Energy & Technology

KUALA LUMPUR: Microsoft is set to reshape Malaysia’s digital economy with the launch of its first-ever hyperscale cloud region, Malaysia West. Located in Greater Kuala Lumpur and slated to go live in Q2 2025, the new cloud infrastructure marks a pivotal step in the company’s long-term commitment to advancing the nation’s cloud and AI capabilities. According to the IDC “Microsoft Cloud Dividend Snapshot” report, Microsoft, alongside its partners and cloud-enabled businesses, is projected to generate $10.9 billion in new revenues and create 37,575 new jobs in Malaysia by 2028. Among these, 5,700 will be skilled IT positions, strengthening Malaysia’s digital workforce and positioning the country as a regional hub for AI and cloud innovation. A Milestone in Microsoft’s 33-Year Journey in Malaysia As a trusted technology partner in Malaysia for over three decades, Microsoft continues to fuel the country’s transition toward a digital-first economy. Once operational, the Malaysia West cloud region will offer businesses access to Microsoft’s full suite of cloud solutions, enabling them to scale operations, enhance efficiency, and build digital resilience. Critically, the cloud region will also ensure compliance with Malaysia’s data residency regulations, allowing organizations to store and manage data securely within the country while adhering to government standards. Investing in Talent and AI-Readiness Microsoft’s commitment extends beyond infrastructure. In May 2024, Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a $2.2 billion investment to accelerate Malaysia’s cloud and AI ambitions. A key pillar of this effort is the AI for Malaysia’s Future (AIForMYFuture) initiative, launched in December 2024, which aims to equip 800,000 Malaysians with AI skills by the end of 2025. This builds upon the Bersama Malaysia initiative, which has already provided digital skills training to over 1.53 million Malaysians. Empowering Malaysia’s Digital Future Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia, emphasized the transformative impact of the new cloud region: “The Malaysia West cloud region is more than just infrastructure—it’s a catalyst for innovation, enabling businesses to harness AI and cloud technology at scale. With this investment, Malaysia is poised to become a leading hub for cloud and AI growth in Southeast Asia.” Dr. Andrew Lau, Director of Strategic Programs for Microsoft Malaysia, echoed this sentiment: “As Malaysia advances its AI and cloud ecosystem, the new cloud region will empower businesses to expand seamlessly while providing global enterprises with a strategic entry point into the Malaysian market. This initiative will strengthen the country’s digital competitiveness, solidifying its role in an AI-powered future.” With this landmark investment, Microsoft is reinforcing its role as a key driver of Malaysia’s digital transformation, equipping businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world. For more details on the Malaysia West cloud region, visit: aka.ms/MalaysiaCloudRegionPlaybook.

BEIJING: Shares of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD soared to a record high today following the unveiling of its groundbreaking battery technology, which promises to charge an EV in the same time it takes to refuel a petrol car. The new battery and charging system, dubbed the “Super e-Platform”, boasts peak charging speeds of 1,000 kW, enabling vehicles to travel up to 470 kilometres after just five minutes of charging. BYD founder Wang Chuanfu said the innovation aims to “fundamentally solve users’ charging anxiety.” “Our goal is to make EV charging as fast as refueling a petrol vehicle,” he stated at the launch event last night. Following the announcement, BYD’s Hong Kong-listed shares surged over six percent to hit a record high on Tuesday morning before paring some gains. A Step Ahead of Tesla The new technology places BYD ahead of rival Tesla, whose Superchargers currently peak at 500 kW—only half the speed of BYD’s latest innovation. Alongside the Super e-Platform, BYD introduced two new EV models—the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV—which will be the first to feature the cutting-edge system. To support the rollout, BYD also revealed plans to build over 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China, reinforcing its aggressive push for EV infrastructure dominance. BYD’s Explosive Growth The announcement comes as BYD continues its rapid expansion, with February sales surging 161% to more than 318,000 electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Tesla faced a 49% drop in Chinese market sales over the same period. Nio & CATL Bet on Battery Swapping In a separate development, fellow Chinese EV maker Nio signed a deal with battery giant CATL to collaborate on a passenger car battery swap network. Battery swapping offers an alternative to ultra-fast charging, but infrastructure costs and standardization remain significant hurdles. Under the agreement, CATL will invest up to 2.5 billion yuan (RM1.5 billion) into Nio’s network. With BYD pushing the limits of charging speed and Nio betting on battery swaps, China’s EV race is heating up like never before. — AFP

