Energy & Technology

Huawei Technologies will invest 18 billion yuan (US$2.6 billion or RM10.27 billion) globally in research and development for smart driving technologies, including 10 billion yuan dedicated to computing power for training, a senior executive said on Thursday. Visitors look at electric vehicles displayed outside the venue before Huawei’s Automotive Technology Conference in Beijing, China on Thursday. Over the next five years, the company also plans to spend between 70 billion and 80 billion yuan on computing power, according to Jin Yuzhi, Huawei’s senior vice president, who spoke at an event in Beijing ahead of China’s largest auto show opening on Friday. Huawei is working to strengthen its position in China’s fast-growing smart electric vehicle sector, where it has rapidly become a key supplier over the past four years. Its technologies are increasingly favoured by affluent Chinese consumers, competing with established German automotive brands. At the event on Thursday, 38 vehicle models featuring Huawei’s smart driving and intelligent cockpit systems were showcased, including four Audi models and Toyota’s BZ7 developed in collaboration with Guangzhou Automobile. While Huawei’s automotive business remains a relatively small part of its overall portfolio—which spans telecommunications, smartphones and cloud computing—it is currently the company’s fastest-growing segment. Automotive-related sales rose 72% in 2025 to 45 billion yuan. Overall, Huawei’s revenue increased 2.2% last year to 880.9 billion yuan. The company also unveiled its latest Qiankun ADS advanced driver assistance system.

AEON360 has partnered with Google Cloud to improve how customers shop, pay and access services across the AEON ecosystem. The multi-year collaboration will start in Malaysia before expanding to other Southeast Asian markets where AEON operates. (From left to right) Glen Cha, Chief Technology Officer, AEON360; Low Ngai Yuen, Managing Director, AEON360; Daisuke Maeda, Chairman, AEON360; Hana Raja, Country Manager, Malaysia, Google Cloud. AEON360 said the initiative is part of its plan to connect its retail, financial services and lifestyle businesses using artificial intelligence. Chairman Daisuke Maeda said the partnership will help shift AEON from basic digital services to AI-driven “agent” systems that can recommend products, handle tasks and personalise offers for customers, starting in Malaysia. As part of the collaboration, AEON360 will use Google Cloud’s BigQuery to build a shared data platform across its businesses. This will support AI tools that deliver more personalised product recommendations, pricing, rewards and financing options based on customer behaviour and consented data. The system aims to create a more seamless experience across AEON services, including platforms like myAEON2go and AEON MaxValu, where customers can receive tailored offers, check stock availability and access payment or rewards options. The partnership also includes AI development and staff training through a new Innovation Foundry in Kuala Lumpur, supported by Google Cloud. The centre will help train employees and build AI tools for retail and customer engagement. AEON360 will also use Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise for customer experience functions and is exploring Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol to extend services to platforms like Google Search. It is also looking into integrating with Google Pay and Google Wallet for smoother transactions. Google Cloud Malaysia Country Manager Hana Raja said the collaboration will remove fragmented shopping experiences by using AI to create a more connected and seamless customer journey. AEON360 is a joint venture between AEON Credit Service (M) Bhd and AEON Co. (M) Bhd, formed to unify the group’s retail, finance and lifestyle businesses under a shared data and membership platform.

Maruss Sdn Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Switzerland’s SwissP Defence AG to explore collaboration in ammunition production in Malaysia. In a statement, Maruss said the agreement was signed at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition and witnessed by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari. Maruss Sdn Bhd managing director Syafiq Razi (left) and SwissP Defence AG chief commercial officer Christopher Leitner at the signing ceremony, witnessed by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari. Maruss is a Malaysia-based licensed manufacturer of small arms ammunition and weapons, while SwissP Defence, owned by Italy’s Beretta Holding, produces small-calibre ammunition and defence technologies for military and law enforcement use. Under the MOU, Maruss may gain exclusive rights to manufacture selected high-performance ammunition components locally. The partnership also includes technology sharing and long-term cooperation between both parties. Both companies said the collaboration aims to support Malaysia’s National Defence Industry Policy 2026 by strengthening local defence manufacturing capabilities and reducing import reliance. Maruss managing director Syafiq Razi said the agreement marks an important step in establishing the company’s presence in both the local and international defence sectors. SwissP chief commercial officer Christopher Leitner said the company supports Malaysia’s defence industry development and recognises Maruss’ established customer base. Maruss added that the partnership builds on discussions that began in 2024 and continued into this year, with plans to develop products marketed as “Made in Malaysia, with SwissP technology.”

