Energy & Technology

Malaysia has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with the Netherlands to deepen collaboration in the semiconductor sector, further reinforcing the nation’s role as a global hub for the industry. The pact was formalised in The Hague between Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans. “With this MOC, Malaysia can tap into the Netherlands’ advanced chipmaking expertise to strengthen our value chain, especially in assembly, testing and packaging. Together, we aim to build a stronger, more resilient semiconductor ecosystem that benefits both countries and the global economy,” Tengku Zafrul shared on X. He highlighted that the cooperation aligns with Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which targets RM500 billion in investments, the growth of high-value local firms, and the training of 60,000 engineers by 2030. In a statement, the ministry said the partnership also underscores the need to diversify global supply chains to stay competitive amid rapid technological advancements and shifting market dynamics. The MOC will be supported by an Annual Bilateral Semiconductor Dialogue, serving as a structured platform for both nations to review progress, exchange insights on industry policies and market trends, and coordinate efforts in talent development, R&D, and technology sharing.

KUALA LUMPUR, Renewable energy (RE) specialist Samaiden Group Bhd, through a consortium, has secured a landmark project under the large-scale solar PETRA 5+ programme, marking another step forward in Malaysia’s clean energy push. The consortium, formed by Samaiden’s wholly-owned Samaiden Sdn Bhd (SSB) and JBB Builders (M) Sdn Bhd, received a letter of notification from the Energy Commission on Sept 2, officially naming it as a shortlisted bidder to develop a 99.99 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic plant in Segamat, Johor. Awarded under Package 3 (covering projects in the 30MW to 500MW category) following a competitive bidding process, the project reflects the consortium’s strong technical expertise and financial capabilities, alongside Samaiden’s proven track record in delivering large-scale RE projects. The plant will operate under a 21-year solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and is targeted to achieve commercial operation by Oct 31, 2027. Once running, it will supply clean electricity into the national grid, boosting Malaysia’s renewable energy capacity while contributing to the country’s energy transition targets. “This large-scale solar project represents a significant milestone for Samaiden and demonstrates market confidence in our capabilities. We are proud to play an active role in accelerating Malaysia’s energy transition and delivering long-term sustainable value,” said Datuk Ir Chow Pui Hee, group managing director of Samaiden. The win further solidifies Samaiden’s position as a leading player in the RE industry, particularly in engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) of solar power systems. Aligned with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the PETRA 5+ project supports Malaysia’s ambition to achieve 70% RE capacity by 2050, while also contributing to global sustainability goals through carbon reduction and clean energy expansion.

KUALA LUMPUR, Penang-based Pentamaster Corp Bhd is venturing into next-generation technologies for AI servers and data centres with a US$3 million (RM12.69 million) investment for a 14.29% stake in Ahead Optoelectronics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. The new entity, set up in June 2024, is a joint venture between Pentamaster, Taiwan’s Ahead Optoelectronics Inc (AOI), and Cayman-based JC Capital Ltd (JCC). Pentamaster made the investment through its wholly owned unit, Pentamaster Innoteq Sdn Bhd. Upon completion, AOI will hold 71.42%, while Pentamaster and JCC will each own 14.29%. JCC’s participation will come via up to US$3 million in convertible notes. AOI is known for its optical integration products such as wafer-level lenses and 3D sensing modules, while JCC serves as an investment vehicle. With a capital base of up to US$21 million (RM88.80 million), Ahead will focus on importing and exporting electronic components. Pentamaster said the venture aligns with its push into opto-electronics and silicon photonics — technologies that merge light and electronics for faster, more energy-efficient devices. These advances are seen as vital to powering the next generation of AI servers and high-performance data centres. The silicon photonics interconnect market is projected to grow by more than 20% annually, potentially reaching US$9.65 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand for ultra-fast connectivity. “The board believes this investment will enhance Pentamaster’s long-term growth and financial performance,” the company said in a filing. The deal does not require shareholder or regulatory approval and is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025. Pentamaster shares ended four sen, or 1.13%, lower at RM3.51 on Thursday, valuing the group at RM2.50 billion.

