Energy & Technology

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Transport clarified that the increased contract value of RM190.01 million awarded to HeiTech Padu Bhd for Road Transport Department (RTD) services is primarily due to an extended contract duration. Transport minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook clarified that the three-year period would encompass maintenance for the MySikap system, which includes both software and hardware components, along with servers at RTD offices across the country. He told reporters this following the official launch of the 2024 EVlution charging stations, which were developed in collaboration with Mastercard and RHB Bank Bhd. On Monday, HeiTech announced that it secured a RM190.01 million contract from JPJ for maintenance and technical support services for the RTD’s information and communications technology infrastructure and MySikap system without providing specific details about the job scope. Loke mentioned that the scope of work for the current contract aligns with previous agreements with RTD, even though the cost per contract period is relatively lower. In 2021, HeiTech Padu was awarded a contract valued at RM36.25 million for about 13 months, which ended on September 30, 2022. This contract was extended twice in subsequent years – first for four months in 2022 at RM10.49 million and then for 12 months in 2023 at RM27.29 million. This year, HeiTech Padu has secured two additional government contracts – one worth RM58.89 million for next-generation network services for the Inland Revenue Board, announced in January, and a contract extension in March valued at RM13.11 million from the Immigration Department for the upkeep of the Malaysian Immigration System (MyIMMs). The company’s largest shareholder is PKR Perak chief Datuk Farhash Wafa Salvador, who acquired a 15.91% stake last month through Rosetta Partners Sdn Bhd. Farhash, a former political aide to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has denied involvement in government operations. Other significant shareholders include MyEG Services Bhd, holding a 15.89 per cent stake, and Padujade Corp Sdn Bhd with a 14.06 per cent stake. At Tuesday’s noon market break, shares in HeiTech Padu closed three sen or 1.23 per cent lower at RM2.40.

KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Research remains optimistic about Samaiden Group Bhd’s prospects, driven by its extensive pipeline and solid position in the renewable energy (RE) sector. The bank-backed research firm said that with a diversified portfolio comprising solar, biogas, and biomass, it strategically contributes significantly to Malaysia’s sustainable energy initiatives. RHB Research said Samaiden recently experienced a momentum surge, steadily securing RE contracts one after another. The company bagged two engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contracts, namely a 50MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) and a 2MW small hydro facility at the Pelagat Forest Reserve in Terengganu. Moreover, it managed to secure a gross total of 43.32MW capacity under the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP) and a 7MW biomass power purchase agreement or PPA under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. “We expect these to start in the second half (2H) of 2024, providing earnings visibility for the upcoming year,” RHB Research said. The research firm said upcoming CGPP tenders, which are set to gain traction in the next few months, will further bolster Samaiden’s FY25 activities. According to industry players’ guidance, the tenders have been slower than anticipated, reportedly due to a Newly Enhanced Dispatch Agreement (NEDA) requirement. Other programmes to fuel Samaiden’s growth will be the much-talked-about National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the recently announced Integrated Clean Energy (TBB) programme, which features large-scale solar (LSS5). “The company’s recent CGPP win may help it for the LSS5 application, however, the categories it targets are likely to favour companies capable of applying for larger quotas given the 500MW capacity limit,” RHB Research noted. RHB Research maintained a Buy call and revised the target price for Samaiden to RM1.76 as the research firm rolled forward its base year to FY25. “There is a potential upside to our target price, which is linked to its CGPP assets, and we have yet to factor this in, given its net MW capacity is pending finalisation. “Our target price includes a 6 per cent ESG premium based on the 3.3 environmental, social, and governance (ESG) score, which is above the 3.0 country median. “Downside risks include discontinuing solar power incentives, competition risks, and higher-than-expected project costs,” RHB Research said.

