Energy & Technology

Malaysia marked a major milestone in digital healthcare as Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and CelcomDigi Berhad (“CelcomDigi”) collaborated on one of the world’s first real-time, multi-country live ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgeries powered by 5G, artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) technologies last Thursday. The live surgery, led by Professor Dr. Mohd Zulkiflee bin Abu Bakar, Director of UMMC, Otorhinolaryngologist and Head & Neck Oncosurgeon, and Dr. Julius Goh Liang Chye, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Specialist ENT, was streamed in real-time to medical students and international specialists from leading institutions in the United States (Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic and Vanderbilt University Medical Centre), as well as from across Asia, including South Korea, Bhutan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and several states in Malaysia such as Putrajaya, Kedah, Johor and Sarawak. All participants were connected to the operating theatre in UMMC through an immersive AI-powered HoloMedicine® Robotics XR platform by apoQlar. Powered by CelcomDigi’s ultra-low latency 5G network services, the live transmission delivered smooth, synchronous, high-definition visuals that enabled participants to observe critical surgical steps with exceptional precision and clarity, while engaging in real-time remote proctoring and two-way live clinical feedback. The surgical procedure showcased how next-generation connectivity can transform surgical training, remote clinical collaboration, and cross-border medical knowledge exchange. CelcomDigi’s Chief Innovation Officer, T. Kugan, said,“This landmark surgery is testament to how Malaysia can lead the region in digital healthcare innovation. Innovation and 5G connectivity are enabling critical real-time applications that can transform lives. By combining ultra-low latency 5G network with AI and XR-powered HoloMedicine®, we are enabling surgeons, educators and students across multiple countries to collaborate as if they were in the same operating theatre. As Malaysia’s leader in 5G services, we are honoured to support UMMC in realising the nation’s ambition to be a regional centre of medical excellence.” The breakthrough demonstration highlighted the potential of 5G-enabled XR to fundamentally reshape surgical education and specialist collaboration, removing geographical barriers that have traditionally limited access to advanced medical training. UMMC’s Director, Professor Dr. Mohd Zulkiflee, said,“This live surgery marks a major step forward in how we train future surgeons and share specialist expertise. Through real-time, immersive XR technology, our clinicians and students were able to participate in surgical procedures beyond physical boundaries. Our partnership with CelcomDigi allows us to create new possibilities for cross-border collaboration, expanding access to specialist training, improving clinical capability and ultimately enhancing patient care.” The initiative strengthens Malaysia’s growing leadership in medical innovation and underscores the immense potential of 5G-enabled HoloMedicine® in driving next-generation healthcare education, supporting national ambitions to expand healthcare tourism and digital health capabilities. Building on this success, UMMC has planned a series of additional live surgical demonstrations over the coming days, including: Urology surgeries, showcasing remote surgical observation and interactive learning enabled by 5G and AI HoloMedicine® Colorectal surgeries, demonstrating the versatility of the XR platform across multiple specialties in high-stakes clinical environments Additional ENT cases, expanding regional access to advanced surgical techniques and specialist mentorship This initiative also provides an important proof point for how emerging technologies can be safely and effectively integrated into real clinical environments. The success of the procedure shows that advanced digital tools can complement surgical workflows, enhance teaching clarity, and support clinicians without disrupting patient care. CelcomDigi continues to drive the digitalisation of healthcare, empowering institutions to push the boundaries of medical innovation and positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for medical excellence.

eCloudvalley Technology Sdn Bhd has officially launched its AI Centre of Excellence (AI COE) in Malaysia, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for AI innovation and enterprise transformation. This initiative is part of the company’s strategy to drive AI adoption across the Asia Pacific and establish leadership in AI-driven cloud modernization by 2026. From left to right: Sandy Woo, Country Director of eCloudvalley Technology Sdn Bhd; Dr. Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia; and Justin Anthony, Solutions Architect in charge of the AI Business Unit at eCloudvalley Technology Sdn Bhd. “The launch of our AI Centre of Excellence is a proud moment for our Malaysia team,” said Sandy Woo, Country Director of eCloudvalley Technology. “It reflects our commitment to advancing AI in the region and gives customers access to practical, scalable AI solutions that drive real results.” The Malaysia AI COE builds on eCloudvalley’s success in Taiwan, where AI Agents were deployed to optimize operations, including cloud incident automation (MSP AI Agent), security alert triage (MSSP AI Agent), and identity verification (KYC AI Agent). These solutions significantly improved efficiency, reducing incident analysis time from 25 minutes to 5, automating 45% of manual ticket creation, and speeding up security alert processing tenfold. “These AI Agents act as a digital teammate, helping enterprises reduce hidden labor costs while focusing on higher-value tasks,” said Wen-Hua Wang, Head of Product. “They enable scalable solutions for workflow complexity and talent gaps.” To accelerate its AI roadmap, eCloudvalley has established a dedicated AI Business Unit. This team will develop AI Agent products, expand multi-cloud AI capabilities via the Atlas 2.0 ecosystem, and lead innovation across engineering, data, and cloud teams, forming the foundation of eCloudvalley’s APAC AI strategy. Dr. Chin Chee Seong, President of the SME Association of Malaysia, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Malaysia’s SMEs are at a pivotal moment where AI can determine competitiveness. eCloudvalley’s AI COE provides practical solutions that help businesses modernize, operate efficiently, and compete regionally.” Sandy Woo added, “The AI COE is a ready-to-use platform for Malaysian enterprises. Organizations can leverage proven AI Agents to automate operations, improve cybersecurity, reduce manual workload, and modernize cloud environments. Early adoption offers measurable advantages, and eCloudvalley is prepared to help Malaysian companies lead this transformation today.” This AI Centre of Excellence signals Malaysia’s growing role in regional AI development, offering companies immediate access to tested frameworks, expert guidance, and AI-driven solutions that support business growth and innovation.