TBCASoft, the U.S.-based on-chain finance innovator behind the HIVEX® Network, has signed a strategic MOU with Singapore-based licensed Major Payment Institution StraitsX, the issuer of XSGD and XUSD stablecoins, under a project named HIVEX® StableLink. The collaboration aims to deliver scalable, blockchain-powered cross-border payments using regulated stablecoins, offering instant foreign exchange (FX) and settlement finality. This initiative is designed to reduce costs and improve efficiency for mobile users, merchants, issuers, and acquirers across the network. StraitsX will integrate its stablecoins with the HIVEX® Network, a next-generation international mobile payment platform. HIVEX® StableLink plans to connect regulated stablecoin issuers in multiple jurisdictions, including Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the United States. The HIVEX® Network leverages blockchain technology to enable secure, interoperable cross-border payments while maintaining FX transparency, regulatory compliance, and data protection. Since 2023, HIVEX® has supported stablecoin-based cross-border clearing and now aims to expand to regulated instant settlement and FX under this initiative. “Project HIVEX® StableLink is a milestone for the HIVEX® Network, establishing it as a global infrastructure layer for mobile payments,” said Ling Wu, Founder and CEO of TBCASoft. “This partnership with StraitsX allows us to deliver scalable, interoperable, and sovereign blockchain-powered finance solutions, offering real value to customers across our network.” Tianwei Liu, CEO & Co-Founder of StraitsX, added: “By integrating our stablecoins and payment capabilities within the HIVEX® Network, businesses can now access seamless and instant QR payments and settlements, backed by trusted infrastructure, compliance, and competitive value.” The partnership strengthens HIVEX®’s position as a global enabler of mobile wallet interoperability, fostering a harmonised framework for banks, e-wallets, merchants, and users, and advancing the adoption of open, borderless mobile payments worldwide.

KUCHING, SACOFA, Sarawak’s leading telecommunications infrastructure provider, has entered a strategic partnership with ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leader in integrated information and communication technology solutions, to modernise SACOFA’s statewide network and support Sarawak’s next phase of digital growth. The network upgrade introduces scalable, ultra-broadband capacity through full-band Optical Transport Network (OTN) technologies capable of 1.6 Terabyte throughput, enhanced by AI-driven intelligent network management for improved reliability and spectrum efficiency. The core transport network features a 6-in-1 EDN (Enhanced Deterministic Networking) processor, delivering high-speed forwarding with low latency and jitter resilience for real-time applications. These upgrades will enhance bandwidth delivery, elevate service quality, and optimise operational efficiency. The initiative will see SACOFA upgrading its core transport, routing, and optical layers using ZTE’s advanced solutions, creating a robust foundation for long-term network performance and reliability. Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman B Abdul Taib, Managing Director of SACOFA. “SACOFA’s collaboration with ZTE advances the state government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Sarawak 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Blueprint 2030 initiatives. Modernising our network infrastructure allows us to convert enhanced capacity and reliability into economic growth and operational readiness, marking a key milestone in Sarawak’s digital transformation,” said Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman B Abdul Taib, Managing Director of SACOFA. Steven Ge, Managing Director, ZTE Malaysia. Steven Ge, Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia, added: “By combining SACOFA’s local expertise with ZTE’s global innovations in core and optical transport technologies, we are delivering a future-ready digital backbone. This infrastructure will enable 5G, cloud, and AI-driven services, supporting Sarawak’s goal of a dynamic and inclusive digital economy by 2030.”

KUALA LUMPUR, A consortium between Citaglobal Bhd’s wholly owned unit, Citaglobal Renewable Energy Sdn Bhd, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) has been shortlisted by the Energy Commission of Malaysia to develop a 200-megawatt (MW) large-scale solar (LSS) photovoltaic plant at Chereh Dam in Kuantan, Pahang. In a Bursa Malaysia filing, Citaglobal said the consortium has received a letter of notification subject to specific conditions, including the signing of a 21-year solar power purchase agreement with Tenaga Nasional Bhd. The plant is targeted to begin commercial operations by Nov 30, 2027. Once completed, the Chereh Dam facility will become Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar power project, overtaking the 145MW alternating current Cirata Floating Solar Plant in Indonesia, which was also developed by Masdar alongside PT PLN Nusantara Power. Spanning about 303.51 hectares of water surface, the Chereh Dam solar plant will feature a peak generation capacity exceeding 300MWp and is expected to produce an average of 433 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy annually—enough to power more than 100,000 Malaysian households.

KUALA LUMPUR, Edotco Group Sdn Bhd’s subsidiary, Edotco Services Lanka (Private) Ltd, has been granted Sri Lanka’s first telecommunications infrastructure services licence by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). In a statement on Wednesday, Edotco said the initiative aims to fast-track Sri Lanka’s digital transformation through improved infrastructure, digital skills development, and a stronger legislative framework to support the growth of its digital economy. Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne (second left) presenting Sri Lanka’s first telecom infrastructure services license to Edotco Sri Lanka country managing director Gayan Koralage (left). The licence allows Edotco to provide a full range of infrastructure services critical to national connectivity, covering both passive and active solutions. These include tower and pole structures, fibre networks, indoor coverage systems such as IBS and small cells, as well as other active network components essential to the country’s digital ecosystem. Edotco Sri Lanka country managing director Gayan Koralage said the licence reflects confidence in the group’s expertise and reinforces its commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s connectivity landscape. “As a licensed provider, Edotco will act as a trusted partner for mobile operators and government stakeholders to deliver reliable, high-quality infrastructure, ensuring inclusive connectivity for all communities. With the country requiring over 7,000 new towers to meet 5G demand and data usage projected to quadruple by 2028, Edotco is well-positioned to address this gap,” he said. Edotco is one of Asia’s leading digital connectivity infrastructure providers, managing a portfolio of more than 58,000 towers across nine markets: Malaysia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Laos.

