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ICT Zone Bags RM14m Order To Lease ICT Equipment

KUALA LUMPUR, ICT Zone Asia Bhd has secured a purchase order worth RM14.15 million from Starza Corporation Sdn Bhd for the lease of information and communication technology (ICT) hardware and software over a 36-month period. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday, the company said the contract was awarded to its wholly owned subsidiary, ICT Zone Ventures Bhd, and covers the leasing of desktops, laptops, printers, Microsoft Office software, and related peripheral devices to Starza for deployment to a government agency. The agreement, however, excludes ICT services. ICT Zone plans to fund the acquisition of the hardware and software using a combination of IPO proceeds, bank borrowings, and internally generated funds. The group expects the order to positively contribute to earnings and net assets over the contract period, although gearing is likely to rise due to the partial use of borrowings. Having transitioned from the LEAP Market, ICT Zone raised RM26.6 million through its ACE Market IPO on June 3, allocating RM21 million specifically for ICT asset acquisitions to support future leasing arrangements. The company, which provides ICT solutions and technology financing, recorded a net profit of RM3.33 million for its first financial quarter ended April 30, 2025 (1QFY2026) on revenue of RM41.62 million, largely driven by its technology financing and ICT trading segments. ICT Zone has previously stated its goal of growing its unbilled order book to RM500 million within three years following its ACE Market listing, leveraging recurring income from long-term leasing contracts. The group’s shares closed 0.5 sen higher, or up 2.94%, at 17.5 sen on Tuesday, giving it a market capitalisation of RM139.2 million.

Energy & Technology

Petronas Forges Upstream Collaboration With Oman’s OQEP

KUALA LUMPUR, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), via its upstream subsidiary Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, has formalised a strategic collaboration with Oman-based OQ Exploration and Production New Ventures LLC (OQEP) to jointly pursue opportunities in oil and gas exploration and production across key markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The partnership was cemented with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at OQEP’s headquarters in Muscat, Oman, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the upstream energy sector. OQEP is a wholly owned subsidiary of OQ Exploration and Production SAOG, one of Oman’s leading national energy companies. According to Petronas, the MOU sets out a framework for collaboration that will combine the multinational company’s international upstream expertise with OQEP’s deep regional knowledge and operational experience. The agreement is expected to unlock new growth opportunities, facilitate knowledge sharing, and accelerate value creation in both mature and emerging markets. “Aligning our strengths with OQEP’s strategic direction allows us to pursue high-impact projects and enhance our global upstream portfolio,” said Mohd Redhani Abdul Rahman, Petronas’ vice president of international assets. “This partnership is a meaningful step forward in building a resilient and competitive upstream business, leveraging our complementary capabilities to explore and develop energy resources more efficiently.” Petronas has maintained a presence in Oman since 2018 and currently holds participating interests in Block 61. The collaboration with OQEP is intended to build upon the company’s growing track record in the region, anchored on mutual trust, industry expertise, and shared goals of operational excellence. The MOU also opens avenues for co-investment, technical cooperation, and joint project evaluation, allowing both parties to explore potential upstream ventures that may include conventional oil and gas fields as well as frontier energy resources. “This partnership underscores Petronas’ commitment to expanding its global upstream footprint and diversifying its portfolio across strategic geographies,” the company added. “By leveraging OQEP’s in-depth local knowledge and regulatory insights, we aim to optimise exploration and production outcomes while delivering sustainable value to stakeholders in both countries.” The agreement reflects the growing trend of cross-border collaborations in the energy sector, as national and international players seek synergies to navigate a dynamic market environment, mitigate operational risks, and respond to increasing global energy demand. Petronas and OQEP plan to identify and evaluate specific upstream projects over the coming months, with the MOU providing a foundation for detailed project agreements, technical exchanges, and strategic planning to maximise the potential of jointly pursued ventures. This collaboration is expected to further strengthen Oman-Malaysia energy ties and contribute to long-term regional energy security, while also supporting both companies’ ambitions to expand their presence in key upstream markets.

News

Solarvest To Raise RM254m Via Private Placement For Solar Projects, Working Capital

KUALA LUMPUR, Solarvest Holdings Bhd plans to raise up to RM254.1 million through a private placement, issuing 10% of its enlarged share capital to fund solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, support working capital, and repay borrowings. The exercise will involve up to 84.7 million new shares to be allocated to independent third parties, with the issue price to be determined later. Based on an illustrative price of RM3 per share—around a 4.15% discount to its five-day volume-weighted average price of RM3.13 up to Oct 17—the proceeds are estimated at RM254.1 million. Almost half of the funds, RM124.6 million, will go towards equity contributions for three solar PV projects: RM49 million for a 470MWac plant in Larut and Matang, Perak (a joint venture with Malakoff Corp Bhd), RM45.6 million for a 100MWac plant in Mukah, Sarawak (60%-owned by Solarvest), and RM30 million for a 60MWac plant in Kuala Langat, Selangor. The remaining proceeds will fund RM79.2 million in working capital, RM50 million to repay borrowings, and cover expenses related to the placement. Solarvest last conducted a private placement in April 2024, raising RM28.61 million via 20.15 million shares. The current placement is expected to be completed by the first half of 2026, with KAF Investment Bank Bhd appointed as principal adviser and placement agent. Shares in Solarvest closed two sen higher at RM3.17 on Tuesday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM2.69 billion.

