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Property

SD Guthrie, MBI Selangor To Explore Sepang Industrial Park Development Partnership

SD Guthrie Bhd (KL:SDG) and Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor) are exploring a strategic partnership to develop a 2,500-acre mixed-use industrial park in Sepang Estate, Selangor. The proposed project, located next to KLIA Aeropolis, is expected to generate more than 32,000 jobs by 2030, according to a statement on Tuesday. The development falls under the Integrated Development Region in South Selangor (IDRISS) and is part of the Sepang Infinity Corridor Hub under the Sepang Local Plan 2035. It will include industrial facilities such as manufacturing and logistics, supported by business spaces and training centres. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the collaboration reflects the state’s plan to develop a well-planned mixed-use township and industrial park that supports long-term economic growth. He said the project will leverage industry expertise and institutional strength to build smart, sustainable infrastructure with integrated aerospace capabilities. Amirudin added that it will complement the future expansion of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and enhance Selangor’s appeal to global investors. SD Guthrie chairman Tan Sri Nik Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani said the initiative shows the group’s commitment to high-impact developments for Selangor and Malaysia. He said the project aims to create long-term value through strategic land development and industrial clustering to support the state’s economic transformation. MBI Selangor group CEO Datuk Ts Saipolyazan M Yusop said the partnership reflects the state investment arm’s focus on strategic developments that support Selangor’s long-term growth. He said the project is expected to become a key growth hub within IDRISS, strengthening the state’s aviation and industrial ecosystem due to its proximity to KLIA. This marks the second collaboration between SD Guthrie and MBI Selangor, following an earlier integrated development project in Carey Island.

Energy & Technology

Malaysia Unveils World’s First AI-Powered Review System For Badminton

Malaysia has made a major breakthrough in badminton with the launch of the world’s first AI-powered instant review system (IRS) to receive Badminton World Federation (BWF) approval. The world’s first AI-powered instant review system unit at the PETRONAS National Under-18 Championships 2026 yesterday.  Developed by Malaysian sports-technology firm Revealtek Sdn Bhd, the system was deployed at the PETRONAS National Under-18 Badminton Championship in Selangor from April 22 to 27, bringing elite-level line-calling technology into grassroots competition. It was previously used at the Affin 100Plus Junior Elite Tournament (Leg 2 – Group B) earlier this month. Players can challenge line calls using AI-powered cameras, with match footage reviewed and decisions delivered within seconds on whether a shuttle lands in or out. The result is displayed on screens visible to players, officials and spectators. Revealtek Sdn Bhd is a sports technology company providing digital officiating and broadcast solutions for badminton tournaments. The system is deployed through the company’s Reveal Digital Badminton Suite, which integrates the Reveal Lens Instant Review System (IRS), a digital scoring platform for umpires, and a live streaming system with real-time score overlays for stadium displays and broadcast audiences. Reveal Lens is one of only four systems globally approved by the BWF and is designed for rapid deployment across courts of varying sizes without fixed infrastructure. It can be set up in under an hour and operates fully wirelessly. Nizam Mohamed,CEO & Co-Founder, Revealtek. Chief executive officer and co-founder Nizam Mohamed said the system was developed to address cost and infrastructure barriers that have traditionally limited instant review technology to elite tournaments. He said comparable systems used at international events typically require fixed installations, specialist crews and operational costs that can exceed USD 100,000 per tournament, placing them out of reach for the vast majority of competitions worldwide. “Until now, this level of officiating technology has largely been limited to international tournaments with significant resources. With Reveal Lens, a junior tournament in Selangor can have the same officiating standard as a world-tour event in Denmark and we welcome organisations ready to take that step with us,” he added. The system also provides video replay data for use in performance analysis by players and coaches. Nizam said it is designed to operate on any court with minimal setup, reducing technical requirements and making it accessible to national associations, state bodies and tournament organisers. Revealtek CEO Nizam Mohamed received a token of appreciation for deploying the world’s first AI-powered instant review system at the PETRONAS National Under-18 Championships 2026. Beyond line calls, it helps maintain match flow through faster decisions, reduces disputes through visual evidence, and supports post-match review for training purposes. “We have received positive feedback from players, coaches and officials, who noted clearer line calls and an improved match experience even at junior-level competition,” he added. Revealtek aims to make its officiating technology accessible across all levels of badminton, including international tournaments, state associations, private clubs, social events and recreational matches, supported by flexible pricing for wider adoption of professional systems. This positions Malaysia as a global supplier of badminton technology.

