Energy & Technology

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has approved National Telecom (NT) to launch Thailand’s first local satellite broadband internet service via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The state-owned telco began offering the service this month through its partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, a global LEO satellite operator, said NT president Col Sanpachai Huvanandana. Col Sanpachai says LEO’s broadband service will be a significant driver of NT’s revenue in the future. NT aims to generate US$30 million in revenue from this service by 2030, excluding the annual 200 million baht infrastructure rental fee paid by Eutelsat OneWeb to NT. This approval follows an NBTC resolution in March that allowed NT to provide broadband services using Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO satellites for regional markets outside Thailand. NT operates the LEO broadband service via its gateway in Ubon Ratchathani province, expected to serve over 50,000 users across Southeast Asia in its first year. Together, NT and Eutelsat OneWeb have invested over US$25 million to build local infrastructure enabling these services in Thailand and the surrounding region. Eutelsat OneWeb is part of the Eutelsat Group, a leader in satellite communications with a fleet of 35 geostationary and 634 LEO satellites worldwide. Targeting regional enterprises needing connectivity in remote areas, NT sees satellite broadband as a major future revenue source. According to tech research firm Gartner, global spending on LEO satellite communication services is forecast to reach US$14.8 billion by 2026, a 24.5% increase from 2025. Gartner senior analyst Khurram Shahzad noted that LEO satellites primarily provide broadband to remote locations lacking traditional network access, but emerging consumer and business applications are driving rapid market growth. With over 20 active LEO providers and more than 40,000 satellites expected soon, LEO technology is becoming a mainstream broadband solution offering reliable internet and IoT connectivity anywhere — including on airplanes, ships, and offshore platforms. Key growth areas in 2026 will include remote consumer and business use (with expected spending increases of 40.2% and 36.4%), followed by IoT, maritime and aviation connectivity, and network resilience improvements. Examples of new use cases include LEO-connected drones providing mobile coverage during disasters and US airlines offering free high-speed WiFi via LEO satellites. Despite strong growth, the industry faces challenges like regulatory hurdles, capacity limits, roaming restrictions, and limited certification for some critical applications. Communications providers are advised to tailor strategies based on specific use cases.

KUALA LUMPUR, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is looking to expand its footprint in Canada, which has become one of its key liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply bases, said Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab, executive vice president and CEO of upstream business. With an estimated 50 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas in Canada, Petronas sees significant potential beyond the current Phase 1 of the LNG Canada project. “With 50 TCF, we can support several more LNG projects as resource size is not the issue here,” Mohd Jukris said, adding that the company hopes to receive continued support from the Canadian government. The energy giant shipped its first LNG cargo from the LNG Canada facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, on July 8. It also operates the North Montney Joint Venture upstream gas project and is a major equity partner in the US$40 billion LNG Canada facility. Internationally, Petronas has strengthened its presence in countries including Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Turkmenistan, Abu Dhabi, Canada and Suriname. Mohd Jukris noted that Suriname, where Petronas is developing its first offshore gas discoveries, is among its growth markets. Petronas aims to increase revenue from international assets to over 60% of its total, up from the current 40%, while maintaining strong investments in Malaysia as part of its core portfolio.

Lithium carbonate futures in Guangzhou surged by the daily limit of 8% to US$11,279 per tonne after Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) suspended production at a major lithium mine in Yichun, Jiangxi province. The world’s largest EV battery maker said its mining licence expired on Saturday and that it has applied to restart operations. CATL noted the halt would have only a limited impact on its business. Analysts believe the move reflects Beijing’s push to rein in overcapacity in the EV battery sector. “It remains to be seen whether the government will take further steps to limit lithium output,” said Ding Haifeng of Shanghai-based Integrity. A view of CATL’s lithium mine in Yichun, Jiangxi province. Lithium price fluctuations directly affect EV production costs. Citigroup estimates that every 10,000 yuan per tonne rise in lithium prices could cut CATL’s 22.4% profit margin by about four percentage points.

KUCHING, The Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (Doppa) has welcomed the federal government’s RM1.4 billion allocation for oil palm replanting under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), calling it a timely boost to rejuvenate ageing plantations, especially for independent smallholders in Sarawak. Doppa said the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities’ commitment reflects the government’s dedication to sustaining and strengthening Malaysia’s palm oil industry. Citing 2023 data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Doppa noted that Sarawak is home to 256,738 hectares of oil palm managed by 46,584 independent smallholders – the largest planted area in the country. “It is crucial that Sarawak is prioritised for special allocations and targeted replanting programmes,” it said, warning that the current replanting rate of just two per cent could impact both local and global supply chains if left unaddressed. The association urged the ministry to streamline application and approval processes, pointing out that more than 70 per cent of smallholders in Sarawak are underperforming due to ageing palms. It cited slow land status verification as a major hurdle to releasing incentives and soft loans via Agrobank, recommending that the Department of Agriculture Sarawak and MPOB Sarawak be used as direct channels to speed up the disbursement of replanting scheme incentives. With the new allocation, Doppa proposed replanting about 77,000 hectares – equivalent to 9.3 per cent of the 824,404 hectares of smallholder oil palm nationwide. It also called for incentives for smallholders who replant on their own initiative, with MPOB verifying the work. “Encouraging self-driven replanting will accelerate the process and ensure grants meet their objectives without wastage,” it added.

