Energy & Technology

BM GreenTech Bhd is strengthening its position in the renewable energy sector after its wholly-owned subsidiary, Plus Xnergy Holding Sdn Bhd, acquired full ownership of NEFIN V Power Sdn Bhd (NVP), a special-purpose vehicle with development rights for a 29.99MWac solar photovoltaic (PV) farm under the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP). Under the acquisition, Plus Xnergy will purchase a 90% equity interest in NVP from NEFIN Energy (M) Sdn Bhd for RM3.24 million, while the remaining 10% stake will be acquired from NEFINCO (M) Sdn Bhd for RM360,000. The total purchase consideration of RM3.6 million will be fully funded through BM GreenTech’s internally generated funds. The acquisition is expected to provide BM GreenTech with a new source of recurring income once the solar PV facility begins operations, which is targeted for commissioning in 2027. Upon completion, the solar farm is expected to generate approximately 60,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, contributing to Malaysia’s renewable energy transition while supporting the growing demand for clean energy solutions. Over its estimated 25-year operational lifespan, the solar project is also projected to help avoid more than 1.1 million tonnes of carbon emissions, reinforcing BM GreenTech’s commitment to sustainability and low-carbon development. BM GreenTech said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to expand its renewable energy capabilities and complements its existing engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) business. The move will allow the group to strengthen its integrated clean energy offerings while creating additional long-term value through sustainable energy assets. The acquisition also marks another step forward in BM GreenTech’s efforts to diversify its business portfolio beyond its traditional biomass boiler solutions and participate in Malaysia’s growing renewable energy market.

vivo today announced the launch of the new vivo Y31s 5G in Singapore. Designed to deliver a premium smartphone experience without compromise, the Y31s 5G offers a clearer display, stronger durability and a more reliable battery, making it a well-rounded 5G smartphone for everyday use. Featuring an upgraded 32MP HD front camera, a vibrant FHD display, a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, enhanced durability and the latest OriginOS 6, the Y31s 5G delivers dependable performance for work, entertainment and staying connected throughout the day. In conjunction with the launch, vivo is also offering special promotional prices with savings of up to S$100 off the vivo X300 and S$50 off the X300 FE throughout July, giving customers more options across different smartphone categories. A Clearer Display and Enhanced Imaging for Everyday Moments The vivo Y31s 5G delivers an upgraded visual experience with a 90Hz High-Brightness FHD Dotch Display, offering sharper details and smoother scrolling for streaming, gaming and browsing. The Full HD display provides greater clarity while maintaining comfortable viewing both indoors and outdoors. Complementing the display is a significant camera upgrade, featuring a 32MP HD front camera, a substantial improvement over the previous generation’s 8MP selfie camera. Whether taking selfies, joining video calls or creating social content, users can capture clearer portraits with enhanced detail and natural-looking beauty effects. Together with the 50MP HD main camera, the Y31s 5G enables users to capture everyday moments with vivid colours and impressive clarity. The device also supports underwater photography, allowing users to capture memorable moments even in wet conditions with confidence. Long-Lasting Battery and Smooth Everyday Performance Powering the Y31s 5G is a 6500mAh BlueVolt Battery, providing dependable all-day performance for communication, entertainment and productivity. Combined with 44W FlashCharge, users can quickly recharge and spend less time waiting for their device to power up. Reverse charging is also available, enabling it to power compatible devices when needed. To ensure long-term reliability, the battery is engineered with 5-Year Battery Health, helping maintain stable battery performance even after years of everyday use. Beyond its long-lasting battery life, the Y31s 5G is designed to deliver a consistently smooth everyday experience. Under the hood, the Y31s 5G is powered by the Snapdragon® 4 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, built on an advanced 4nm process that delivers improved power efficiency and responsive everyday performance. Paired with up to 6GB Extended RAM, 256GB of storage, and the latest OriginOS 6 system, users can enjoy faster app launches, smoother multitasking and a more intuitive smartphone experience. These optimisations also contribute to the device’s 50-Month Smooth Experience, ensuring reliable performance over time. For entertainment, the Y31s 5G is equipped with dual stereo speakers with up to 400% volume, delivering louder, richer audio for videos, music and games. Built for Strong Durability Without Compromising Style Designed for worry-free everyday use, the Y31s 5G combines a sleek, lightweight design with enhanced durability. Measuring just 8.39mm thin and weighing approximately 209g, the smartphone offers a comfortable in-hand feel without compromising on strength. The device features IP69-rated dust and water resistance, offering reliable protection against rain, splashes and other everyday challenges. It is also certified with SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance, helping minimise the risk of damage from accidental drops. Whether commuting, travelling or enjoying outdoor activities, users can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing their smartphone is built to withstand everyday wear and tear. Bringing together stylish design, dependable durability and reliable everyday performance, the vivo Y31s 5G is built to keep up with users throughout the day. Available in Glowing Black and Midnight KL Purple, it offers a balanced combination of imaging, battery life and smooth performance, making it a dependable companion for work, entertainment and everyday life. Availability The vivo Y31s 5G is now available in Singapore. Customers can visit the vivo Experience & Service Store at 313@somerset or order via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok and authorised retailers. vivo Y31s 5G 6GB + 256GB – S$399 Colours: Glowing Black, Midnight KL Purple In addition to the launch of the Y31s 5G, a limited-time promotion is available on the vivo X300 Series throughout July: vivo X300 RRP: S$1,299 Promotional Price: S$1,199 (S$100 off) vivo X300 FE RRP: S$1,099 Promotional Price: S$1,049 (S$50 off)