Investment & Market Trends

Crewstone Invests In AI Firm TROOPERS, Valued At RM253.4 Million

Crewstone International Sdn Bhd has today announced its investment in TROOPERS, an AI-powered workforce infrastructure company valued at RM253.4 million, as the company advances a RM31.2 million growth capital raise to support its next phase of scale across Southeast Asia’s RM42.8 billion staffing, workforce management and HR technology sub-market. Keng Fai Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Crewstone International (second left), Joshua Tan, Chief Executive Officer of TROOPERS (centre), and Craig Goonting, Chief Financial Officer of TROOPERS, commemorating a strategic funding milestone between both parties. Combined Malaysia and Singapore revenue grew at approximately 49% CAGR over the last two years, reflecting enterprise demand that is recurring, operationally embedded and increasingly scalable across regional labour markets. Since its establishment in 2017, TROOPERS has operated across on-demand gig staffing, workforce onboarding and management, and HR SaaS solutions, serving a roster of prominent regional and multinational clients across FMCG, food and beverage, retail and logistics. The business has already built a meaningful operating scale, with 148,000+ active users across Malaysia and Singapore and 670,000+ completed shifts, pointing to a platform that is no longer proving demand but increasingly processing repeat labour flow at volume. On the demand side, TROOPERS served 840+ clients, retained approximately 95% of them, and generated 95.9% recurring projects, demonstrating repeat enterprise usage rather than one-off campaign activity. On the execution side, the platform recorded 95%+ machine-learning matching, indicating both matching efficiency and a live billing engine already embedded in real customer workflows. As the platform continues to scale, TROOPERS is also strengthening the part of the model that matters beyond growth alone, namely how it supports and protects the workforce behind that growth. This is reflected both at the policy level, with CEO Joshua Tan appointed as one of the 26 inaugural members of Malaysia’s Majlis Penasihat Gig formed alongside the Gig Workers Act 2025, and at the operating level through TROOPERKS, which provides platform-funded benefits including supplementary personal accident coverage, e-healthcare access and shift cancellation compensation. Craig Goonting, Chief Financial Officer of TROOPERS Innovation Sdn Bhd (second left), pictured with the broader Crewstone team. In Malaysia, employed persons reached 17.13 million in December 2025, with services employment growth led by wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food & beverage services, and information and communication sectors, where workforce gaps show up immediately in lost sales, slower service, weaker customer experience and operational bottlenecks. “What differentiated Crewstone was how quickly the team understood both the mechanics and the opportunity in our business. “They moved fast, underwrote the platform properly and structured around what TROOPERS actually needs as we scale. Very few capital partners combine speed, commercial sharpness and strategic fit that way. That matters when you are already serving enterprise clients at scale and building toward a much larger next chapter,” said Craig Goonting, Chief Financial Officer of TROOPERS. “Within Crewstone’s broader responsible investing approach, TROOPERS sits at the intersection of commercial relevance and measurable workforce impact. “The platform broadens access to employment by making job opportunities more visible to workers who might otherwise only see what is available within a limited physical radius or through fragmented, informal networks. For employers, it provides access to a broader and more responsive labour pool at a time when workforce availability remains a practical constraint across many sectors,” said Keng Fai Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Crewstone International.

