Energy & Technology

Energy & Technology

Petronas Unit Signs Agreement With Japan’s Hokuriku Electric To Renew LNG Supply Deal

Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) subsidiary Petronas LNG Ltd (PLL) has signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with Japan’s Hokuriku Electric Power Company to negotiate the renewal of a long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement. Under the proposed arrangement, PLL is expected to continue supplying up to 0.54 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG to Hokuriku Electric for a further 10-year period beginning in 2028. Petronas said the HoA represents another milestone in the long-standing partnership between both companies, reflecting the trust, reliability and strategic importance of their relationship built over the years. “The HoA marks another milestone in the longstanding partnership between Petronas and Hokuriku Electric. It reflects the mutual confidence built over the years and underscores the continued trust, reliability and strategic importance of the Petronas-Hokuriku Electric relationship,” the company said. The agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur on July 14, 2026 by PLL chief executive officer Rosdi Ab Rahman and Hokuriku Electric president Koji Matsuda. On the same day, both parties also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore strategic collaboration in carbon-neutral initiatives. According to Petronas, the MoU reflects a shared commitment to developing a more resilient LNG supply chain while exploring opportunities in next-generation energy solutions, including hydrogen, ammonia, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies. Petronas executive vice president and chief executive officer of its Gas and Maritime business Datuk Adit Zulkifli said the company remains committed to supporting Hokuriku Electric’s energy security, operational resilience and transition towards a lower-carbon future. “Beyond LNG, the MoU on carbon-neutral collaboration underscores our shared ambition to explore new opportunities that can create long-term value for both parties,” he said. Petronas highlighted that PLL has been the sole LNG supplier to Hokuriku Electric since the current LNG sale and purchase agreement began in 2018, providing LNG for the utility’s LNG-fired power generation facilities at the Toyama-Shinko Thermal Power Station. The proposed renewal is expected to ensure continuity of LNG supply beyond the existing contract period while further strengthening Petronas’ position as a reliable long-term LNG partner for Japanese energy companies.

