Industry News

Tune Talk, Malaysia’s fastest-growing mobile network operator, has announced a strategic partnership with Truecaller, the global leader in trusted communication platforms. This collaboration aims to enhance customer interactions by introducing more transparency and reliability in the telecom sector. Through the Truecaller Customer Experience Solution, Tune Talk will ensure that every customer call is transparent and recognisable, featuring a verified business caller ID with the company’s name, logo, and call purpose.

The partnership introduces features such as Business Profile, Call Reason, and Call Me Back, which provide customers with clarity and control over their interactions with Tune Talk. These capabilities are set to redefine customer engagement by ensuring that calls related to account support, loyalty offers, or plan renewals are clearly identified and understood.

Gurtaj Singh Padda, co-founder and CEO of Tune Talk, emphasised the importance of trust in customer relationships, stating, “Partnering with Truecaller allows us to take a proactive step towards greater transparency, clarity, and customer assurance.” Priyam Bose, Global Head of GTM and Developer Products at Truecaller, added, “Our partnership with Tune Talk empowers Malaysian businesses to communicate with their customers in a more transparent, credible, and secure way.”

This initiative underscores Tune Talk’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting a new benchmark for customer engagement in Malaysia’s telecom sector. As Tune Talk continues to digitalise and scale, this partnership is expected to foster stronger, long-term relationships built on trust and transparency.

Grundfos, a leader in advanced pump solutions and water technologies, is set to host the Semiconductor Sustainability Summit 2025 on 11 November in Penang, Malaysia. Partnering with Arthur D. Little, the summit will focus on the water-energy nexus, a critical area where water systems impact energy consumption and efficiency. This comes as the semiconductor industry faces rising energy demands, with Scope 2 emissions comprising 77% of its carbon footprint in 2023.

The summit aims to provide practical solutions for reducing energy use and emissions in the semiconductor sector. Jennelle Loo, Regional Senior Manager at Grundfos, emphasised the urgency: “The time to act is now. As the semiconductor industry experiences unprecedented growth, it also faces increasing pressure on energy and water resources.”

Key discussions will include decarbonising operations, leveraging AI and IoT for resource efficiency, and balancing growth with energy intensity. The event will feature a keynote by YB Tuan Zairil Khir Johari, Penang State Executive Councillor, and a panel discussion with industry experts.

Grundfos will also showcase smart water systems, including smart pumps and intelligent temperature control, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing. The summit is open to industry professionals and media, offering insights into sustainable practices for the fast-growing sector. Prior to the event, Grundfos released a whitepaper, “Smart Pumps, Green Tomorrow,” outlining pathways for improved energy efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.

The AmMetLife Cultural Run 2025 saw close to 2,000 Malaysians converge at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur, for a vibrant celebration of the nation’s multicultural heritage. Organised by AmMetLife Insurance Berhad, the event aimed to promote unity and wellness through a morning of fitness and fun.

Participants, dressed in colourful traditional attire, engaged in a series of activities designed to highlight Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscape. The run was not just about physical fitness but also about fostering a sense of community and togetherness among attendees from various backgrounds.

The event underscored the importance of cultural appreciation and healthy living. The success of the AmMetLife Cultural Run 2025 highlights the growing trend of combining cultural events with wellness initiatives, offering participants a holistic experience that benefits both body and mind. As the event concluded, many participants expressed hope for its return in the coming years, further strengthening community bonds and cultural appreciation across Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines has unveiled its “Time for Malaysia Airlines” campaign, encouraging global travellers to plan their year-end holidays and 2026 adventures. The campaign, running until 20 November 2025, offers an exclusive discount of up to 20% on flights across the airline’s extensive network, valid for travel until 31 August 2026.

The campaign aims to inspire travellers to explore new destinations and revisit favourite spots, leveraging Malaysia Airlines’ comprehensive route offerings. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “We are excited to offer our customers the opportunity to explore the world with Malaysia Airlines, providing them with great value and exceptional service.”

This initiative comes as the holiday season approaches, a peak time for travel, and seeks to capture the interest of those planning their next getaway. The airline’s extensive network ensures that travellers have a wide range of destinations to choose from, enhancing the appeal of the campaign.

