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Malaysia’s automotive manufacturing sector is seeing increased participation from local precision engineering firms as the industry shifts toward higher-value and technology-driven production, amid rising regional demand. The shift mirrors regional supply chain changes, with specialised engineering now crucial as automakers seek higher precision and faster development. Operating within this evolving landscape, CNC Innovations Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian automotive aftermarket engineering company, reflects the industry trend toward advanced machining technologies, digital engineering tools and specialised expertise to support more  complex automotive applications. Daniel Gholami, Chief Executive Officer of CNC Innovation Sdn Bhd, together with the Board of Directors of the 5th Asia Automotive Award – Thailand Chapter, underscoring collaboration between Malaysian precision engineering firms and regional automotive industry leaders. From Left : Matahari Lee, Tom Kek, Dr Por Boon Kuan, Daniel Gholami, Ong Choon Jet, Nazrul Zahri The company specialises in high-precision CNC-machined components for automotive enthusiasts, performance tuners and industry professionals. Its product range includes billet intake manifolds, performance engine components and customised precision parts developed across multiple engine platforms, demonstrating the technical versatility required in performance-oriented applications. CNC Innovations uses advanced 3-, 4- and 5-axis CNC machining centres, supported by CAD/CAM software, computational fluid dynamics analysis, and precision measurement systems. This combination allows the company to produce components with tight tolerances and consistent accuracy, which are essential for applications where airflow, material strength, and dimensional precision affect performance. Beyond machining, the company provides engineering and manufacturing support services including prototyping, engineering consultancy, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, electrical discharge machining (EDM), welding and assembly. Industry observers note that such end-to-end capabilities are increasingly common among Malaysian precision manufacturers as firms seek to offer more comprehensive solutions under a single operational structure. CNC Innovations has also gained industry recognition for its technical capabilities, including receiving the Asia Automotive Innovation Excellence Award during the 4th Asia Automotive Award. More recently, the company participated as a main sponsor of the 5th Asia Automotive Award – Thailand Chapter, reflecting the growing involvement of Malaysian engineering firms in regional automotive industry platforms. The CNC Innovation team, whose combined expertise in precision engineering, advanced machining and automotive manufacturing supports the company’s expanding presence within the regional automotive aftermarket sector. The Asia Automotive Award, now in its fifth edition, brings together automotive manufacturers, suppliers and industry stakeholders across ASEAN. Participation by Malaysian companies at regional platforms is seen as part of a wider effort to strengthen cross-border industry engagement and enhance visibility within regional automotive supply chains. Alongside technology adoption, CNC Innovations places emphasis on workforce development through continuous training and skills upgrading. The company also collaborates with local universities and technical institutions as part of efforts to maintain workforce readiness amid evolving manufacturing technologies. Quality control remains a key focus, with structured inspections at every stage from material selection to final assembly. Lean manufacturing principles are applied to maintain consistency across both customised projects and higher-volume production. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, driven by electrification, efficiency requirements and higher performance standards, specialised engineering firms are expected to play an increasingly important role within regional and global supply chains. Industry participants note that the growth  of companies such as CNC Innovations reflects  a broader shift within Malaysia’s, with  local firms moving beyond conventional machining toward more specialised, technology-driven engineering services with regional impact.

Powerwell Holdings Bhd has received a purchase order (PO) valued at RM68.47 million for works related to a data centre project in Selangor, strengthening its order book and earnings visibility. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the electricity distribution products manufacturer said the PO was awarded by one of the leading multinational technology corporations specialising in data centre developments. The identity of the customer was not disclosed. Under the terms of the PO, Powerwell will be responsible for the design, procurement, delivery, testing and commissioning of low-voltage switchgear systems for the data centre. These systems are a critical component of data centre infrastructure, supporting stable and reliable power distribution. The group said the PO is expected to be completed by the second quarter of calendar year 2026. The contract is anticipated to contribute positively to Powerwell’s consolidated earnings and net assets over the period from the financial year ending March 31, 2026 (FY26) through FY27. Powerwell added that it does not foresee any exceptional risks arising from the project, apart from the usual operational risks associated with contracts of this nature. The award underscores Powerwell’s continued participation in Malaysia’s growing data centre sector, driven by rising demand for digital infrastructure and cloud services.