Southern Cable Group Bhd has secured a supplementary contract worth RM403.6 million from Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) to continue supplying power cables for the national electricity distribution network. In a statement, the cable and wire manufacturer said the contract covers the supply of underground power cables and conductors to TNB’s Distribution Network Division. The latest award stems from TNB’s exercise of an add-on option under the original contract that was awarded to Southern Cable in February 2025. The supplementary contract extends the supply arrangement for an additional one-year period, from August 2026 to August 2027, while increasing the overall contract value. Following the latest award, Southern Cable’s outstanding order book has exceeded RM1 billion, providing the group with stronger earnings visibility through to 2027. Southern Cable Group Bhd, Managing Director – Tung Eng Hai. Managing director Tung Eng Hai said the supplementary contract reflects TNB’s continued confidence in the group’s ability to deliver high-quality products that meet the stringent technical and reliability standards required for Malaysia’s electricity grid. He added that the award also underscores the sustained demand for power cables amid ongoing investments in the country’s energy infrastructure. According to Tung, Malaysia’s power sector continues to benefit from key growth drivers, including the expansion of renewable energy projects, the rapid development of data centres and increasing industrial activities, all of which are expected to support long-term demand for power transmission and distribution infrastructure. The contract is expected to contribute positively to Southern Cable’s earnings over the duration of the supply period while reinforcing its position as one of TNB’s key cable suppliers.

Reservoir Link Energy Bhd has secured a five-year panel appointment from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) to provide integrated discovered resource assessment services under its Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) programme. Reservoir Link executive deputy chairman Thien Chiet Chai. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group said the appointment was awarded to its 60%-owned subsidiary, Reservoir Link Solutions Sdn Bhd, under Package 2 – Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and Contaminant. The panel appointment is effective from May 14, 2026, to May 13, 2031. Under the appointment, Reservoir Link Solutions will provide a range of technical services, including data consolidation and management, geological and geophysical evaluation, subsurface and surface development planning, economic analysis, as well as the preparation and submission of final reports. The participating PETRONAS operating units for the appointment are PETRONAS and PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd. The company noted that the panel appointment does not guarantee any minimum volume of work. Instead, projects will be awarded through mini-bidding exercises and/or direct awards during the five-year tenure, depending on PETRONAS’ operational requirements. Reservoir Link expects the appointment to contribute positively to the group’s earnings for the financial year ending June 30, 2027, and in subsequent financial years as work orders are secured. Executive deputy chairman Thien Chiet Chai said the appointment reflects the group’s growing technical expertise and capabilities in carbon capture and storage-related services. He added that the panel appointment further strengthens Reservoir Link’s position in supporting Malaysia’s energy transition initiatives and reinforces its role in the country’s evolving low-carbon energy ecosystem.

Critical Holdings Bhd has secured an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract worth RM772.49 million for the development of a state-of-the-art industrial facility at Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group said the project involves the construction of a high-technology automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) warehouse, along with supporting infrastructure for a major industrial development within the park. The contract was awarded by a “renowned US-based multinational corporation” that supplies wafer fabrication equipment and related services to the global semiconductor industry. The company said construction works are scheduled to commence on June 15, 2026, with completion targeted for Dec 15, 2027. According to Critical Holdings, the project is expected to contribute positively to the group’s earnings and net assets for the financial years ending June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, reflecting the project’s scale and execution timeline. The latest win further strengthens the group’s order book position, which currently stands at approximately RM1.06 billion, providing greater earnings visibility over the medium term. The contract also reinforces Critical Holdings’ exposure to the fast-growing semiconductor ecosystem in Malaysia, particularly in high-value industrial infrastructure development supporting global technology supply chains.