Investment & Market Trends

Straits Energy To Offload Two Tugboats For RM8.5m To Related Party Due To Project Shortage

KUALA LUMPUR, Straits Energy Resources Bhd is set to sell two tugboats to related party Sealion Ltd for a total of US$2.01 million (RM8.5 million) as part of efforts to streamline non-core assets and cut operating costs. The company said the Labuan-based unit Victoria STS has faced a shortage of viable projects since early 2023, and the tugboats are no longer essential to current or foreseeable operations. The sale is expected to reduce operating, licensing, and insurance expenses. In a Bursa filing, Straits Energy stated that its indirect subsidiaries, Victoria 1 Ltd and Victoria 3 Ltd, signed separate memoranda of agreement with Sealion for the disposal of TG Victoria 1 and TG Victoria 3. The related-party transaction involves TG Victoria 1 being sold for US$826,500 (RM3.49 million) and TG Victoria 3 for US$1.19 million (RM5.01 million), reflecting the interest of major shareholder Datuk Seri Tiong Chiong Kui. Proceeds from the sale will primarily go towards repaying term loans with Orix Leasing Malaysia Bhd, to which the vessels are charged as security, and to settle amounts owed to suppliers and related companies. TG Victoria 1, built in 1992, has a gross tonnage of 230 tonnes and a length of 34.24 metres, while TG Victoria 3, built in 2001, has a gross tonnage of 199 tonnes and measures 32.82 metres. The disposal is expected to be completed by December 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances. Straits Energy operates in oil trading and bunkering services, land transportation and logistics, and port operations and facility management. Its shares closed unchanged at eight sen on Tuesday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM79.56 million.

Energy & Technology

Sasbadi Teams Up With Agmo To Develop AI Solutions For The Education Sector

KUALA LUMPUR, Educational publisher Sasbadi Holdings Bhd has partnered with digital solutions provider Agmo Holdings Bhd (KL:AGMO) to develop Malaysia’s first large language model (LLM) tailored specifically for the education sector. The collaboration will operate through a joint venture company, Penerbitan Minda Sdn Bhd, under a joint venture and shareholders’ agreement (JVA) signed on Oct 18. Sasbadi’s subsidiary, Sasbadi Online Sdn Bhd, will hold a 55% stake, while Agmo’s wholly owned unit, Agmo Capital Sdn Bhd, will own 45%, according to Bursa Malaysia filings. The venture aims to create an education-focused LLM to power AI-driven tutoring, adaptive learning platforms, and intelligent content creation tools. Sasbadi brings over 40 years of educational expertise and proprietary content for model training, while Agmo will handle technical development, architecture, and integration using advanced techniques such as natural language processing (NLP) and reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF). The model will align with Malaysia’s national curriculum and provide personalised, bilingual learning experiences for students and educators. “This partnership marks a significant step in Sasbadi’s digital transformation,” said Sasbadi group managing director Law King Hui. “By combining our education expertise with Agmo’s AI capabilities, we are building a localised LLM that could transform how Malaysians learn and teach.” Agmo CEO Tan Aik Keong added that the collaboration is expected to drive innovation and create substantial value for the education sector and shareholders. Sasbadi noted that the model could also be adapted in the future for corporate training, language learning, and knowledge management, tapping into the growing EdTech and AI markets in Southeast Asia. This initiative follows the launch of Ilmu 0.1 by YTL Power International Bhd, a Malaysia-developed LLM that demonstrated strong performance in Bahasa Melayu comprehension, surpassing global models including OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Agmo’s Merdeka-LLM on the Malay MMLU benchmark. At Tuesday’s market close, Sasbadi shares remained at 15 sen, giving it a market capitalisation of RM65.42 million, while Agmo shares rose 0.5 sen or 1.18% to 43 sen, valuing the company at RM139.8 million.

