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News

ADTEC, Asian Supply Base Sign MoU To Develop Technical Talent

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ADTEC (Advanced Technology Centre), under the Manpower Department (JTM), and Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd (ASB) have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening technical talent development and expanding industry exposure for trainees. In a recent Facebook post, ASB said the collaboration, sealed through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), is expected to pave the way for joint initiatives covering technical and professional training, competency development, expertise sharing, and industrial exposure in line with current industry needs. The MoU was signed at Wisma Asian Supply Base by JTM director-general Datuk Rospiagos Taha and ASB chief executive officer Datuk Japar Esteban. “The partnership represents a strategic initiative to strengthen linkages between industry and technical education and skills training institutions, particularly in developing a workforce equipped with relevant technical competencies. It also reflects the commitment of both ASB and ADTEC JTM to producing highly skilled, competent and competitive human capital capable of meeting evolving industry needs,” the statement said. ASB said the collaboration is expected to give trainees greater exposure to real industry practices, while knowledge and expertise sharing between industry practitioners and training institutions will help keep training programmes aligned with workplace demands. The partnership is also expected to support the development of local talent and strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers needed by industries in Labuan and the wider region, it added. The signing was witnessed by ASB Human Resources Department head Zulainahwaty Sulaiman, along with senior representatives from JTM and ADTEC campuses. Among those present were JTM Research and Planning Division director Alina A. Rahman@Othman, ADTEC JTM Labuan Campus director Imalistyahusnanjaya Mat Hussin, ADTEC JTM Kota Kinabalu Campus director Sudirman Hammade, ADTEC JTM Sandakan Campus deputy director Suhaidi Mustar, and JTM Industry Relations Unit head Ganesan V. Murugesu.

Energy & Technology

Sabah To Take 30% Stake In Two New Oil And Gas Fields, Says Hajiji

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The Sabah government will take a 30 per cent stake in two new oil and gas fields off the state’s east coast, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced. He said the state was also in the final stages of acquiring a 40 per cent equity interest in a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility project in Sabah. “The agreement for this partnership will be signed soon. The government will also develop new industrial parks, including in Kota Belud, and a blue economy hub in Kudat to further boost investment in the state and increase domestic economic activity,” he said at Upko’s 32nd anniversary celebration and the opening of the party’s 17th Triennial Conference. Hajiji, who also chairs Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), said the move forms part of the state government’s efforts to deepen its role in the oil and gas industry through strategic collaboration with Petronas under the Commercial Collaborative Agreement. He noted that the partnership had boosted the state’s equity holdings in oil and gas exploration and development in Sabah, while opening up opportunities for local companies to participate in the sector. Hajiji said the state government remains focused on strengthening its financial standing and boosting revenue collection as a key pillar of Sabah’s development. Annual revenue has held steady at around RM7 billion since 2022, he said, and is projected to rise to RM8 billion this year. “In 2025 alone, RM7.6 billion in investment value in the manufacturing sector was recorded, almost 208 per cent against 2024,” he said. He attributed the achievement partly to Sabah’s economic resilience amid various domestic and global challenges, which he said has further cemented its position as a strategic investment destination.

ESG

Indonesia Partners With Rubicon On Blue Carbon Development

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Rubicon Carbon, a company backed by TPG Inc.’s Rise Climate fund, will help finance carbon credit projects in Indonesia as the country pushes to expand supply and forge trading agreements with other nations. Rubicon Carbon and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia (KKP) signed a Letter of Intent to advance strategic collaboration on blue carbon development in Indonesia. Indonesia’s government has established a co-investment partnership with Rubicon Carbon that will pool public and private capital for blue carbon deals through a dedicated vehicle, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said in a statement to Bloomberg News. “Indonesia is committed to unlocking the full potential of its blue carbon economy while ensuring that coastal communities remain at the centre of its development,” Trenggono said. Blue carbon projects generally involve the capture of carbon dioxide by coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and salt marshes. Under the arrangement, Indonesia’s government will provide support through land access, permitting, and help engaging local communities. No financial terms were disclosed, and a Rubicon Carbon spokesperson declined to discuss specifics of the co-investment deal. Trenggono added that the partnership’s initial phase — expected to become Indonesia’s largest blue carbon mangrove restoration effort — will span as much as 70,000 hectares (172,974 acres) along Java’s northern coast, with room to grow if the pilot phase proves successful. President Prabowo Subianto has previously outlined a goal of generating billions of dollars in revenue from carbon credits and has moved to revive the sector through various policy measures. Indonesia was once among Asia’s top suppliers of voluntary carbon credits before it restricted exports in 2022, when the prior administration reassessed how domestic offsets fit into the country’s own climate targets. Rubicon Carbon, led by former Bank of America Corp. executive Tom Montag, was founded to capitalize on an expected surge in carbon markets driven by intensifying climate concerns. While proponents view the market as essential to achieving global net-zero goals, it has lost momentum in recent years following a series of scandals and companies pulling back on emissions commitments. “Indonesia has an extraordinary opportunity to become a global leader in blue carbon,” Montag said in a LinkedIn post on Rubicon Carbon’s account last month.