Ibraco Bhd said its associate company Equinox Power Sdn Bhd has signed a 30-year power purchase agreement with Syarikat Sesco Bhd, the utility arm of Sarawak Energy Bhd, for a large-scale solar photovoltaic project in Sarawak. In a filing on Bursa Malaysia, the construction group said Equinox Power — in which Ibraco holds a 24.5% stake — entered into the agreement on Thursday. Under the deal, Equinox Power will develop, construct, own, operate, and maintain a 100-megawatt alternating current (100MWac) solar facility in Similajau, Bintulu Division. The project will supply electricity to Syarikat Sesco upon commencement of commercial operations, which is targeted for December 2029. Ibraco said the agreement is not expected to have any material impact on the group’s earnings or net assets for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2026, as the project remains at the development stage. However, it is expected to contribute positively to future earnings once the facility becomes operational. Shares of Ibraco closed flat at RM1.16 on Thursday, valuing the group at RM633.4 million.

AI-powered English communication solution ELSA, which has more than 90 million users globally, has made its Malaysian debut as organisations look beyond English proficiency to workplace communication performance. [L-R] Cedar Tech Training Sdn Bhd CEO Kanchana Nandakumar, ELSA Corp Vice President of Revenue Will Polese, and K Pintar Sdn Bhd Founder and CEO RA Thiagaraja at the signing ceremony yesterday.  San Francisco-based ELSA Corp, which developed the platform, said Malaysia is not a market with a language problem. The challenge, it said, lies in communication performance rather than language ability. The company said this sets Malaysia apart from markets such as Vietnam and Indonesia, where organisations typically address English as a foundational language gap. In Malaysia, employees already speak English but continue to struggle in high-pressure situations such as client presentations, negotiations and cross-border meetings. To address this, ELSA Corp has appointed K Pintar Sdn Bhd and CedarTech Training Sdn Bhd as its authorised partners in Malaysia, one of a handful of markets where the company operates through local partners rather than direct access. ELSA Corp’s Vice President of Revenue, Will Polese, said the platform tailors the learning experience to each user. “The platform assesses each user’s native language and proficiency level before generating a personalised learning path. Users select an AI coach by gender and preferred accent, either American or British, with daily recommended sessions of approximately 15 minutes. “Feedback on the platform goes down to the finest detail. A mispronounced sound is flagged immediately and the correct articulation is demonstrated,” he said. All learning content is aligned to TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge English standards. Organisations can also upload internal training materials onto the platform, which converts them into e-learning modules. These are supplemented by more than 8,000 industry-specific content modules covering aviation, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, TVET education, financial services and many other industries. RA Thiagaraja, K Pintar Sdn Bhd Founder and CEO (second, left), exchanging views as ELSA strengthens its presence in Malaysia.  ELSA Corp said the aviation sector illustrates the platform’s industry depth. Terminology for pilots, cabin crew and ground staff is already embedded in the system. The company has held discussions with aviation industry players on potential deployment. Singapore Airlines is among regional carriers that have already adopted the platform. “Overall, in every sector, the goal is not just accurate English. It is the confidence to own every conversation,” Will Polese said. Organisations using ELSA have reported up to a 78% reduction in rework caused by communication failures, with return on investment averaging around 400%. An International Data Corporation (IDC) study commissioned by ELSA Corp found that 86% of organisations in the region reported increased revenue after adopting the platform. [L-R] Cedar Tech Training Sdn Bhd CEO Kanchana Nandakumar, ELSA Corp Vice President of Revenue Will Polese, and K Pintar Sdn Bhd Founder and CEO RA Thiagaraja at the signing ceremony marking ELSA’s Malaysia entry and partnership appointment yesterday. ELSA Corp works with more than 1,300 organisations globally, with deployments across Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. “Singapore serves as a relevant proof point for Malaysia. Both markets share high English proficiency levels and internationally connected business environments,” Will Polese said. Meanwhile, K Pintar Sdn Bhd Founder and Chief Executive Officer RA Thiagaraja said Malaysian organisations are losing ground not because their people cannot speak English, but because they cannot perform in it when it counts. “Every year, businesses here lose deals, lose clients and lose talent, not because of a language gap, but because of a performance gap. That is exactly what we are here to fix,” he said. Thiagaraja added that the biggest hurdle remains convincing decision-makers that proficiency and performance are not the same thing. “Organisations here are leaving money on the table every day because they mistake proficiency for performance. Conventional language training carries completion rates of between 15 and 20 per cent and rarely moves the needle where it matters,” he said. The platform operates on a subscription basis and is available on both mobile and desktop devices.

