One Universal Production Group (OUP), a prominent intellectual property ecosystem and tourism company in Asia, has officially opened its new corporate building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This development marks a significant milestone in OUP’s mission to deliver world-class entertainment and educational experiences across the region.

The new facility is expected to bolster OUP’s capabilities in creating innovative content and attractions, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry. The company has been instrumental in developing a range of entertainment and edutainment offerings that cater to diverse audiences across Asia.

During the event, OUP formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kayou Cultural Creativity Co., Ltd., China’s largest collectible card company. Under the partnership, Kayou will enter the Malaysian market alongside OUP, introducing new IP-driven collectible products and entertainment concepts aimed at Southeast Asian fans.

OUP also unveiled its upcoming international development roadmap, including the Hadi Excellence Collection – Thematic Safari Villas in the UAE, and the Hadi Premium Collection in Malaysia, featuring Malaysia’s first sea-front crystal-clear lagoon villas.

As OUP continues to innovate and expand, the new corporate building is set to play a crucial role in driving the company’s future growth and success in the competitive entertainment and tourism sectors.

Wawasan Dengkil Holdings Berhad has received shareholder approval for a joint venture to develop a 70 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant in Kedah, marking its strategic entry into the renewable energy sector. The joint venture, involving Wawasan Dengkil Sdn Bhd, Nestcon Infra Sdn Bhd, and WD Solar Kedah Sdn Bhd, will see the construction of the plant under the LSS Petra 5+ programme.

Wawasan Dengkil Sdn Bhd will hold a 70% stake in the joint venture, with Nestcon Infra Sdn Bhd holding the remaining 30%. The project, known as Project LSS5+, is expected to cost $39.6m (RM187m), with 85% financed through bank loans and the rest through equity and shareholder advances.

The diversification into renewable energy aligns with Malaysia’s growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Executive Director Lim Soon Yik stated, “The Proposed Diversification reflects the Group’s strategic progression beyond our core construction activities.”

The solar plant is set to begin construction in Q3 2026, with operations expected by 29 February 2028. It will operate under a 21-year Solar Power Purchase Agreement with Tenaga Nasional Berhad, providing long-term income through renewable electricity sales.

Wawasan Dengkil continues to maintain a robust construction pipeline, managing 13 ongoing projects with an unbilled order book of $73.8m (RM348.7m). The company also recently secured a $3.4m (RM16.1m) contract for flood mitigation works in Selangor.

Looking forward, the company is optimistic about its prospects, supported by a tender book of $339.4m (RM1.6b) and Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, which aims for a 70% renewable energy share by 2050.

Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong, a distinguished alumnus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has officially launched the TAR UMT Arena, a 15 million square foot hub designed to revolutionise higher education and youth development in Malaysia. The unveiling, attended by leaders from education, industry, and government, marks a significant investment in nurturing the nation’s future talent.

The TAR UMT Arena is set to redefine Malaysia’s approach to education by fostering innovation and holistic student development. Dr. Wee, known for his leadership as Malaysia’s Minister of Transport during the COVID-19 pandemic, has consistently demonstrated his commitment to nation-building through education and innovation. His career spans various senior national roles, including Deputy Minister of Education, where he focused on equitable access and quality reform.

Dr. Wee’s recent appointment as an investment adviser for the Chinese community in Malaysia, with a focus on the halal industry, highlights his ability to bridge engineering expertise with economic foresight. The TAR UMT Arena stands as a testament to Dr. Wee’s vision, embodying Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable innovation and youth empowerment. His journey from a UTM engineering student to a national leader exemplifies the university’s mission to cultivate graduates who integrate scientific knowledge, innovation, and social responsibility.

Malaysian Reinsurance Berhad (Malaysian Re) has released the ninth edition of its annual research publication, ASEAN Insurance Pulse 2025. This edition delves into the premium retention capacity and capabilities of ASEAN insurance markets for large, complex risks, offering strategies to enhance the region’s ability to underwrite and retain more risk.

The report, based on interviews with senior executives from insurance and reinsurance companies across ASEAN, reveals that despite rising demand for risk protection driven by factors such as increasing incomes and climate change, the region’s insurance markets face significant challenges. Ahmad Noor Azhari Abdul Manaf, President and CEO of Malaysian Re, noted that “penetration rates remain relatively low, even in the most mature re/insurance markets,” with limited capacity and retention ratios, especially for large and capital-intensive risks.

Key findings indicate that ASEAN’s ability to manage these risks is hampered by correlated risks, limited surplus capital, and uneven technical capabilities. The report also highlights the uneven access to advanced catastrophe modelling and actuarial skills across the region, compounded by trade barriers that limit competition and innovation.