ESG

Solar Power Is Becoming A Practical Choice For Malaysian Homeowners

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Household electricity bills are increasingly on the minds of Malaysian homeowners. The way homes use power is shifting — air conditioners run longer as temperatures climb, more families are adopting electric vehicles, and smart devices and connected appliances are becoming standard fixtures in daily life. Together, these trends are pushing energy consumption steadily upward. Meanwhile, changes to electricity tariff structures and programmes like the 2026 Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP) are pushing more homeowners to consider renewable energy as a way to keep long-term costs under control. Picking a home solar system, though, involves more than comparing price tags. Homeowners want assurance that a system will perform reliably, that support will be available after installation, and that they’re working with a partner who can protect their investment for years down the road. Drawing on over three decades of building nationwide communications networks across Malaysia, Maxis has spent the past two years moving into the home energy space, aiming to make going solar straightforward and stress-free for homeowners throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Rather than simply handling installation, Maxis delivers a full solar service — covering consultation, setup, upkeep, insurance, warranty handling, and continuous system monitoring. Every installation uses high-grade solar equipment and rugged cabling, and each system goes through thorough testing before being commissioned to ensure it performs well over the long haul. Two Ways to Go Solar Understanding that households have different budgets and priorities, Maxis Solar offers two paths to adoption: buying the system outright or subscribing to it. The outright purchase route is built around maximising long-term savings — homeowners can recover their installation costs in as little as four years and cut their monthly electricity bill by as much as 80%. Buyers can also access up to RM8,000 in combined savings, thanks to a mix of Maxis incentives and the government’s Sustainable Rebate and Incentive Assistance (SuRIA) programme. On top of that, customers get to pick their sign-up bonus: RM1,000 in Touch ‘n Go eWallet credit, or two extra years of free maintenance and insurance worth RM2,000. Homeowners who’d rather avoid a large upfront cost can opt for the subscription plan instead, which requires just RM1,000 to get started. Qualifying customers can receive up to 10 months of subscription fees waived — worth RM3,000 — through the SuRIA programme, while still getting the same quality hardware, professional installation, and full-service solar management as outright buyers. Subscribers can expect electricity bill savings of up to 25%, along with 10 years of ProActive Solar Care — a bundle covering maintenance, insurance, warranty support, and ongoing monitoring to keep the system running efficiently and protected. Because solar is a decades-long commitment, factors like dependability, upkeep, and the availability of support matter just as much as upfront cost. Whether homeowners choose to buy outright or subscribe, Maxis Solar gives them an accessible route to cleaner energy, lower electricity costs, and a more sustainable household — backed by a partner built for the long term.

Investment & Market Trends

Malaysia Secures RM791.5mil In Export Deals At Farnborough Airshow 2026

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Malaysia secured RM791.54 million (US$192.36 million) in export sales from its participation in the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026, held in the United Kingdom from July 20 to 24. The five-day event saw Malaysian companies engage with international aerospace players through 148 business meetings, coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) together with the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (NAICO). MATRADE said the strong sales reflected Malaysia’s growing position as a trusted aerospace manufacturing and supply chain partner in the global market. The Malaysia Pavilion featured 15 Malaysian companies, along with Invest Selangor Bhd and the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association. The business opportunities secured covered various high-value aerospace segments and are expected to further strengthen Malaysia’s participation in the global aerospace supply chain. MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof said Malaysia’s aerospace industry recorded RM32.5 billion in revenue in 2025, with exports contributing RM7.95 billion, or 24.5% of total industry revenue. He said growing high-value exports would be important for Malaysia to achieve the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 target of RM55.2 billion in industry revenue. “Expanding high-value exports will remain a key growth driver alongside domestic aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul, systems integration and engineering services,” he said. Malaysia’s aerospace capabilities also received international recognition at the exhibition, with CTRM Aero Composites Sdn Bhd receiving the 2026 Asia Best Maturity Award at the Aero Excellence International Best Maturity Awards.