Batik Air Malaysia plans to add 10 aircraft this year, bringing its fleet to 63 planes, as the airline accelerates network expansion, enhances operational resilience, and strengthens connectivity from Subang Airport. Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the additional aircraft, comprising Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s, will support higher flight frequencies, increased standby capacity, and improved services across its regional and international network. Transport Minister Anthony Loke (third from left) poses for a group photo after the launch of Batik Air’s Fixed For Your Reunion and Smart Travel Fare Initiative at a hotel here on Tuesday. Also present were Transport Ministry Secretary General Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan (second from left) and Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy (fourth from right). “With more aircraft, we will have additional standby capacity to better manage disruptions such as adverse weather, helping reduce knock-on delays,” Chandran said during the launch of the airline’s Fixed Fares for Your Reunion campaign, attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and other senior officials. Batik Air currently operates 53 aircraft, serving 65 destinations across 20 countries. The fleet expansion is expected to underpin further growth in frequencies and services throughout the year. Chandran added that the airline is targeting an on-time performance (OTP) rate of 85% by mid-2026, building on consistent OTP levels above 70% over the past three months. “These improvements reflect operational adjustments such as better capacity planning and aircraft availability, although factors like weather and airport constraints remain beyond our control,” he noted. He emphasized that improving punctuality is part of a broader effort to reduce travel fatigue and offer safer, more reliable alternatives to road journeys, particularly during peak festive periods. Additional flights and higher frequencies on key domestic and regional routes are aimed at ensuring smoother passenger flow while maintaining service standards. The Fixed Fares for Your Reunion campaign offers passengers pre-determined fares for the Chinese New Year period, allowing families to plan their journeys with ease. One-way fares from Kuala Lumpur/Subang to Kuching start at RM318, and to Kota Kinabalu at RM378, for travel between Feb 13 and 16, 2026. Extra flights have also been added from Johor Bahru to Penang (Feb 12–14) and Sibu (Feb 13–15), with fares starting from RM388 to Penang and RM588 to Sibu, providing passengers with additional flexibility during the festive season.

U.S. memory chipmaker Micron Technology on Tuesday announced a US$24 billion plan to build a new memory chip fabrication facility in Singapore, aiming to boost output amid a global shortage. The investment comes as the chip industry races to meet surging demand for AI and data-driven applications, which has left sectors from consumer electronics to AI services facing tight memory chip supplies. A Micron logo appears in this illustration taken August 25, 2025. Micron said the new advanced wafer fabrication facility, scheduled for completion over the next decade, will focus on NAND memory chips. Production is expected to begin in the second half of 2028 in a 700,000-square-foot (65,000 sq m) cleanroom facility. Micron already produces 98% of its flash memory chips in Singapore and is building a separate US$7 billion advanced packaging plant for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, used in AI applications, which is expected to start production in 2027. Analysts warn the memory shortage could continue into late 2027, despite new production lines planned by Micron and its main competitors, South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix. Last week, Micron revealed it is in talks to acquire a fabrication site from Powerchip in Taiwan for US$1.8 billion to increase DRAM wafer output. SK Hynix also recently announced plans to accelerate the opening of a new factory by three months and begin operating another facility in February, reflecting industry efforts to close the supply gap.