Sembcorp Industries Ltd is in ongoing discussions to potentially acquire Australia’s Alinta Energy, though no final agreement has been reached yet. The talks come as Alinta’s owner, Hong Kong billionaire Henry Cheng’s Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd, continues exploring a full or partial sale of the utility after spending most of the year reviewing its options. Advisers were appointed in January to lead the sale process. Chow Tai Fook bought Alinta Energy — which now serves more than one million customers across Australia and New Zealand — for over A$4 billion (RM10.92 billion) in 2017. In 2023, it sold Alinta’s Pilbara-region energy assets in Western Australia to APA Group for A$1.7 billion, including debt. The group has been working to unlock liquidity after financial pressures mounted at Cheng’s property company, New World Development Co, prompting the disposal of several assets, including those under the Rosewood Hotel Group. Sembcorp, backed by Singapore sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings Pte, confirmed in a statement on Monday (Dec 8) that it is reviewing several acquisition opportunities, including Alinta Energy. The update followed media reports from the Australian Financial Review and The Australian. Sembcorp’s shares declined as much as 1.3% after the announcement. The potential acquisition aligns with Sembcorp’s broader strategy to grow its footprint across the Asia-Pacific energy market. The company has recently been expanding through regional purchases — including buying renewable solar assets in India from ReNew Energy Global in October. It has also reportedly been in talks to take a minority stake in the gas-fired operations of Thailand’s B.Grimm Power PCL. For the Alinta deal, Sembcorp is being advised by Goldman Sachs Group Inc and DBS Group Holdings Ltd, while Chow Tai Fook is working with RBC Capital Markets and UBS Group AG. Any takeover would require approval from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board before proceeding. Alinta Energy’s largest power-generating asset is the 1,200MW Loy Yang B brown coal-fired power station in Victoria, which supplies roughly 20% of the state’s electricity. In recent years, Alinta has also been working to grow its renewable energy portfolio in preparation for the country’s transition toward cleaner energy sources.

Deleum Bhd announced that its 90%-owned subsidiary, Turboservices Sdn Bhd, has won a six-year contract to service solar turbine turbomachinery for PETRONAS Carigali, the exploration arm of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS). The contract, which began on Nov 8, includes an option for a three-year extension. The contract value was not disclosed. Under the agreement, Turboservices will provide OEM-certified spare parts, preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, engineering and technical support, major equipment overhauls, refurbishment, repairs, and package system upgrades for the solar turbines used by PETRONAS Carigali. Deleum said the contract, funded from internal resources, is expected to positively impact the group’s revenue, earnings, and net assets throughout its duration. While the project carries risks such as occupational safety, execution challenges, and external factors like political or regulatory changes, the company said it is confident its expertise will help mitigate these risks. Shares of Deleum closed at RM1.21, down one sen or 0.82%, giving the company a market capitalization of RM485.88 million.