The Executives

Cloud Space Says 70–80% Of Firms Still In AI Pilot Stage, Wins 2026 Google Cloud Partner Of The Year Malaysia

 Aaron Chong (Director – COO of Cloud Space). 1. Many organisations are still stuck at the pilot stage when it comes to AI. What are you seeing on the ground? We are seeing a clear shift from experimentation to execution across the market. Over the past year, conversations have moved from “what AI can do” to “how quickly it can be deployed to deliver measurable outcomes”. Based on our observations across engagements, approximately 70–80% of organisations are still in the pilot or early implementation stage, which highlights the gap between ambition and execution. The challenge now is less about access to technology and more about integration. Many organisations have the tools, but aligning them with business processes and ensuring adoption across teams remains a key hurdle. This highlights that many businesses have their AI “engine” started (pilot or early implementation stage), but the AI “gears” are not yet fully engaged or integrated with their respective business processes (advanced stage of AI integration). 2. Where are companies seeing the most immediate value from cloud and AI adoption? The most immediate value is typically seen in operational efficiency. This includes areas such as automating repetitive processes, improving data accessibility, and enabling faster decision-making. In our experience, organisations can achieve up to: • 40% improvement in overall work efficiency or productivity across sectors• 30% reduction in production time, particularly in the E&E manufacturing sector• 80% increase in test execution speed, with significant impact in software development or when AI is effectively embedded into workflows (Based on reports from IDC, PwC, and selected ASEAN market studies) Cybersecurity and customer experience are also seeing strong returns, particularly where AI enhances accuracy and response speed in real-time environments. 3. Cloud Space has worked with a range of leading enterprises across different sectors. What do these engagements reveal about enterprise priorities today? Enterprises are becoming significantly more outcome-driven. There is less interest in adopting technology for its own sake, and more focus on how it translates into measurable improvements. This includes areas such as cost optimisation, scalability, and operational resilience. Organisations are looking for solutions that support long-term growth rather than short-term gains. As a result, the role of implementation partners is evolving. Clients expect partners not only to deploy solutions, but also to guide them through the transformation process and ensure successful adoption. 4. How are enterprises approaching cybersecurity today? Cybersecurity has moved firmly into the boardroom. It is no longer viewed as a purely technical function, but as a critical component of overall business resilience. Organisations are increasingly adopting AI-driven approaches to enhance threat detection and response. This includes a shift towards more proactive and automated security operations. The focus is now on transforming Security Operations Centres to improve response times and operational efficiency. This reflects a broader shift towards integrated, intelligence-led security frameworks. Cloud Space Named 2026 Google Cloud Partner of the Year for Malaysia (L-R: Benjamin Kok, Head of Data & Projects; Kishan Singh, Head of Sales). 5. Cloud Space was named the 2026 Google Cloud Partner of the Year for Malaysia. How does that recognition translate into business impact? The recognition reinforces confidence among clients, particularly for large-scale and high-stakes projects. It signals that we have the capability to deliver consistently across different industries. It also strengthens our position within the broader ecosystem, including our collaboration with Google Cloud. This enables us to access new technologies earlier and bring them to market more effectively, while supporting our customers in adopting and embedding them into their business processes. At a broader level, it highlights the growing capability of Malaysian firms within the global cloud and AI landscape, which is an encouraging development for the industry. 6. Your team has grown from four to over 50 people in a short period. How do you maintain quality while scaling? Maintaining quality starts with building a strong technical foundation. We invest heavily in developing expertise across cloud, data, security, and AI to ensure consistent delivery for our customers. We are also deliberate in the type of projects we take on. Rather than scaling purely for volume, we focus on engagements where we can deliver meaningful impact. This approach, anchored by our highly experienced talent and specialised technical expertise, allows us to grow sustainably while maintaining the highest standards of delivery. In a field where execution quality directly influences client outcomes, our focus remains on ensuring that every deployment translates into tangible, positive business impact. 7. How do you see the competitive landscape evolving in the next few years? The market is likely to become more specialised. As technologies mature, clients will increasingly look for partners with deep expertise rather than generalist capabilities. This is particularly true in areas such as AI, data, and cybersecurity, where implementation requires a high level of technical depth. At the same time, competition will intensify as more players enter the market. Differentiation will depend on the ability to deliver consistent, measurable outcomes. 8. What challenges do organisations face when scaling AI initiatives? One of the main challenges is integration. Many organisations operate with legacy systems, which makes it more complex to implement new technologies. There is also a need to align AI initiatives with business objectives. Without clear direction, projects can become fragmented and fail to deliver meaningful outcomes. Additionally, change management plays a critical role. Ensuring that teams understand and adopt new technologies is essential for long-term success. 9. What role do partners like Cloud Space play beyond implementation? Are you increasingly becoming strategic advisors? The role of partners is evolving beyond implementation into a more strategic function. Organisations are seeking guidance not only on how to deploy technology, but also on how to align it with broader business objectives. This includes areas such as identifying the right use cases, prioritising investments, and ensuring that solutions are scalable over time. In many cases, the challenge is not the technology itself, but how it integrates into existing operational processes and aligns with the organisation’s long-term strategy. As a result, partners

