Malaysia

Snowflake, a leading global cloud computing company, has identified Malaysia as a high-priority market and one of the most strategically significant economies in ASEAN for its regional expansion plans. The US-based company, established in 2012 and renowned for its Data Cloud platform that enables scalable, high-performance data unification and analytics across multiple cloud providers, is intensifying its focus on Malaysia as international interest in the nation’s data economy surges. Satchit Joglekar, Managing Director for ASEAN at Snowflake, highlighted Malaysia’s growing role in the regional data landscape, pointing to substantial infrastructure investments from global hyperscalers including Amazon Web Services (AWS). “Malaysia is absolutely our top priority for investment and expansion right now,” he said in a recent video conference with Bernama ahead of the Snowflake Summit 2025 in San Francisco. “We are closely monitoring these developments and are committed to deepening support for Malaysian customers by working hand-in-hand with our cloud partners, particularly AWS.” Joglekar affirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to Malaysia through investments not only in talent and technology, but also in developing a robust partner ecosystem. “This is crucial for ensuring the success of our customers across ASEAN — and especially in Malaysia.” Malaysia’s appeal is underscored by its impressive digital economy trajectory. Since 2021, the nation has approved RM278 billion in digital investments, including RM184.7 billion in data centre and cloud-related projects. The domestic data centre market is forecast to grow from US$4.04 billion in 2024 to US$13.57 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 22.38%, according to data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). (US$1 = RM4.26) Adding to its credentials, Malaysia recently ranked first globally in the Open Data Inventory (ODIN) 2024/25, achieving a score of 90 overall and 99 in data openness — a remarkable rise from 67th position in the previous cycle. Snowflake has ramped up investments in both Malaysia and Thailand over the past 18 months. Joglekar noted that the company’s ASEAN operations, once centred in Singapore, are now expanding across the region’s five major economies: Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. “As our platform evolves from a data warehouse to a unified data and AI cloud, it’s imperative we maintain a local presence in each major ASEAN economy,” said Joglekar, who brings over 18 years of experience in big data, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity. He also noted that almost half of Snowflake’s ASEAN customers are now outside Singapore, with strong representation across financial services, telecommunications, and retail sectors. “We’ve had significant success stories across the region,” he said. “In Indonesia, for instance, we supported XL Axiata in transforming from legacy systems to the cloud — delivering substantial cost savings and faster analytics. Similar outcomes are evident across Malaysia and other ASEAN markets in sectors such as consumer goods, manufacturing, public services, and state-owned enterprises.” Snowflake’s flagship annual event, Snowflake Summit 2025, begins Tuesday (2 June) at the Moscone Centre in San Francisco. The event is expected to draw 18,000 to 20,000 participants from around the world, underlining the company’s growing global influence. San Francisco, a longstanding epicentre of tech innovation, continues to serve as a beacon for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence — a domain increasingly integral to Snowflake’s long-term strategy. -Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR : U Mobile has appointed CIMB as the mandated lead arranger and loan coordinator for a financing facility of up to RM4 billion, aimed at supporting the nationwide rollout of its next-generation 5G network infrastructure. In a joint statement, U Mobile confirmed that the financing will be channelled towards capital expenditure required to expedite the deployment of its 5G network. The initiative targets achieving 80% coverage of populated areas across Malaysia by July 2026. As part of the financing arrangement, CIMB is expected to contribute at least RM1.5 billion, with the remaining funds to be syndicated among other financial institutions. “This milestone underscores U Mobile’s continued momentum as Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, reinforcing digital connectivity and innovation while advancing the nation’s digital ambitions,” the companies stated. Wong Heang Tuck, Chief Executive Officer of U Mobile, emphasised that partnering with a reputable financial institution like CIMB is indicative of the telco’s disciplined approach to capital expenditure. “U Mobile is proud to deepen our collaboration with CIMB through this strategic engagement. CIMB shares our vision of propelling Malaysia’s digital economy through robust connectivity and continuous innovation,” he said. “Their confidence in our financial governance and growth prospects enhances our capacity to deliver a high-speed, enterprise-grade 5G network that benefits both businesses and consumers.” Chu Kok Wei, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wholesale Banking at CIMB Group, expressed confidence in the partnership’s ability to significantly enhance 5G penetration across Malaysia. “This next-generation network will not only elevate social connectivity and economic inclusivity domestically, but also strengthen Malaysia’s role as a digital enabler in the ASEAN region,” said Chu. “As a leading financial institution in Malaysia and the region, CIMB is pleased to contribute its financial expertise, market insight, and network reach to support U Mobile’s growth and Malaysia’s broader digital transformation journey.” -Berita Harian

