minister of Defence Malaysia, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, signifying the national importance of enhancing Malaysia’s defence aerospace capabilities. As the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the A400M aircraft, Airbus Defence and Space will play a key role in supporting capability development through the transfer of technical expertise, standards and best practices, providing a structured pathway to strengthen in-country MRO capabilities for the RMAF fleet. Under the MoU, both parties will explore initiatives including: Development of A400M technical training programmes Out-of-scheme aircraft structural repair Expansion of specialised MRO services, including Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Level 3 and aircraft painting Positioning AIROD as a qualified local industrial partner and Airbus-approved supplier As part of this collaboration, AIROD is expected to support the servicing of the RMAF’s A400M fleet, including aircraft painting activities in collaboration with Satys Aerospace, a Tier 1 Airbus partner with extensive aircraft painting experience at Airbus Assembly Plants for both civil and military programmes. This collaboration will introduce advanced aircraft painting technologies, top-tier materials and global best practices, further enhancing AIROD’s technical capabilities in line with international aerospace standards. More broadly, the collaboration reflects Malaysia’s strategic direction to enhance its defence industrial base through local capability development, technology transfer and greater self-reliance, supported by frameworks such as the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) and National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP). It also reinforces AIROD’s role in supporting Malaysia’s ambition to position itself as a credible regional hub for military aircraft maintenance. Dato’ Edron Hayata bin Ahmad, Group President of NADI, said: “This partnership with Airbus Defence and Space marks an important step in strengthening Malaysia’s defence aerospace ecosystem. By advancing local MRO capabilities for the A400M platform, we are supporting the operational readiness of the RMAF while positioning Malaysia as a credible regional hub for military aircraft maintenance. AIROD remains committed to driving technology transfer, developing highly skilled local talent, and supporting the nation’s Industrial Collaboration Programme as we continue to elevate Malaysia’s aerospace industry to global standards.”

Energy & Technology

Azor Industries Elevates Social Commerce With Augmented Reality

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Azor Industries Sdn Bhd continues to advance Malaysia’s digital commerce landscape through ongoing innovation across its platform ecosystem, led by SAYAJUAL.IO. The platform has recently been enhanced with augmented reality (AR) capabilities, enabling merchants and resellers to showcase products virtually in a more immersive and interactive manner. This innovation addresses a key challenge in online selling – product visualisation – by reducing reliance on physical samples while improving customer confidence and engagement. Through AR, businesses are able to present products in a more realistic context, supporting stronger purchase intent and more effective digital selling strategies. Notably, leading Malaysian fashion brand Bulan Bintang has begun leveraging the platform to enhance its online customer experience and scale its digital sales efforts more efficiently. “AR is no longer a future concept, it is a practical tool that can directly improve how products are experienced in a digital environment. “Our goal is to make this technology accessible and usable for everyday businesses, not just large enterprises,” said Abdul Hafidz Johari, Chief Technology Officer of Azor Industries.  In parallel, Azor Industries has also introduced SAYAJUAL.AI, a solution designed to simplify and accelerate the process of launching an online business. The platform enables users to automatically generate structured online stores and landing pages, allowing them to quickly deploy marketing campaigns and focus on conversion rather than technical setup. Meanwhile, SAYALIVE.IO continues to support event organisers with seamless digital ticketing and event management capabilities, expanding the company’s role beyond commerce into broader digital engagement solutions. With a growing ecosystem that integrates social commerce, immersive technology, and AI-driven automation, Azor Industries is positioning itself as a key enabler of next-generation digital entrepreneurship in Malaysia and the region.

Energy & Technology

MPay Wins RM270,270 PPSB Project

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ManagePay Systems Bhd (MPay) has secured a letter of award from Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) worth RM270,270 for the development of a new mobile application. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the electronic payment solutions provider said the contract covers the design, development, supply, configuration, testing, integration, commissioning and maintenance of PPSB’s cloud-hosted mobile application. MPay said the application is expected to be delivered within four months from the date it receives written instructions from the project’s supervising officer. The company will also provide full system support and maintenance services for a subscription period of three years. The project is expected to enhance digital services and operational efficiency for Penang Port through a more accessible and modern mobile platform. MPay noted that the contract will not have any impact on its issued share capital or the shareholdings of its major shareholders. However, it is expected to contribute positively to the group’s earnings and net assets per share for the financial year ending June 30, 2026, and beyond.

Property

Lintec Puts Penang Properties Up For Sale By Tender

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Tokyo-listed Lintec Corp is putting its Penang industrial property up for sale via tender after 25 years of operations in Malaysia. The asset is an eight-acre leasehold site located in Bukit Minyak Industrial Park, Penang, and includes a single-storey factory with a total built-up area of about 132,000 sq ft. According to market estimates, the property is valued at between RM45 million and RM50 million. The tender exercise is being handled by CBRE | WTW and will close on April 23. The land lease is valid until Oct 29, 2061. Bukit Minyak Industrial Park is one of Penang’s key manufacturing hubs in Seberang Perai, known for its strong connectivity to the North-South Expressway as well as both Penang bridges. The area is surrounded by other major industrial zones such as Penang Science Park and Batu Kawan Industrial Park. Lintec announced in September 2025 that it would dissolve and liquidate its Malaysian subsidiary, Lintec Industries (M) Sdn Bhd, due to falling competitiveness and declining orders. The unit was established in 2000 and specialised in multilayer ceramic capacitor-related tapes used in electronic devices. The company said growing competition from Chinese manufacturers had reduced demand and market value for its products, leading to the decision to exit manufacturing and sales operations in Malaysia. Lintec still maintains other subsidiaries in Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam and Kuching, where it also operates a manufacturing plant.

News

Govt Delays E-Invoicing For MSMEs By One Year To Ease Business Burden

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a one-year delay in the implementation of e-invoicing for certain micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as part of measures to reduce cost pressures caused by the global energy crisis. The government said businesses with annual sales between RM1 million and RM5 million will now be given until Dec 31, 2027, to implement e-invoicing. During the extended period, affected companies will be allowed to issue consolidated e-invoices and will not face penalties. Anwar said the move is based on feedback received directly from MSMEs and is aimed at easing operational burdens while ensuring business continuity. In addition, the government will allocate RM5 billion under Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP) to provide financing guarantees of up to 80% for businesses impacted by rising costs. The guarantee period will be up to 10 years and will cover sectors such as construction, agriculture, agri-food, logistics, transportation and tourism. The government is also considering import duty and sales tax exemptions until Dec 31 this year for reimported Malaysian goods that could not complete export processes due to disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Anwar said the ongoing tensions in West Asia have created economic spillover effects, including supply disruptions, higher logistics and insurance costs, and continued pressure on business input prices. He added that the government remains committed to taking swift action based on industry feedback and will continue working with financial institutions and businesses to protect jobs, support companies and strengthen resilience against prolonged global uncertainty.

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