Property

SC Approves IOI Properties REIT For Main Market Listing

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IOI Properties Group Bhd (IOIPG) has received approval from the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) for the establishment and proposed listing of its IOIPG Malaysia Real Estate Investment Trust (IOIPG REIT) on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market. IOIPG said the Reit will have an initial fund size of 5.5 billion units and acquire a portfolio of properties for a total purchase consideration of RM7.57 billion. The proposed REIT will have an initial fund size of 5.5 billion units and will acquire a portfolio of properties from IOIPG with a total purchase consideration of RM7.57 billion. The acquisition will be funded through a combination of units issued to IOIPG and cash. Under the proposal, 5.5 billion REIT units will be issued at 90 sen per unit, while the remaining RM2.65 billion will be paid in cash. The cash portion will be funded through the issuance of sukuk. The portfolio to be transferred to the REIT comprises several prominent commercial, hospitality and mixed-use properties across Malaysia. These include IOI City Mall, IOI City Towers and PFCC Towers, alongside a number of established hotels such as Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, Le Méridien Putrajaya, Moxy Putrajaya, Four Points by Sheraton Puchong, W Kuala Lumpur and Courtyard by Marriott Penang. The proposed listing is expected to provide IOIPG with a platform to unlock value from its existing property assets while allowing the group to retain an interest in a diversified portfolio of income-generating properties. For investors, the REIT will provide exposure to a portfolio spanning retail, office and hospitality assets located in established commercial and tourism destinations. As part of the proposed offering, approximately 715.61 million units will be made available to retail investors, while up to 1.48 billion units will be offered to institutional and selected investors. The proposed establishment and listing of IOIPG REIT marks another step in IOIPG’s efforts to optimise its property portfolio and create a dedicated investment vehicle for its income-generating assets. The listing remains subject to the fulfilment of the relevant conditions and requirements set by the authorities.

News

SME Corp Sets Aside RM1.5 Million To Train MSME Management Teams

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SME Corp Malaysia has allocated RM1.5 million under its Next Level CEO Programme to strengthen the leadership and management skills of senior executives from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The programme aims to train 90 CEOs, managing directors and founders of high-growth and high-value MSMEs, helping them strengthen their businesses and contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth. The initiative is part of the Programme for Enhancement of Strategic Industry and High Growth Enterprise 2.0 (Prestige 2.0) and focuses on improving leadership, strategic planning and business competitiveness. SME Corp said the programme will equip MSME leaders with stronger strategic knowledge, leadership capabilities, innovative thinking and a broader global perspective. These skills are intended to help business leaders transform their organisations, improve productivity and compete more effectively in international markets. Participants will also receive practical executive learning through a combination of training, coaching, mentoring and exposure to industry best practices. To deliver the programme, SME Corp has appointed Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Sdn Bhd, ASB Management Sdn Bhd and Efficient Frontier Consulting Sdn Bhd as implementation partners. The programme under Heriot-Watt University Malaysia was officially launched on Friday by SME Corp CEO Rizal Nainy, together with the university’s Provost and CEO, Prof Dr Mushtak Al-Atabi. The appointed partners will be responsible for developing training modules, conducting leadership and coaching sessions, carrying out the SME Competitiveness Rating for Enhancement and monitoring the programme’s overall impact. Rizal said the initiative represents a strategic investment in leadership development, as strong organisational transformation begins with business leaders who have the vision and ability to drive change. He said Malaysia needs more MSMEs that can move beyond resilience and develop into high-value businesses capable of competing globally. Through the programme, SME Corp hopes to develop more capable business leaders who can expand their companies, improve productivity, capture new opportunities and contribute to Malaysia’s wider economic development. The ASB Management component of the programme is scheduled to launch in mid-August, while the programme with Efficient Frontier Consulting is expected to begin in September.

Investment & Market Trends

Anwar Orders Full Felda Report On Proposed Hotel Sale At A Loss

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the management of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) to prepare a comprehensive report on a proposed sale of a Felda-owned hotel that would reportedly result in a significant loss. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said he had refused to approve the proposed transaction after discovering that the hotel was being considered for sale at £100 million (about RM550 million), despite having been purchased by Felda’s previous management for £160 million. He said the proposed sale raised concerns, particularly as Felda settlers continue to face financial difficulties and require greater support to improve their living conditions and basic facilities. “Felda is under my watch. Two months ago, the Felda management came and asked me to sign for the sale of this hotel,” Anwar said during his speech at the Semarak Kenegaraan Programme with the armed forces at Terendak Camp. “I said, wait a moment, what kind of business is this? Selling at a price lower than when it was bought. So I did not sign. I said, find out who did this and submit a report,” he added. Anwar questioned the rationale behind the proposed disposal, noting that many Felda settlers continue to struggle with inadequate income and basic infrastructure needs. He said settlers had raised concerns during his visits, including requests for improvements to air-conditioning facilities, school repairs and better income opportunities. “Felda settlers are struggling. When I visited the settlers, they said they wanted air conditioning, schools to be repaired, and their income is insufficient. But Felda itself is just casually losing money,” he said. The Prime Minister said the decision to request a full report was intended to ensure greater accountability and protect Felda’s role as an important national institution. He stressed that government agencies, particularly those established to support the country’s communities, must be managed responsibly and their resources protected. “If we don’t do something, no matter how long, our agencies — including Malay agencies that we take pride in and want to defend — this is what will become of them. So we must correct that,” he said. Also present at the event were Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Army Chief Gen Azhan Othman.

