Energy & Technology

HONG KONG, Ricoh Hong Kong has launched the Ricoh InnoAI Program and set up the Ricoh InnoAI Center at Cyberport to support the growth of AI startups. The program will start with over HK$50 million in funding and provide local companies with access to advanced AI technology, business development support, and funding opportunities through the Ricoh Innovation Fund. Ricoh Hong Kong Announces Launch of Ricoh InnoAI Program. The new InnoAI Center will serve as Ricoh’s international AI hub, offering office space, technical resources, and collaboration opportunities for startups. The center will also connect Hong Kong enterprises with global markets, helping them expand internationally. Ricoh will support around 50 startups each year, providing mentorship, marketing, and sales resources to help commercialize their AI products. The program will also use Ricoh’s own AI technology, including enterprise large language models (LLMs) and AI-powered tools, to help businesses develop safer and more efficient AI solutions. Cyberport, home to more than 350 AI and data-focused startups, will work with Ricoh to strengthen Hong Kong’s AI ecosystem. This includes access to Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre, which offers high-performance computing to support AI research and development. Ricoh said the initiative will not only accelerate the growth of local startups but also enhance Hong Kong’s position as a global hub for AI and innovation.

TAIPEI, Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing arm of Amazon.com Inc, has announced plans to invest more than US$5 billion (RM23.5 billion) over the next 15 years to establish a new cloud region in Taiwan. The investment underscores Taiwan’s growing importance as a digital hub in Asia, with AWS aiming to support the island’s innovation-driven economy, technology ecosystem and data sovereignty needs. The new AWS Asia Pacific (Taipei) Region will comprise three Availability Zones, each with independent power, cooling and physical security, enabling customers to build highly reliable and resilient applications. Amazon said the development will empower local businesses, start-ups, public sector agencies, and educational institutions to run workloads and securely store data within Taiwan, meeting growing demand for cloud services in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, e-commerce, and financial services. “The new AWS Region in Taiwan will bring world-class cloud infrastructure closer to our customers, offering them greater choice and flexibility,” said Prasad Kalyanaraman, Vice President of Infrastructure Services at AWS. Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs welcomed the announcement, noting that the move is aligned with the country’s push towards digital transformation, cybersecurity enhancement, and fostering innovation in its semiconductor-driven economy. Industry analysts said the investment could further solidify Taiwan’s position as a strategic hub in the Asia-Pacific technology landscape, while also creating opportunities for talent development and local supply chain growth. AWS currently operates 105 Availability Zones across 33 geographic regions globally, with several more under development in countries including Malaysia, Thailand, and Israel. The Taiwan expansion comes at a time of intensifying competition among global cloud providers, as Microsoft, Google, and Alibaba Cloud also expand their footprints across Asia to tap into surging demand from enterprises and governments embracing digitalisation.

Singapore-based Vena Global Group Pte Ltd is ramping up its renewable energy presence across Asia-Pacific, securing 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of new offtake contracts and construction capacity so far in 2025. This pushes its overall contracted and construction (OCC) portfolio to 9.7 GW. The OCC portfolio is spread across key markets: 2.4 GW in Japan, 2.4 GW in North Asia-Pacific (South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia), 3.8 GW in Southeast Asia (Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand), and 1.1 GW in India. Vena said it will fast-track its construction program this year, with 2.4 GW of new projects kicking off in addition to 1.2 GW already underway, bringing its active construction portfolio to 3.6 GW—nearly four times its average over the past three years and its largest to date. To fuel this expansion, the company plans to grow its Green Fund partnerships, widening both their scale and regional coverage. Originally launched in 2019 with Japan’s Hikari LPS, the platform has since attracted institutional investors into Vena’s high-performing renewable assets while allowing the group to retain equity ownership and operational control. Beyond renewables, Vena also recently launched Vena Nexus, its green digital infrastructure platform focused on integrated power and AI-ready data centers, which now has a pipeline of 3 GW IT capacity in Japan and Southeast Asia. “We are excited to accelerate our green portfolio and strengthen Asia’s energy independence and decarbonization goals,” said Nitin Apte, CEO of Vena Group. “This growth reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability and innovation.”