To address these issues, the report suggests establishing regional insurance pools, adapting domestic solvency frameworks, and enhancing regional expertise, particularly in catastrophe modelling. The report emphasised the importance of collaboration among industry and public-sector stakeholders to build a resilient insurance ecosystem, stating that the insights from the 2025 edition aim to guide insurers, regulators, and policymakers in strengthening ASEAN’s insurance industry.

Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad is taking decisive action to support customers affected by recent floods across Malaysia. With heavy rainfall expected to continue, the company has mobilised resources to offer immediate relief, including fast-tracked claims settlements and towing assistance. Damian Williams, Chief Claims Officer, stated, “Our proactive approach is aimed at expediting claims processes and achieving fast settlements, therefore relieving the financial strain on our customers.”

Allianz General has stationed Road Rangers tow lorries nationwide and deployed six Allianz-branded 4×4 vehicles along with a team of adjusters to flood-hit areas such as Kedah, Kelantan, and Klang Valley. Policyholders are urged to report claims by calling 1-800-22-5542, where the process will begin immediately. Free towing services are available for Motor Car Comprehensive, Motorcycle Comprehensive, and Motorcycle Plus Comprehensive policyholders.

For those with Special Perils cover, the claims process has been streamlined to ensure efficiency. Settlements for individual policies like Smart Home Cover and commercial policies such as Fire and Allianz Business Shield are being expedited, with interim payments processed within five days of adjuster visits. Allianz General is also waiving the reinstatement value and mortgagee clauses for individual policyholders impacted by the floods.

Commercial fire insurance policyholders will receive interim payments within five days of adjuster visits, with additional payments issued if claims are unresolved within 28 days. This initiative underscores Allianz General’s commitment to providing continuous support during challenging times.

CloudMile, a prominent AI solutions provider, in collaboration with Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (Cradle) and supported by Google Cloud, has announced the selection of ten Malaysian startups for their inaugural AI Master Class Programme. This initiative, which runs from 19 September 2025 to 19 February 2026, aims to integrate AI technologies into the business models of these startups, enhancing their efficiency and customer experiences.

The programme is part of a strategic effort to empower Malaysia’s startup ecosystem and aligns with Cradle’s mission to nurture high-potential local ventures. Participants will engage in hands-on sessions to explore practical AI applications, develop blueprints for AI-driven solutions, and formulate actionable integration plans with the support of industry experts.

Lester Leong, CloudMile Malaysia’s country manager, expressed enthusiasm about the programme, stating, “By equipping these startups with practical skills and strategic insights into AI technologies, we are not only helping them build better businesses but also contributing to Malaysia’s digital economy.” Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle, highlighted the programme’s importance in strengthening economic competitiveness and positioning Malaysian startups on the global stage.

The AI Master Class Programme underscores CloudMile’s commitment to fostering innovation beyond its core services, as evidenced by its sponsorship of the Cradle LIVE! Startup ASEAN Summit 2025. This initiative is expected to drive technological advancement and inclusive growth across the ASEAN region.

Netskope, a leader in cloud and AI security, has inaugurated its first data centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and established a local go-to-market team in Indonesia. This expansion aims to bolster performance, data sovereignty, and support for enterprises in both countries, marking a significant step in Netskope’s strategy to enhance its presence in Asia.

The Kuala Lumpur data centre is part of Netskope’s NewEdge network, which now includes 25 data centres across Asia. This facility will accelerate the delivery of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and security services to Malaysian organisations, ensuring robust data protection and compliance with local regulations. The new infrastructure allows Malaysian users to maintain high security standards without compromising network performance.

In Indonesia, the deployment of a local team will provide enhanced customer and partner support, focusing on sales, technical enablement, and training. This initiative aligns with Netskope’s global strategy to work closely with local distributors and partners, empowering them to deliver top-tier services.

Ng May Ching, Chief Information Officer of Maxis, expressed enthusiasm about the new data centre, stating, “By leveraging Netskope’s platform, we have strengthened our data protection capabilities.” Similarly, Sivanathan Subramaniam, Group Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at CTOS Digital Bhd, highlighted the importance of the data centre in supporting data sovereignty and compliance.

Kunal Jha, Regional Director for Asia at Netskope, emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering excellent local support, stating, “These deployments are reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellent local support and service delivery to current and future users in Indonesia and Malaysia.”

Netskope’s expansion reflects its dedication to providing modern security and networking capabilities, crucial for accelerating digital transformation in the region.