By offering significant discounts, Malaysia Airlines is positioning itself as a competitive choice for holidaymakers looking to maximise their travel budgets. The campaign not only highlights the airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction but also aims to boost travel activity during the festive season and beyond.

As the campaign progresses, Malaysia Airlines anticipates a positive response from travellers eager to take advantage of the discounts and explore the world with the airline.

The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) has gathered over 50 global experts and more than 1,200 banking professionals at the 15th International Conference on Financial Crime and Counter Terrorism Financing (IFCTF) in Kuala Lumpur. Held from 4 to 6 November 2025, the event aims to address the escalating rates of financial crime through AI-driven solutions and cross-border collaboration.

Malaysia has reported RM112 billion in online fraud losses in the first half of 2025, with scam-related losses reaching nearly RM192 billion by September. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced cooperation and advanced technology to combat financial crime. The conference, supported by Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia, and the Labuan Financial Services Authority, focuses on AI-enabled fraud detection and machine learning-driven compliance.

In his opening remarks, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour emphasised the importance of ethics in sustaining trust within the financial industry. “No algorithm can replace the judgement, integrity, and accountability expected of the financial industry,” he stated. AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim highlighted the alignment between innovation and integrity, noting that “our strength lies in our people—skilled, principled, and vigilant.”

The conference also aligns with Malaysia’s broader commitment to reform, as reflected in Budget 2026, which allocates RM32 million to strengthen legal frameworks and combat scams. The introduction of a new Cyber Crime Bill and expanded capabilities for the National Scam Response Centre are part of these efforts.

Now in its 15th year, IFCTF remains ASEAN’s leading platform for financial crime prevention and compliance excellence, reinforcing AICB’s dedication to advancing digital literacy and ethical leadership in the banking sector.

Steel Hawk Berhad, a prominent oil and gas services provider, has received shareholder approval to diversify into the Expanded Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) segment. This strategic move, approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting, aims to leverage Steel Hawk’s engineering strengths to explore opportunities in sectors such as utilities, power, and telecommunications.

The diversification is set to broaden Steel Hawk’s earnings base and reduce its reliance on the oil and gas sector. The company plans to capitalise on Malaysia’s growing infrastructure and energy development, including the $3.8b (RM18b) EPCC opportunities from the upcoming LSS 6 solar programme and the rapid development of data centres.

Dato’ Sharman K. Michael, Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of Steel Hawk, stated, “With today’s approvals, the Group is well-positioned to leverage its core engineering strengths to capture opportunities in sectors driven by ongoing infrastructure and energy development.”

Steel Hawk’s first venture outside the oil and gas sector involves a collaboration with Ibrahim & Sons Engineering Sdn Bhd to undertake subcontract works for TNB, valued at $19.5m (RM92.66m). Additionally, the company has secured eight contracts with Sega Elektrik Sdn. Bhd., cumulatively worth $12.8m (RM61m), for TNB’s asset development distribution network.

The company is also reallocating $1.5m (RM7m) from its Initial Public Offering proceeds to enhance working capital, supporting ongoing projects with major clients like PETRONAS. Furthermore, a special issue of up to 70 million new shares will be placed with Bumiputera investors, complying with the Bumiputera Equity Condition set by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.

These initiatives are expected to enhance Steel Hawk’s earnings visibility and reinforce its position as a reliable engineering partner in Malaysia’s energy and infrastructure sectors.

Automex, Malaysia’s leading automation and smart manufacturing exhibition, has made its debut in Penang, marking a significant step in the nation’s industrial evolution. Running from 4 to 6 November at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, the event is organised by Informa Markets Malaysia and features over 200 global brands showcasing the latest in robotics, industrial automation, and smart factory solutions.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II, Jagdeep Singh Deo, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) President, Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai, and Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia. The event aims to reinforce Penang’s status as a manufacturing hub and align with the government’s vision for Industry 4.0, advancing towards Industry 5.0.

A key highlight is the collaboration with MSIA, which includes the Silicon Malaysia Conference 2025. This partnership aims to explore new frontiers in manufacturing technology, bridging the automation and semiconductor sectors. “By aligning these strengths, we’re creating opportunities for innovation and growth that will drive Malaysia’s competitiveness well into the future,” said Leeuwenburgh.

