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LANGKAWI: Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation “Rostec”, handed out awards to representatives of Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) and its after-sales service provider, AIROD. For about 30 years, BOMBA has consistently used only Russian-made helicopters. The ceremony took place during the 17th International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition LIMA 2025. Russian-built Mi-17 helicopters are widely used in Malaysia, forming the backbone of the Fire and Rescue Department’s fleet. One of these Russian-built helicopters from the Department’s fleet is on display at LIMA 2025. “These helicopters play a vital role in safeguarding Malaysia’s national interests. They help save lives and protect the country’s unique natural environment. Their consistent and trouble-free performance in tropical and maritime conditions is a testament to the reliability, safety, and efficiency of Russian helicopters,” commented Russian Helicopters. At the show, Russian Helicopters are also showcasing three models of rotorcraft: the Mi-171A3 helicopter, the Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter, and the Ansat helicopter. The multi-purpose Mi-171A3 helicopter was developed to meet the needs of oil and gas companies. It is designed to transport people and cargo to offshore drilling platforms, and to carry out offshore search and rescue operations. The Ansat is a lightweight, versatile helicopter that offers high manoeuverability, a spacious convertible cabin, and ease of operation. The Ka-32A11M is the latest addition to the legendary Ka-32 family of helicopters. Operators from various countries agree that it is one of the best firefighting helicopters. The upgraded rotorcraft is fitted with a new Russian-made SP-32 water tank. With a capacity of up to 4 tonnes of water, it features digital controls and enhanced water intake and discharge ergonomics. The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), the largest event of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, has been held every two years since 1991.

LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has achieved a significant operational milestone, recording 25,000 flying hours for its fleet of AS555SN Fennec helicopters. The achievement was commemorated in a ceremony held during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025. Airbus Helicopters Vice President and Head of Sales & Marketing for Asia Pacific, Thomas Zeman, presented an award to Vice Admiral Dato’ Ts Shamsuddin bin Hj Ludin, Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, in recognition of the fleet’s operational excellence. In service since 2004, the RMN operates six AS555SN Fennec helicopters. The two-tonne multirole aircraft play a crucial role in the Navy’s air operations, primarily used for lead-in training and to support various naval missions. The milestone highlights the reliability and sustained performance of the Fennec fleet over two decades of service, underlining the Navy’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards in maritime aviation.

KUALA LUMPUR: POS Malaysia Berhad reported a first-quarter net loss of RM41 million for the period ended 31 March 2025, more than doubling the RM19 million loss recorded in the same quarter of FY2024. The group’s revenue rose 2% quarter-on-quarter to RM467.1 million, supported by improvements in the aviation and parcel segments. Aviation continued to show strong performance, driven by sustained demand for cargo handling, engineering services, and in-flight catering. The parcel segment posted modest gains, aided by enhanced service quality and reliability. However, logistics performance weakened due to marine asset maintenance and a slowdown in the automotive sector. The group aims to expand its third-party logistics (3PL) and freight forwarding services to strengthen this segment. Retail operations held steady year-on-year, with repositioning efforts underway to meet changing customer demands. Group CEO Charles Brewer said the results reflect continued operational improvements and affirmed the group’s commitment to long-term transformation despite the quarterly loss.

LANGKAWI: Yayasan Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (Yayasan LTAT) and the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA ’25), marking the continuation of the Latihan Kemahiran Anak ATM & Anak Veteran (LAKSAMANA) programme, first formalised in 2023. The LAKSAMANA programme is a strategic initiative under the Defence Industry’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, aimed at enhancing the technical skills of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) youth through a structured training approach with guaranteed job placements — the “train and place” model. This ongoing collaboration between Yayasan LTAT and MIGHT — a national driver for high technology empowerment — is expected to strengthen the skilled workforce among the children of active and retired defence personnel, equipping them to navigate the digital era and the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative is set to open career pathways in technology-intensive sectors such as oil and gas, aerospace, manufacturing, maritime, and energy, aligning with the nation’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) aspirations. Since the signing of the first MoU, the programme has produced numerous success stories. With the latest agreement, emphasis will be placed on enhancing skills training through upskilling and reskilling initiatives that are responsive to current industry needs and the nation’s ambition to build a highly skilled talent pool in the defence and technology sectors. The MoU was signed by Dato’ Dr. Mohd Nizar Haji Sudin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan LTAT, and En. Rushdi Abdul Rahim, President & CEO of MIGHT. The ceremony was witnessed by Datuk Seri Hj. Hasnol Zam Zam bin Hj. Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI); General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Azizan Ariffin RMAF (Retired), Member of Yayasan LTAT’s Board of Trustees and Co-Chair (Government) of MIGHT; Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Zakri Abdul Hamid; and Encik Mohammad Ashraf bin Md Radzi, Chief Executive of LTAT. Yayasan LTAT and MIGHT remain committed to leading high-impact skill development initiatives such as LAKSAMANA, and will continue to explore future programmes to cultivate a high-quality national workforce.