KUALA LUMPUR, Scanfil plc, Europe’s largest publicly listed electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, has invested RM15.8 million to expand and upgrade its Johor Bahru facility operated by SRX Global (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). From left: Paul Appleby (Former CEO of SRX Global), Christina Wiklund (Chief Commercial Officer & VP of Americas), Christian Kesten (Vice President of APAC), Christophe Sut (CEO of Scanfil Group), Jarrko Takanen (Major shareholder), Mohamad Reduan Mohd Zabri (Director of MIDA Johor), Maiju Lepomaki (Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Finland Kuala Lumpur), Mohamed Farid Mohamed Razali (Senior Advisor, Business Finland). In a statement on Wednesday, MIDA said the expansion will boost Scanfil’s production capacity by nearly 50% and strengthen the group’s Asia-Pacific operations, which also include a plant in Melbourne, Australia. Prior to the upgrade, the Johor Bahru site operated four automated surface mount technology (SMT) lines with a workforce of 170. Scanfil group chief executive officer Christophe Sut said the investment underscores Malaysia’s pro-business environment and the company’s long-term commitment to Johor. “We see strong growth opportunities, particularly in the industrial, medical technology, and life sciences sectors,” he said. The modernised facility features an enlarged production area, integrated end-to-end electronics manufacturing capabilities, and the potential to expand its headcount beyond the current workforce. MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid welcomed the investment as a significant boost to Malaysia’s high-value manufacturing ecosystem. “This project will bring in advanced technologies, create skilled jobs, and enhance innovation and sustainability across the electronics supply chain,” he said. He added that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), both of which aim to strengthen Malaysia’s role in the global electronics and semiconductor sector while enhancing long-term supply chain resilience. Headquartered in Finland, Scanfil posted €780 million (RM3.8 billion) in revenue for 2024. The group operates 11 production facilities across four continents and has served global clients for over 40 years.

HANGZHOU, Unitree Technology Co, one of China’s leading robotics developers, announced it will file documents to list on a domestic stock exchange as early as next month, potentially giving investors their first detailed look at its financial performance. The Hangzhou-based company said on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday that it plans to submit filings on its operations to the exchange between October and December. Unitree had already submitted a pre-listing application in July, though the firm did not disclose which bourse it intends to pursue. Unitree gained significant attention in February when founder Wang Xingxing appeared alongside prominent Chinese entrepreneurs at a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping. The company has since become one of China’s most talked-about robotics firms, with its machines showcased in demonstrations ranging from marathon running to logistics assistance. Wang said in June that annual revenue had surpassed RMB1 billion (RM590 million). While widespread consumer adoption of bipedal robots remains distant, several Chinese companies — including Shenzhen-based Leju Robotics and UBTech Robotics Corp — have already deployed humanoid machines in electric vehicle factories for tasks such as moving boxes and sorting materials. Unitree, however, stressed that its focus remains on civil applications. The company sought to distance itself from viral footage last year showing robot dogs being used in Chinese military drills. In a separate statement on Tuesday, it added that it has since patched a security vulnerability identified in its Go1 robotic dog models following reports of potential hacking risks.

KUALA LUMPUR, Companies linked to at least seven public-listed firms have received letters of notification from the Energy Commission (EC), naming them as shortlisted bidders under the latest Large-Scale Solar (LSS5+) programme. The shortlisted bids form part of 13 successful submissions out of 37 proposals received. To proceed, bidders must comply with the terms and conditions stipulated in the notification letters. According to stock exchange filings, an 80:20 consortium between Malakoff Corp Bhd and Solarvest Holdings Bhd has been awarded a project to develop a solar farm in Larut and Matang, Perak, with a capacity of 470MWac. Separately, a 51:49 consortium between Sunview Group Bhd and Cypark Resources Bhd has been shortlisted to build a 99.99MW solar photovoltaic plant in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. Another shortlisted consortium comprises Samaiden Group Bhd and JBB Builders (M) Sdn Bhd, which plans to develop a 99.99MW solar plant in Segamat, Johor. The consortium’s equity structure has yet to be disclosed. Industry sources also indicated that YTL Power International Bhd has been shortlisted for a 100MW solar farm in Kelantan, while Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is expected to undertake one of the programme’s flagship projects – a large-scale floating solar farm. In total, the LSS5+ shortlist represents a combined capacity of 1,975MW, including one of Malaysia’s largest floating solar installations, with a planned capacity of 200MW. As with previous rounds, the selected LSS projects will supply electricity to the national grid under a 21-year power purchase agreement upon commissioning. Completion is targeted between 2027 and 2028, according to an earlier statement by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, which did not disclose the names of successful bidders.