Exxon Mobil Corp is exploring the sale of its gasoline station network in Hong Kong as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline its global retail operations. According to people familiar with the matter, the US oil major is considering a potential valuation of about US$500 million to US$600 million (RM1.9 billion to RM2.3 billion) for the assets, though discussions are still ongoing and no final decision has been made. The company operates the stations under the Esso brand and currently runs 39 fuel stations in Hong Kong, based on its website. The possible divestment comes amid increasing uncertainty in the global fuel retail industry, where volatile oil prices and the rising shift toward electric vehicles are reshaping long-term demand. Exxon has been actively streamlining its downstream retail portfolio worldwide and has engaged advisers to explore sales of Esso-branded stations in several markets, including France, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Last year, it also agreed to sell its Singapore Esso service station network to PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk. In February, rival Chevron Corp also agreed to sell its Hong Kong fuel business to Thailand’s Bangchak Corp for US$270 million, reflecting broader consolidation in the sector. Separately, Hong Kong’s fuel market faces long-term pressure from high retail prices and government incentives encouraging electric vehicle adoption, including registration tax waivers. Exxon has not commented on the potential sale.

Azor Industries Sdn Bhd continues to advance Malaysia’s digital commerce landscape through ongoing innovation across its platform ecosystem, led by SAYAJUAL.IO. The platform has recently been enhanced with augmented reality (AR) capabilities, enabling merchants and resellers to showcase products virtually in a more immersive and interactive manner. This innovation addresses a key challenge in online selling – product visualisation – by reducing reliance on physical samples while improving customer confidence and engagement. Through AR, businesses are able to present products in a more realistic context, supporting stronger purchase intent and more effective digital selling strategies. Notably, leading Malaysian fashion brand Bulan Bintang has begun leveraging the platform to enhance its online customer experience and scale its digital sales efforts more efficiently. “AR is no longer a future concept, it is a practical tool that can directly improve how products are experienced in a digital environment. “Our goal is to make this technology accessible and usable for everyday businesses, not just large enterprises,” said Abdul Hafidz Johari, Chief Technology Officer of Azor Industries.  In parallel, Azor Industries has also introduced SAYAJUAL.AI, a solution designed to simplify and accelerate the process of launching an online business. The platform enables users to automatically generate structured online stores and landing pages, allowing them to quickly deploy marketing campaigns and focus on conversion rather than technical setup. Meanwhile, SAYALIVE.IO continues to support event organisers with seamless digital ticketing and event management capabilities, expanding the company’s role beyond commerce into broader digital engagement solutions. With a growing ecosystem that integrates social commerce, immersive technology, and AI-driven automation, Azor Industries is positioning itself as a key enabler of next-generation digital entrepreneurship in Malaysia and the region.

ManagePay Systems Bhd (MPay) has secured a letter of award from Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) worth RM270,270 for the development of a new mobile application. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the electronic payment solutions provider said the contract covers the design, development, supply, configuration, testing, integration, commissioning and maintenance of PPSB’s cloud-hosted mobile application. MPay said the application is expected to be delivered within four months from the date it receives written instructions from the project’s supervising officer. The company will also provide full system support and maintenance services for a subscription period of three years. The project is expected to enhance digital services and operational efficiency for Penang Port through a more accessible and modern mobile platform. MPay noted that the contract will not have any impact on its issued share capital or the shareholdings of its major shareholders. However, it is expected to contribute positively to the group’s earnings and net assets per share for the financial year ending June 30, 2026, and beyond.

