Energy & Technology

HONG KONG, The Hong Kong government is in discussions with several Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to establish local assembly operations, as the city seeks to diversify its economy by venturing into advanced industries, according to people familiar with the matter. Officials are exploring potential sites in the New Territories, near the border with mainland China, to host an EV assembly hub — a complex undertaking requiring highly skilled expertise, the people said, requesting anonymity. Talks have included state-owned FAW Group, one of them added. In response to queries, the city’s Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau said Hong Kong has been “proactively facilitating the development of strategic industries, including advanced manufacturing,” under its 2022 innovation and technology blueprint. FAW did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The move comes as Hong Kong seeks new growth drivers after years of economic strain caused by political crackdowns, pandemic isolation, and a property slump that weakened its status as a premier financial hub. The government has turned to aggressive measures — from tax hikes to civil service cuts — to balance its books and cushion the economy from global uncertainties. Despite its push, Hong Kong faces challenges in becoming a viable EV hub. High land and labour costs could weigh on competitiveness, while China’s EV sector itself grapples with overcapacity and a price war that has forced state intervention. Even so, the city continues to attract players in the EV supply chain. Battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) recently set up its international headquarters in Hong Kong and debuted on its stock exchange in the year’s largest listing. Autonomous driving firms Black Sesame Technologies and Horizon Robotics have also invested heavily in local bases.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV) is targeting RM300 million in approved financing for energy transition projects under the National Energy Transition Facility (NETF) by end-2025. In a statement, the technology financier said the target includes around RM70 million in incentives aimed at improving project bankability through mechanisms such as rebates and credit enhancements. The NETF covers projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, biogas/biomass, and green mobility, all of which are central to Malaysia’s decarbonisation agenda. Launched under Budget 2025 by the Ministry of Economy, the NETF forms part of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). MDV has been appointed as an implementing agency to manage up to RM200 million in funding to boost project viability. Chief executive officer Rizal Fauzi said the RM200 million allocation could support between RM500 million and RM700 million worth of financing for NETF-aligned projects.“This multiplier effect strengthens our ability to drive green technology development and accelerate Malaysia’s energy transition,” he said. He noted that MDV has been financing green technology initiatives since 2010 and remains focused on closing funding gaps for high-potential projects, thereby supporting Malaysia’s clean energy transformation. Through NETF, MDV expects to back 20 to 30 companies or projects between 2025 and 2026. To date, it has already approved RM122.65 million in financing, including RM40.09 million in incentives for six technology-based firms. The facility is open to Malaysian-registered technology companies with at least 51 per cent local ownership undertaking projects in Malaysia at the pre-commercialisation stage, backed by proof of concept or prototype, and showing revenue potential. Rizal added that MDV will prioritise high-impact projects that demonstrate technological innovation, commercial viability, and scalability, ensuring alignment with Malaysia’s net-zero ambitions. Since its inception, MDV has extended RM2.13 billion in financing to support the country’s green technology sector, including through the Green Technology Financing Scheme and energy performance contracting. MDV is a subsidiary of the Minister of Finance (Incorporated) and operates under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

KUALA LUMPUR, Gas Malaysia Bhd has awarded engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contracts to two local firms, MTC Orec Sdn Bhd and Enproserve (M) Sdn Bhd, for the development of biomethane purification plants in Trong and Air Kuning, Perak. The projects, scheduled for completion within 13 months, mark a key milestone in strengthening the group’s green gas portfolio and advancing Malaysia’s renewable energy agenda through its wholly owned subsidiary, Gas Malaysia Green Ventures Sdn Bhd, the company said in a statement today. The purification facilities are designed to treat raw biogas by removing impurities and upgrading it into high-quality biomethane that meets natural gas standards, offering a low-carbon substitute for fossil fuels. Once purified, the biomethane will be delivered via a virtual pipeline system or tube skids before being injected into Gas Malaysia’s existing natural gas distribution network, providing cleaner energy to industrial users and local communities.

KUALA LUMPUR, Petronas LNG Ltd, a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), has signed a 15-year sale and purchase agreement with Woodside Energy Trading Singapore Pte Ltd to supply one million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Malaysia beginning in 2028. In a statement today, Petronas said the LNG will be sourced from Woodside’s global portfolio, which may include volumes from the recently approved Louisiana LNG project in the United States. The agreement is expected to boost energy security in Peninsular Malaysia by aligning upstream gas developments with LNG imports. Petronas LNG Marketing & Trading vice-president Shamsairi Ibrahim said the partnership with Woodside will provide Malaysia with a reliable and flexible LNG supply to support the nation’s growing economy, while also enhancing Petronas’ global portfolio in delivering energy responsibly and sustainably. Woodside’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, Mark Abbotsford, described the deal as a strategic milestone, marking the company’s first long-term LNG supply arrangement with Malaysia. “This agreement further demonstrates the strength and flexibility of Woodside’s diversified global portfolio and reinforces our position as a trusted energy supplier in Asia, supporting long-term value creation and regional prosperity,” he said. Both companies share a long-standing relationship, having previously collaborated on exploration studies, research and development projects, as well as spot and mid-term LNG transactions.