KUALA LUMPUR, Clean energy has made little headway in the global energy mix despite rapid growth in solar, said Singapore GasCo CEO Alan Heng, stressing the need for a pragmatic balance between renewable energy and fossil fuels. Alan Heng, CEO of Singapore GasCo (middle), says: “At some point, whatever fields you have today [will] decline, and unless more investments are put into it, there will not be a replacement for the current supply.” Speaking at SIEWConnects@OCBC on Aug 22, Heng noted that clean energy has held steady at around 12.5% of global supply over the past 15 years. Demand for energy continues to rise with the growth of Asia’s middle class, artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, he added. “Humanity has always been better at finding ways to use energy than to produce more of it. That’s not going to change,” said Heng, who previously led Pavilion Energy. He pointed out that in 2000 only 60% of Asia had electricity, but today nearly 96% does. Meeting this demand — and doing so sustainably — remains a challenge. While Singapore has achieved strong economic growth thanks to affordable and reliable energy, Heng said countries like Indonesia and Vietnam also aspire to similar progress. “We must balance net-zero targets with realities on the ground,” he said. Heng, a veteran in the LNG sector, believes the world will still need natural gas for the next 20 years. He was cautious about hydrogen and ammonia, saying they remain viable only in limited clusters for now. He also highlighted hurdles such as Indonesia’s reliance on coal and Malaysia’s fossil fuel subsidies, which make it harder to shift toward clean energy. For alternative fuels to succeed, Heng said, they must be cost-competitive and commercially bankable. Heng warned that neglecting oil and gas investment would create supply shortages and price volatility. Oil and gas reserves decline by about 4%–5% annually, he said, and without reinvestment, supply will not keep up with demand. “If we accept the price shocks, then fine. But if not, we must find a pragmatic balance,” Heng said. Singapore GasCo, set up in May 2024, consolidates natural gas procurement and supply for Singapore’s power sector, allowing the country to secure better long-term contracts and more stable energy prices, according to the Energy Market Authority (EMA). The forum was part of the global lead-up to the Singapore International Energy Week 2024, happening from Oct 27 to 31.

GEORGE TOWN, EPB Group Bhd, a leading provider of integrated food processing and packaging machinery solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with Shenzhen Honglin Machinery Equipment Co Ltd to accelerate automation adoption and market expansion across Southeast Asia. In a statement, EPB said the collaboration will see the establishment of a new entity, Al Medic Device Equipment Supplies Sdn Bhd, in which EPB will hold an 80% equity stake, while Shenzhen Honglin’s major shareholder and director, Fan Yanlin, will retain the remaining 20%. Shenzhen Honglin, recognised for its expertise in robotics, semiconductor software, and automated manufacturing technologies, will provide a platform for localising high-tech equipment solutions. The partnership is set to expand EPB’s automation capabilities and diversify its machinery portfolio for the food processing sector. “This includes integrating robotics and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven systems to enhance efficiency, hygiene, and production precision — critical requirements for manufacturers across the region looking to modernise their operations,” the statement said. In addition, EPB announced a sustainability-focused technology collaboration with Nidec Corporation, a global leader in motor and drive technology. This initiative will focus on integrating variable frequency drives (VFDs) into EPB’s core machinery offerings, strengthening both energy efficiency and ESG commitments. According to EPB, the adoption of VFDs is expected to lower energy consumption, reduce wear and tear on machinery, extend equipment lifespan, and help customers reduce operational costs. EPB Group managing director Yeoh Chee Min said the partnerships mark two important milestones that reflect the company’s long-term commitment to innovation and sustainability. “Our collaboration with Shenzhen Honglin positions EPB at the forefront of robotics and automation in the region, while our partnership with Nidec enhances the energy efficiency of our machinery and reinforces our ESG agenda,” he said. “With Nidec’s extensive global network, our customers will also benefit from faster, more reliable after-sales service and support through local agents, ensuring peace of mind and uninterrupted operations,” he added. Meanwhile, EPB is in the midst of a major expansion of its Penang operations, having recently acquired 3.173 hectares of land adjacent to its current facility. The new site will house a state-of-the-art factory, showroom, and corporate headquarters. The integrated facility will also serve as the hub for advanced manufacturing and research and development under its partnerships, supporting EPB’s growing automation portfolio and enabling large-scale, high-volume project deliveries across Southeast Asia.

Singapore-based health tech startup AIGP Health has received Class A approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for its AI-powered clinical assistant — becoming the first company in the country to secure this designation. The approval paves the way for the clinician-founded firm to expand its platform to general practice clinics and telehealth providers in Singapore, with overseas rollout planned later. Built by practising doctors, the platform uses natural language processing to help healthcare professionals with real-time note-taking, patient data summaries, and consultation prompts. It is classified as low-risk software, with all medical decisions remaining under physician control, in line with HSA rules. Dr Prateet Narula, co-founder of AIGP Health, using the Anzu clinical assistant during a live consultation. “This milestone reaffirms our belief that technology should support, not replace, the human touch in healthcare,” said Dr Anindita Santosa, co-founder and CEO of AIGP Health. With regulatory clearance, the startup can now move beyond pilots into wider deployment, aiming to reduce administrative tasks for doctors while improving continuity of care for patients. Singapore’s regulators have emphasised that AI in healthcare must augment, not replace, clinical judgement under its digital health framework.