KUALA LUMPUR: Businesses must embrace artificial intelligence (AI)- driven solutions to meet evolving customer expectations.   According to Zoom Video Communications Inc (Zoom), personalisation, efficiency, and technology integration with human empathy are key elements in building customer trust and loyalty. Zoom recently hosted its inaugural Asia Pacific (APAC) customer experience (CX) summit to share insights on AI’s transformative potential in shaping customer journeys. According to Zoom head of Asia Pacific (APAC) Ricky Kapur said most customers, or about 60 per cent, would leave a brand after one or two negative support experiences. “Customers today seek an experience that sets your company apart from others. They want to be treated well, they want issues resolved fast and with genuine empathy at every interaction,” Kapur said, adding that many customers are even willing to pay a premium. Due to the evolution of CX, he emphasised the importance of personalisation, swift issue resolutions and empathy. He explained that legacy solutions fail to meet modern customer expectations, underscoring the need for AI tools for seamless experiences. “Organisations need a single platform that provides a consistent and seamless experience – internally for collaboration and externally for customer interactions. By doing so, businesses can create more demand, increase customer loyalty, and accelerate revenue,” said Kapur. “Zoom is deeply committed to the CX space because we recognise its pivotal role in our own success story. We have reimagined how teams work and revolutionised employee experience in the workplace,” Kapur said. “To fulfil our mission of delivering limitless human connection, we also extended the power of Zoom Workplace into CX. “A big reason customers choose Zoom in the workplace is that we make the complex simple. They know Zoom is a modern workplace platform that works, and we are bringing that same modern philosophy and engineering to the customer experience,” he said. Similarly, AI-powered customer service can benefit every aspect of an operation, from delivering exceptional user experiences for customers and agents to creating more cost-effective, efficient workflows. In his keynote address, CX Innovation Institute chief innovation officer Simon Kriss shared AI use cases in APAC, such as real-time translation and automated post-call summaries, which resulted in enhanced customer satisfaction while reducing the need to hire language specialists. “Automated post-call summaries not only save time for human agents but provide more consistently formatted summaries that can be more easily analysed later,” said Simon. The Zoom Contact Center is said to be the world’s first video-optimised omnichannel contact centre, offering over 700 features designed to elevate customer experiences. It recently introduced AI innovations such as the AI Companion for Contact Center, which provides live transcription, summarises calls, and generates real-time follow-up tasks for agents. There is also the AI Expert Assist, an intelligent feature that transforms customer interactions by analysing conversations on the fly and providing agents with the information they need—right when they need it. Further, the Zoom Workforce Engagement Management harnesses AI-generated insights to forecast staffing needs, automate scheduling, and plan agent workload. “Organisations today strive to provide a connected, unified experience for everyone interacting with the brand, be it an agent, an employee, or a customer. “To do so, there needs to be a change in technology capabilities, particularly by harnessing a modern AI-powered CX platform like Zoom that looks at CX and employee experience as one,” said Zoom Contact Center head Chris Morrissey. The event also featured a customer panel discussion with Lenskart, Asia’s largest eyewear company serving 40 million people, with over 1,500 omnichannel stores across 175 cities in India, Singapore and Dubai, and Iress, a global provider of financial services software. The panel explored AI’s evolving role in shaping customer experiences and agent engagement and how organisations can strike the delicate balance between technology, efficiency, and human connection. The panellists agreed that humans must be at the centre of AI implementation. With the right tools and training, customer success teams can leverage insights to make data-driven decisions for better business outcomes. Lenskart product owner Rahul Rupani said that a significant challenge they faced was managing the uneven distribution of optometrists across different regions in India. To address this, Lenskart turned to Zoom Contact Center, which enabled optometrists to conduct remote eye tests for customers via video. Rahul added that the company plans to utilise AI features in the Zoom Contact Center to enhance CX outcomes while scaling its services. By analysing data from these remote interactions, his team will be able to quickly identify areas for improvement, such as whether optometrists are following eye test guidelines. Meanwhile, Iress’s chief corporate affairs and marketing officer Kelly Fisk said AI’s true power is to free humans up for higher-value work, such as building relationships and making informed decisions. “This is how Iress has leveraged Zoom Contact Center for its support teams. Large amounts of data from customer engagements are analysed with AI and fed back to product and customer support teams. “This has helped drive quality control and coaching for employee development and has empowered team leaders to manage customer queues and resourcing more effectively, ultimately resulting in more positive CX outcomes,” she said.