News

Atlas Copco Invests 8-Figure Sum In New Shah Alam Hub

Atlas Copco Group has made an 8-figure investment in a new headquarters and integrated facility in Alam Impian, Shah Alam, as part of its expansion plans in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The new facility, built on a 1.21-hectare site, will serve as a central hub for the group’s operations in Malaysia and the region. It will also support key business functions, including a regional shared finance services centre. Atlas Copco Malaysia and Singapore general manager of Compressor Technique Business Area, Khalid Shaikh, said the investment reflects the group’s long-term commitment to Malaysia since establishing its presence in the country in 1982. He said the new hub will also coordinate operations across the company’s sites in Kuantan, Penang and Johor, helping improve efficiency and regional integration. Khalid said Atlas Copco began operations in Malaysia with just 10 employees and has since grown to more than 250 staff nationwide. He added that the Shah Alam location was selected due to its close proximity to industrial zones, Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur, major highways and the upcoming LRT3 line. The company plans to hire an additional 80 to 100 employees over the next five years, mainly in service, sales and marketing roles. Khalid also noted that ongoing global geopolitical shifts are creating opportunities for foreign investors to expand into Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia. Meanwhile, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Selangor director Sherulanuar Abd Karim said the investment supports Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which aims to strengthen higher-value industries and enhance the country’s industrial ecosystem.

News

Maxim E-Hailing And Zlata Launch Insurance For Drivers In Malaysia

Maxim E-hailing Malaysia has signed a strategic partnership with Zlata, an insurance agency under the Sejamas Group, to expand insurance coverage among e-hailing drivers nationwide. The collaboration is part of Maxim’s ongoing efforts to strengthen driver protection by improving access to insurance solutions tailored for the gig mobility sector. The insurance policies available through this partnership are specifically designed to protect drivers during e-hailing trips. Coverage includes incidents that occur while heading to pick up a passenger, during the ride, or when completing an order. In the event of an accident, driver injury, or vehicle damage linked to e-hailing activity, the driver receives compensation, avoiding out-of-pocket expenses that could amount to thousands of ringgit. Beyond sales, Zlata will serve as a single support hub: coordinating towing services, preparing documents for insurance claims, and liaising with insurers to minimise vehicle downtime after an accident. To further improve accessibility, Zlata has introduced a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scheme, enabling drivers to obtain coverage without the need for full upfront payment, making insurance more affordable for the platform’s driver-partners. In addition, each driver who purchases a policy through the partnership receives a complimentary car battery with warranty coverage. The average battery lifespan under intensive e-hailing usage is 18–24 months, which corresponds to a mileage of 50,000–70,000 km. This support reduces the driver’s annual expenses by 200–400 ringgit. The battery is professionally installed by trained technicians, eliminating downtime due to incorrect fitting. “Driver safety and well-being remain our top priority. This partnership allows us to work with an experienced insurance provider to offer more flexible and relevant solutions that better align with the realities of gig work,” said Mushfique Ahmed Chowdhury, Head of Legal Compliance & Government Relations, Maxim E-hailing Malaysia. Both Maxim and Zlata are also exploring targeted outreach and educational efforts to improve driver awareness and understanding of insurance benefits.