Energy & Technology

How One Company Is Building More Than Fire Safety

There are industries that only make headlines when something goes wrong. Fire safety is one of them. For decades, it has largely been viewed as a regulatory obligation—an essential component of buildings and businesses that quietly exists in the background. Yet as industries become more technologically advanced and operational risks continue to evolve, the role of fire protection is changing. It is no longer just about complying with regulations; it is about safeguarding business continuity, protecting people and enabling organisations to operate with confidence. For FIRE FIGHTER INDUSTRY SDN BHD, this shift has defined the company’s journey. Established more than four decades ago, the business has grown from a specialist in fire protection into one of Malaysia’s leading providers of integrated fire safety solutions. Managing Director, Executive Director/ Chief Innovation Officer of Fire Fighter Industry Sdn Bhd – Michelle Hah & Brian Soo. Today, its expertise spans the manufacturing of portable fire extinguishers, active and passive fire protection systems, consultation, maintenance, certified fire safety training and specialised solutions for emerging technologies, serving everyone from property developers and manufacturers to educational institutions and homeowners. But perhaps the company’s biggest transformation has not been what it sells—it is how it thinks about the role fire safety should play in modern society. Moving Beyond the Compliance Mindset Many businesses still approach fire safety as a project requirement or statutory obligation. The challenge with that mindset is simple: compliance alone does not create resilience. FIRE FIGHTER INDUSTRY believes the real value of fire protection lies in prevention, preparedness and confidence. Every fire that never occurs, every business interruption that is avoided and every life protected represents the true success of the industry. That philosophy has shaped the company’s evolution into a full-service provider capable of supporting clients throughout the entire lifecycle of a building. Beyond supplying equipment, the business designs, installs, tests, commissions and maintains integrated fire protection systems while ensuring compliance with BOMBA requirements and evolving industry standards. Rather than seeing projects as isolated transactions, the company focuses on building long-term partnerships that strengthen operational resilience for its clients. Preparing for Risks That Didn’t Exist Yesterday Technology is changing the way businesses operate. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common. Solar energy systems are being installed across commercial and residential developments. Lithium battery storage is powering everything from logistics operations to manufacturing facilities. While these innovations represent significant progress, they also introduce entirely new categories of fire risks. Recognising these shifts early, FIRE FIGHTER INDUSTRY invested heavily in research, product development and specialised fire protection solutions designed specifically for emerging technologies. Its in-house research and development capabilities, together with partnerships involving leading international manufacturers and Malaysian universities such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Management & Science University, allow the company to stay ahead of changing industry demands. This forward-looking approach reflects a broader business philosophy: anticipating tomorrow’s challenges rather than simply responding to today’s. Making Fire Safety More Accessible Innovation is not always about sophisticated technology. Sometimes, it is about changing perception. For many years, fire safety remained something associated almost exclusively with commercial buildings and industrial facilities. Residential preparedness rarely received the same level of attention until an incident occurred. FIRE FIGHTER INDUSTRY has worked to bridge that gap. By expanding into e-commerce, developing consumer-focused fire safety products and creating educational content across digital platforms, the company has made fire protection more accessible to households throughout Malaysia. It has also introduced creatively designed fire extinguishers through collaborations with artists and brands, transforming what was traditionally viewed as a purely functional product into one that encourages greater visibility and awareness within homes. Alongside these initiatives, the company continues delivering fire safety training programmes for businesses, government agencies, residential communities and non-government organisations, reinforcing the belief that awareness remains one of the most effective forms of protection. Defining Growth Differently For many organisations, growth is measured by revenue, expansion or market share. For FIRE FIGHTER INDUSTRY, growth is measured by capability. Its strategic priorities focus on strengthening technical expertise, expanding research and development, improving service quality and building internal systems that enable the organisation to perform consistently as it grows. Equally important is what the company chooses not to pursue. Leadership has deliberately avoided growth that compromises workmanship, technical integrity or customer trust for short-term commercial gains. In an industry where every installation carries significant responsibility, maintaining quality remains non-negotiable. This long-term perspective has become one of the company’s defining characteristics, allowing it to balance experience with innovation while preparing the next generation of talent to lead the industry forward. Building an Organisation That Learns Growth brings complexity. As project portfolios expand and teams become larger, maintaining consistency across workmanship, communication and customer experience becomes increasingly challenging. To meet that challenge, FIRE FIGHTER INDUSTRY has strengthened its operating model through ISO-based systems, enhanced standard operating procedures, digital project management tools and stronger quality control frameworks. At the same time, the organisation continues investing heavily in internal training and knowledge sharing. Rather than allowing technical expertise to remain concentrated within a small number of individuals, leadership believes knowledge should flow throughout the organisation, enabling teams to respond faster, make better decisions and adapt more effectively as technologies continue evolving. It is an approach that reflects the realities of modern business, where continuous learning has become as valuable as technical experience itself. Building for Generations, Not Just Growth After successfully navigating more than fifty years of industry evolution, FIRE FIGHTER INDUSTRY is now focused on a far bigger ambition than simply expanding its business. Its vision is to contribute towards a future where fire safety is integrated into the way organisations operate, communities prepare and industries innovate. Achieving that requires continuous investment in research, workforce development, technical capability, sustainability initiatives and public education—creating stronger foundations not only for the company, but for the wider ecosystem it serves. In today’s business landscape, resilience is increasingly shaped by an organisation’s ability to anticipate change before it becomes disruption. As new technologies emerge and operational risks become more complex,