BEIJING, A Baidu Apollo Go robotaxi carrying a passenger plunged into a deep construction pit in Chongqing, southwestern China, raising fresh concerns over autonomous vehicle safety, local media reported. The accident happened on Wednesday, according to outlets including Southern Metropolis Daily and Huashang Newspaper. The female passenger was unharmed and rescued by nearby residents using a ladder. Videos circulating on Chinese social media showed the white Baidu Apollo-branded vehicle at the bottom of what appeared to be a construction trench. A local shop owner told Huashang Newspaper that the site had barriers and warning signs, though it was unclear how the robotaxi managed to bypass them. Reuters verified the location of the footage but could not confirm how the vehicle ended up in the pit. Baidu has yet to comment. The incident has reignited debate on Chinese social media about the safety of self-driving taxis. Baidu operates one of China’s largest autonomous fleets, with services in Wuhan, Beijing, and Chongqing, and has been pursuing overseas expansion through partnerships with Uber and Lyft. In May, competitor Pony.ai faced scrutiny after one of its vehicles caught fire in Beijing following a system malfunction while being handled by staff, with no passengers on board. Last year in San Francisco, a Waymo robotaxi was set on fire by a crowd after entering streets filled with revellers, fueling discussions on whether autonomous cars can make sound real-time decisions.

PUTRAJAYA, AwanBiru Technology Berhad (Awantec) has launched a new suite of AI-driven solutions under the brand Awantec Intelligence, developed in partnership with Google Cloud, to accelerate Malaysia’s digital progress. The initiative aims to empower businesses and government agencies with smart, data-centric tools designed to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and customer engagement. “Our goal with Awantec Intelligence is to deliver AI solutions that offer real, immediate value,” said Awantec CEO Azlan Zainal Abidin at the launch. “These tools are built to help organisations navigate digital challenges and operate more intelligently.” The suite includes Awanlytics, AwanBot, and AwanBot+, each tailored to improve specific operational areas: Awanlytics offers real-time data analytics to support faster, more informed decision-making. AwanBot is an AI-powered virtual assistant that uses natural language processing to boost customer service. AwanBot+ automates routine tasks, generates actionable insights, and enhances resource management. Developed over six months by a compact team of four engineers, the platform was shaped through early collaboration with users to ensure it met actual operational needs. The solutions emphasise security, scalability, and easy integration, catering to both public and private sector clients. Google Cloud’s director of strategic pursuit (public sector), Raja Azmi Adam, also attended the launch.

PETALING JAYA, ITMax System Bhd, via its 70%-owned subsidiary Selmax Sdn Bhd, has been appointed by the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to operate the Selangor Intelligent Parking (SIP) system — marking its second smart parking contract in the state. Under the 10-year contract, with an option to extend for another five years, Selmax will be responsible for the deployment, management, and operation of all gazetted parking bays within MBSA’s jurisdiction. The arrangement includes a revenue-sharing model, entitling Selmax to 50% of income derived from parking fees and compounds. ITMAX, CEO William Tan Wei Lun. “We’re honoured to once again be entrusted as the SIP operator in Selangor. This reinforces our position as a reliable technology partner for local councils seeking to modernise urban mobility,” said ITMAX managing director and CEO William Tan Wei Lun. He added that the integration of AI-powered CCTV, monitoring systems, and Mobile Patrol Licence Plate Recognition technology is expected to enhance parking compliance, operational efficiency, and public safety. According to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research, ITMAX’s successful implementation in Johor has boosted its credibility, laying a strong foundation for its involvement in Selangor’s SIP Phase 1, which includes four councils — MBSJ, Petaling Jaya City Council, MBSA, and Selayang Municipal Council. The firm noted that the Park@Max Johor digital payment platform has led to a 200% increase in parking revenue for the Kulai Municipal Council since its launch in August 2024, with collection rates in some areas rising from 5%-10% to 30%-40% due to enhanced monitoring systems. HLIB maintained a “buy” rating on ITMAX, with a target price of RM5.17, also highlighting further growth potential in Johor. The company recently landed its third smart traffic light contract worth RM145 million from Johor Baru City Council.

