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Energy & Technology

Energy & Technology

KAIST and King Saud University Forge Strategic AI Collaboration

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KAIST and King Saud University have agreed to deepen their collaboration in artificial intelligence, seeking to establish themselves as key players in a domain currently dominated by the United States and China. The two institutions are in talks to launch a joint degree programme and co-develop an independent, open-source AI model. The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting between KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung and Abdullah Al-Salman, President of King Saud University, held earlier this week. According to a KAIST statement released Friday, both leaders committed to forming a strategic partnership aimed at long-term AI innovation. Central to this initiative is the establishment of a joint AI research centre, which will serve as the hub for collaborative development of an open AI model that is not dependent on the existing US or Chinese frameworks. “With Saudi Arabia’s investment capabilities and KAIST’s technological innovation, alongside the remarkable talent present in both nations, we have a real opportunity to diversify the global AI ecosystem,” said KAIST President Lee. “Through joint research and the development of an independent AI model, we can establish our own competitive edge in a digital landscape currently led by major powers and expand our reach into markets such as the Middle East, North America, and ASEAN.” In addition to research, both institutions discussed launching a joint degree programme, with a focus on increasing academic exchange and collaboration in science and engineering. This would include enhanced opportunities for student and faculty mobility, as well as shared research initiatives. The universities plan to formalise the agreement through a memorandum of understanding in the near future. This will include the establishment of the AI research centre and the rollout of joint programmes designed to nurture globally competitive talent in AI and emerging technologies. “Under our Vision 2030 framework, Saudi Arabia is focused on achieving technological transformation through open policy and strategic investment,” said King Saud University President Abdullah Al-Salman. “Our partnership with KAIST will serve as a practical cornerstone for building a regional AI ecosystem and enhancing our digital competitiveness.” -Korea JoongAng Daily

Energy & Technology

CATL and Geely Expand Strategic EV Alliance to Strengthen Global Competitiveness

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China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), a global leader in battery manufacturing, has entered into a new strategic agreement with Geely Auto, one of the country’s foremost automotive groups, to deepen their collaboration in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. This enhanced partnership is designed to drive innovation in power battery technology, strengthen product platform integration and optimise supply chain systems. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet the rapidly growing demand for EVs both domestically and in international markets. By aligning their respective strengths, CATL and Geely intend to bolster their competitive position in the global automotive landscape. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of advanced EV technologies and improve the efficiency of production, supporting the continued evolution of the electric mobility sector. As demand surges for cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions, both companies are positioning themselves to lead the transition through technological synergy and supply chain agility. -TechInAsia

Energy & Technology

China Drives BRICS Surge in Global Solar Power Generation

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China is leading a major shift towards renewable energy among BRICS nations, positioning the bloc as a dominant force in the global solar power sector. According to a recent report by energy research group Ember, BRICS countries collectively generated 51% of the world’s solar electricity in 2024—more than triple their share a decade ago, which stood at just 15%. While many BRICS members remain significant producers of fossil fuels, the transition to solar energy is accelerating rapidly, spearheaded by China’s extensive clean-energy infrastructure. In 2024, China alone accounted for 39% of global solar generation, with India contributing 6.3% and Brazil 3.5%, reinforcing the bloc’s growing renewable energy credentials. Originally formed to reflect the rising economic influence of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the BRICS group has expanded both its membership and geopolitical weight. Newer entrants include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, while Saudi Arabia has received an invitation but has yet to confirm participation. China, India and Brazil now rank among the world’s top five solar-generating nations. Their momentum continues into 2025, with China recording a 42% increase in solar output during the first four months of the year. India and Brazil have also posted year-on-year increases exceeding 30%. Trade within the bloc is intensifying, with China exporting US$9.4 billion worth of solar cells and panels to fellow BRICS members since the beginning of 2024, according to data from BloombergNEF. This underscores the dual strength of China’s manufacturing capabilities and its strategic ties with emerging economies. Despite this progress, the benefits of clean energy leadership among founding BRICS members are not uniformly distributed. According to an April study by Global Energy Monitor, several newer partner states—including Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Malaysia—are prioritising fossil fuel expansion. These countries are currently constructing 25 gigawatts of new fossil-fuel capacity, compared to just 10 gigawatts of clean energy projects. Notably, over 60% of the fossil-fuel infrastructure underway in these regions involves Chinese firms, either as project developers or financiers, highlighting the complexities of China’s energy diplomacy even amid its leadership in renewable generation. -Bloomberg

