Author name: admin

AirAsia X Bhd is set to be renamed AirAsia starting January 19, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s ongoing restructuring and consolidation process, according to its founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes. The move comes as AirAsia finalises steps to unify all its aviation operations under a single brand and corporate entity. Capital A chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes. In a LinkedIn post on Tuesday, Fernandes highlighted that the consolidation will result in “one airline group and one brand,” streamlining both the long-haul and short-haul operations under the AirAsia name. AirAsia X, which currently operates the group’s long-haul flights, is in the final stages of completing its RM6.8 billion acquisition of short-haul aviation businesses from its sister company, Capital A Bhd. The restructuring will also allow Capital A to shed its financially distressed PN17 status, which has been in place since the pandemic, and refocus as a holding company for AirAsia’s non-aviation businesses. Fernandes noted that the reorganisation of the airline operations is a key step in strengthening the group’s financial and operational structure, allowing AirAsia to operate more efficiently and cohesively. Fernandes further revealed that AirAsia is in the process of finalising new aircraft orders. The refreshed fleet is expected to reduce operational costs and improve margins, with the founder aiming for a 30% margin on earnings before taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). He also expressed confidence that the move will enhance shareholder value, targeting a significant increase in the company’s stock price in the near term. With the integration of long-haul and short-haul operations under a single brand, the rebranded AirAsia is poised to strengthen its market position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading low-cost carriers, offering a more seamless travel experience for passengers while boosting operational efficiency and profitability.

Selangor Dredging Bhd (SDB) has announced the acquisition of a 1.214-hectare freehold commercial land parcel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, from Hectare Square Sdn Bhd for a total consideration of RM63 million. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, SDB said the purchase forms part of its ongoing strategy to expand and replenish its land bank with properties that have strong development potential. The group highlighted that the newly acquired land offers promising opportunities for future development and aligns with its long-term growth objectives. “SDB intends to explore the development of the site into high-rise serviced apartments, featuring spacious layouts and ample open spaces designed to provide family-friendly amenities,” the company said. At this stage, the company noted that the total development costs, project timeline, and expected profits have not yet been determined, as detailed planning and design work are still underway. Once finalised, SDB expects the development to contribute significantly to the company’s property portfolio and enhance the value of its land bank. The company also clarified that while the acquisition is not anticipated to have any immediate material impact on its consolidated earnings for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, it is expected to provide positive contributions to the group’s earnings in the medium to long term. This latest acquisition underscores SDB’s commitment to strategically identifying and securing prime properties in key urban locations, which will support the group’s expansion plans and strengthen its presence in the Selangor property market.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has appointed Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri as its new group chief executive officer, effective Monday, Jan 12. Azlan succeeds Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin, who previously led KTMB in two stints, the latest starting in December 2020. The appointment was announced on Sunday and confirms a report by The Edge Malaysia in June 2025 regarding leadership changes at the national rail operator. Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri. KTMB chairman Datuk Ahmad Redza Abdullah said Azlan was selected for his proven leadership and extensive experience in public transportation. “We are confident he will guide KTMB towards greater success through strong governance, operational excellence, and enhanced customer experience,” he stated. Azlan brings six years of experience as director-general of the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) under the Ministry of Transport, where he oversaw regulatory matters, service planning, and coordination of nationwide public transport initiatives, particularly in the rail sector. Before his tenure at Apad, he gained experience in corporate and financial sectors, focusing on operations, risk management, and internal controls. He holds a degree in accounting from the University of Portsmouth, UK, and an MBA in finance from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Commenting on his new role, Azlan expressed his commitment to advancing KTMB’s capabilities as the country’s national rail operator. “I am honoured by the trust placed in me and will work to enhance safety, service reliability, and operational efficiency for all rail users,” he said. This leadership change is expected to strengthen KTMB’s strategic direction and position it for continued growth and improvement in Malaysia’s rail sector.

Sarawak-based technology firm Impact Capital Holdings Bhd has filed for a listing on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market to raise funds for business expansion and operations. According to its draft prospectus, the company plans to grow by opening new offices across Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia and hiring around 60 new staff, including engineers, sales representatives, and project managers. Impact Capital said it aims to recruit skilled professionals with the technical expertise and industry experience needed to support its operations. Impact Capital specialises in the integration of ICT equipment and systems for critical infrastructure, covering telecommunications, enterprise networks, data centres, and security systems. Its clients include government agencies, utilities, financial and merchant service providers, internet technology companies, and other corporate clients. For the 12 months ended June 2025, the company reported a net profit of RM7 million on revenue of RM145 million, with almost all income generated from Malaysia. Part of the IPO proceeds will fund a digital innovation and solutions centre to serve as a demonstration and testing hub. The remaining funds will be allocated for working capital, marketing, and listing expenses. Co-founders Winston Chai Fung Chun and Kok Teck Kuan are also selling a small portion of their shares through the IPO, while they and co-founder Chyr Ye Hong will collectively retain 65% ownership after listing. Public Investment Bank is appointed as the principal adviser, sponsor, sole underwriter, and sole placement agent for the IPO.

Yayasan Peneraju (YP) has launched a new basic financing package to make upskilling and reskilling programmes, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), more accessible to Malaysians. The package, available to the public starting tomorrow, offers eligible applicants up to RM5,000 in interest-free financing with no administrative fees. Participants are not required to repay the amount upon completing the training successfully. This new offering complements YP’s existing silver, gold, and platinum packages introduced in February last year. Yayasan Peneraju CEO Ibrahim Sani said an estimated 620,000 jobs in Malaysia could be significantly impacted by artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the green economy over the next three to five years. According to YP CEO Ibrahim Sani, the initiative aims to lower barriers to training as workplace skills continue to evolve amid AI, digitalisation, and the green economy. He highlighted that up to 620,000 jobs in Malaysia could be impacted by these trends in the next three to five years, making upskilling urgent. The basic package features more than 100 AI-focused courses from over 40 approved training providers, covering beginner courses such as AI Prompting Essentials and Generative AI Essentials, as well as role-specific tracks in design, cloud computing, development, data, and cybersecurity. Training durations are practical and typically last up to six months. Applicants aged 16 and above, including students, graduates, working adults, self-employed, and unemployed individuals, are eligible to participate. The courses follow the AI readiness index framework developed by AI Singapore, enabling structured learning paths. YP aims to build on last year’s record enrolment of over 14,000 Bumiputera talents, including nearly 9,000 in tech-related courses. This year, it targets 12,000 participants in technology programmes and plans to scale up to 50,000 annually by 2030, supporting Malaysia’s 13th Plan goal of developing 100,000 tech-ready talents over five years.