Malaysia Airlines is ramping up strategic initiatives to enhance passenger and cargo connectivity between Malaysia and China, signalling renewed commitment to bolstering bilateral trade and tourism flows. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), affirmed the Group’s ambition to position Malaysia Airlines as the preferred carrier linking China with Malaysia and the broader global network. This commitment was underscored through the airline’s successful debut at ITB China 2025, held in Shanghai from 27 to 29 May. “Our debut at ITB China strengthens our engagement with the Chinese tourism community and lays the foundation for our continued growth in this market,” Dersenish stated. During the trade show, Malaysia Airlines conducted over 200 business meetings and participated in more than 30 executive-level discussions, reinforcing its role as a key facilitator of cross-border cooperation in travel and trade. The airline also announced plans to roll out a new marketing campaign in collaboration with leading Chinese travel and trade partners. Additionally, it will launch a corporate training programme tailored to enhance its footprint in the Chinese market. At the exhibition, Malaysia Airlines showcased its MHcorporate programme—offering customised travel solutions for business clients—and the MHexplorer initiative, which targets students aged 13 to 26, aiming to forge long-term engagement with China’s next generation of travellers. Demonstrating its sustainability focus, the airline also introduced a virtual reality experience featuring its latest A330neo aircraft, highlighting fuel-efficient technology and enhanced passenger comfort. Currently, Malaysia Airlines operates flights to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei. It connects travellers to 69 destinations across Asia, Australia, West Asia and Europe. The airline is actively exploring opportunities to increase flight frequencies and expand its route network in response to rising demand for bilateral trade, tourism and cultural exchange. ITB China 2025 saw a notable increase in participation, with more than 700 exhibitors from over 85 countries—representing a 30% year-on-year growth from 2024—signalling China’s continued prominence as a key global travel source market. -Bernama

JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Corporation (JCorp) has identified the state’s growing strength in healthcare as the cornerstone for establishing a future regional innovation hub, aimed at meeting the expanding clinical and medical talent demands across ASEAN. JCorp President and Chief Executive, Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, said Johor possesses the institutional capability and strategic infrastructure to enhance its leadership in healthcare, with JCorp poised to leverage these assets to scale quality and reach. He highlighted that KPJ Healthcare Berhad — JCorp’s healthcare arm — is spearheading Malaysia’s first Academic Health System, which brings together clinical care, education, and research under a unified model. “This system is anchored on three key pillars: KPJ hospitals, KPJ Healthcare University (KPJU), and the KPJ Research and Innovation Centre,” said Syed Mohamed in a recent interview with Bernama. He added that the integrated model is designed to set a gold standard in healthcare by embedding global best practices into medical treatment, professional training, and innovation. KPJU, he noted, plays a vital role in nurturing medical, nursing, and allied health professionals who are both regionally adept and globally relevant. Further strengthening this vision, KPJ’s strategic partnership with the Mayo Clinic Care Network and the development of Centres of Excellence in oncology, cardiology, orthopaedics, and robotic surgery are expected to enhance Malaysia’s positioning as a premier international healthcare destination. On the investment front, Syed Mohamed also indicated that JCorp is open to co-funding strategic infrastructure projects with long-term institutional investors such as Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan), Khazanah Nasional Berhad, and Singapore’s Temasek Holdings Ltd. “We are building investment pathways aligned with long-term capital priorities. Strategic infrastructure succeeds when supported by shared governance, risk transparency, and measurable outcomes,” he stated. JCorp is currently developing co-investment platforms focused on catalytic zones such as the Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) and logistics corridors integrated with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). “These platforms are designed to deliver financial returns alongside ESG-aligned performance and regional economic spillover for Johor,” he said, noting that engagement with institutional partners prioritises capital stewardship, sectoral expertise, and co-design capacity across energy, digital, and logistics infrastructure. -Bernama