LANGKAWI: Momentum is already building ahead of the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026) and the 4th National Security Asia (NATSEC Asia 2026), with nine leading companies confirming their participation. These early commitments reflect growing industry confidence and underscore the continued relevance of both events as premier platforms for defence and security engagement in the region. The contracts were exchanged during a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025. The event was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, YBhg. Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali; Chief of Defence Force, YBhg. General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar; Chief of Army, YBhg. General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, along with other dignitaries. “This milestone sets the tone for what is shaping up to be the most ambitious edition of DSA and NATSEC Asia to date,” said Nadzeem Abdul Rahman, Executive Director of DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd. “These signed commitments speak volumes about the standing of DSA and NATSEC Asia on the international stage, and the trust industry players place in us to deliver meaningful engagement, visibility, and tangible business outcomes.” He added, “As governments and industry stakeholders grapple with evolving threats and rapid technological advancements—particularly in artificial intelligence and advanced computing—they seek platforms that offer more than exposure. They want relevance, credibility, and results. That is exactly what we aim to deliver.” The companies that have formalised their participation include: Ada Vinci Global Sdn. Bhd. (AVG) Advance Defence Systems Sdn. Bhd. Cendana Auto Sdn. Bhd. IDC Technologies Sdn. Bhd. Mega Arms Sdn. Bhd. Nizra Group Rohde & Schwarz Weststar Defence Industries Sdn. Bhd. VR Universal Sdn. Bhd. Minister of Defence YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin welcomed the strong early response, describing it as a testament to the events’ enduring importance and Malaysia’s growing role as a regional hub. “For over three decades, DSA has been a cornerstone of the global defence calendar. Meanwhile, NATSEC Asia, now in its fourth edition, continues to expand its relevance in the national security domain,” he said. “These events have long served as critical platforms for governments, industry leaders, and defence professionals to collaborate on pressing security challenges.” He continued, “I commend the companies here today for their early commitment. Their participation affirms not only their confidence in the event but also their trust in Malaysia as a centre for defence and security dialogue and innovation.” Held biennially with the support of Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs, DSA and NATSEC Asia are unique in bringing together national policy, international cooperation, and industrial innovation. The 2024 edition saw record participation, with 1,324 companies from 60 countries and 588 foreign VVIP delegations from 45 nations—the highest in the event’s history. A major highlight of the 2026 edition will be the CBRNE ARENA, a fully integrated exhibition and networking zone focused on the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNe) sector. Officially launched at LIMA 2025 by the Chief of Army, YBhg. General Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, the arena underscores the strategic urgency of addressing complex and evolving threats. It will feature state-of-the-art exhibits, live demonstrations, and expert-led discussions to enhance global preparedness, crisis response capabilities, and innovation within the sector. DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 will return to the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, from 20–23 April 2026, under the theme “Enhancing Capabilities and Resilience Through Technology.” Companies keen to connect with decision-makers, showcase their innovations, and help shape the future of regional defence and security are encouraged to secure their participation early. For more information, visit www.dsaexhibition.com.

In a significant ruling that reinforces Malaysia’s regulatory stance on insider trading, the Federal Court has unanimously dismissed an application by Dato’ Raymond Yap Wee Hin, former Deputy Chairman of Patimas Computers Berhad, to appeal a prior decision that found him liable for insider trading. The decision, delivered by a panel comprising Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat and Federal Court Judges Datuk Vazeer Alam bin Mydin Meera and Dato’ Lee Swee Seng, effectively closes Yap’s legal avenues to challenge the earlier rulings made by both the Court of Appeal and the High Court. Yap’s leave application stemmed from the Court of Appeal’s decision on 27 November 2024, which upheld the High Court’s finding that he had engaged in insider trading involving 43.8 million Patimas shares in 2012. Breach of Capital Markets Law In a civil suit filed by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) in 2020, Yap was accused of breaching Sections 188(2)(a) and (b) of the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (CMSA). The SC contended that Yap, while in possession of material non-public information, had sold shares belonging to Law Siew Ngoh, then Managing Director of Patimas, between June and July 2012. The insider information pertained to audit queries and suspicious transactions between Patimas and its top debtors. These issues had been raised by the company’s external auditors in a meeting with senior management. The company later confirmed the seriousness of the concerns in an announcement to Bursa Malaysia on 31 July 2012, stating it would not be able to release its Annual Audited Financial Statements for the period of 1 January 2011 to 31 March 2012 due to unresolved audit findings. Significant Penalties Imposed Following a full trial, the High Court had ordered Yap to pay RM3.28 million in disgorgement—equivalent to three times the amount of losses avoided through the illegal trades—and a civil penalty of RM1 million. Additionally, Yap was barred from serving as a director of any public-listed company for five years from the date of judgment, which was delivered on 7 April 2022. With the Federal Court’s latest decision, those penalties remain firmly in place. Yap was also directed to pay RM30,000 in legal costs to the SC. Regulatory Signal The ruling marks a win for the Securities Commission and sends a strong message about the legal consequences of insider trading. The outcome underscores the judiciary’s support of robust market conduct enforcement and the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in Malaysia’s capital markets.