Advancecon Holdings Bhd has secured a RM82.09 million contract, boosting its order book and earnings visibility as the civil engineering specialist expands its presence in Johor’s rapidly growing industrial corridor. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, the group said its wholly owned subsidiary, Advancecon Infra Sdn Bhd, had accepted a letter of acceptance from Southern Catalyst Sdn Bhd for earthworks, main drainage, ancillary works and related infrastructure under Phase 1 (Package 1) of the Southern Catalyst Innovation District in Kulai, Johor. The project is scheduled to begin on Feb 4 and is expected to be completed by May 4, 2027, providing revenue visibility over a 15-month construction period. Situated in Mukim Sedenak, the development is poised to benefit from increasing manufacturing activity, rising logistics demand and broader regional spillover effects. Managing director Phum Boon Eng said the contract reflects continued confidence in Advancecon’s execution capabilities and its strong track record in large-scale earthworks projects. The contract is expected to contribute positively to the group’s earnings over its duration, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Citigroup is expected to implement another round of job cuts in March, following the elimination of about 1,000 positions earlier this month, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The upcoming layoffs are likely to be announced after employee bonuses are paid. While the scale and locations of the cuts have not been disclosed, the plans have not been previously reported. Citi’s shares gained 65.8% in 2025, outperforming peers and an index tracking broader bank stocks by a wide margin. The reductions come as Citigroup chief executive Jane Fraser continues a broad restructuring effort aimed at cutting costs, addressing regulatory issues, and improving profitability to narrow the gap with rivals. One source said the March layoffs are expected to affect managing directors and other senior staff across multiple business lines. “Some senior managers have already been reassigned to different divisions to secure roles ahead of the headcount reduction,” one source said. Another source noted that many senior employees were also affected in the earlier round of cuts this month. The sources declined to be identified as they were discussing internal personnel matters. In a statement, Citigroup said it plans to continue reducing its workforce through 2026 as part of its ongoing transformation. “These changes reflect adjustments to ensure our staffing levels, locations, and skill sets are aligned with current business needs, efficiencies gained through technology, and progress in our transformation programme, which is nearing its target state,” the bank said. Citigroup chief financial officer Mark Mason said during an earnings call that the bank’s global workforce declined from 240,000 in 2022 to 226,000 by the end of 2025. He added that headcount reductions are expected to continue as the bank reassesses its expense trajectory, noting that severance-related costs totalled US$800 million last year. The latest job cuts, together with another reorganisation announced in November, represent the next phase of Fraser’s turnaround strategy. Fraser, who became CEO in 2021, received a one-time US$25 million equity award for progress on the overhaul and was elected chair of the board in October. In 2023 and 2024, Citigroup publicly announced major layoffs as it streamlined management layers and divested assets. However, the most recent reductions have been carried out more discreetly, according to a third source. The workforce cuts come as Citigroup begins to see regulatory relief. The US Federal Reserve has closed actions related to trading risk management weaknesses, while the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency withdrew a 2024 amendment to a consent order originally issued in 2020. Citigroup shares rose 65.8% in 2025, significantly outperforming peers and the broader banking sector. The bank also repurchased US$13.25 billion worth of shares last year. So far this year, Citi’s shares are down 0.8%.

Norwegian telecom group Telenor announced on Thursday that it will sell its 30.3% stake in Thailand’s True Corporation for 39 billion Norwegian crowns (US$3.92 billion or RM15.8 billion), marking its second major divestment from Asia in recent months. The news lifted Telenor’s shares by 8%. Under the agreement, Telenor will sell 24.95% of its stake to Arise Digital Technology Company, owned by Khun Suphachai Chearavanont, with the remaining 5.35% to be sold two years after the initial closing. Telenor has been a significant investor in Asian telecoms since the 1990s, building operations in Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and Pakistan. In recent years, the company has signaled openness to divestments as the regional telecom market matures. “With the completion of the sale of Telenor Pakistan in December and the agreement to sell our shares in True, we have taken major steps in delivering on our strategic plan,” Telenor CEO Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer said in a statement. Telenor’s remaining Asian assets, including a 33.1% stake in Malaysia’s CelcomDigi and a 55.8% stake in Bangladesh’s Grameenphone, could also be considered for future deals, the company said. “It’s business as usual until such time that opportunities present themselves,” Chief Financial Officer Torbjorn Wist told Reuters. He added that the group will focus on creating value from its remaining assets in Malaysia and Bangladesh while exploring potential structural opportunities over time. True Corporation, one of Thailand’s largest telecom operators, serves around 60 million customers. Telenor expects to record an accounting gain of 14.7 billion Norwegian crowns at the current exchange rate upon the closing of the initial stake sale and plans to provide further details next month on how it will use the proceeds. The divestment is expected to close within a few months and is projected to enhance Telenor’s return on capital employed while supporting the company’s strategy to concentrate more of its business in the Nordic region.

Eighteen banks are taking part in the Phase 2 Sandbox for MyDigital ID, as Malaysia tests the rollout of its digital identity system in the financial sector. The sandbox allows banks to trial MyDigital ID’s e-verification technology, which securely verifies users’ identities for account openings and real-time banking transactions. Ten banks are currently in the integration process, while two have completed it. The sandbox phase is expected to finish by March 2026, after which wider implementation will depend on each bank’s readiness. The initiative, led by MyDigital ID Sdn Bhd and Bank Negara Malaysia, follows international best practices with strong privacy, security, and audit measures to ensure a safe and trustworthy system. Phase 1 of the sandbox, completed in June 2025, involved 15 banks, with six fully integrated and eight performing electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) tests. The Ministry of Finance stressed that full integration will only proceed once all banks meet high standards for security and compliance.