Investment & Market Trends

Porsche Sells Bugatti Stake To BlueFive Capital

Porsche has agreed to sell its equity stake in Bugatti Rimac.Porsche and Rimac Group established Bugatti Rimac as a joint venture in 2021 to serve as home to the iconic Bugatti brand. In this joint venture, Porsche holds a minority stake of 45%, Rimac Group owns 55%. Porsche also holds a 20.6% stake in Rimac Group. As part of the transaction announced today, Porsche will fully divest its equity stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group to a HOF Capital-led consortium. This includes BlueFive Capital as its largest investor, as well as a group of institutional investors across the US and EU. Following completion, Rimac Group is set to take control of Bugatti Rimac and form a strategic partnership with BlueFive Capital and HOF Capital to support its continued growth. Hazem Ben-Gacem, Founder and Chief Executive of BlueFive Capital: “Bugatti is a monument to automotive obsession, born from Ettore Bugatti’s pursuit of beauty and performance combined. BlueFive Capital approaches this opportunity as more than simply a financial transaction, and we look forward to working alongside the entire Bugatti Rimac team to honor that legacy for generations to come.” Dr Michael Leiters, CEO of Porsche AG: “In setting up the joint venture Bugatti Rimac together with Rimac Group, we successfully laid the foundation for Bugatti’s future. And as an early-stage investor of Rimac Group, Porsche made a significant contribution to developing Rimac Technology into an established Tier-1 automotive technology company. Now, with the sale of our stake, we are focusing Porsche on the core business. We would like to thank Mate Rimac and his team for the constructive and trusting cooperation over the past years.” Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac: “Porsche has been a crucial partner, and we are deeply grateful for their role in establishing Bugatti Rimac. With the strong foundations their support has provided, we now have a structure that allows us to execute even faster on our long-term vision. We look forward to our collaboration with our new partners.”

ESG

UMW Toyota Motor Records Highest Participation In 19th Dream Car Art Contest

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today celebrated the conclusion of the 19th edition of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest (DCAC) 2025/26, highlighting its highest-ever participation of 6,508 submissions from children nationwide. The Closing Ceremony, held at the One World Hotel, brought together participants, educators, and distinguished guests to recognise the creativity, imagination, and community impact of young Malaysians. The contest drew entries from 96 schools, involving more than 72,000 students across preschool, primary and secondary levels. Since its introduction globally in 2004, and now in its 19th edition in Malaysia, this year’s edition marks an increase of 3,387 submissions, more than doubling last year’s participation, highlighting the contest’s growing reach and continued relevance among young Malaysians nationwide. “Through the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, we are seeing stronger participation from students across the country, reflecting how the platform continues to resonate with young Malaysians. What stands out is the range of ideas and thought that come through when more students take part, and how this continues to raise the standard of submissions year after year. It is also encouraging to see participants grow in confidence as they express their ideas more clearly. This is how we continue to nurture creativity and a sense of responsibility, empowering them to shape their future and move their world,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. The contest was carried out through a structured process, guiding participants from initial concepts through to submission and evaluation. Submissions were received through multiple channels, including school programmes, online entries, art schools, and physical submissions, demonstrating the accessibility and inclusivity of the initiative. Each entry is assessed for originality, creativity, and the alignment of ideas with future mobility themes. The winners of the 2025/2026 Dream Car Art Contest from Malaysia in three different age categories are as follows: Group 1 (7 years old and under)· 1st Prize: Mia Lee Su Wei· 2nd Prize: Hiew Zi Feng· 3rd Prize: Javene Chah· Consolation Prize: Chia Leen Xyn & Chean Zi Shin Group 2 (Age 8 – 11 years old)· 1st Prize: Elise Kong· 2nd Prize: Ng Kai Qing· 3rd Prize: Agnes Yoon· Consolation Prize: Charice Foo & Nathan Mah Group 3 (Age 12 – 15 years old)· 1st Prize: Liew Pei Han· 2nd Prize: Isaac Lee· 3rd Prize: Lau Viteng· Consolation Prize: Yong Zhe Kai & Yap Xing Ee Top entries will advance to the international stage, representing Malaysia at the World Toyota Dream Car Art Contest in Japan, offering the global community a glimpse into the imagination and talent of Malaysian youth. Since its inception, the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest has been a key initiative in UMWT’s commitment to education, creativity, and community development, inspiring generations of children to dream, create, and contribute towards a sustainable future.

