Energy & Technology

Ann Joo Resources Bhd has secured a RM37.4 million contract for a battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. The contract was awarded to its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, IAC Infrastructure Sdn Bhd, by Universal Peak Sdn Bhd, which is part of a consortium with Blueleaf Energy selected by the Energy Commission of Malaysia to develop the project. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Ann Joo said the scope of works includes the design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation and testing of a 100MW/400MWh utility-scale BESS facility, along with related civil, mechanical, electrical and infrastructure works. The project falls under the Energy Commission’s Malaysia Battery Energy Storage System (MyBeST) programme, which aims to strengthen the national power grid and support Malaysia’s transition towards a carbon-neutral energy system. Ann Joo said the contract duration will be finalised with Universal Peak, and the project is expected to contribute positively to the group’s future earnings and net assets. The group, traditionally known for manufacturing steel products such as billets, bars and wire rods, has also been expanding into the renewable energy space in recent years. In August 2023, Ann Joo diversified into solar energy through Ann Joo Green Energy Sdn Bhd, partnering with JAKS Solar Power Sdn Bhd and Fabulous Sunview Sdn Bhd to secure a 29.99MWac quota under Malaysia’s Corporate Green Power Programme. On Tuesday, Ann Joo shares closed down one sen or 1.47% at 67 sen, valuing the group at RM478.14 million.

The Ministry of Works has launched the Design and Installation Guidelines for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Systems, in conjunction with the 2026 Senior Officers’ Conference of the Public Works Department (JKR). Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said the initiative supports the government’s green mobility agenda and is part of efforts to drive JKR’s smart reform in line with national policies to expand EV adoption. He said the guidelines are the first of their kind in Malaysia, providing a comprehensive reference for contractors, designers, government agencies, petrol station operators, and individuals involved in installing EV charging facilities. “Previously, there were no specific guidelines on EV charging system installation. This book will serve as a reference to ensure installations are carried out at suitable locations and comply with safety requirements,” he said. He added that the initiative aims to accelerate the development of EV charging infrastructure, not only at highway rest and service (R&R) areas, but also across federal, state and municipal roads under JKR supervision. Ahmad said JKR must take a proactive role as a facilitator in expanding EV charging stations, especially along non-highway road networks, to support the transition towards cleaner energy use. He noted that the limited availability of charging stations remains one of the key factors slowing EV adoption in Malaysia. He said EV infrastructure has so far been concentrated mainly at highway R&R areas and petrol stations operated by concessionaires, while coverage on other road networks remains limited. Ahmad also said earlier recommendations by JKR include expanding EV charging points beyond highways to include federal, state and local roads managed by authorities. “This effort will support wider EV usage, whether for motorcycles, cars or buses. Charging infrastructure is essential, and the lack of it continues to hinder adoption,” he said. On broader issues, he noted that the global energy crisis continues to affect economic stability, supply chains and costs, prompting the government to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding public welfare. He said the Works Ministry remains committed to improving service delivery by ensuring all project planning and implementation are carried out efficiently, with integrity and careful execution. “All challenges will be addressed strategically, including optimising resources, speeding up processes and improving on-the-ground efficiency,” he added.

French energy technology company Schneider Electric plans to open a Southeast Asia training centre in Malaysia this year, as rising demand from artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure drives higher energy needs across the region. The expansion comes as Southeast Asia’s data centre capacity is projected to triple by 2030, with Malaysia emerging as a key hub following major investments from global tech companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. Malaysia also plays a significant role in the global semiconductor industry, accounting for around 13% of worldwide testing and packaging activity. Schneider Electric said the rapid growth of AI is increasing pressure on industries to improve energy efficiency and power management, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as data centres and semiconductor manufacturing. The planned training centre will focus on providing technical skills and hands-on training for the company’s partners and customers across the region. It will cover technologies ranging from medium-voltage energy management systems to data centre solutions. Schneider Electric added that AI adoption is also supporting its own growth, as its equipment is widely used in server infrastructure, power systems and cooling solutions required for high-performance computing facilities. The company is also incorporating AI into its own energy management tools, including predictive systems that help optimise power usage, such as adjusting cooling systems based on weather conditions. These technologies can help reduce energy consumption by around 2% to 3%, which is significant for large-scale facilities like data centres and semiconductor plants.

