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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.”

LANGKAWI: MILDEF International Technologies Sdn Bhd (MILDEF), Malaysia’s leading local defence vehicle manufacturer, has signed a strategic Teaming Agreement with ASELSAN, a global defence technology giant from Türkiye, during a ceremony at the MILDEF Pavilion at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025. The signing was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence Malaysia, YBhg. Dato Lokman Hakim bin Ali. On behalf of ASELSAN, the agreement was signed by CEO Mr. Ahmet Akyol and Vice President Mr. Zekeriyya Sahin, while MILDEF was represented by Managing Director YBhg. Dato’ Sri Mohd Nizam bin Kasa and General Manager Mr. Salimuhar Ali. This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between Malaysia and Türkiye. It focuses on integrating advanced military technologies into MILDEF’s locally designed, developed, and manufactured Tarantula 4×4 High Mobility Armoured Vehicle—a key platform for the Malaysian Army. In addition to enhancing military capabilities, the collaboration includes cost-saving measures and technology transfer initiatives, bringing added value to Malaysia’s national defence sector and fostering the development of homegrown expertise in advanced defence technologies.

LANGKAWI:  The Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) Naval Air Wing marked a significant milestone at LIMA ’25 with the commercialisation of its award-winning innovation, the Compact Tactical Light (CTL), through a landmark procurement deal. The CTL was developed in response to operational challenges faced during the rescue mission of the hijacked MV Bunga Laurel in the Gulf of Eden, where RMN Special Forces encountered difficulties distinguishing between friend and foe in complete darkness. The CTL addresses this issue by transmitting coded signals that are invisible to the naked eye, enabling precise visual identification in low-light environments. Having garnered widespread recognition, the CTL has received several accolades, including: Champion, National Intellectual Property Award Champion, Perak Innovation Competition Champion, Royal Malaysian Navy Innovation Award Silver Award, Seoul International Invention Fair In a major step forward, CTL has been selected to represent the RMN in the Innovation Segment of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Pavilion at LIMA ’25. The technology has officially entered the commercial phase through a partnership with Choppertech Services Sdn Bhd, which now serves as its marketing partner for the defence industry. The signing ceremony between Choppertech Services Sdn Bhd and Lorenco Defence Private Limited for the official procurement of CTL took place today at the MINDEF Pavilion. The agreement was witnessed by First Admiral Ruzman bin Mat, Commander of the Naval Air Wing. This milestone underscores the RMN Innovation Team’s commitment to delivering impactful, home-grown defence solutions. It also reflects Malaysia’s broader ambition to advance its capabilities in cutting-edge defence technology and contribute to the global maritime innovation landscape.

LANGKAWI:  The Malaysia Maritime Conference 2025 (MMC 25), held today at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), brought together policymakers, defence officials, academics and industry leaders to explore forward-looking governance frameworks for a prosperous maritime future.     Co-organised by the Royal Malaysian Navy and Global Exhibition & Conference Sdn. Bhd., MMC 25 was officiated by Defence Minister YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin and witnessed by the Chief of Navy, Admiral Datuk (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, along with 250 invited delegates. First launched in 2019 as the National Maritime Conference, the event has since evolved into an internationally attended platform, reflecting Malaysia’s growing maritime aspirations and its role in shaping regional maritime discourse. This year’s theme, “Synergising Good Governance Through Effective Policy for Maritime Prosperity”, focused on two core areas: Harnessing the Blue Economy and Charting Maritime Policy. In his opening remarks, the Defence Minister emphasised the strategic importance of the conference, calling it “a crucial platform for exchanging ideas, fostering partnership and refining policies to propel Malaysia forward as a prosperous maritime nation.” The first session explored strategies to unlock the potential of Malaysia’s blue economy while balancing sustainable development and environmental protection. Speakers included Rear Admiral Dato’ Pahlawan Mohd Fadzil Kamal (Royal Malaysian Navy), Mr. Handan Ramli (PETRONAS), Dr. Do Thanh Hai (Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam), and Dr. Young Kil Park (Korean Maritime Institute), moderated by Datin Paduka Dr. Adina Kamarudin from Malaysia’s Maritime Affairs Department. The second session, Charting Maritime Policy, addressed the complexities of maritime governance, offering policy insights and lessons from around the region. Key panellists included Professor Stuart Kaye (University of Wollongong), Air Vice Marshall Dr. Jorry S. Koloay (Indonesian Defence Forces), Professor Atsuko Kanehara (Canon Institute for Global Studies), and Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmed Saeed (National Institute of Maritime Affairs, Pakistan), moderated by First Admiral Mohd Yusri bin Yusoff (Royal Malaysian Navy). As Malaysia continues to position itself as a maritime leader in Southeast Asia, MMC 25 reinforced the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, regional cooperation, and policy innovation in ensuring long-term maritime prosperity.

KUALA LUMPUR: CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (CGS MY) has received four Letters of Intent (LOIs) to support strategic investments in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), reinforcing its role in unlocking the zone’s economic potential. The move is part of CGS MY’s broader ambition to facilitate RM3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and RM3 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM) for Single-Family Office (SFO) ventures over the next three years. The announcement was made during the JS-SEZ Partners Dialogue: Advancing Facilitation, and marks a growing confidence in the JS-SEZ as a high-impact, innovation-led investment hub. CGS MY is among six financial institutions working closely with the Ministry of Economy, the Johor State Government, and the Iskandar Region Development Authority (IRDA) to drive the development of the zone. “As a key partner to companies seeking national and regional growth, CGS MY is proud to work closely with the federal and state governments, and the local ecosystem, to unlock JS-SEZ’s potential,” said Puan Azizah Mohd Yatim, Chief Executive Officer of CGS MY. “These LOIs represent more than just investment intent — they reflect a shared belief in the region’s collaborative vision of JS-SEZ as a launchpad for innovation, integration, and cross-border growth.” CGS MY aims to support businesses leveraging the SEZ’s cross-border connectivity, regulatory incentives, and capital access. With capabilities in capital markets, regional market entry, and investment banking, the firm continues to play a catalytic role in shaping Southeast Asia’s next frontier for economic progress. Looking ahead, CGS MY remains committed to fostering high-impact investment flows and enabling sustainable development through strategic facilitation within the JS-SEZ.

Malaysia Building Society Bhd (MBSB), the country’s second-largest standalone Islamic bank, has pledged RM1 billion in financing to accelerate the nation’s aerospace sector. The announcement was made at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA 2025), reinforcing Malaysia’s push to become a leading aerospace hub in Asia. The financing, offered through MBSB Bank and MIDF’s Development Finance facility, is aimed at supporting a wide ecosystem — including OEM suppliers, Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers, MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) providers, and firms driving research, automation, and talent development. “Funds are available immediately, with streamlined approvals coordinated through our commercial and development finance teams,” MBSB said. The bank is also collaborating with aerospace clusters in Selangor, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan to ensure that high-impact areas receive targeted support. “Aerospace is not just a high-tech sector; it’s a high-impact one,” said MBSB Group CEO Rafe Haneef. “Our RM1 billion facility is designed to scale that impact by backing players with the ambition to lead in manufacturing, design, and innovation.” The move has been lauded by the National Aerospace Industry Coordination Office (NAICO) Malaysia, with CEO Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah calling the fund “a timely boost to the sector’s momentum.” In 2024, Malaysia’s aerospace industry recorded RM25.1 billion in revenue, fuelled by strong growth in both manufacturing and MRO services.–THE EDGE