KUALA LUMPUR: Port of Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd (PTP), a joint venture between the MMC Group and the Netherlands-based APM Terminals, signed an agreement with Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd (ZPMC) to purchase five ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) Quay cranes. PTP chairman Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh expressed his confidence in the partnership, highlighting ZPMC’s well-established reputation in port equipment manufacturing. He emphasised the strategic significance of the acquisition, stating that these advanced cranes represent a critical step in PTP’s ongoing commitment to delivering best-in-class capabilities and services to its customers and all other stakeholders. “This latest investment in equipment emphasises PTP’s dedication to efficiently handle the rising volume of containerised cargo at its terminal, ultimately strengthening regional trade dynamics,” Che Khalib said in statement. The agreement was formalised during a ceremony held at PTP, with PTP chief executive officer Mark Hardiman and ZPMC’s vice president Celilia Shen presiding over the signing. Hardiman reiterated the importance of this purchase within PTP’s comprehensive equipment modernisation strategy. “The acquisition of these five ULCV quay cranes symbolises a significant capacity expansion and upgrade of our equipment and facilities. “This development marks a crucial advancement in PTP’s steadfast dedication to prioritising customer satisfaction by delivering enhanced capabilities and services. “These technologically advanced machines will substantially augment PTP’s ability to enhance terminal efficiency and port-related activities, effectively managing the escalating volume of containerised cargo and facilitating swift and seamless regional trade while upholding the highest safety standards,” he said. Hardiman said while PTP fortifies its operational capabilities, the port remains firmly committed to its sustainability goals. He said the acquisition of these new cranes adheres to standards and guidelines that align with PTP’s adherence to the Paris Agreement and commitment to environmentally responsible practices. He added that PTP’s ongoing efforts to achieve a targeted 45 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 remain a critical aspect of its sustainability agenda. Shen conveyed ZPMC’s appreciation for PTP’s trust and affirmed their commitment to the timely delivery of the equipment. She expressed the company’s pride in partnering with PTP and emphasised ZPMC’s dedication to delivering innovative and reliable port equipment solutions. ZPMC is China’s largest and the world’s largest manufacturer of cranes and large steel structures. PTP is Malaysia’s busiest transhipment hub that can handle 13 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually. The port delivers reliable, efficient, and advanced services to major shipping lines and box operators, providing shippers in Malaysia and abroad with extensive connectivity to the global market. PTP is currently ranked 15th among the world’s top container ports in terms of throughput.

KUALA LUMPUR: ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, has moved into its new purpose-built maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur. This internationally certified MRO facility reinforces Malaysia’s position as a regional MRO centre and highlights Asia’s importance as a growing business aviation market. ExecuJet MRO Services regional vice president Asia Ivan Lim said the benefit of having a purpose-built MRO facility that includes new features to support MRO activity, such as a built-in overhead crane for aircraft engine changes, can be future-proofed. “We also designed the hangar and workshops to optimise the workflow through the facility. “The 105,000-ft 2 hangar can accommodate up to 15 medium and large business jets simultaneously, including the ultra-large-cabin Dassault Falcon 6X and Falcon 10X. “Our previous facility at Subang Airport was smaller, and the hangar was originally designed for aircraft undercover parking,” he said in a statement. The 149,500-ft two MRO centre, the largest business aviation maintenance facility at Subang Airport, also includes workshops, storage space, offices for staff and customers, training rooms as well as rest areas. This purpose-built facility offers customers the full suite of MRO services, from line maintenance and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support to heavy maintenance checks, cabin interior refurbishments, satcom installations, avionics upgrades and other advanced modifications. The aircraft types covered are those from Dassault Aviation, Bombardier, and Gulfstream. “The business aviation industry in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, has witnessed strong growth, driving demand for MRO services. “The larger, purpose-built facility at Subang Airport allows us to cater to the growth in the business aviation market and expand our MRO capabilities,” said Lim. The new hangar’s energy-saving design elements include large windows that allow for more natural light, LED lighting, high-volume, low-speed overhead fans for cooling, an 85kW rooftop solar system, and water tanks for harvesting rainwater. ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia is certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the US FAA, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and other national civil aviation regulators worldwide. In a separate development, EASA and the US FAA have certified ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia will perform line maintenance and provide AOG support for Falcon 6X aircraft throughout the region.