Investment & Market Trends

PUNB Invests RM80mil To Help 220 Bumiputera Businesses Grow

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Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) has allocated RM80 million through three enhanced financing programmes to help 220 Bumiputera entrepreneurs gain faster access to funding and improve their business cash flow. The three programmes — Prosper Grow Biz Express, Prosper Grow Fuel Up and Prosper Grow Auto Biz — offer financing rates starting from 3.5% per annum on a flat-rate basis for selected financing products. Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) chief executive officer Izwan Zainuddin. Under Prosper Grow Biz Express, eligible entrepreneurs can apply for financing between RM100,000 and RM300,000, with funds potentially being released within 12 working days, subject to complete documentation and credit assessment. The programme is open to sole proprietorships, partnerships and limited liability partnerships operating in the retail, distributive trade and manufacturing sectors. PUNB Chief Executive Officer Izwan Zainuddin said timely access to financing is important for businesses looking to take advantage of growth opportunities and expand their operations. He said entrepreneurs need not only sufficient financing but also a faster application process and repayment structures that match their business needs. Meanwhile, Prosper Grow Fuel Up provides working capital financing of up to 100% for inventory purchases by Bumiputera petrol station operators. Financing ranges from RM100,000 to RM1 million, with repayment periods of up to seven years. Prosper Grow Auto Biz, meanwhile, is designed for automotive service centres operating under strategic partners such as PETRONAS AutoExpert. The programme provides financing of between RM100,000 and RM1 million for fixed assets and working capital, also with repayment tenures of up to seven years. PUNB also provides a principal repayment grace period of up to six months, subject to assessment. This allows entrepreneurs additional time to stabilise their businesses before beginning principal repayments. Izwan said the programmes reflect PUNB’s broader role as a business development partner, rather than simply a financing provider. The initiative is aimed at helping Bumiputera entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient and competitive businesses while supporting the government’s Bumiputera economic development agenda and Ekonomi MADANI framework. By improving access to capital, PUNB expects the programmes to encourage greater participation by Bumiputera businesses across key economic sectors and support their long-term growth.

News

Oriental Kopi Expands Overseas To Indonesia, Mauritius

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Malaysian food and beverage (F&B) café chain operator Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd is expanding its international footprint into Indonesia and Mauritius, marking another step in its strategy to grow the Oriental Kopi brand across regional markets. The company said its wholly owned subsidiary, Oriental Coffee International Sdn Bhd, has entered into a strategic joint venture with PT Era Boga Nusantara (EBN) to establish and operate Oriental Kopi cafés in Indonesia. EBN, also known as Erajaya Food & Nourishment, is part of Indonesian retail conglomerate PT Erajaya Swasembada Tbk, providing Oriental Kopi with an established local partner to support its expansion into one of Southeast Asia’s largest consumer markets. Under the joint venture, EBN will hold a 60% stake in PT Era Oriental Kopi, while Oriental Coffee International will own the remaining 40%. The new company will be responsible for developing and operating Oriental Kopi outlets across Indonesia, with its initial expansion focused on the Greater Jakarta area, also known as Jabodetabek. The first Oriental Kopi outlet in Indonesia is targeted to open by the end of 2026 at Central Park Mall in West Jakarta. The mall is one of Jakarta’s prominent shopping and lifestyle destinations and forms part of the wider Podomoro City development. Beyond Indonesia, Oriental Coffee International has also signed a Territory Franchise Agreement with Coffee Time Ltd, an integrated F&B operator based in Mauritius, to introduce and develop the Oriental Kopi brand in the island nation. The move gives Oriental Kopi an opportunity to establish its presence in another international market while working with local partners who understand the respective consumer and F&B landscapes. The overseas expansion comes after the group previously entered the Singapore market, reflecting its broader strategy of taking its Malaysian café concept beyond the domestic market and building a stronger regional presence. With Indonesia, Mauritius and Singapore forming part of its international expansion plans, Oriental Kopi is positioning itself to grow its network of cafés while bringing its Malaysian-inspired food and beverage offering to a wider customer base across different markets.

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