Penang, known as the Silicon Valley of the East, contributes nearly 30% of Malaysia’s electrical and electronics exports. The state attracted over RM30 billion in approved manufacturing investments in 2024, with global leaders like MAi, KUKA Robotics, and HP Inc continuing to invest.

Automex Penang is set to become an annual event, connecting local SMEs with global technology providers and advancing Malaysia’s manufacturing story through shared expertise and innovation.

Allianz General Insurance Malaysia Berhad has called on the public to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding as the monsoon season and La Nina phenomenon approach. Given Malaysia’s susceptibility to floods, which can severely damage properties and infrastructure and pose significant risks to lives, the company emphasises the importance of readiness.

Sean Wang, CEO of Allianz General, highlighted the necessity of flood preparedness, stating, “We cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared for floods. It is crucial to be aware of the risks and to take the necessary precautions to ensure we stay safe.” The company is committed to equipping policyholders with the necessary resources and support to protect their assets and ensure safety during this period.

Allianz General has released a ‘General Flood Guide’ for commercial and small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) policyholders, offering practical advice for business continuity before, during, and after floods. The guide includes flood preparedness steps and useful contact information for government agencies.

For homeowners, Allianz General’s Smart Home Cover provides protection against ten unexpected events, including floods, hurricanes, and storms. Car owners can opt for Allianz Motor Private Car Comprehensive with special peril coverage for flood protection, whilst motorcyclists can secure similar coverage through Allianz Motorcycle Plus Comprehensive.

Allianz General encourages residents and businesses to review their current insurance coverage and consider adding flood protection options. By taking proactive measures now, individuals and businesses can significantly reduce the impact of floods and expedite recovery.

HK Express Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Penang Global Tourism to enhance tourism and economic exchange between Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Penang. The agreement, formalised on 27 October 2025, outlines a two-year collaboration focusing on market promotion, flight schedule optimisation, and improved passenger experience.

The MoU commits both parties to invest a seven-figure sum in Hong Kong Dollars in promotional resources. Key initiatives include joint marketing campaigns to highlight Penang’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage City, optimising flight schedules to increase connectivity, and expanding the “Intermodal Pass” for seamless travel across the Greater Bay Area.

HK Express has already increased its Hong Kong-Penang route to two daily flights, enhancing flexibility for business and leisure travellers. Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express, noted the strong demand since the route’s launch in November 2024, with an average load factor of 80%. “We have doubled frequency to 14 flights per week, offering real choice with daytime and late-evening departures,” Mao stated.

Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, emphasised the partnership’s role in promoting Penang’s unique cultural and natural attractions. “This collaboration strengthens our market presence and ensures more travellers can discover the unique art, heritage, and lifestyle that Penang offers,” he said.

The partnership aims to leverage Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub to attract more visitors to both destinations, with plans to co-create travel products and promote sustainable tourism development.

Pride Health, Asia’s pioneering LGBTQ+ digital healthcare platform, has successfully raised US$300,000 in a pre-seed funding round. The investment, supported by A2D Ventures, Enterprise Singapore, First Move, and depa’s Digital Startup Fund (S2), will enable the Thailand-based company to expand its inclusive healthcare services across Asia, focusing on stigma-free and personalised care for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The platform addresses significant healthcare inequities faced by over 70% of LGBTQ+ individuals in Asia, who encounter barriers due to stigma and a lack of trained providers. Pride Health integrates telehealth consultations, digital prescriptions, and AI-driven personalisation to offer preventive, mental, sexual, and gender-affirming healthcare. Since its launch in March 2025, the platform has onboarded over 1,800 users, achieving a 54% repeat rate, which highlights the trust and demand within the community.

Pride Health plans to expand its services beyond Thailand into Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and the Philippines through strategic clinical and community partnerships. The funding will also support the development of new clinical verticals, including gender-affirming care and preventive medicine, alongside AI and automation infrastructure enhancements.

Bruce Li, Co-Founder and CEO of Pride Health, emphasised the importance of accessible healthcare, stating, “Everyone deserves the right to their unique healthcare needs. Across Asia, too many LGBTQ+ people are still being denied that right.” The company’s mission is to ensure that everyone can access judgement-free and innovative healthcare.

With this strategic backing, Pride Health is poised to revolutionise the healthcare landscape for LGBTQ+ communities across Asia, setting a precedent for inclusive and personalised care.