Investment & Market Trends

Verdant Solar Jumps 19% In Debut Trading On ACE Market

KUALA LUMPUR, Verdant Solar Holdings Bhd surged 19% in its first day of trading on the ACE Market on Wednesday, as investors snapped up shares of the solar panel installer ahead of its market debut. The stock opened at 37 sen, above its initial public offering (IPO) price of 31 sen per share, reaching an intraday high of 38.5 sen and trading at 38 sen at 9.10am, with more than 49 million shares changing hands. The strong debut comes after a highly oversubscribed IPO, where retail investors applied for nearly 40 times more shares than available, reflecting confidence in the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. “Every step of our mission has been clear: to reduce electricity costs through world-class solar solutions that promote sustainable living, while providing the best customer experience,” said managing director Lim Tzer Haur during the listing ceremony. Founded in 2015, Verdant Solar initially focused on marketing solar systems for residential properties before expanding into engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC), as well as operations and maintenance. The IPO raised approximately RM44 million for Verdant Solar, with an additional RM22.8 million gained by Lim, his spouse Ng Kel Mynn, and substantial shareholder Ong Hsiao Loong from partial share sales, bringing total proceeds to RM66.8 million. The company, valued at RM311 million based on its last traded price, plans to reinvest earnings into growth and does not intend to pay dividends in the near term. Mercury Securities acted as the principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter, and placement agent for the IPO.

News

Meey Group Names Ms. Léonie Nguyen As New CEO

HANOI, Meey Group has announced the appointment of Ms. Léonie Nguyen as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition as the company accelerates its global expansion and prepares for a potential IPO. Mr. Hoang Mai Chung presents the appointment decision to Ms. Nguyen Ly Kieu Anh as CEO of Meey Group.  Ms. Nguyen, who has served as Chief Strategy Officer at Meey Group since January 2025, brings extensive international experience across technology, investment, and innovation. A well-connected figure in the global AI and Web3 sectors, she has invested in and advised numerous startups worldwide and co-founded several companies in emerging technology fields. Before entering the fintech and proptech industries, Ms. Nguyen held senior leadership roles managing global supply chains and strategic partnerships at Minh Thai ATV, working with major international brands such as Lacoste, Zara, The North Face, and Adidas. She also served as a Project Manager at GEODIS and held consulting positions across Europe and Asia. Ms. Nguyen holds a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering from the Université de Technologie de Troyes (France), a dual Master’s degree in Logistics and Management, and multiple executive certificates from leading U.S. institutions. Mr. Hoang Mai Chung, founder of Meey Group, will continue as Chairman of the Board, focusing on long-term strategy and partnerships. He said Ms. Nguyen’s appointment reflects Meey Group’s forward-looking approach during a pivotal phase of transformation. “Ms. Nguyen has played a vital role in shaping Meey Group’s foundation for sustainable growth,” Hoang said. “Her innovative mindset and strategic leadership will be key to strengthening the company’s position as it moves toward international expansion.” In her inaugural address, Ms. Nguyen outlined her vision of building a comprehensive technology ecosystem to drive Vietnam’s digital transformation and improve transparency in the real estate market. “We actualize technology through real products and real value, validated by the market,” she stated. She highlighted Meey Group’s recent achievements, including its business mission to New York, where it became one of the few Vietnamese companies to have the national flag displayed at the world’s largest financial center. This milestone, along with positive responses from global investors, has strengthened confidence in Meey Group’s growth trajectory. Ms. Nguyen emphasized her leadership philosophy centered on investing in people and fostering a culture of innovation. She described human capital as the “core foundation” of Meey Group’s success, noting the company’s growing team of millennial and Gen Z professionals driven by technological expertise and entrepreneurial ambition. Under her leadership, Meey Group will focus on preparing for a global IPO, including financial standardization, governance enhancement, and international expansion. The company is collaborating with Loeb & Loeb LLP, YKVN, and Marcum Asia to ensure compliance with global capital market standards. Having achieved ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications, Meey Group has already demonstrated its commitment to quality management and information security. The IPO process, Ms. Nguyen noted, requires “precision in every detail—from financial reporting to corporate governance—ensuring that growth and transparency move hand in hand.” Looking ahead, she envisions Meey Group as a global public enterprise, recognized for innovation, transparency, and sustainable value creation. The company aims to expand its PropTech ecosystem into new international markets and strengthen partnerships with major global financial institutions, reinforcing Vietnam’s position on the world technology map. “Meey Group’s success,” Ms. Nguyen concluded, “will not only define our future but also inspire greater recognition of Vietnamese innovation and potential within the global investment community.”    