Marine and industrial engineering products distributor Pansar Bhd has secured a RM234.89 million contract from the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) for the development of a water treatment plant project in Saratok, Betong, Sarawak. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Wednesday, the group said the Letter of Acceptance was awarded to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd. The project involves the construction of a 30 million litres per day (MLD) water treatment plant at the existing Kaki Wong plant site, as well as the development of a new raw water intake facility and two booster pump stations to support water supply infrastructure in the area. Pansar said the project is scheduled to commence in June 2026 and is expected to be completed within 30 months from the start date. The group added that the contract is expected to contribute positively to its future earnings and strengthen its order book in the infrastructure and utilities segment. On Wednesday, Pansar shares closed unchanged at 49.5 sen, giving the company a market capitalisation of approximately RM346 million.

Bina Puri Holdings Bhd is acquiring full control of Enforture (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, a water treatment engineering company, for an upfront cash payment of RM100,000, along with additional payments tied to the company’s future performance. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Bina Puri said the acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of the month and will enhance its capabilities in water treatment, water supply, and related infrastructure works. Enforture Sarawak has ongoing and pipeline projects with a combined estimated value of RM192.82 million, and is projected to generate RM52.86 million in pre-tax profit and RM40.17 million in net profit over the next two years.

Uzma Bhd has partnered with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) to explore opportunities in renewable energy, aerospace and defence maintenance, marine engineering, and strategic investments linked to energy transition and technology development. The petroleum engineering company said the collaboration is formalised through a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on May 3. Uzma said the partnership will also focus on developing talent pipelines through academic and executive programmes under Institusi Pendidikan Mara (IPMA), including leadership and artificial intelligence (AI) training, as well as industrial training and apprenticeship opportunities. The initiative aims to provide Mara graduates, particularly from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, with industry exposure and support the growth of Bumiputera vendors in the energy and technology sectors. Group CEO Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed said the collaboration will help align training with real industry needs and strengthen vendor development across key sectors including oil and gas and renewable energy. He added that closer industry–institution cooperation is key to ensuring talent development remains relevant, practical and future-ready. Uzma shares closed 0.5 sen lower at 44.5 sen on Monday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM269 million.

Petronas Gas Bhd (PetGas) has received a notification letter from the Ministry of Economy dated April 30, 2026, to undertake the development of the Third Regasification Terminal in Lumut, Perak (RGT-3), which will be based on a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) concept. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group said it is also exploring the possibility of jointly developing the project with a strategic partner, as part of efforts to optimise project execution and strengthen capabilities. PetGas noted that it had conducted detailed technical and commercial assessments on the development of new gas infrastructure, taking into account long-term gas supply and demand projections for Peninsular Malaysia. Following these evaluations, the company submitted a proposal to the Energy Commission for the RGT-3 project, targeting commercial operations by the second quarter of 2029. Under the proposed design, the RGT-3 will utilise an FSRU system, where liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage and regasification activities are carried out offshore. The regasified LNG will then be transported via a connecting pipeline from the offshore facility and its onshore berthing infrastructure into the Peninsular Gas Utilisation (PGU) system. This project will mark Malaysia’s first deployment of an FSRU-based regasification terminal. The facility is planned with an LNG storage capacity of 170,000 cubic metres and a regasification capacity of up to 500 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd). Once operational, the terminal is expected to support additional gas demand equivalent to approximately 3.5 gigawatts of power generation capacity in Peninsular Malaysia. PetGas added that the project will be regulated by the Energy Commission, with tariffs to be determined under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework. The development of RGT-3 is in line with PetGas’ long-term strategy to expand and strengthen its gas and utilities infrastructure portfolio. The project is expected to enhance the capacity, resilience and flexibility of Malaysia’s gas supply network, ensuring it can meet evolving energy demand while supporting the country’s broader economic and industrial growth.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to support US$70 billion in energy and digital infrastructure investments by 2035, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity across Asia and the Pacific through integrated power grids and enhanced digital networks. ADB president Masato Kanda said access to reliable energy and digital infrastructure will play a critical role in shaping the region’s future, with the initiatives designed to support economic growth, competitiveness and cross-border integration. “By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can reduce costs, expand opportunities, and deliver reliable energy and connectivity to hundreds of millions of people,” he said in a statement. The overall plan comprises two key components: a US$50 billion Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative (PAGI) and a US$20 billion programme focused on digital and technology connectivity. Under PAGI, investments will be directed towards strengthening transmission infrastructure and grid integration, including the development of cross-border transmission lines, substations, energy storage systems and grid digitalisation. By 2035, ADB aims to facilitate the integration of around 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders, build approximately 22,000 circuit-kilometres of transmission lines, and improve access to electricity for 200 million people. The initiative is also expected to create about 840,000 jobs and reduce emissions in the regional power sector by 15%. ADB expects to fund roughly half of the US$50 billion power grid initiative from its own resources, with the remainder to be raised through co-financing arrangements, including private sector participation. In addition, up to US$10 million in technical assistance will be allocated to support regulatory alignment, adoption of common technical standards, feasibility studies and project preparation. On the digital front, the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway initiative aims to mobilise US$20 billion by 2035 to develop digital corridors, strengthen data infrastructure and support the growth of AI-ready economies. Investments will focus on improving connectivity through terrestrial and subsea fibre networks, satellite systems and regional data centres. ADB plans to contribute US$15 billion towards the digital initiative, with the remaining US$5 billion to be sourced through co-financing, including from private sector partners.