PETALING JAYA, Enra Group Bhd has secured a significant contract from PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB) for the Terengganu Crude Oil Terminal project, strengthening its presence in Malaysia’s oil and gas (O&G) sector. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the company said the contract covers a wide scope of services, including engineering, procurement, construction, removal, installation and commissioning works related to the Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) system at the terminal. The contract, awarded via a letter of award dated Aug 7, officially commenced on the same date and will run for a duration of 90 weeks, with provisions for earlier completion should the works progress ahead of schedule. Enra emphasised that the project will not affect the company’s issued share capital or alter the shareholding structure of its substantial shareholders. “Nonetheless, the contract is anticipated to contribute positively to the group’s earnings and enhance net assets per share once work is underway,” it said. Industry observers view the award as a strategic win for Enra, further cementing its reputation as a capable solutions provider in the O&G sector. With the Terengganu terminal serving as a critical hub in the nation’s crude oil infrastructure, the project is expected to provide Enra with both operational and financial upside. The group added that the successful execution of the contract could pave the way for more collaborative opportunities with PCSB and other industry players in the future.

reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn Bhd (“reNIKOLA”) is honoured to announce that it has been shortlisted for 400 MWac / 618 MWp of solar capacity under Malaysia’s Large Scale Solar 5+ (LSS 5+) programme, a flagship initiative of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). This recognition places reNIKOLA at the forefront of the nation’s renewable energy transformation.  The award comprises two projects in Kemaman, Terengganu – (1) a 250 MWac / 386 MWp project by the consortium of reNIKOLA, RE Chenderong Sdn Bhd (formerly RE Gebeng BKH Sdn Bhd) and the Anglo-Eastern Plantations Plc group (“AEP”) and; (2) a 150 MWac / 232 MWp project by the consortium of Antara Hijauan Sdn Bhd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of reNIKOLA) and AEP. Once commissioned by end-2027, the projects will supply clean energy to the grid for 21 years, delivering an estimated RM1.2 billion in direct investment, creating hundreds of new jobs and cementing Terengganu’s position as an emerging hub of Malaysia’s green economy. A Landmark in Energy and Conservation  Beyond power generation, reNIKOLA is charting a new path where renewable energy and biodiversity thrive together. As part of the 618 MWp development, the group will establish an Elephant Sanctuary Foundation to protect endangered wildlife and promote ecological harmony. The initiative will include an Elephant Food Corridor planted with napier grass, bamboo and bananas to provide sustainable food sources and guide wild elephant movements safely. This bold step will reduce human–elephant conflict, encourage conservation awareness and foster active community participation – setting a new benchmark for how renewable projects can coexist with nature. Managing Director of reNIKOLA, Mr. Boumhidi Adel said, “Securing 618 MWp under LSS 5+ marks a significant milestone for reNIKOLA and a strong step forward for Terengganu’s green economy. These projects demonstrate that clean energy, economic growth, and environmental stewardship are not competing goals, but powerful partners in building a truly sustainable future.” Dato’ Sri Dr. Harald Link, President of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, a strategic 45% shareholder of reNIKOLA, added, “This achievement strengthens our commitment to power the world compassionately. By combining large-scale renewable energy with biodiversity protection, we are shaping a future where energy transition and sustainability advance hand in hand. We are grateful and committed to support Malaysia in its journey toward a low-carbon economy.” The projects are being developed in collaboration with AEP, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. This partnership highlights AEP’s growing commitment to renewable energy, responsible land use and climate action. It is a showcase of how traditional industries and renewable energy innovators can work jointly to accelerate Malaysia’s energy transition.

TBCASoft, the developer and operator of the HIVEX® cross-border payment framework, has announced the launch of a new mobile payment initiative that will allow Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay) users to make QR code payments directly at PayPay merchants in Japan. The partnership marks a key milestone in HIVEX’s goal of linking major mobile wallets worldwide to create seamless payment experiences for international travelers. Through this collaboration, Chinese tourists visiting Japan will be able to pay at millions of PayPay merchants simply by scanning PayPay’s QR code – with no need for currency exchange or extra app downloads. The service is set to roll out in mid-September 2025. Weixin and its global platform WeChat together have more than 1.4 billion monthly active users. With nearly 798,000 Chinese travelers visiting Japan in June 2025 alone – a 19.9% increase from a year earlier – the feature is expected to significantly enhance convenience for both tourists and merchants, particularly in retail, dining, and travel sectors. Ling Wu, CEO of TBCASoft. “This partnership brings together three industry leaders – Weixin Pay in China, PayPay in Japan, and HIVEX – to deliver a strong value proposition for travelers and merchants alike,” said Ling Wu, CEO of TBCASoft. “It also shows how ecosystem collaborations can provide secure, compliant, and scalable cross-border payment solutions that benefit all parties involved.”

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.