Energy & Technology

TDA Strengthens Sabah’s TVET, Renewable Energy Talent Development

Technology Depository Agency Bhd (TDA) has launched two initiatives under the PMU Beaufort Project to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and renewable energy skills development in Sabah.  Rear row, from left: YBrs. Dr Asnizah Sahekhaini, Deputy Director, Collaboration and Community Division; YBhg. Datuk Dr Kok Tiong Chee, Managing Director of Unimekar Sdn. Bhd.; YBrs. Mareena Mahpudz, Deputy Secretary General (Energy), Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation; YBrs. Azhar Abdul Aziz, Deputy Under Secretary, Government Procurement Division, Ministry of Finance Malaysia; YBrs. Md. Nor Halim, Director of Politeknik Kota Kinabalu; and YBrs. Azrizal Marzaki, Senior Director of TDA Berhad, at the signing ceremony of the Collaboration Agreement for the Development of a Renewable Energy Training and Research Centre. It includes the contribution of electrical equipment for teaching and research, alongside the establishment of a Renewable Energy Training and Research Centre at Politeknik Kota Kinabalu.  The initiatives are implemented under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia’s Industrial Collaboration Program (ICP), which is monitored by TDA to support technology transfer, talent development and local industry capabilities through selected government procurement projects. TDA chairman Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah said the programme showed how government procurement could create wider benefits beyond infrastructure development. “The Industrial Collaboration Program ensures that strategic government procurement creates sustainable national value through technology transfer, talent development and knowledge sharing. “By strengthening collaboration between government, industry and academia, ICP contributes towards building a competitive local workforce capable of supporting Malaysia’s transition to a high value, technology driven economy,” he said. The initiatives are carried out with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), ICP provider Unimekar Sdn Bhd, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Politeknik Kota Kinabalu. Under the programme, transformer and switchgear equipment will be provided to UMS and Politeknik Kota Kinabalu for teaching and research purposes. The equipment will be converted into training models to help students understand the internal components, engineering principles and operational functions of high voltage electrical systems through practical learning. The collaboration also includes training modules developed by engineering professionals and academic institutions to equip graduates with skills aligned with industry requirements. The programme also includes the establishment of a Renewable Energy Training and Research Centre at Politeknik Kota Kinabalu with an investment of RM156,000. The centre will be Sabah’s first facility to offer the Off Grid Photovoltaic (OGPV) System Design Certification recognised by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia and the Energy Commission of Sabah. The facility is expected to accommodate about 30 participants per training session, including students, lecturers and industry practitioners, while supporting professional certification programmes, renewable energy research, continuous skills enhancement and upskilling and reskilling programmes for the energy sector. The PMU Beaufort ICP supports efforts to strengthen local talent, technology transfer and industry participation through government procurement projects, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.