KUALA LUMPUR, Petronas has reiterated its commitment to operations in Brazil, describing the country as a key market where it maintains a strong, integrated presence across the energy value chain. In a statement issued today, the national oil company clarified its position amid recent reports suggesting a potential stake sale. It highlighted its current involvement in three producing fields and four deepwater exploration blocks within Brazil’s upstream sector. Beyond upstream activities, Petronas also operates a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit via MISC Bhd, while AET, a MISC subsidiary, supports offshore production with a fleet of 13 dynamic positioning shuttle tankers. This comes following reports that Petronas was working with Bank of America Corp to divest its 50% interest in the Tartaruga Verde oil field in Brazil, with unnamed sources estimating the potential deal at around US$1 billion. In response, Petronas stated that it routinely reviews its global investments — including those in Brazil — to enhance portfolio resilience and drive long-term value creation. “These periodic reviews ensure our portfolio remains aligned with our growth strategy, as we continue to focus on maintaining a strong and sustainable presence,” the company said. Petronas acquired its stake in Tartaruga Verde in 2019 through a broader deal with Petrobras, which retains the remaining 50% interest in the field.

JAKARTA, Indonesia will start importing lithium from Australia to support its rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) sector, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced Tuesday, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a key EV manufacturing hub in the region. Speaking at the International Battery Summit in Jakarta, Bahlil said the move aligns with Indonesia’s EV development roadmap, launched in 2020 under President Joko Widodo. “Our goal of building a complete EV battery ecosystem is part of a broader mineral downstreaming strategy we’ve pursued since 2020,” Bahlil stated. While Indonesia boasts abundant reserves of nickel and manganese—critical materials for EV batteries—it lacks domestic lithium, prompting the government to secure alternative sources. Although lithium has previously been imported from Africa, Bahlil noted that Australia offers a more cost-efficient supply due to proximity and lower shipping costs. “The import arrangement will follow a business-to-business model, and the volume will depend on the needs of Indonesian companies,” he added. The announcement comes amid a surge in EV uptake across the country. Indonesia’s EV fleet rose to about 207,000 units in 2024, compared to 116,000 the year before. In the first half of 2025 alone, EVs made up approximately 10% of all new car sales—double the 5% share recorded in 2024. By 2030, Indonesia aims to produce 9 million electric motorcycles and 600,000 electric cars and buses. These targets are expected to reduce fossil fuel usage by 21.65 million barrels and cut carbon emissions by 7.9 million tonnes.

King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and Amazon Web Services (Thailand) Ltd (AWS) have jointly introduced the Advanced Data Center Engineering Excellence Scholarship Programme, aimed at cultivating the next generation of Thai digital engineers, boosting research and development, and positioning Thailand as a regional hub for digital infrastructure. The initiative includes the development of a specialised master’s degree curriculum in data centre engineering to meet rising demand for skilled professionals in this field. The programme will also support advancements in AI-powered infrastructure. From left to right: Mr Komsan, Mr Narit and Mr PK during the recent launch of the scholarship programme. Thailand has rapidly emerged as a digital investment hotspot. According to the Board of Investment (BoI), 2024 saw the establishment of 34 data centres, with combined investments exceeding 350 billion baht. In the first half of 2025 alone, 89 digital industry investment applications were received, including 30 for new data centres. BoI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi noted that Thailand is seeing robust demand for cloud services, data processing, and AI-driven digital solutions. With its strong infrastructure and strategic location, Thailand aims to become Southeast Asia’s premier digital investment destination. The government supports this goal with attractive tax incentives, streamlined visa processes for tech professionals, and close collaboration with academic institutions to nurture local talent. Mr Narit also highlighted Thailand’s readiness to support large-scale digital infrastructure, with 1,000 megawatts already allocated for data centre operations. AWS, the first hyperscaler to partner with BoI on developing a hyperscale data centre in Thailand, is making a long-term investment of US$5 billion in the region through 2037 — covering both infrastructure and talent development. The scholarship programme reflects AWS’s commitment to shaping the future of digital infrastructure and supporting the goals of Thailand 4.0. Saji PK, AWS’s Director of Data Centre Operations for Asia-Pacific Japan and China, said the programme will train future-ready talent through a curriculum focused on sustainable design, energy-efficient data centre operations, and the use of AI in infrastructure management. It is being developed in collaboration with KMITL’s College of Innovation and Industrial Management. AWS is contributing copy00,000 (likely a typo; assumed to be US$100,000) to support 16 scholarship recipients under this programme. KMITL President, Professor Dr Komsan Maleesee, emphasised that the initiative will help cultivate agile researchers and innovators ready to make an impact beyond academic settings. Supporting this, Total Maker Co Ltd’s General Manager, Supoj Buapa — also a PhD candidate at KMITL — shared that he has already developed a locally made Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software and smart cooling hardware. His cold aisle containment system is 30% cheaper than foreign alternatives, offering superior customisation tailored to local industry needs. This scholarship initiative marks a key step in strengthening Thailand’s digital capabilities and talent pipeline as global demand for data centres and digital services continues to grow.