KUALA LUMPUR, CelcomDigi Bhd has partnered with Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to introduce Malaysia’s first fibre-to-the-room business (FTTR-B) solution, aimed at boosting connectivity for enterprises. The company said the new plan, powered by Huawei’s advanced technology, provides stable, high-speed internet with stronger signals and seamless indoor coverage, ensuring reliable connectivity across business premises. From left: Bruce Li, account director of CelcomDigi Key Account, Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Awalan Abdul Aziz, director, La Casa Leal Restaurant and Afizulazha Abdullah, chief enterprise business officer, CelcomDigi. “With more business functions such as payments, tax submissions, invoicing and customer service moving online, companies need robust connectivity to remain agile and competitive,” CelcomDigi said in a statement. The FTTR-B solution, which incorporates the latest WiFi 7 technology, offers ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and the capacity to support multiple devices simultaneously. Businesses can also opt for a fully managed and customisable package, covering installation, tailored network design, on-site support, and proactive monitoring to ensure smooth operations in complex environments.

KUALA LUMPUR, MyDigital ID will soon become the only way to access the MyJPJ and MyBayar PDRM apps, the agency confirmed. Launched in 2016, MyDigital ID is Malaysia’s national digital identity system for online transactions across both public and private sectors. It allows users to access multiple services with a single ID and password, eliminating the need for separate logins. Identity verification is done securely online through government databases, without storing personal data. The system currently serves over three million users and is integrated with more than 45 online services. It is managed by My Digital ID Sdn Bhd under the Prime Minister’s Department. While users can still log in using passwords for now, the agency said MyDigital ID will soon be the exclusive login method for MyJPJ and MyBayar PDRM. As of January 2025, the MyJPJ app had 11.5 million users, while figures for MyBayar PDRM are not available. MyJPJ, developed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), enables users to check licence eligibility, renew driving licences, and pay summonses. MyBayar PDRM, developed by the police, allows users to check and settle traffic fines online. Nik Hisham Nik Ibrahim, CEO of MyDigital ID, said the move to a single login will provide simpler, safer, and more transparent digital access. The platform also supports biometric login via fingerprint or facial recognition for added convenience and security. As of July, MyDigital ID is connected to 82 digital systems, including 35 fully operational government platforms. Earlier this year, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa mentioned in the Dewan Rakyat that the government is considering limited, voluntary sign-ups.

PETALING JAYA, Proton Holdings Bhd’s new electric vehicle (EV) plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, is scheduled to commence production in September. The facility is currently 86.9% complete, with 83.5% of the equipment installed, according to Bernama. The plant will initially produce the Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s first locally branded EV, followed by the entry-level Proton e.MAS 5, which is currently being showcased nationwide. The factory’s initial production capacity is 20,000 units per year, with plans to scale up to 45,000 units depending on domestic and export demand. The project is expected to generate over 200 jobs in EV manufacturing and technical services. Proton’s partner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, is assisting with equipment selection, production systems, staff training, and trial runs to ensure the plant meets global EV manufacturing standards. Proton’s head of manufacturing engineering, Wan Yousry Mohamed, said the facility underscores the company’s commitment to a high-tech, sustainable future. “This plant lays the groundwork for Malaysia to become a leader in the regional EV market, as we expand our offerings to international markets,” he said. “It is a significant milestone for both Proton and the nation, and we are eager to see the first Malaysian-made EVs hit the road.”

SEOUL, SK On, the battery unit of South Korea’s SK Group, announced that its 50:50 joint venture with Ford Motor Co. has started commercial production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries at its first plant in Kentucky. The venture, named BlueOval SK, was established in July 2022 with a planned investment of 16 trillion won (US$11.4 billion) to build three battery plants in the U.S. — two in Kentucky and one in Tennessee. Batteries produced at the Kentucky 1 facility will power Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup and extended-range E-Transit cargo van, the company said in a statement. “The start of production marks a major milestone that strengthens our competitiveness in the EV battery market,” said BlueOval SK CEO Michael Adams, adding that the project is creating high-quality U.S. jobs, reinforcing the domestic supply chain, and accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The Tennessee plant is scheduled to begin operations next year, while the opening date for Kentucky 2 has not yet been finalized. SK On is also expanding its U.S. footprint amid higher import tariffs. In addition to Kentucky 1, it runs two plants in Georgia and is building another there with Hyundai Motor Group, targeted to start production in 2026. Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp., which operate assembly plants in Georgia and near Atlanta, currently source batteries from SK On’s Georgia facilities.