Energy & Technology

Why Resilience Has Become A Business Strategy

For years, businesses measured success by one defining factor: speed. Faster growth, faster expansion, and faster digital transformation became the benchmarks of competitive advantage. Organisations that moved quickly were often viewed as those most likely to succeed. Managing Director of AR Eastern Sdn Bhd – Dato’ (Major Retd.) Ir. Mathialagan Chellappan. Today, however, the business landscape has changed. In an environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, rapidly evolving technologies, and increasing expectations around operational continuity, resilience has become just as important—if not more important—than speed. The question facing today’s business leaders is no longer simply, “How fast can we grow?” Instead, it has become, “How prepared are we when the unexpected happens?” Resilience is no longer a contingency plan hidden within a risk register. It has evolved into a strategic business advantage. The Critical Role of Reliable Communication Few industries understand the importance of resilience better than the defence, aerospace, and secure communications sectors. When communication systems fail, decision-making slows. When information cannot be transmitted securely, operations become vulnerable. In mission-critical environments where every second counts, resilient communication systems become the invisible foundation that enables successful outcomes. This philosophy sits at the heart of AR Eastern Sdn. Bhd. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Shah Alam, AR Eastern has steadily built its reputation as one of Malaysia’s leading engineering companies specialising in advanced defence, aerospace, and secure communications. While widely recognised for its X-Band Secure Satellite Communication (SATCOM) capabilities supporting the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police, the company’s expertise extends far beyond satellite communications. Its services include systems integration, engineering support, maintenance, procurement, and technical consultancy—helping organisations maintain secure, reliable, and uninterrupted operations in environments where communication is essential to mission success. Solving the Challenge of Operational Continuity What makes AR Eastern particularly relevant today is not simply the technology it provides, but the business challenge it addresses. Reliable communication has become one of the most overlooked forms of organisational resilience. Whether coordinating emergency response, supporting national security operations, or managing complex field deployments, organisations increasingly depend on information moving securely, efficiently, and without interruption. Modern operations are no longer confined to offices or fixed infrastructure. Teams now operate across remote locations, multiple jurisdictions, and increasingly complex digital environments where maintaining connectivity often determines whether operations continue or come to a standstill. AR Eastern focuses on ensuring those connections remain intact. Rather than supplying standalone communication equipment, the company develops integrated ecosystems that combine secure satellite communications, military-grade networks, systems integration, and long-term operational support. Its objective is straightforward: helping organisations remain connected regardless of geography, infrastructure limitations, or operational complexity. Building Confidence Through Partnership Technology itself is becoming increasingly accessible. What organisations value today is confidence. Confidence that systems will continue operating under pressure. Confidence that technical support will remain available when circumstances change. Confidence that partners remain accountable throughout an entire project lifecycle instead of disengaging once implementation is complete. Increasingly, competitive advantage is measured not only by the products organisations purchase, but also by the resilience those long-term partnerships create. AR Eastern recognised this shift early. When the company entered Malaysia’s defence and security sector, few local organisations possessed the capability to deliver secure X-Band satellite communication solutions together with the specialised engineering expertise required for highly sensitive operations. As customer expectations evolved, however, so did the company’s role. Today, secure communications are no longer viewed as standalone systems. They form part of larger operational ecosystems requiring interoperability across land, air, and maritime environments, stronger cybersecurity, rapid deployment capabilities, and continuous technical support. In response, AR Eastern has evolved from a technology provider into a strategic engineering partner, supporting customers through systems integration, maintenance, training, and operational consultancy alongside communication infrastructure. Investing in People and Capability Growth within highly specialised industries presents a unique challenge: talent. Expertise in defence communications, aerospace engineering, and secure network integration cannot be developed overnight. Building these capabilities requires years of technical experience, mentorship, and continuous learning. Recognising this reality, AR Eastern has prioritised succession planning, technical training, and collaborative partnerships with both Malaysian and international industry players. Rather than focusing solely on project delivery, the company’s leadership has concentrated on building long-term capability—ensuring the organisation possesses the expertise required not only for today’s operational demands but also for the challenges of tomorrow. The Strength Behind the Systems Some of AR Eastern’s greatest strengths remain largely invisible. Clients naturally see sophisticated communication systems, technical specifications, and successful project execution. What they experience—but seldom see—is the organisational discipline supporting those outcomes. This includes financial stability that enables long-term project commitments, responsive after-sales support that maintains mission readiness, technical teams capable of adapting quickly to changing operational requirements, and a corporate culture built around accountability rather than transactions. These qualities rarely appear in marketing materials, yet they often determine whether critical systems continue performing when customers need them most. For organisations operating in defence and public safety, these unseen capabilities are just as important as the technology itself. Creating Long-Term Industry Value The same long-term perspective also shapes AR Eastern’s growth strategy. Over the past 18 months, the company has deliberately prioritised capability development over short-term commercial returns, investing in strategic collaborations with international partners to strengthen technical expertise and facilitate knowledge transfer within Malaysia. While this approach requires greater investment and longer implementation timelines, it reflects a commitment to building lasting competitiveness by developing people, strengthening local capability, and contributing to a more resilient industry ecosystem. By embedding advanced expertise locally, AR Eastern supports not only its own future growth but also the continued development of Malaysia’s defence and engineering sectors. Looking Ahead The modern business environment increasingly rewards organisations that anticipate disruption rather than merely react to it. Resilience now influences investment decisions, leadership strategies, talent development, and technology adoption. It shapes the partnerships organisations build and the capabilities they continue to strengthen. The companies that thrive over the coming decade may not necessarily be those that move the fastest. They will be those