PT Agincourt Resources, operator of the Martabe gold mine in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, is intensifying its expansion efforts with plans to acquire new mining assets and open additional pits across its 130,000-hectare contract area. The company aims to boost production in response to strong demand and surging gold prices. Vice-president director Ruli Tanio said last Thursday that Agincourt has begun looking beyond its current concession and is actively exploring opportunities to purchase operating mines. “Business development is always evolving. We are evaluating several acquisition prospects, but any asset we buy must meet the same operational standards applied at Martabe,” Ruli said. He noted that some potential assets already in operation had been rejected due to complex stakeholder challenges. Agincourt, a subsidiary of Astra International, is currently completing a US$540 million purchase of the Doup gold project in East Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi, from PT J Resources Asia Pasifik. The deal is expected to close in December. The company is also eyeing opportunities in Australia as part of broader portfolio diversification. Ruli said Agincourt plans to increase output by developing prospects outside the main Martabe concession. The Gambir Kapur project, located about 50km away, could produce between 100,000 and 150,000 ounces of gold annually — though production is only expected after 2029. Other exploration areas include Rantau Panjang, South Angkola and West Angkola in North Sumatra, part of 14 prospects within Agincourt’s contract of work. However, the company has not yet decided whether future ore from these sites will be processed in new plants or transported to the existing Martabe facility, a decision that will influence project economics. In the near term, growth will still come from Martabe itself. Agincourt is preparing to develop the Tor Uluala pit, a roughly 50-hectare extension estimated to contain between 500,000 and 800,000 ounces of gold equivalent. Developing the new pit will require expanded infrastructure, increasing Martabe’s operational footprint from 650 hectares to about 900 hectares by 2034, including larger tailings and waste-management areas. Agincourt currently operates a processing plant capable of handling seven million tonnes of ore per year, producing around 200,000 ounces of gold and two million ounces of silver.

HE Group Bhd has secured a RM56.59 million subcontract to provide electrical services for a data centre project in Cyberjaya, the company announced on Thursday. The contract comes from an undisclosed “engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) company,” which HE Group described as a foreign-owned firm specialising in construction, civil engineering, and offshore oil and gas sectors. The project will be executed by the power distribution specialist’s subsidiary, Hexatech Engineering Sdn Bhd, under an eight-month subcontract agreement with the EPCM company. The contract was initially indicated in a letter of instruction issued on August 27, 2025, with an original value of RM56.7 million. Under the agreement, Hexatech Engineering will be responsible for delivering comprehensive electrical services for the data centre, including the installation, testing, and commissioning of the power distribution systems. The scope of work is expected to contribute positively to HE Group’s earnings over the eight-month contract period. The data centre project in Cyberjaya reflects the growing demand for high-quality, reliable electrical infrastructure to support Malaysia’s expanding digital economy and technology sector. Data centres have become a critical component of the country’s digital transformation, requiring specialised electrical systems to ensure continuous, efficient, and safe operations. HE Group noted that the EPCM company leading the project has extensive experience in large-scale engineering projects, particularly in sectors requiring high technical precision and operational reliability. This partnership underscores HE Group’s capabilities in providing electrical solutions for complex infrastructure projects, while also positioning the company to capitalise on the rapidly expanding data centre market in Malaysia. Shares in HE Group ended Thursday’s trading session 0.5 sen, or 1.41%, higher at 36 sen, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM158.4 million. The successful award of this subcontract is expected to strengthen investor confidence in HE Group’s operational and technical expertise, while contributing to the firm’s growth trajectory in the power distribution and data centre infrastructure segments.

Three agreements establishing Klang Valley’s first integrated reclaimed-water supply chain for data centres were officially signed on Thursday in a ceremony overseen by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra). The agreements involve Air Selangor, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), and Central Water Reclamation Sdn Bhd (CWR), and were signed in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Petra Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and AWS Asia-Pacific data centre operations director Dr Saji PK, Petra said in a statement. The initiative comes amid growing calls for data centres to diversify water sources through alternatives such as reclaimed water, rainwater harvesting, and recycled effluent, as Malaysia has seen a surge in water-intensive data centre projects over the past three years. Under the first agreement, Air Selangor will supply industrial reclaimed water to AWS, marking the first time reclaimed water will be used for data centre operations in Klang Valley. The second agreement formalises a bulk water supply arrangement between Air Selangor and CWR — a joint venture between Air Selangor and IWK — allowing reclaimed water to be produced and distributed through a dedicated reclamation facility. The third agreement sees IWK supplying treated effluent to CWR, which will then process it into reclaimed water for distribution. Datuk Seri Fadillah described the collaboration between federal and state authorities, utilities, and industry players as a clear example of how federal vision and state-level execution can deliver tangible benefits to Malaysians. He highlighted that the project aligns with Petra’s Water Sector Transformation 2040 (AIR 2040), which promotes treated effluent as a renewable resource to enhance national water security. To encourage wider adoption across industries, Petra said it is updating the legal and policy framework for reclaimed water while continuing to support initiatives such as the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS), Green Electricity Tariff (GET), and rooftop solar self-consumption programs to help energy-intensive sectors reduce carbon emissions. Malaysia has become a key regional hub for data centre investments, but the substantial water requirements — mainly for cooling high-heat IT equipment — have raised concerns over the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Swift Bridge Technologies (MFG) Sdn Bhd is set to commence local production of certified electric vehicle (EV) chargers with a total investment of RM11.2 million over the next three years, making it Malaysia’s first domestic manufacturer of certified EV chargers. In a joint statement today, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Swift Bridge said the company will set up full production lines for AC chargers (7kW–22kW) and DC chargers (120kW–600kW), aiming to produce 10,000 AC units annually by 2026 and 1,000 DC units by 2028. MIDA CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step in strengthening Malaysia’s EV infrastructure. “This investment shows strong industry confidence in Malaysia’s policy direction under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint, and Green Investment Strategy,” he said. He added that the collaboration supports national goals to attract technology-driven investments, expand local supply chains, and create high-skilled jobs that contribute to Malaysia’s transition towards a sustainable, high-value economy. Swift Bridge will also invest in human capital, training over 200 Malaysian workers in the next three years. This includes roles in maintenance, commissioning, and field services, as well as engineers and technicians for product design, process engineering, and assembly operations. All chargers produced will be tested and certified by SIRIM QAS to meet Malaysian and international safety, reliability, and performance standards. Swift Bridge executive chairman Datuk SK Chong said the partnership with MIDA and SIRIM marks a significant milestone for the country’s EV sector. “We are proud to be Malaysia’s first local manufacturer of certified EV chargers, fully developed and assembled domestically. Together with our partners, we are creating jobs, nurturing talent, and strengthening local supply chains under a proudly Malaysian brand,” he added.