Jaycorp Bhd is proposing to acquire the remaining 40% stake in its subsidiary, Jaycorp Green Energy Sdn Bhd (JGE), for RM15 million in cash, as part of its strategy to expand its footprint in the renewable energy sector and diversify its earnings base. The acquisition involves the purchase of 2.33 million shares from Microban (M) Sdn Bhd, which will increase Jaycorp’s ownership in JGE from 60% to 100%. Upon completion, JGE will become a wholly owned subsidiary, allowing the group to fully consolidate its financial performance. In a Bursa Malaysia filing on Thursday, Jaycorp said the move would eliminate non-controlling interests, enabling shareholders to benefit fully from JGE’s future earnings. The acquisition will be funded entirely through internally generated funds, with no additional liabilities expected. Following the deal, the group also plans to formally diversify its core business to include renewable energy, covering the investment, development and operation of assets such as solar, biomass, biogas and waste-to-energy facilities. Currently, Jaycorp’s primary businesses span furniture manufacturing, packaging, wood processing, construction, and trading and property-related activities. JGE, meanwhile, is involved in renewable energy, biomass and environmentally friendly waste treatment, including producing industrial steam from palm oil waste for the oleochemical sector. Jaycorp noted that its renewable energy segment was the only division to record growth in both revenue and profitability for the financial year ended July 31, 2025, highlighting its potential as a more resilient earnings contributor. “The proposed diversification enables the group to position renewable energy as a core and growing pillar of the business, alongside its existing manufacturing operations, while providing greater strategic flexibility to pursue opportunities across the renewable energy value chain,” the group said. The proposals are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to shareholders’ approval and other regulatory requirements. Jaycorp shares closed unchanged at 22.5 sen on Thursday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM61.8 million. The stock has declined about 25% year-to-date.

Data centre platform AirTrunk will increase its investment in Malaysia by an additional RM12 billion this year, bringing its total committed investments in the country to RM27 billion, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the matter was conveyed during a courtesy visit by AirTrunk founder and chief executive officer Robin Khuda and his delegation on Wednesday (April 29). According to Anwar, discussions during the meeting focused on the progress of AirTrunk’s ongoing data centre developments in Johor, which form part of the company’s broader expansion plans in Malaysia’s digital infrastructure sector. He added that both sides also discussed a localisation framework aimed at increasing the participation of Malaysian companies across the data centre value chain, including construction, services, and supporting industries. “The investment commitment is highly welcomed and is expected to further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a competitive, progressive and high-capacity regional digital hub,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (April 30). Anwar noted that AirTrunk’s expanded commitment reflects continued investor confidence, particularly among global technology firms, in Malaysia’s role as a strategic destination for digital infrastructure and data centre development. He added that this development also aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline policies, improve regulatory efficiency, and facilitate faster implementation in the development and operation of data centres nationwide. The additional investment is expected to further accelerate Malaysia’s growth as a regional hub for cloud computing, hyperscale data infrastructure, and digital services.