Energy & Technology

Thailand Develops US$700 Million EV Plan To Replace 80,000 Vehicles

Thailand is reassessing whether its proposed EV support programme should be expanded beyond commercial transport vehicles to include all vehicle categories, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said. Discussions on broadening the initiative have gained momentum after Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled that the government’s 400 billion baht (US$11.9 billion) emergency borrowing plan was lawful, allowing further spending initiatives to proceed. The cabinet had approved the borrowing plan in May, though opposition lawmakers challenged its legality shortly after. The Transport Ministry submitted the EV proposal to a committee chaired by the Finance Ministry. Support measures could include subsidies, low-interest financing and tax incentives for eligible vehicles being replaced based on specific age requirements, Siripong said. The committee, established under the emergency borrowing framework, is responsible for approving projects and managing support measures related to economic relief and the country’s energy transition. According to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Thailand recorded 621,166 domestic vehicle sales in 2025, including 120,301 passenger EVs. Motorcycle sales reached around 1.7 million units during the same period. Business Groups Call for Focus on Locally Made EVs Thailand’s successive governments have introduced various tax incentives and investment policies to promote EV manufacturing and adoption, aiming to preserve the country’s position as a major automotive hub in the region. These efforts have attracted more than US$4 billion in investments, including commitments from Chinese automakers such as BYD and Great Wall Motor. However, with the current EV support policy set to expire in 2027, industry groups have warned of potential challenges ahead for the sector. Surapong Paisitpattanapong, spokesperson for the FTI’s Automotive Industry Club, said future incentives should prioritise EVs manufactured locally with a significant proportion of domestically sourced components. “More domestic EV production means more jobs, higher incomes and greater tax revenue, creating benefits for businesses, consumers and the government,” Surapong said. Siamnat Panassorn, vice president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, also called for any EV trade-in programme to focus on locally produced vehicles. “We would like to promote EV motorcycles and public buses, as these are vehicles that typically contribute higher emissions,” he said. Government Eyes Support for Taxis and Pickup Trucks Siripong said the programme aims to accelerate EV adoption across multiple vehicle categories while improving public access to cleaner and safer transportation technologies. “There will definitely be something this year, but we need to finalise the details first,” he said, adding that discussions are expected to continue for another month. For taxi drivers whose vehicles will reach the 10-year age limit next year, the government is considering financing assistance for EV replacements. The proposed support could reduce daily loan repayments to 500 baht (US$15) from around 700 baht over a five-year period. Other electric vehicle categories, including minibuses, vans, buses, tuk-tuks and heavy-duty transport vehicles, would receive different levels of support, depending on the final policy structure. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the programme could also support new vehicle purchases, EV replacements for pickup trucks, and the transition to vehicles capable of using B20 biodiesel through low-interest loans and subsidies. Pickup trucks remain a crucial part of Thailand’s automotive industry, accounting for more than 60% of total vehicle production and supporting a wide ecosystem of local suppliers, manufacturing employment and parts production.

Energy & Technology

XCEL ITECH Develops Malaysia’s First Collaborative Rail Training Simulator

XCEL ITECH Sdn Bhd has developed and delivered Malaysia’s first collaborative Train Driving Simulator to Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, providing a new platform to enhance railway operator training, safety and operational readiness. Signing Ceremony of the KLAV27 Train Driving Simulator Handover Certificate From left: Puan Jefiena Jaafar – Director, ICP Operation & Management, Technology Depository Agency Berhad, Tuan Haji Zaki Mohamad – Head of Learning & Development, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, Dr. Harigaran Bharatham – Group Chief Human Capital Officer, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, Mr. Sim Ooi Kok – Contractor’s Representative, Alstom Hartasuma Consortium (AHC), Ir. Badrul Hisham, Abdul Kahar – Chief Executive Officer, Xcel Itech Sdn Bhd The KLAV27 simulator was handed over today at Kompleks Rapid Rail Subang under the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), enabling multiple trainees to practise train operations together in a realistic virtual environment before applying their skills in actual railway operations. XCEL ITECH Sdn Bhd is a technology company involved in engineering solutions, simulation systems and digital technologies for the transportation and critical infrastructure sectors. Its Chief Executive Officer Ir. Badrul Hisham said the project represented more than the delivery of a simulator, as it demonstrated the ability of Malaysian companies to develop advanced railway technology solutions that meet real operational needs. “Today, we are not merely handing over a simulator. We are handing over a new national capability, opening new possibilities and creating another important chapter in the history of Malaysia’s railway industry,” he said. He added that the project proved Malaysian companies have the talent, technical knowledge and determination to develop advanced railway technologies that meet real operational needs. Unlike conventional training systems that focus on individual practice, the KLAV27 simulator allows several operators to train simultaneously within the same virtual railway environment.  “This enables trainees to experience different operational scenarios, including coordinated train movements, system disruptions and emergency responses, in a safe and controlled setting,” he said The system recreates the 46.4-kilometre Kelana Jaya Line, covering all 37 stations and one depot. It provides Prasarana with a realistic platform to strengthen workforce competency, improve decision-making and enhance emergency preparedness. The project was developed through a collaboration involving the Alstom Transport Systems Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Hartasuma Sdn Bhd Consortium (AHC), Technology Depository Agency Berhad (TDA), Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Xcel Itech Sdn Bhd. The development was carried out under the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), an initiative that promotes technology transfer, local industry development and capability building through strategic collaborations between government agencies and industry partners.