News

Temus Names Three New Managing Directors

SINGAPORE, Temus, a Temasek Holdings company focused on providing digital transformation solutions for the public and private sectors, has announced the appointment of three new managing directors to lead its key business verticals. Sutowo Wong joins as head of the AI and data practice. Formerly director of the Health Analytics Division at Singapore’s Ministry of Health, Wong led multidisciplinary teams applying AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to inform policy, service planning, and operational improvements. He has also held senior roles at Accenture, Deloitte, and OgilvyOne, driving analytics, risk management, and AI transformation projects across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, telecoms, consumer goods, travel, hospitality, and retail in Southeast Asia, China, India, and Japan. Vincent Tay has been appointed head of the public sector practice. Tay was previously a partner in EY’s government and public sector practice, and before that in IBM Consulting’s public sector and healthcare practice. He brings nearly three decades of experience in IT consulting and digital transformation, having led initiatives in regulatory reform, citizen-facing platforms, and strategic studies that have strengthened Singapore’s digital governance capabilities. Samuel Chong takes the role of head of the insurance practice. He was most recently Vice President at eBaoTech International, where he spearheaded business strategy, market expansion, and digital insurance adoption across the region. Chong also served as CEO of Fullerton Systems and Services, a technology subsidiary of Fullerton Health, and has held senior roles at Dell EMC, Cisco, Capgemini, and Accenture. He brings over 20 years of leadership experience across insurance, fintech, healthtech, and digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific. In conjunction with these appointments, Temus announced three new strategic collaborations with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Peak3, and Resaro. These partnerships aim to develop Singapore’s AI workforce, advance the responsible development of enterprise-grade AI, and drive digital adoption in the insurance sector, reinforcing Temus’ commitment to fostering innovation and digital transformation across industries.

News

Inspire Entertainment CEO Chen Si Becomes COO Of Resorts World Sentosa

SINGAPORE, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has announced the appointment of Si Chen as its new chief operating officer (COO). Chen, currently the CEO and representative director of Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon, South Korea, will assume the role on December 1. RWS said Chen’s appointment reflects the resort’s continued focus on leadership renewal and sustained operational excellence as it advances its transformation under RWS 2.0. As COO, Chen will support RWS chief executive officer Lee Shi Ruh, overseeing day-to-day operations and enhancing the overall guest experience. With nearly two decades of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry, Chen has held senior leadership roles at integrated resorts across the region. “We welcome Mr. Chen and look forward to his contributions as RWS continues its transformation and growth, reinforcing its position as a leading integrated resort and premier tourism destination in Asia,” RWS said in a statement. In line with Chen’s departure, Inspire Entertainment Resort has appointed Gyubum Ko as its new CEO, effective December 1. Inspire described Ko as a “business leader with over 20 years of proven leadership and management experience in global markets.” Ko has held senior positions at multinational companies including Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Smith & Nephew, and Stryker, and has served as an independent board member of Jeisys Medical since November 2024. Inspire highlighted Ko’s extensive international experience, having successfully grown businesses across Korea, the U.S., China, Singapore, the U.K., the UAE, and Australia. “I am truly excited to join Inspire at such a dynamic time in the global casino and integrated resort industry. Drawing on international experience and customer insights, I look forward to working closely with Inspire’s talented team to drive innovation, enhance customer engagement, and deliver long-term value for our guests, employees, and stakeholders,” Ko said. Ohsang Kwon, partner at Bain Capital, Seoul, representing Inspire’s majority owner Bain Capital, praised Chen’s tenure at Inspire. “Under CEO Chen Si, Inspire successfully opened and achieved key milestones during its initial ramp-up, welcoming 4 million visitors in its first year and establishing itself as a leading entertainment destination for tourists, convention guests, and music fans.” Kwon added that Ko’s leadership, combining international expertise and market insight, is expected to continue Inspire’s growth momentum. “Bain Capital is excited to work closely with Inspire’s management team to invest in the resort’s long-term growth and operational excellence.”

Investment & Market Trends

ILM Expands Sukuk Programme To US$8.5 Billion

  KUALA LUMPUR, The International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM) has increased the size of its sukuk programme from US$6 billion to US$8.5 billion (US$1=RM4.22). In a statement today, IILM said the expansion underscores its position as a key provider of short-term Islamic High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA), designed to support the cross-border liquidity needs of Islamic financial institutions globally. Chief executive officer Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid said the latest upsizing reflects IILM’s strong growth trajectory and ongoing commitment to strengthening the Islamic financial ecosystem. “This expansion, which follows last year’s increase from US$4 billion to US$6 billion, highlights IILM’s momentum in advancing global Islamic liquidity management. By deepening and diversifying our asset base, we are better equipped to meet the evolving liquidity needs of Islamic financial institutions worldwide,” he said. Since its first issuance in 2013, IILM has issued more than US$130 billion through over 300 short-term sukuk series, with tenors ranging from one month to 12 months. IILM’s instruments are currently rated “A-1” by S&P Global Ratings and “F1” by Fitch Ratings.  

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