NTT DATA, a global leader in AI and digital business services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AXS, Singapore’s leading payment solutions provider, to develop secure and seamless cross-border bill payment services. The partnership will initially focus on interoperability between Singapore and Malaysia, allowing users to pay bills through their domestic platforms.

The collaboration will see e-pay, a bill payment aggregator in Malaysia under NTT DATA Payment Services, serve as the access point for Malaysian billers. In Singapore, AXS will utilise its extensive biller network and digital platforms to facilitate payments. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for convenient cross-border bill payments, particularly for individuals managing expenses across borders.

Jeffrey Goh, Group CEO of AXS, stated, “This collaboration with NTT DATA marks another step in extending AXS’ payment connectivity beyond Singapore.” Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payment at NTT DATA, added, “By combining our strengths, we are creating new value that enhances convenience and improves everyday experiences.”

The MOU also outlines plans to expand the collaboration to additional markets, subject to regulatory approvals. Beyond bill payments, AXS and NTT DATA intend to explore further opportunities in payment-related services. This partnership reflects a long-term commitment to enhancing payment solutions across East and Southeast Asia.

DXN Holdings Bhd., a global wellness company, has commenced construction on Malaysia’s largest nutraceutical manufacturing facility in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. The RM140m investment aims to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a key player in DXN’s global manufacturing network and support the company’s long-term growth.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Chief Minister of Kedah, who praised the investment for creating quality employment and enhancing Kedah’s industrial standing. The new facility, spanning 300,000 square feet on a 26.6-acre site, will feature seven production blocks, ten warehouses, and a dedicated research and development centre. Production is set to begin in March 2028, initially focusing on coffee, food and beverage, and juice categories, with plans to expand into cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

This investment comes as DXN experiences sustained growth, with a compounded annual growth rate of 15.4% over the past three years. The facility is designed to enhance capacity, flexibility, and operational resilience, ensuring DXN remains ahead of future demand. Datuk Lim Siow Jin, Executive Chairman and Founder of DXN, highlighted the facility’s role in supporting the company’s global expansion and its ability to meet growing market demands.

The Bukit Kayu Hitam facility is part of DXN’s strategy to establish 21 factories across four continents by 2028, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as the heart of its global production ecosystem. The investment will be financed through external funding, supported by DXN’s strong financial position.

Alltronics Holdings Limited, a prominent manufacturer of electronic products, has officially inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Penang, Malaysia. This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to diversify its production footprint beyond the Chinese Mainland and enhance its presence in Southeast Asia.

The Penang facility, spanning approximately 60,000 square feet, is equipped with 12 production lines and boasts a monthly production capacity of 250,000 to 300,000 units. It serves as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) base for industrial electronics, environmental control, and electronics power modules, catering to international clients. This expansion reflects the growing demand from customers and provides a platform for further business development.

The opening of the facility follows Alltronics’ strategic initiatives in 2025, which included acquiring manufacturing operations in Penang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The Penang site has been upgraded with advanced equipment and processes to enhance efficiency and quality control. It now produces irrigation sensors, thermostats, security devices, and lithium battery packs.

Lam Yin Kee, Chairman and Executive Director of Alltronics, stated, “The Penang facility plays an important role in advancing the Group’s strategy to build a more diversified manufacturing network.” Lam Chee Tai Eric, CEO and Executive Director, added that the operation is “ramping up steadily” and is ready to scale output as demand increases.

The company is also considering establishing another facility in Malaysia to support its next phase of growth, further reinforcing its production capabilities and supply chain flexibility.

DayOne Data Centres Limited, a Singapore-based global digital infrastructure company, has announced a significant partnership with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to secure over 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy in Malaysia. The agreement, signed on 4 June in the presence of Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim and senior Malaysian officials, includes approximately 1.5 gigawatts peak (GWp) of solar capacity and 2.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery energy storage. This initiative positions DayOne as one of the first companies to transition from renewable energy intent to full contractual execution under the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS).

The collaboration with TNB is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional digital infrastructure hub whilst supporting the country’s renewable energy ambitions. The project will involve ground-mounted solar and hybrid hydro floating solar (HHFS) installations, marking a significant step in Malaysia’s efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio.

DayOne’s move into the Malaysian market is seen as a strategic effort to leverage the country’s growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. By integrating advanced solar and battery storage technologies, the partnership aims to enhance energy efficiency and reliability, contributing to Malaysia’s long-term sustainability goals.

Jamie Khoo, Chief Executive Officer of DayOne, stated, “We are proud to be TNB’s largest customer and contribute to the stability of the national grid. This partnership strengthens our ability to grow in Malaysia with greater energy resilience while supporting our customers’ sustainability ambitions.”