Kajang Plaza Medical Centre (KPMC), a private healthcare provider in Malaysia, is intensifying its digital transformation journey through significant investments in advanced medical technologies. This strategic initiative is aimed at positioning the facility as a digitally driven, patient-centric hospital. Chief Executive Officer Datuk Saroni Judi highlighted that the hospital has channelled resources into technologies such as Hospital Information Systems (HIS), digital kiosk infrastructure, and mobile applications. These enhancements have notably improved patient experience while reducing dependency on manual labour. “This investment can be broadly categorised into two areas – firstly, medical technologies directly related to disease treatment, such as advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. Secondly, technologies that support patient engagement and service efficiency, such as self-registration systems, appointment booking tools, and queue management solutions,” said Datuk Saroni during an interview on Bernama TV’s Bual Bisnes programme, broadcast on Saturday. One such innovation includes an integrated mobile application allowing patients to book consultations directly with physicians, seamlessly connected to the hospital’s HIS. Additionally, patients may now utilise the “QueueMed Healthtech” (Qmed) digital kiosk system to check in with their MyKad, enabling structured and timely access to services. “The system expedites the care process while enhancing patient comfort,” he added. KPMC’s digital roadmap aligns with its ambition to evolve into a “boutique” hospital – a contemporary model focused on delivering holistic care and elevated comfort to both patients and their families. Commenting on global advancements in healthcare automation, Datuk Saroni shared insights from a recent visit to China, where he observed cutting-edge robotics integrated with facility automation. “The use of robots for logistics – including automated delivery of meals and medication, as well as seamless integration with infrastructure such as elevators and room access – demonstrates an impressive level of sophistication,” he said. He noted that such technology even enables doctors to perform surgeries remotely, supported by medical assistants, showcasing the transformative potential of digital healthcare. While embracing automation and innovation, Datuk Saroni reaffirmed that KPMC remains committed to empathy, community engagement, and personalised care – principles that continue to underpin its transformation into a visionary, future-oriented healthcare institution. -Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal has dismissed the application by Hydroshoppe Sdn Bhd and its subsidiary Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd to obtain an ad interim injunction aimed at halting the transfer of the Menara Kuala Lumpur concession to LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd. The decision was delivered yesterday by a three-member judicial panel comprising Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, Datuk Dr Choo Kah Sing, and Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh. Justice Sequerah, delivering the unanimous ruling, stated that the appellants failed to meet the legal threshold required for the granting of such an injunction. “We believe there is no status quo to maintain because the fifth supplementary agreement expired on 31 March this year,” said Sequerah. As part of the ruling, Hydroshoppe and Menara Kuala Lumpur were ordered to pay RM30,000 in legal costs to the respondents, which include the Ministry of Communications, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, the Government of Malaysia, LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd, LSH Best Builders Sdn Bhd, and Service Master (M) Sdn Bhd. The appeal was filed against an earlier High Court decision in April, which also rejected the application for an ad interim injunction. Hydroshoppe and Menara Kuala Lumpur have initiated a breach of contract lawsuit against the respondents. They allege that LSH Service Master and its affiliated companies provided dishonest assistance leading to a breach of a contractual agreement reached with the government during a meeting held in August 2022. The companies are seeking damages estimated at RM1 billion and are calling for the transfer of the Menara KL concession to be declared null, void, and unlawful. They also seek for the concession of the iconic Kuala Lumpur landmark to be reinstated under their management. The High Court is scheduled to hear the inter parte injunction application on 9 June, while the ex parte contempt application filed by the companies is set for hearing on 5 June. During the proceedings, Hydroshoppe and Menara Kuala Lumpur were represented by counsel Vinayak Sri Ram. Senior Federal Counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambaly @ Arwi appeared for the Ministry of Communications, Minister Fahmi Fadzil and the federal government. Datuk Malik Imtiaz Sarwar acted on behalf of LSH Service Master, LSH Best Builders, and Service Master (M). -Bernama