Energy & Technology

Petronas Signs Second Long-Term LNG Agreement with Venture Global

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Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Malaysia’s state-owned energy company, has entered into a second long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement with US-based exporter Venture Global LNG. The new 20-year sales and purchase agreement was confirmed by Venture Global on Thursday and will see Petronas acquiring one million tonnes of LNG annually from the CP2 LNG project in Louisiana. This latest agreement further strengthens the partnership between the two firms, building on a previous supply arrangement for LNG sourced from Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG facility, which commenced exports in late 2023. The CP2 project represents Venture Global’s third major LNG export terminal and is currently in the process of securing final financing. The signing comes at a crucial time for Venture Global, which has faced investor scrutiny following a scaled-down public offering earlier this year. The company is also currently engaged in arbitration proceedings with customers of its first LNG facility, Calcasieu Pass, with preliminary rulings anticipated in the second half of 2025. -Bloomberg

Energy & Technology

KUKA Launches Advanced Smart Manufacturing Facility in Penang

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German robotics leader KUKA has officially launched its new smart manufacturing facility in Bandar Cassia, Penang, reinforcing its commitment to technological advancement and regional development in Southeast Asia. The grand opening took place on 18 June 2025 and was officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, YB Jagdeep Singh Deo. The event marked a significant milestone for KUKA’s expansion strategy in Malaysia and included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC). This partnership aims to strengthen talent development in the field of smart manufacturing, aligning with national efforts to cultivate Industry 4.0 capabilities. Guests at the event were offered an exclusive tour of KUKA’s latest robotics innovations. The occasion concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a traditional lion dance, underscoring the company’s cultural engagement and long-term investment in the region. -Catalist

Energy & Technology

Alibaba Launches New AI Cloud Centres in Malaysia and the Philippines

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Alibaba Group Holding Ltd is expanding its AI-driven cloud infrastructure in Southeast Asia, underscoring its ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and cloud services. The company has launched its third data centre in Malaysia this week, while its second facility in the Philippines is scheduled to open in October, according to a corporate statement issued on Wednesday. The Hangzhou-headquartered conglomerate also unveiled a new global competency centre in Singapore, aimed at accelerating AI adoption across a wide range of industries. The initiative is expected to benefit over 5,000 businesses and 100,000 developers by facilitating access to Alibaba’s advanced AI models. Chief Executive Officer Eddie Wu reaffirmed the company’s commitment to global expansion through a pre-recorded video address at a corporate event in Singapore. “Globalisation is Alibaba Cloud’s long-term strategy,” Wu stated, outlining the firm’s vision to scale its cloud network across China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas over the next three years. Alibaba has pledged to invest more than US$53 billion (approximately RM223.3 billion) in AI infrastructure during this period, signalling the depth of its strategic commitment. The expansion builds on previous infrastructure investments in Thailand, Mexico, and South Korea. While traditionally recognised for its e-commerce dominance in China, Alibaba has shifted focus towards artificial intelligence, developing standalone solutions based on its proprietary Qwen AI models. In a significant strategic shift earlier this year, Wu described artificial general intelligence—AI with human-level cognitive capabilities—as the company’s “primary objective”, positioning Alibaba at the forefront of the global AI race amid the rise of competitors such as DeepSeek. -Bloomberg

Energy & Technology

Powerwell Clinches RM16.6 Mil Switchboard Purchase Orders For a Data Centre Project in Elmina Business Park

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Leading homegrown power distribution specialist manufacturing low voltage (“LV”) and medium voltage electrical distribution equipment, Powerwell Holdings Berhad’s (“Powerwell” or the “Group”) wholly-owned subsidiary, Kejuruteraan Powerwell Sdn Bhd (“KPSB”) has accepted 4 purchase orders from RYBE Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd, Protech Builders Sdn Bhd, and LFE Engineering Sdn Bhd for the supply of switchboards and components to a hyperscale data centre project in Elmina Business Park, Selangor, with a total value of RM16.6 million (“Orders”). These Orders are expected to be fulfilled by the first quarter of calendar year 2026. Managing Director of Powerwell Holdings Berhad, Miss Catherine Wong Yoke Yen said, “We are delighted to have secured these Orders, which reflect our strong technical expertise and proven track record, having successfully completed numerous data centre projects for multinational corporations. Building on the recently secured RM8.3 million data centre job in Indonesia, this win boosted our current outstanding order book and is expected to contribute positively to our earnings in the current financial year (FY26). Not resting on our laurels, we continue to work on tenders for data centre, industrial, renewable energy, and infrastructure jobs.” “Separately, we are also proud to share that Powerwell has recently attained the KEMA Labs Seismic Test Verification and Design complying to the 2 International Electrotechnical Commission (“IEC”) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”). KEMA Labs is the world leader for the independent Testing, Inspection and Certification activities in the power industry. These are internationally recognized certifications, and we are among the first companies in Malaysia to achieve this distinction. On balance, the outlook for the Group continues to be bright premised upon our healthy order book supported by our strong balance sheet.” Miss Catherine Wong concluded her comments. To recap, the Group secured the IEC60068 – Seismic Test Verification and IEEE693:2018 – Seismic Design certifications, which are standards that ensure the reliability of electrical equipment in challenging environments. IEC60068 covers environmental tests for durability, including temperature, humidity, vibration, and corrosion resistance while IEEE693:2018 focuses on the seismic performance of industrial control equipment, ensuring functionality during seismic events. As of end-March 2025, the Group’s outstanding order book stands at around RM116 million excluding the Orders.