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng is set to revolutionize the automotive and aviation industries with its ambitious plan to mass-produce modular flying cars by 2026. If successful, XPeng will become the world’s first company to bring flying vehicles to the mass market. Flying Cars and Humanoid Robots on the Horizon XPeng Motors’ chairman and CEO, He Xiaopeng, recently confirmed that the company is on track to begin large-scale production of its modular flying cars in the second quarter of 2026. Additionally, XPeng plans to introduce humanoid robots with Level 3 autonomy as early as next year. Following this announcement, XPeng’s stock prices surged, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the company’s innovative strides. XPeng’s humanoid robot, named Iron, debuted last year, boasting over 60 joints and 200 degrees of freedom. Powered by XPeng’s proprietary Turing AI chip, Iron is expected to serve beyond manufacturing, potentially filling roles in administration, customer service, and personal assistance. The XPeng AEROHT Flying Car: A Modular Innovation XPeng AEROHT, a subsidiary of XPeng Motors and the largest flying car company in Asia, unveiled an operational version of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle at CES 2025 in January. Pre-sales for the flying car have already begun, with pricing set between 1 and 2 million RMB. Dubbed the “Land Aircraft Carrier,” XPeng’s modular flying car consists of two key components: a ground module and an air module. The ground module (Mothership): A 6×6 all-wheel-drive electric vehicle with rear-wheel steering and off-road capabilities. Designed with a futuristic cyber-mech aesthetic, it features a four-seat cabin and a range of over 1,000 kilometers. The air module: A detachable two-seat eVTOL unit that can be loaded and unloaded in under five minutes. Constructed from lightweight carbon fiber, it operates using six dual-duct rotors with foldable propellers. When not in use, the flight module is stored within the mothership, allowing the vehicle to fit into standard parking spaces and underground garages. The Rise of the Low-Altitude Economy XPeng AEROHT envisions itself as the “Global Leader in Low-Altitude Product Innovations.” The low-altitude economy, a burgeoning sector in China, focuses on airspace operations below 1,000 meters. Existing players in this industry include DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, which has already implemented unmanned food delivery drones, and several air shuttle companies currently in pilot testing. The first batch of XPeng’s flying cars is expected to serve specialized markets such as tourism and rescue operations before wider consumer adoption. Meanwhile, XPeng is also racing ahead with self-driving technology, aiming to launch Level 3 autonomous vehicles this year and introduce Level 4 capabilities soon after, which would allow for full self-driving in designated areas. As the launch date approaches, XPeng’s advancements in flying vehicles and AI-powered robotics will be closely watched by industry players and consumers alike. More details are expected to emerge in the coming months as XPeng moves toward transforming the future of transportation.  

KUALA LUMPUR: CelcomDigi Bhd and Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) have partnered to enhance the security of digital financial transactions through CelcomDigi Open Gateway, leveraging SIM-based authentication for DuitNow user verification. With PayNet processing over 13 million transactions daily, this initiative aims to combat rising online fraud and strengthen financial security across Malaysia. By integrating Open Application Programming Interface (API) technology, PayNet can verify DuitNow transactions in real time, ensuring that the registered mobile number, MyKad, or business registration number belongs to the legitimate account holder. Strengthening Digital Security Against Fraud Online scams and fraud continue to be a significant challenge in the financial sector, with cybercriminals exploiting weaknesses in traditional authentication methods. SIM-based authentication offers an added layer of protection, as each SIM card is unique, securely stored in a mobile device, and difficult to duplicate—minimizing the risk of fraudulent transactions. Datuk Idham Nawawi, CEO of CelcomDigi, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “By introducing SIM-based authentication, we provide financial institutions with a more secure way to verify users, making digital transactions significantly safer. As fraudsters become more sophisticated—especially with the rise of artificial intelligence—stronger security measures are essential.” He also highlighted plans to expand this partnership to more financial institutions, further reinforcing Malaysia’s digital security framework. Real-Time Fraud Prevention with National Fraud Portal The collaboration will also enhance fraud prevention by working with the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) through the National Fraud Portal (NFP). The NFP allows CelcomDigi to flag, block, and blacklist scam-linked phone numbers, preventing fraudsters from using compromised numbers to open new accounts. Farhan Ahmad, Group CEO of PayNet, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to financial security and inclusion, stating: “With the real-time National Fraud Portal, we are taking bold steps to protect Malaysians. This partnership builds on that foundation by adding another layer of security through real-time account verification with CelcomDigi.” By leveraging Open APIs, real-time fraud detection, and secure SIM-based authentication, CelcomDigi and PayNet are paving the way for a safer and more resilient digital financial ecosystem in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura Industrial Bhd (KL:SAPIND) has entered into a partnership with China-based Zhejiang Zhongze Precision Technology Co Ltd to set up an industrial and commercial battery component manufacturing facility in Malaysia. In a bourse filing on 27th March, Sapura Industrial announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, SIB Ventures Sdn Bhd, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Zhejiang Zhongze to formalize the collaboration. The MOU serves as a foundation for further negotiations, including feasibility studies to assess the viability of the proposed manufacturing plant. “The collaboration will proceed subject to both parties agreeing on a business plan, followed by negotiations and the signing of a definitive agreement that will outline their respective roles, rights, and obligations,” Sapura Industrial stated. A final agreement is expected to be concluded within six months. Sapura Industrial’s shares last traded on March 4, closing at 84 sen, giving the company a market capitalization of RM61.13 million.