LOCUS-T, one of Malaysia’s leading digital marketing agencies, has been officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for achieving the title of “Most Active SEO Service Contracts by an Agency.” The recognition ceremony, held at Hilton PJ, coincided with LOCUS-T’s 25th Anniversary Client Appreciation Luncheon, themed “Thrive Together: 25 Years of Digital Growth & Future Innovation.” The record reflects LOCUS-T’s 531 active SEO service contracts, verified as of 25th November 2025, making it the highest documented figure among digital marketing agencies in Malaysia. The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Yong Kai Ping, Chief Executive Officer of Sidec (Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation), who delivered an inspiring keynote address titled “Beyond Digital: Building the Deep Tech Engine of Malaysia’s Future” and witnessed the official MBR recognition presentation. This milestone marks a defining moment in LOCUS-T’s legacy, one which reflects the 25 years of dedication to empowering businesses through data-driven digital marketing strategies. With over 7,000 clients served across 50 industries, LOCUS-T stands as a trusted growth partner for both SMEs and MNCs nationwide. The company’s recognition by MBR underscores not just the scale of its SEO services and operations, but also the trust and long-term partnerships it has built with Malaysian businesses over the past two and a half decades. Beyond SEO, LOCUS-T also offers a full suite of digital marketing services, including Paid Media (Google, Meta, TikTok), Website Design & Development, Website Maintenance, and Google Business Profile (GBP) management, all aimed at driving measurable business growth. “This recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records is an incredible honour and a proud milestone for all of us at LOCUS-T. It’s a reflection of the trust our clients have placed in us and the commitment of our amazing team,” said Deric Wong, Co-Founder & Managing Director of LOCUS-T. “For 25 years, we’ve grown together with our clients through innovation, collaboration, and resilience. As we enter the next era of digital transformation, we’ll continue to build on that same spirit of Trust, Together, and Triumph, leading our clients to new heights with AI-driven solutions and strategic creativity.” As LOCUS-T celebrates its 25th Anniversary, the company reflects on a journey of continuous growth from a small startup in the early 2000s to one of Malaysia’s most trusted digital marketing agencies today. Themed “Thrive Together: 25 Years of Digital Growth & Future Innovation,” the celebration honours not just the company’s achievements, but also the clients, partners, and team members who have shaped its success story. Looking ahead, LOCUS-T is setting its sights on the future of AI-powered and data-driven marketing solutions. The agency’s mission is to maintain profit sustainability, drive continuous innovation, and attain new growth. With technology rapidly reshaping the marketing landscape, LOCUS-T remains committed to leading digital transformation in Malaysia and empowering businesses to thrive sustainably in an AI-driven world. As LOCUS-T marks 25 years of excellence and recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records, the company extends its deepest gratitude to its clients, partners, and employees. Together, they will continue to build success stories and set new benchmarks in the digital era.

ShopeePay has raised its e-wallet balance limit in Malaysia to RM30,000, significantly increasing how much verified users can store and spend on the platform. The limit, up from RM9,999, applies automatically to all existing users who have completed electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) verification. New users and those yet to complete e-KYC will receive the higher limit once verification is done. ShopeePay said the RM30,000 cap is currently the highest wallet limit offered by any e-wallet in Malaysia. Alongside this, the daily transaction limit has also been lifted to RM30,000 from RM9,999. Monthly transaction limits have been raised sharply to RM180,000 from RM20,000, while annual limits now stand at RM360,000, compared with RM120,000 previously. Despite the higher overall limits, individual payments, transfers and withdrawals remain capped at RM9,999 per transaction, in line with regulatory requirements. Users are assigned a default daily transaction limit, which can be adjusted within the app. Any increase is subject to a three-hour cooling-off period as an added security measure, ShopeePay said. For comparison, Merchantrade Money currently offers a standard wallet limit of RM20,000, up from RM10,000 previously, with users able to raise their combined limit to RM50,000 by linking the wallet to an AmBank Islamic Hybrid Current Account-i. Meanwhile, TNG eWallet recently increased the limit for its GO+ savings feature to RM20,000 from RM9,500.