KUALA LUMPUR: BJAK Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s leading digital insurance platform, has launched its RM150 million free road tax program, set to transform how people renew road tax in Malaysia. It will provide all Malaysians with the chance to renew their motorcycle and car road tax for free, backed by an allocation of RM150 million to support the campaign’s success. Since its establishment, BJAK has been at the forefront of digital innovation in the automotive industry. With millions of transactions completed, BJAK has earned its reputation as a reliable and efficient service provider. The pledge of RM150 million to subsidise vehicle owners’ road tax renewals for free through the BJAK platform has commenced since March 2024. This is a bold step forward in the company’s mission to drive digital adoption and streamline administrative processes for the people of Malaysia. This initiative is expected to benefit over 6 million users across Malaysia, providing them unparalleled ease and accessibility in renewing their road tax obligations. “As a technology-driven company, we are committed to accelerating the digitalisation of Malaysia, and this initiative perfectly aligns with our vision,” BJAK vice president of marketing  Mandy Foong said in a statement. “This significant investment aims to encourage more Malaysians to embrace digital solutions for road tax renewal, accessing the benefits of digitalisation with simplicity, choice, and convenience,” she said. The program is not only in line with the government’s MyRoadTax digitisation efforts but also supports Malaysia’s broader agenda for digital transformation. By promoting online renewal, BJAK aims to reduce the need for physical visits to renewal centres, thereby cutting down on queues and increasing overall efficiency. In addition to the free renewal offer, BJAK is also addressing the financial concerns of vehicle owners by providing an insurance renewal instalment plan. This plan allows customers to spread their payments over 12 months, making the process more accessible and manageable for everyone. Furthermore, this campaign is a testament to BJAK’s commitment to environmental sustainability. By reducing the need for paper-based transactions and physical travel, the initiative contributes to a greener, more sustainable future. In line with the national push for digitalisation, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) recently introduced a digital road tax system, allowing vehicle owners to share their e-LKM (electronic road tax) with other drivers through the MyJPJ app. This initiative further simplifies the process for vehicle owners and aligns with the government’s vision of digitalising services JPJ provides. The RM150 million free road tax program is not just about saving money, it’s about moving together into a more digital and efficient future. As part of the campaign, BJAK will leverage engaging gamification techniques to enhance user participation and ensure a rewarding experience. Through modern technology, BJAK is poised to revolutionise the insurance and road tax renewal process and set new benchmarks for digital service delivery in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: The demand for internet bandwidth has reached new highs, with a 20 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase from 2022 to 2023. Malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX) said that demand reached its highest at 2.311 TeraBits (Tbps) per second in the past year, a positive surge from the 1.938 Tbps peak in 2022, the highest ever recorded since its establishment in 2006. “Our findings indicate that there has been a significant rise in online activities throughout the country,” said MyIX chairman Chiew Kok Hin. MyIX, an initiative under the Malaysian Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is the country’s largest internet exchange. Its mission is to enhance Malaysia’s internet infrastructure by empowering members to exchange traffic and optimise network performance. In response to this growing demand, the MyIX committee has decided to reduce its port pricing to offer more benefits to its members. Effective April 1, 2024, this new pricing strategy will see reductions ranging from 10-20 per cent off the current rates. Specifically, the cost for a 1Gbps port will be lowered to RM400 per month (down from RM500), a 10Gbps port will be reduced to RM1,600 per month (previously RM2,000), and a 100Gbps port will now be RM7,200 monthly (previously RM8,000). “The revision in MyIX’s pricing positions us as one of the region’s most affordable – if not the most affordable – internet exchanges,” said Chiew. He was speaking after concluding MyIX’s annual general meeting which was also attended by MCMC head of technology development Mohamed Hakim Othman. “Active peering members bring value to the IX community, which supports Malaysia’s goal to improve internet speed, affordability and access, contributing to a digitally inclusive society,” said Chiew. “Through strategic pricing adjustments, MyIX has further strengthened Malaysia’s role in the regional digital economy, promoting growth and innovation at all levels,” he said. MyIX is also reinforcing its commitment to nurturing local talent. As part of its various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the exchange recently hosted a free training programme to empower selected individuals with the knowledge and expertise much needed in today’s digital economy, particularly regarding network infrastructure. Furthermore, MyIX’s effort to build a skilled workforce is extended through the MyIX Fellowship Programme, which offers fellowships to member organisation staff to attend workshops at the annual Asia Pacific Regional Internet Conference on Operational Technologies (APRICOT) conference. This initiative, which commenced this month with the APRICOT 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, focused on critical areas like IPv6 Deployment and Internet Routing/RPKI. These initiatives reflect MyIX’s strategic approach to enhancing industry-related skills, ensuring the Malaysian internet sector remains at the forefront of technological advancements.