KUALA LUMPUR: Aonic, a leading provider of end-to-end drone solutions, is redefining industrial automation with groundbreaking advancements unveiled at Aonic Day 2025. The event underscores Aonic’s commitment to scalable enterprise automation by introducing cutting-edge technologies, including CHCNAV Machine Control Solutions, the launch of the DJI Matrice 4 Series, and the expansion of Aonic Flex, a financing solution designed to make automation more accessible. Driving Automation with CHCNAV Machine Control Solutions Aonic is proud to be the first distributor of CHCNAV Machine Control Solutions in Malaysia, marking a new era of precision-driven industrial transformation. By integrating high-precision dual-GNSS technology, CHCNAV’s AI-powered machine control enhances efficiency in industries such as construction, agriculture, and infrastructure, enabling: Automated precision for earthworks, road construction, and site leveling. Optimized workflows that reduce reliance on manual labor. Improved project accuracy for faster, cost-effective execution. “This partnership with Aonic marks a major step in CHCNAV’s mission to make high-precision mapping, positioning, and navigation solutions more accessible in Malaysia,” said Kyle Kong, Machine Control Business Development Global Director of CHCNAV. “With Aonic’s expertise in automation, businesses can seamlessly integrate CHCNAV’s technology to enhance efficiency and intelligence across operations.” Aonic Flex: Making Automation More Accessible Recognizing the financial barriers to adopting automation, Aonic Flex provides flexible financing options for businesses, ensuring cutting-edge industrial technology remains within reach. Over the past two years, Aonic Flex has financed over RM20 million worth of drones for smallholder farmers, significantly boosting productivity and incomes. Now, Aonic is expanding its financing model beyond drones, offering flexible payment solutions for a full suite of automation technologies across industries such as logistics, construction, and surveillance. Strengthening Leadership in Aerial Automation with DJI As a newly recognized DJI Enterprise Platinum Dealer, Aonic continues to lead in enterprise drone solutions, offering unmatched aerial intelligence for industries including security, energy, and telecommunications. At Aonic Day 2025, the company introduces the DJI Matrice 4 Series, setting a new standard for autonomous aerial operations with: AI-powered flight intelligence for fully automated inspections, mapping, and monitoring. High-resolution thermal and visual imaging for infrastructure inspections, search-and-rescue, and environmental monitoring. Modular adaptability, allowing for long-range surveying, multi-sensor integration, and advanced data collection. By integrating DJI’s state-of-the-art drone technology with its comprehensive enterprise support, Aonic is making next-generation aerial automation more accessible across Southeast Asia. Shaping the Future of Industrial Automation Aonic’s expansion across Southeast Asia reinforces its mission to revolutionize industrial automation by building end-to-end ecosystems across six key verticals: agriculture, industrial, lifestyle, retail, services, and education. By delivering breakthrough automation, forging strategic partnerships, and making advanced technology more accessible, Aonic is setting new benchmarks for precision and efficiency, enabling businesses to scale faster, operate smarter, and stay ahead in an era of digital evolution. With its expertise in AI-powered drones, machine control technology, and scalable enterprise solutions, Aonic is driving the future of automation, efficiency, and precision, helping businesses across multiple industries transform the way they operate.