Energy & Technology

TBS Energi Indonesia Seeks US$100 Million Private Loan For Subsidiary

Indonesian energy company TBS Energi Utama is seeking to raise US$100 million (RM409.5 million) in private credit financing for its Singapore-based waste management subsidiary, Cora Environment, to support its capital expenditure requirements. According to sources familiar with the matter, TBS Energi has approached private credit funds to assess interest in the potential financing exercise. The proposed funding could involve a hybrid structure or include an equity-like component, although discussions remain at an early stage and the final terms may change. Separately, the Jakarta-listed company recently completed a S$385 million (RM1.22 billion) financing facility aimed at refinancing a S$300 million acquisition loan and repaying a S$50 million mezzanine facility previously provided by Muzinich & Co. Based on a company disclosure dated June 26, DBS Group Holdings acted as the sole underwriter for the refinancing facility. TBS Energi did not immediately provide comments on the financing discussions, while DBS and Muzinich declined to comment. The move places TBS Energi among a growing number of Asian companies exploring private credit markets as an alternative source of funding to diversify their financing options. While bank loans remain a preferred choice among many companies due to lower costs, private credit providers continue to gain traction by offering more flexible structures, particularly for mid-market companies and businesses with specialised funding needs. Private credit funds have increasingly become an alternative financing option for companies that may require customised solutions beyond traditional lending arrangements, despite borrowers generally remaining sensitive to financing costs. TBS Energi Utama operates across several growth sectors, including waste management, renewable energy and electric vehicles. The company expanded its presence in the environmental services sector last year after completing the acquisition of Sembcorp Environment from Singapore-based energy group Sembcorp Industries, subsequently rebranding the business as Cora Environment. Cora Environment provides waste management services for public, industrial and commercial sectors in Singapore. Its operations include a material recovery facility as well as medical and bio-hazardous waste treatment facilities, according to information on the company’s website.

Energy & Technology

MDEC Revokes Malaysia Digital Status Of Network School Operator

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has taken immediate action to revoke the Malaysia Digital status granted to NSO Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the operator of Network School in Forest City, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. In a statement, MDEC said the decision follows the Iskandar Puteri City Council’s (MBIP) move to revoke NSO’s business licence, which resulted in the company no longer meeting the requirements attached to its Malaysia Digital status. MDEC explained that companies awarded Malaysia Digital status are required to obtain and maintain all relevant permits and licences necessary to conduct their approved business activities, while also ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations and licensing requirements. “The revocation of NSO’s business licence constitutes a breach of this requirement. Accordingly, MDEC is taking immediate action to revoke NSO’s Malaysia Digital status,” the agency said. MDEC added that while it remains committed to attracting quality digital investments into Malaysia, compliance with the country’s regulatory framework and legal requirements remains a key priority and cannot be compromised. Earlier, MBIP issued a notice requiring NSO to cease business operations effective July 22, 2026, citing non-compliance with licensing conditions and issues involving the use of premises under the local authority’s jurisdiction. The development comes amid discussions and allegations circulating on social media claiming that Network School was linked to an Israeli agenda to establish a presence in Malaysia through cryptocurrency-related investment activities. Authorities have not confirmed these allegations.

Energy & Technology

Advancecon Secures RM121.7mil Port Dickson Project

Advancecon Holdings Bhd has secured a RM121.66 million subcontract to undertake earthworks and related infrastructure works for an off-river storage (ORS) facility that will support the water supply development for a data centre in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the construction and civil engineering group said its wholly-owned subsidiary, Advancecon Infra Sdn Bhd, had accepted a Letter of Award (LOA) from the project’s main contractor for the subcontract. The scope of works includes the construction and completion of earthworks, site preparation, and other associated infrastructure works for the ORS facility under the proposed water supply scheme. The project is designed to provide a production capacity of 65 million litres of water per day, supporting the growing water requirements of a data centre development in Linggi, Port Dickson. Advancecon said the subcontract will be carried out over a 30-month period, commencing from the date the company receives the written instruction to begin mobilisation and physical construction works. The company noted that the main contractor has over 30 years of experience in Malaysia’s construction industry, having successfully completed several large-scale infrastructure developments. These include the PKNS Cyber Valley development, the raw water pipeline project for the Rasau Water Treatment Plant, as well as finishing works for the MRT Line 2 project in Cyberjaya. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Advancecon expects the subcontract to contribute positively to the group’s earnings throughout the duration of the project. The company added that the project will be financed through a combination of internally generated funds and external borrowings, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its portfolio of infrastructure and water-related projects.

Energy & Technology

BM GreenTech Purchases RM3.6 Million Solar Farm SPV

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.

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