Energy & Technology

Terengganu Names Vista Bumiria For Digital Infra, Alam Mindscape As Agency

• Terengganu appoints Vista Bumiria Sdn Bhd as the State-Backed Company (SBC) to drive the development and expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across the state. • Alam Mindscape Mobile Sdn Bhd appointed as One Stop Agency (OSA) to streamline approvals, coordination, and management of telecommunications towers. • YAM Tengku Dato’ Seri Muhammad Mua’az ibni Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin appointed as Chairman of Vista Bumiria Sdn Bhd, strengthening alignment between state leadership and industry execution. EDOTCO Malaysia today announced a significant milestone in advancing Terengganu’s digital connectivity, following the State Government’s decision to appoint its subsidiary, Vista Bumiria Sdn Bhd as the State-Backed Company (SBC) for telecommunications infrastructure development, including fibre network management, alongside the appointment of Alam Mindscape Mobile Sdn Bhd as a One Stop Agency (OSA) for telecommunications tower. This strategic move reflects Terengganu’s commitment to accelerating the rollout of high-quality, future-ready digital infrastructure, while ensuring more coordinated, efficient, and sustainable development across the state. Under this mandate, Vista Bumiria will lead the development of telecommunications infrastructure, including tower and fibre deployment, serving as a central platform to support Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and expand coverage across both urban and rural communities. Complementing this, Alam Mindscape Mobile’s role as One Stop Agency (OSA) will streamline the management, approvals, and coordination of telecommunications structures, reducing deployment bottlenecks and enhancing execution efficiency across the ecosystem. Further underscoring the state’s commitment, Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Dato’ Seri Muhammad Mua’az ibni Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin has been appointed as Chairman of Vista Bumiria Sdn Bhd, reinforcing leadership alignment to drive Terengganu’s digital infrastructure agenda forward. Adlan Tajudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of EDOTCO Group, said the structure introduces a more effective model for infrastructure rollout at the state level. “We are honoured by the trust placed in us by the Terengganu State Government. As a regional digital infrastructure player, EDOTCO is committed to bringing our expertise to support a more efficient and coordinated rollout of telecommunications infrastructure. Ultimately, this is about delivering better connectivity for the rakyat and supporting Terengganu’s long-term digital growth.” He added that the model positions Terengganu to become a leading example of state-driven digital infrastructure development in Malaysia, enabling a more coordinated and efficient approach to connectivity rollout. EDOTCO will work closely with its Mobile Network Operator (MNO) partners to accelerate deployment across the state, ensuring that connectivity in Terengganu is reliable, high-quality, and accessible to all communities. This collaboration marks EDOTCO Malaysia’s first formalised platform to build and expand telecommunications infrastructure in Terengganu, laying the foundation for scalable, 5G-ready networks that will support the state’s next phase of economic growth and digital advancement.

Energy & Technology

Solarvest Shares Rise After Winning RM1.06 Bil EPCC Contract

Solarvest Holdings Bhd’s shares rose in early trading today after the company announced it had secured a RM1.06 billion engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contract from Malakoff Silver Solar Sdn Bhd. At 10.02am, the counter gained 10 sen to RM2.87, with 3.80 million shares traded. In a Bursa Malaysia filing, Solarvest said the contract will be executed by its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Blue Sdn Bhd. The scope of work covers the development of a 470 megawatt alternating current (MWac) solar photovoltaic power plant, as well as its related interconnection facilities. The project forms part of the Large Scale Solar 5+ (LSS5+) programme and will be located in Larut and Matang, Perak. Solarvest said the project represents a major milestone for the group as it continues to expand its presence in Malaysia’s renewable energy sector, particularly in utility-scale solar developments. The company added that the contract is expected to have a positive impact on its earnings and net assets per share for the financial year ending March 31, 2027, and will continue contributing over the duration of the project until completion. Solarvest noted that securing large-scale solar projects strengthens its order book visibility and supports its long-term growth strategy in the clean energy space.

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