Energy & Technology

redBus and The Digital Revolution on Wheels

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In Malaysia, a quiet revolution is happening—not on screens, but on roads. From Penang to Johor, from cityscapes to rural towns, Malaysians are boarding buses with nothing more than a tap on their smartphones. At the center of this digital awakening? redBus. With 81% of all bookings in Malaysia made through the redBus mobile app in 2024, this isn’t just convenience—it’s a movement. As expectations for seamless, tech-first travel grow, redBus is not just keeping up; it’s setting the pace. Swipe. Scan. Go. Imagine skipping long queues, forgotten paper tickets, or last-minute chaos. With QR code boarding, redBus has reimagined what intercity travel can be. Passengers now jump onto buses with a simple scan on their smartphones—secure, contactless, and lightning fast. This innovation isn’t just cosmetic. It’s been rolled out at major hubs like Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), laying down new digital infrastructure that is setting benchmarks for the region. Beyond Booking: Where Tech Meets Trust What makes redBus stand out in a sea of digital ticketing options? It’s not just about booking a seat—it’s about transforming the entire journey. From real-time bus tracking (YourBus) to passport auto-fill for ferry bookings, redBus is focused on building features that reduce friction, boost trust, and give power back to the traveller. Want to cancel last minute? The Refund Guarantee ensures up to 90% back on bus tickets. Want to know what others thought? redBus allows both travellers and operators to review and respond, creating a transparent, two-way trust system. The Invisible Engine: Data, AI, and the Metaverse Behind the scenes, redBus is running on data. Think AI-powered chatbots that improve engagement. Think metaverse onboarding for new employees to immerse themselves in the tech ecosystem. Think predictive analytics helping partners adjust routes during peak surges—like the 41% spike during Chinese New Year 2025. This is data not just for dashboards—but data in action. Gearing Up for 2026: redBus Meets Visit Malaysia Year With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, redBus is already on the move. Partnering with over 90% of bus operators, redBus is scaling up routes, strengthening networks in Sabah, Sarawak, and Northern Malaysia, and curating over 300 experiences via its ‘Things To Do’ feature—so tourists can explore hidden gems with just one app. Buses: The Unsung Heroes of Domestic Tourism While airlines and trains often steal the spotlight, intercity buses are doing the heavy lifting in domestic tourism. In 2024 alone, tier-2 and tier-3 towns saw a 32% jump in redBus ridership, with the platform unlocking economic potential in lesser-known destinations. Routes are expanding, revenue is more evenly distributed, and communities once left out of the travel boom are now firmly on the map. Booking Behaviours Are Changing—Fast Younger Malaysians, especially the 18–24 segment, are redefining travel. They book last-minute. They look for deals. They love flexibility. redBus is speaking their language—with mobile-first designs, spontaneous “Things To Do,” and group bookings that soared by 23% in 2024 alone. Cross-border travel is also booming—Kuala Lumpur to Hatyai jumped 73%, while Johor Bahru to Singapore rose 88%. With features like passport autofill, redBus is simplifying not just domestic, but regional travel too. Bridging the Digital Divide For rural communities or those less digitally savvy, redBus hasn’t left them behind. With a Malay-language booking interface, multilingual marketing, and a platform designed for intuitive use, redBus ensures no traveller gets left off the digital bus. Peak-Season Peace of Mind Behind redBus’ reliability during peak seasons is a microservices-based tech architecture that scales with demand. It allows redBus to roll out features faster, share live performance data with bus partners, and offer real-time customer support via app and helpline. During chaos, redBus delivers calm. Challenges? Yes. But the Road Ahead is Clear. Malaysia’s diversity once posed challenges—from operator hesitations to fixed pricing limitations. But redBus tackled these through collaborative onboarding, backend support like automated cancellations/refunds, and by showing operators the ROI of digitisation. And the results are clear: Malaysia and Singapore are now redBus’ best-performing markets globally. The Final Stop? Nowhere Near. As redBus continues to innovate and scale, the journey is only beginning. Malaysia’s growing middle class, thriving digital economy, and government-backed mobility goals make it fertile ground for redBus’ vision: a fully integrated travel ecosystem that connects transport to experiences—and people to possibilities. Because for redBus, it’s not just about getting from A to B—it’s about reimagining the way we move. “Malaysia stands as one of our most dynamic and high-performing markets in Southeast Asia. We’re not just participating in the shift toward digital mobility—we’re leading it. At redBus, we turn technology into measurable outcomes: driving operational efficiency, elevating user experience, and setting the standard for the future of intercity travel infrastructure.” Krishnan Ramaswami, CBO for International Businesses, redBus