Leading homegrown power distribution specialist, Powerwell Holdings Berhad (“Powerwell” or the “Group”) (“佳电控股”), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Kejuruteraan Powerwell Sdn Bhd, has accepted a supply contract and purchase order (“PO”) to provide switchboards and components for a data centre project in Selangor, with a total combined value of RM9.5 million. Managing Director of Powerwell Holdings Berhad, Miss Catherine Wong Yoke Yen (黄玉燕), said: “The latest award highlights Powerwell’s continued role in supporting the nation’s growing demand for reliable power solutions in data centre developments. We are pleased to secure our third data centre project in this financial year, evidencing our expertise and capability in this space. The data centre industry in Malaysia is expanding rapidly, helped by the country’s competitive power costs and strong investment appeal.” She added: “With an estimated several gigawatts of total addressable capacity expected over the next five years, Powerwell aims to tap upcoming opportunities by leveraging its experience and technical capabilities. Our tender pipeline remains healthy as our team continues to actively explore more opportunities not only in data centre but also in the infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.” As of end-June 2025, the Group’s outstanding order book stands at around RM117 million, excluding this contract.

Singapore Exchange Catalist-listed Mooreast Holdings Ltd. (“Mooreast” or the “Group”) announced today that it will commence feasibility studies this month to develop large-scale renewable energy (“RE”) projects of up to 500 megawatts (“MW”) in Timor-Leste. The feasibility studies will proceed following Mooreast’s signing of a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) with the Secretario de Estado de Electricidade Agua e Saneamento (“SEEAS”), the secretariat for Electricity, Water and Sanitation under Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Public Works, to develop between 300 and 500 MW of floating RE over a five- to ten-year period. Mooreast said it will conduct due diligence and assess locations off Timor-Leste’s coastline suitable for generating energy from floating wind, solar, hydroelectric, tidal, current, and wave sources. The LOI forms part of a broader proposal for Mooreast to undertake a proposed RE Development Plan in two phases. The plan aims to accelerate the development of the country’s untapped RE resources, including excellent wind potential along the north and south coasts. Timor-Leste, a country of approximately 15,000 square kilometres that borders Indonesia and Australia, currently relies mostly on diesel-fired power plants to meet its energy needs. The nation has targeted 100% national electrification by 2030 through substantial diversification into RE. As part of the RE Development Plan, Mooreast will also be engaged to upgrade grid transmission and infrastructure for RE integration, establish pilot microgrids for remote communities, explore the potential to export power and hydrogen fuel, and introduce smart-grid technologies and energy storage systems. Mooreast will have 12 months of exclusivity to conduct feasibility studies, evaluate, and propose commercial and financing models. Both parties are then expected to enter into a formal Project Development Agreement (“PDA”), likely in the first half of 2026. The PDA is expected to cover: i) joint ventures to develop the projects; ii) establishing investment and financing models, including green finance and fiscal incentives as well as co-investment opportunities with sovereign funds and financial institutions; iii) defining the responsibilities of the state-owned electricity and energy company, Electricidade de Timor-Leste (“EDTL”), regarding necessary rights and permits; iv) defining the role of Mooreast, including for Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (“EPCI”) and floating RE; and v) the terms of long-term Power Purchase Agreements. A specialist in the offshore and marine sector providing mooring and rigging solutions, Mooreast is Asia’s only ultra-high power anchor designer and manufacturer. The company has been expanding its presence in Europe and Asia amid the increasing commercialisation of floating wind energy projects worldwide. Mr Eirik Ellingsen, CEO of Mooreast, said: “Timor-Leste has significant potential for floating renewable energy, which can be harnessed for economic growth and to achieve national goals of electrification and sustainability. We are excited by the opportunity to leverage our capabilities and networks to achieve a win-win formula.”