Red Bull Malaysia has renewed its partnership with 31 Racing, Maju Motor, and CKJ Racing following the conclusion of the 2025 PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship. The announcement was made during an exclusive appreciation night held to honour the teams’ outstanding performances throughout the season. The event also marked the introduction of Red Bull Zero, a new zero-sugar energy drink.

The renewal of the partnership for the 2026 season underscores Red Bull’s ongoing commitment to fostering local motorsport talent. Adelene Tay, Head of Marketing at TCP Red Bull Malaysia, stated, “Season after season, we have seen these riders’ passion, grit, and determination on full display, and it is a powerful reminder of why we remain committed to celebrating the spirit of motorcycle racing in Malaysia.”

During the appreciation night, Red Bull Malaysia presented gifts to team owners Che Ku Jonaidi, K Sivanesan, and Yong Yin Hoe, recognising their leadership and dedication. The event also celebrated the mechanics, engineers, and support crews who play crucial roles in the teams’ success.

In addition to renewing its partnerships, Red Bull Malaysia introduced Red Bull Zero, a zero-sugar beverage designed to provide the same energy boost as the original. Available in 250ml cans, Red Bull Zero will be sold at major supermarkets and convenience stores, priced from $0.66 (RM3.10) per can.

As the 2026 season approaches, Red Bull Malaysia remains dedicated to energising and supporting the next generation of Malaysian riders, ensuring the continued growth and success of the country’s motorsport scene.

SEAX Global, a leading wholesale connectivity provider in Southeast Asia, has announced the acquisition of a major stake in Interlink Telecom Public Company Limited, a prominent Thai fixed network telecommunications provider. This strategic move, revealed on 13 December 2025, aims to bolster SEAX’s presence across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and now Thailand, by integrating Interlink’s nationwide fibre network with SEAX’s existing subsea and terrestrial networks.

The acquisition is set to create a fully integrated regional connectivity platform, offering seamless, low-latency connectivity that supports the expanding digital economy in the ASEAN region. SEAX’s Group CEO, Louis Teng, highlighted the partnership’s potential, stating, “By bringing together our regional networks with ITEL’s deep local expertise in Thailand, we’re creating a powerful, customer-focused platform that can keep pace with the rapid digital transformation underway in ASEAN.”

Interlink Telecom will continue to manage operations within Thailand through its new subsidiary, ITEL Global, which will serve both local and global clientele. This collaboration aims to deliver a network footprint with improved reliability and customer-centric services throughout Southeast Asia.

The acquisition comes as Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to grow significantly, driven by increased digital adoption and expanding services such as cloud computing and online payments. This growth underscores the demand for reliable fibre connectivity and cross-border data solutions, which SEAX and Interlink aim to address through their combined efforts.

SEAX Global, established in 2013, specialises in submarine and terrestrial cable systems, providing high-performance connectivity across the region. The company, owned by Forbes Asia Billionaire Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong’s family, holds operational licences in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, allowing it to build and operate private fixed networks for enterprise use.

Halogen Capital, Malaysia’s pioneering licensed digital asset fund manager, has successfully completed a RM13.3m (US$3.2m) funding round. The round was led by Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad, Malaysia’s leading independent investment bank, and 500 Global, a prominent venture capital firm. This investment aims to bolster Halogen Capital’s Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenisation strategy, expanding access to traditionally exclusive investment opportunities.

The funding, facilitated through Kenanga’s subsidiary, Kenanga Private Equity, will support Halogen Capital’s efforts to tokenise assets such as unit trust funds, bonds, sukuk, private credit, and real estate. This initiative seeks to democratise investment opportunities, traditionally reserved for institutional and high-net-worth investors, by leveraging blockchain technology and digital asset fund management.

Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Investment Bank, stated, “Our investment in Halogen Capital, alongside our other digital-first ventures, reflects our belief in a future of finance defined by innovation, governance, and transparency.” He emphasised the role of blockchain and tokenisation in redefining capital market engagement.

Liew Ooi Hann, Founder and CEO of Halogen Capital, highlighted the growing recognition of digital assets in global capital markets, noting that institutional participation is increasing, with over RM744b (US$181b) held in corporate crypto treasuries. “With the backing of leading investors, we are well-positioned to accelerate product innovation and expand access to institutional-grade digital asset investments,” he added.

Since its inception in 2023, Halogen Capital has grown its assets under management to approximately RM400m as of November 2025, serving a diverse investor base. The collaboration with Kenanga aims to introduce new digital asset investment products and enhance access to crypto yield generation and tokenised securities, aligning with regulatory standards set by the Securities Commission Malaysia.