Energy & Technology

SNS Network Technology Bhd has posted a substantial improvement in first-quarter earnings, supported by a surge in demand for information and communication technology (ICT) products across its commercial and online channels. For the financial quarter ended 30 April 2025 (1QFY2026), the group recorded a net profit of RM10.24 million, representing a 174% increase compared to RM3.74 million in the same period last year. Revenue reached an all-time high of RM822.75 million, more than tripling from RM213.59 million in 1QFY2025, according to its filing with Bursa Malaysia. In line with the strong financial performance, SNS Network declared a first interim dividend of 0.25 sen per share for FY2026, payable on 28 August. To support its long-term growth strategy, the group is progressing with plans to establish 10 additional retail outlets across Malaysia, capitalising on rising ICT adoption in both public and private sectors. This expansion is further driven by advancements in technology, government-led digital transformation policies, and an increased focus on digital education in schools. The company has already launched two multi-brand concept stores in Penang and Selangor in May and November 2024, respectively, as well as two brand-specific outlets in Penang during the review quarter. SNS Network remains optimistic about the future growth of its device-as-a-service (DaaS) model, which offers businesses an alternative to traditional ICT procurement by enabling access to technology on a subscription basis. This approach reduces upfront capital expenditure while improving operational flexibility. “The group continues to prioritise and expand its DaaS offerings to support both existing and future subscription agreements,” it said in a statement. “The group believes in the coming years, artificial intelligence will play a significant role in its success.” At market close on Wednesday, shares of SNS Network rose 1.5 sen or 2.75% to 56 sen, valuing the ICT solutions provider at RM938.42 million. Despite the day’s gain, the stock remains down 20% year-to-date. -The Edge

CRRC Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co., Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRRC Corporation, is set to begin shipping the first batch of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains and electric locomotives for Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in October 2025. The shipment, comprising two EMU sets and two electric cargo locomotives, is expected to take approximately one month to reach Malaysian shores. Speaking to a visiting Malaysian media delegation at the company’s headquarters in Dalian, vice-president Zhang Jian confirmed that the ECRL fleet would be supported by a comprehensive full life cycle service model. This will encompass product development, production, operations, maintenance and after-sales servicing. “For the ECRL project, we aim to ensure long-term collaboration across the entire life cycle to guarantee the reliable operation of the trains on Malaysia’s railway network,” Zhang stated. Located in the coastal city of Dalian in northeastern China’s Liaoning Province, approximately 800 kilometres southeast of Beijing, CRRC Dalian has built a strong reputation for its port facilities and advanced manufacturing capabilities. In August 2022, CRRC Dalian entered into a supply contract with China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL), the main contractor for the ECRL, to deliver 11 EMU train sets and 12 electric locomotives for the project. According to Zhang, factory commissioning of the trains will be completed prior to shipment. Upon arrival in Malaysia, the first EMU will undergo an 8,000-kilometre testing phase, while subsequent units will be subject to 5,000-kilometre performance tests. The EMUs are designed for a maximum speed of 160 km/h for passenger services, while the electric locomotives, operating at 120 km/h, will cater to cargo operations. CRRC Dalian will also deploy technical teams to Malaysia, focusing on on-site servicing and technical training. One group will be tasked with repair and maintenance activities, while another will deliver training programmes to Malaysian personnel to facilitate local capacity-building in fleet maintenance. The company will provide a two-year warranty for all EMUs and electric locomotives supplied under the contract. The delivery of the initial fleet by the end of 2025 will ensure adequate lead time for operational readiness ahead of the ECRL’s scheduled launch in 2027. With a legacy of manufacturing over 12,800 locomotives across more than 70 diesel and 13 electric models as of October 2020—representing half of China’s locomotive fleet—CRRC Dalian has a well-established track record in the international rail sector. Since its first overseas delivery to Myanmar in 1993, the company has supplied rail vehicles to 27 countries, including Malaysia, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, Uzbekistan, India, Nigeria and Hong Kong. -Bernama

Malaysia’s data centre sector remains resilient and on track despite recent concerns involving Nvidia chips and alleged use by Chinese firms to train artificial intelligence (AI) models within the country, according to MIDF Research. The investment research house clarified that the chips in question are likely to be older-generation Nvidia models, and not the latest GB200 AI chips, which are subject to export restrictions imposed by the United States government. As such, there appears to be no material disruption to ongoing or upcoming data centre projects across the country. “There is no indication of slowdown or deferment in data centre developments,” MIDF said, adding that construction firms continue to actively tender for new data centre infrastructure jobs. Among the major developments is Gamuda Bhd’s disposal of 389 acres in Port Dickson to Pearl Computing, a company linked to Google, alongside securing a RM1.01 billion contract for data centre-related works. Separately, Sunway Construction Group Bhd has landed a RM1.16 billion contract from a US-based technology giant. In a further display of continued investment confidence, Microsoft has reaffirmed its RM10.5 billion commitment towards cloud and AI infrastructure, including hyperscale data centres in the Klang Valley. While many Malaysian data centres are designed to be AI-capable, not all are purpose-built solely for AI functions. For instance, YTL Power International Bhd has allocated only 100MW for AI operations at its 500MW facility in Kulai, Johor. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) is currently investigating claims stemming from a Wall Street Journal report, which alleged that a Chinese technology firm has been leveraging Malaysian data centres to circumvent US chip restrictions. According to Miti, the servers in question are not classified as controlled items under the Strategic Trade Act 2010. It stated that Malaysian data centres are free to operate commercially provided they comply with local regulations. Nonetheless, the ministry stressed that Malaysia will take firm action against any party attempting to violate export controls or engage in illicit trading practices. It reaffirmed the country’s adherence to international trade regulations, particularly those relevant to semiconductors and AI technologies. Miti reiterated Malaysia’s neutral stance amid global geopolitical tensions, including those between the US and China, and urged companies operating within its borders to observe all applicable export controls to avoid secondary sanctions. The government’s ambition to position Malaysia as a regional leader in artificial intelligence continues, despite mounting international scrutiny. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has previously affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to becoming a leading AI hub in Southeast Asia. Given the high computational demands of AI, including machine learning and real-time data analytics, data centres remain the core infrastructure necessary to fully realise this ambition. According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, the national data centre market is expected to grow from US$4.04 billion (RM17.2 billion) in 2024 to US$13.57 billion (RM57.8 billion) by 2030. -FMT

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