Paragon Globe Bhd is disposing of 26.42 hectares of freehold land in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, to DayOne Data Centers Malaysia III Sdn Bhd for RM398.11 million in cash, in a deal expected to generate a net gain of RM189.72 million. In a Bursa Malaysia filing on Tuesday, the company said the disposal is part of its strategy to optimise its landbank through selective monetisation of assets. The vacant land is located along Jalan Gelang Patah–Tanjung Kupang in Gerbang Nusajaya, within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, and is approximately seven kilometres from the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex. Paragon Globe said proceeds from the sale will be allocated across several purposes. About RM146 million will be used to fund ongoing property development projects, RM78 million for infrastructure and related development works tied to the disposal, RM57.1 million for new land acquisitions, RM56 million for repayment of bank borrowings, and RM60.6 million for working capital and tax obligations. The repayment of borrowings is expected to reduce the group’s gearing ratio to 0.40 times from 0.73 times, while also generating annual interest savings of approximately RM3.17 million. On a pro forma basis, the disposal is expected to increase Paragon Globe’s net assets per share to 79 sen from 54 sen and lift earnings per share by 25.83 sen. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027. Shares in Paragon Globe closed 4 sen or 4.9% higher at 85 sen on Tuesday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM634.63 million. The stock has gained 46.6% over the past year.

Malton Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US-based AI cloud infrastructure company Ricloud AI Inc to explore the development of AI compute centres in Malaysia. The proposed facilities are specialised infrastructure designed to support artificial intelligence workloads, including large-scale model training and real-time AI applications. In a Bursa Malaysia filing on Tuesday, the property developer said Ricloud AI will be responsible for attracting global technology firms to invest in and establish AI compute centres in Malaysia, providing technical expertise for the design and development of the facilities, supplying AI servers, Nvidia GPU clusters and related solutions, as well as assisting with project financing where necessary. Malton will support the initiative by identifying suitable sites and securing land for the projects, assisting with regulatory approvals and local authority requirements, and acting as the main contractor responsible for construction, completion, testing and commissioning of the AI compute centres and related infrastructure. The collaboration is intended to promote Ricloud AI’s services in Malaysia, with potential expansion into neighbouring Southeast Asian markets in the future. Malton said specific project terms will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis once investors are identified, with definitive agreements to be entered into where required. “The project represents an opportunity for Malton and its subsidiaries (Malton Group) to participate in the growing demand for cloud and AI-related computing as well as data centres,” the company said. The MoU will remain valid for 12 months from June 23, unless replaced earlier by a binding agreement, terminated by either party, or allowed to lapse at the end of the collaboration period. Malton added that the MoU is non-binding, except for confidentiality provisions, and serves as a statement of intent between both parties. Shares in Malton closed up 0.5 sen or 1.96% at 26 sen on Tuesday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM149.2 million.

Singapore-based Alpha Story has introduced a marketing communications (marcomms) solution in Indonesia aimed at micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as it looks to broaden access to professional communications services for smaller businesses. Chief executive officer Jeremy Foo said the initiative leverages artificial intelligence (AI), streamlined processes and a more affordable pricing model to help MSMEs strengthen their storytelling and compete more effectively. “Indonesia’s MSMEs are the foundation of the economy. Yet professional public relations and strategic communications have long been positioned as services reserved for larger companies,” he said in a statement. Alpha Story noted that MSMEs make up around 99 per cent of all businesses in Indonesia and contribute 60.5 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product, underscoring their role as the backbone of the economy. Foo said the scale of Indonesia’s MSME sector presents a major opportunity to expand access to communications strategy, media engagement, search visibility and brand intelligence tools in a rapidly digitalising market. He added that AI and more efficient workflows can help democratise access to communications services while enabling smaller businesses to build credibility, enhance visibility and compete more effectively. The company said its Indonesia offering provides a more cost-efficient entry point into professional communications services, including press release development, brand positioning, media outreach, campaign reporting, and guaranteed media placements in Indonesian outlets. It is designed to support MSMEs, startups, founder-led businesses and growth-stage companies with access to public relations services without requiring long-term retainers or heavy upfront commitments. Alpha Story has also established a presence in Central Jakarta and operates as an affiliate of Indonesian outdoor advertising firm 8Infini. As part of its expansion, the company has launched Alpha Echo, an AI-driven brand intelligence platform that helps businesses assess brand perception, competitive positioning and visibility across search, social media and AI-based discovery platforms. Alpha Echo analyses data from media coverage, social channels, industry trends and brand assets to provide insights that support communications strategy, including PR narratives, thought leadership, content development, SEO and answer engine optimisation. Alpha Story Indonesia country lead Leighton Cosseboom said many MSMEs struggle not due to weak products or leadership, but due to lack of visibility. “They are often under-discovered and under-explained. They need to be found, understood and trusted. Alpha Story Indonesia is built to close that visibility gap,” he said. The company said it has worked with more than 2,000 clients across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia across sectors including consumer goods, automotive, technology, lifestyle, hospitality, finance and enterprise. Its regional client list includes Audi, Volkswagen, Agoda, University of Reading, Vietjet, UOL Group, AXS, SEMICON Southeast Asia, Nihon M&A Center, SEAX Global and Razorpay. Alpha Story said its expansion into Indonesia reflects a broader shift in the communications industry, where growth is increasingly driven not only by large enterprises, but also by MSMEs seeking more accessible, data-driven and measurable ways to build trust and compete.