Energy & Technology

Singapore’s Autonomous Bus Operators Gear Up for Expansion

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Singapore autonomous vehicle (AV) sector is preparing for a significant expansion as the government intensifies efforts to integrate driverless technology into the public transport network. Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, speaking on 27 June, underlined the potential of AVs to supplement existing public bus services and alleviate mounting manpower pressures. As part of this initiative, new trials will begin in Punggol from the fourth quarter of 2025. These trials will feature AVs operating at controlled speeds with onboard safety officers, reinforcing Singapore’s safety-first approach to autonomous mobility. Among the companies leading this push is WeRide, which currently operates a shuttle service at Resorts World Sentosa. The service, which covers a 1.2-kilometre route, transports approximately 100 passengers daily. Its driverless bus leverages a sophisticated sensor suite including LiDAR technology — capable of detecting objects up to 200 metres away — and onboard cameras that classify objects such as motorcyclists, vehicles, and pedestrians within a 100-metre range. Before receiving regulatory clearance for deployment, each vehicle undergoes extensive testing along designated routes with a safety operator present, the company confirmed. Sebastian Yee, Director of Business Development at WeRide Singapore, noted that while AV technology is progressing rapidly worldwide, regulatory frameworks must evolve to facilitate more agile adoption. “With that, we can talk about how to commercialise it together with the site owner and transport service provider. Once this is overcome, you will see the entire adoption process becoming much faster and smoother,” he said. WeRide plans to extend its services beyond Sentosa to other locations including Jurong Island. Yee added that autonomous buses offer a promising solution to the shortage of public bus drivers in Singapore. Meanwhile, fellow AV operator Moovita is also eyeing expansion but highlighted the need for more streamlined regulatory approvals, while maintaining safety standards. Ken Chan, Vice President at Moovita, acknowledged the necessity of current testing protocols but cautioned that approval timelines can become a bottleneck, especially when deploying a larger fleet. “If it’s one vehicle, maybe not so bad. It may take a few weeks or a few months. But if I have a sizeable fleet, the time taken to test every vehicle becomes a challenge,” he said. Chan also pointed to existing infrastructure limitations, noting that driverless buses would benefit from dedicated lanes to avoid disruptions caused by unpredictable human drivers. He emphasised that many roads — due to their width, traffic density or ongoing construction — are not yet ideal for AV deployment. In addition, the reliability of internet connectivity remains a critical factor for ensuring smooth operations. Moovita currently operates three driverless buses that serve routes connecting Ngee Ann Polytechnic with King Albert Park and Clementi MRT stations. The vehicles, which carry up to 16 seated passengers, run at intervals of 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, and continue to operate with safety personnel onboard during trials. As Singapore charts a path toward a more automated public transport future, both regulatory reform and infrastructure enhancement will be pivotal in enabling AV operators to scale their services and meet national mobility goals. -CNA

Energy & Technology

Velesto Secures RM168 Million Drilling Contract with PTTEP

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Velesto Energy Berhad, through its wholly owned subsidiary Velesto Drilling Sdn Bhd, has been awarded a drilling services contract worth approximately RM167.94 million (US$40 million) by PTTEP HK Offshore Ltd and PTTEP Sarawak Oil Ltd. The contract involves the deployment of Naga 5, one of Velesto’s premium 10,000-psi jack-up drilling rigs, for the drilling of 15 wells. Operations are slated to begin in June 2025. Velesto President Megat Zariman Abdul Rahim expressed gratitude for the continued trust shown by PTTEP in the company’s capabilities. “We thank PTTEP for its continued confidence and the opportunity to support its drilling operations in Malaysia. Our focus remains on safe, reliable execution, driven by consistent delivery across campaigns,” he stated. He added that the group remains committed to maintaining strong operational discipline and value-driven execution in order to deliver sustainable shareholder returns, especially as several of its rigs are currently secured under long-term contracts. Velesto also noted that it continues to benefit from a strengthening regional demand for jack-up rigs. The company anticipates increased activity in the second half of 2025, bolstered by a strong tender pipeline and stable client engagement. -The Star

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