Dagang Nexchange Bhd’s (DNeX) wholly owned unit, Dagang Net Technologies Sdn Bhd, has secured service and infrastructure contracts to continue supporting Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route initiative for the 2026 hajj season. The contracts cover site facilitation, logistics and telecommunications services at seven international airports in Malaysia, Indonesia and Türkiye. This marks an expansion from last year, with one new airport added in Indonesia. DNeX said it has been involved in the Makkah Route programme since 2019. The initiative, led by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, allows pilgrims to complete immigration clearance in their home countries before departure, helping to improve arrival efficiency and the overall pilgrimage experience. Group chief executive officer Faizal Sham Abu Mansor said the continued appointment reflects the trust placed in DNeX and highlights strong recurring revenue opportunities. For the 2026 hajj season, DNeX’s operations will cover KLIA Terminal 1 in Malaysia; Soekarno-Hatta, Juanda, Adi Soemarmo and Sultan Hasanuddin airports in Indonesia; as well as Istanbul Airport and Ankara Esenboğa Airport in Türkiye. DNeX is also continuing its collaboration with Elm Company, a Saudi government-owned digital solutions provider. Beyond the Makkah Route programme, both companies are exploring further opportunities in transportation and security. With seven out of 16 global project sites secured this year, compared with six last season, DNeX said it remains optimistic about future expansion and growing its international recurring income base.

South Korean battery manufacturer Samsung SDI announced on Monday that it has signed a multi-year agreement with Mercedes-Benz to supply batteries for the automaker’s electric vehicles, marking its first EV battery supply partnership with the German luxury carmaker. Under the deal, Samsung SDI will provide batteries using high-nickel NCM (nickel, cobalt and manganese) chemistry, which are designed to deliver higher energy density and improved driving range for next-generation electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz plans to use the batteries in its upcoming compact and mid-size electric SUVs, as well as future coupe models, according to Samsung SDI. The company did not disclose the financial value or supply volume of the agreement. The partnership strengthens Samsung SDI’s position in the global EV battery market as automakers continue to secure long-term battery supplies to support the shift toward electrification.

Genting Malaysia Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AGIBOT Innovation (Shanghai) Technology Co Ltd to develop embodied artificial intelligence (AI) robotics across the hospitality, entertainment and leisure sectors. Resorts World Genting chief operating officer Aaron Chia said the partnership marks an important step into embodied robotics, where technology can enhance guest services and create more immersive experiences within the integrated resort. “We believe this initiative will create new opportunities to transform how guests engage with our spaces while strengthening our position as a forward-looking leader in tourism,” he said in a statement on Monday. The MoU was formalised on April 17 during the AGIBOT Partners Conference (APC2026) in Shanghai, China. As part of the collaboration, AGIBOT also announced Malaysia’s first Robotics Gala Performance, which will debut at Resorts World Genting in early 2027. The showcase will feature advanced AI robots in a live performance, offering a first-of-its-kind entertainment experience in the country. AGIBOT president for the Middle East and Asia Pacific region Abel Deng said the partnership combines AGIBOT’s humanoid robotics expertise with Genting Malaysia’s operational strength and creative vision to elevate guest engagement and service standards across theme parks, hotels and live entertainment. Under the MoU, both companies will focus on robotics solutions in three main areas — theme parks, leisure and hospitality, and entertainment. This includes humanoid robots for guest interaction, concierge and service roles, as well as robotics integration into live shows and immersive attractions. The partnership will also cover joint research and development, pilot projects, and the creation of scalable robotics ecosystems.

Express Powerr Solutions (M) Bhd is expanding its regional footprint with a 15-megawatt (MW) power generation project in Lombok, Indonesia. In a Bursa Malaysia filing on Wednesday, the company said it will provide generator rental services, including the procurement and leasing of high-speed diesel and biodiesel-fuelled containerised power generation units. The project is undertaken by a consortium comprising PT Triotama Toya Energi, PT Bintang Bangkit Bersama, and PT Sumber Artho Bersaudara. PT Triotama, which is responsible for supplying the project’s power generators, has signed a joint cooperation agreement (JCA) with Express Powerr’s Indonesian unit, PT Express Power Energy, for the rental services. Under the agreement, revenue will be shared on a 70:30 basis, with the larger portion allocated to PT Express Power. The contract value was not disclosed. Express Powerr said the collaboration marks a strategic step to expand its core generator rental business into the regional market, while leveraging PT Triotama’s established network for potential future opportunities. The project is expected to run for two years from its commercial operation date, with the possibility of extension subject to approval from the project owner, PT PLN Nusantara Power Services, and mutual agreement between the partners. Shares in Express Powerr closed unchanged at 14 sen, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM135.5 million. The stock is currently about 30% below its IPO price of 20 sen in September last year.