LANGKAWI: Advanced Defence Systems (ADS), a key player in Malaysia’s artillery systems industry, has announced a strategic partnership with Indonesia’s PT Lentera Sumber Makmur and France-based KNDS to supply, assemble and integrate the 105mm LG1 MK III Light Gun for the Indonesian Armed Forces (Marinir). The collaboration was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during LIMA 2025 at the Malaysian Pavilion. It marks a significant move in strengthening regional defence ties and enabling advanced artillery system capabilities across Southeast Asia. ADS will take the lead in assembling and integrating the systems locally at its facility in Segamat, Johor—leveraging its previous experience delivering a full regiment of 105mm LG1 MK III units to the Malaysian Army. The project will also support technology transfer and aims to establish ADS as a regional centre of excellence for artillery sub-systems, especially in inertial navigation systems. PT Lentera, a prominent Indonesian defence partner known for introducing the 155mm SPH CAESAR to Indonesia, will use the systems to support the country’s military modernisation. The collaboration is also expected to generate economic benefits through local job creation and defence industry growth in both Malaysia and Indonesia. The 105mm LG1 is among the lightest and most accurate artillery systems in its class, offering rapid deployment and a firing rate of 12 rounds per minute. The system is already in service in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Senegal. The MoU was signed by Lt Col Shane Chin (R) for ADS, Major General (Ret.) Gen Sonhadji for PT Lentera, and Amaury de Poncins for KNDS, with Malaysian Deputy Minister of Defence YB Adly Zahari witnessing the event. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to regional security, technological advancement, and self-sufficiency in defence capabilities.

Global Component Asia (GCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GCM AI Tech and Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment to establish a framework where the supplier, Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment, appoints GCM AI Tech as the exclusive distributor and sales representative for its technology products in Malaysia. This partnership aims to ensure mutual commitment, focused market presence, and avoid any conflict of interest within the designated territory. Under the terms of the agreement, GCA, GCM AI Tech, and Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment will appoint GCM AI Tech as the exclusive distributor for the products in Malaysia. GCM AI Tech will be responsible for promoting, selling, providing after-sales support, preparing regular reports, and complying with all relevant local regulations. The supplier, Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment, will provide product information, promotional materials, technical support, and ensure timely delivery of products to GCM AI Tech. This collaboration is expected to enhance operational efficiency and drive success for all parties involved. The partnership reflects a strong commitment to expanding and strengthening market presence in Malaysia. It highlights confidence in Malaysia’s strategic importance and growth potential, while aiming to deliver advanced technological solutions, improve service delivery, and contribute to local industry development. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for GCA as we deepen our commitment to delivering advanced technology solutions in Malaysia. By partnering with a trusted supplier, we are not only strengthening our market position but also reinforcing our dedication to innovation, service excellence, and regional growth. We look forward to building a strong, results-driven partnership that benefits our customers and the broader Malaysian industry,” said Dato’ Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi, Chairperson of GCA. “We bring deep market insights, a strong local network, and a proven track record of achieving strategic growth in Malaysia. Through this collaboration, we offer our partners not only access to a rapidly growing market but also a dedicated team committed to operational excellence and success. Our presence and expertise on the ground will ensure their products are effectively positioned, professionally supported, and tailored to the evolving needs of the Malaysian market,” she added. Darren Yong Loong Yi of GCM AI Tech stated, “This partnership represents a strategic step forward for GCM AI Tech as we expand our footprint in Malaysia. Working with a trusted local agent like GCA allows us to leverage their market expertise and strong relationships to introduce our technology products effectively in the region. Together, we are well-positioned to drive innovation, meet customer needs, and accelerate growth in a dynamic and promising market.” Chen Jing Jun of Hangzhou Big Data Industry Investment stated, “This partnership is a significant step in our international expansion strategy. Appointing GCM AI Tech as the exclusive distributor in Malaysia gives us confidence in their ability to deliver our technologies effectively. With the support of GCA, we believe we can capitalise on Malaysia’s digital market, drive innovation, and create lasting value.”