The agreement underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the transition to renewable energy. As Malaysia continues to develop its digital infrastructure, collaborations like this are crucial in meeting the increasing energy demands whilst reducing carbon emissions. The successful execution of this project could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the region, potentially accelerating the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

ENERtec Asia 2026 has announced a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to bolster Malaysia’s digital economy through renewable energy and battery storage innovations. The collaboration, revealed on 30 May 2026, aims to position Malaysia as a regional hub for clean energy investments, addressing the surging electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres.

The event, co-located with The Energy Transition Conference by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, will be held from 3 to 5 June 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It will explore the integration of AI, renewable energy, and advanced storage technologies in reshaping industrial operations and infrastructure planning across ASEAN.

MIDA’s CEO, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “By leveraging AI to revolutionise our energy infrastructure, we can fast-track our net-zero goals.” The collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s aspirations to become a preferred destination for next-generation energy technologies.

The event, organised by Informa Markets Malaysia and co-hosted by The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia, is expected to attract over 12,000 industry professionals and 1,000 companies from 60 countries. Highlights include the WATTS NEXT seminar, focusing on AI’s role in energy efficiency and showcasing utility-scale battery storage solutions.

As Malaysia accelerates its transition towards decarbonisation and digitalisation, ENERtec Asia 2026 serves as a strategic platform connecting policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to shape the region’s sustainable energy future.

Maybank has announced a net profit of RM2.48b for the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, a 4.2% decline from RM2.59b in the same period last year. The bank’s performance was bolstered by improved net interest margins, disciplined cost management, and higher core fees from wealth and investment banking activities, despite a challenging market environment.

The bank’s net fund-based income grew by 3.2% year-on-year to RM5.11b, driven by an improved net interest margin of 2.14%, up from 2.04% a year earlier. However, non-interest income fell to RM1.99b due to weaker trading and market-related income. Maybank’s operating income decreased by 7.9% to RM7.10b.

In Singapore, Maybank reported an 8.4% year-on-year increase in profit before tax to S$194.39m, supported by a 27.5% rise in net fund-based income to S$246.17m. This growth was attributed to lower re-priced funding costs, which offset softer earning-asset income.

Maybank’s President and Group CEO, Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, highlighted the group’s steady earnings and strong balance sheet fundamentals, stating, “Maybank continued to deliver steady earnings supported by stronger net interest margin, prudent cost management and broadly stable asset quality during the quarter.”

The bank’s liquidity and capital positions remain robust, with a Group Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 133.3% and a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 14.96%. As Maybank progresses with its ROAR30 strategy, it aims to deepen regional connectivity across ASEAN and advance sustainable growth amidst ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Lockton has announced the appointment of Siva Thangavelu as Chief Operating Officer of Lockton Sime Malaysia, aiming to drive regional transformation and operational excellence. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Siva brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles at Swiss Re, CIMB, Marsh McLennan, Royal Bank of Canada, and HSBC.

Siva’s career highlights include leading major transformation initiatives across Asia Pacific, training over 600 individuals in process improvement methodologies, and delivering numerous projects focused on automation and operational performance improvements. At Marsh, he managed a 50-member team, enhancing service delivery in Malaysia and Indonesia.

His educational background includes an MBA from the University of Strathclyde, and he is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Siva is also recognised for his commitment to community impact, having led mental health initiatives and digital-inclusion programmes.

Nicholas Lee, CEO of Lockton Sime Malaysia, expressed confidence in Siva’s ability to elevate the company’s operational capabilities, stating, “Siva’s breadth of experience across global financial institutions and his demonstrated leadership in driving transformation make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team.”

Lockton, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, operates in over 160 countries and is known for its independence and client-focused service. Siva’s appointment comes as Lockton Sime Malaysia accelerates its growth ambitions and strengthens operational resilience in the region.

Allianz Malaysia Berhad has unveiled the Life Planner calculator on its MyAllianz platform, a digital tool designed to simplify financial planning for Malaysians. This initiative addresses the increasing need for financial clarity, particularly in areas like retirement planning and financial protection for dependants.

Recent statistics reveal that only 41% of Employees Provident Fund members have reached the basic savings benchmark, with just over 10% on track for a comfortable retirement. This underscores the necessity for accessible financial tools. Allianz Malaysia’s CEO, Sean Wang, emphasised the company’s commitment to empowering Malaysians with financial confidence, stating, “The Life Planner is designed to make that first step easier.”

The Life Planner offers two main tools: the Retirement Calculator, which assesses retirement goal progress and potential savings gaps, and the Life Value Calculator, which evaluates the financial impact on dependants in case of income loss. These tools provide a comprehensive view of financial readiness by considering EPF savings, investments, and other assets.

Unlike traditional calculators, the Life Planner offers an integrated experience, allowing users to store results securely and connect with insurance advisers without any initial commitment. To promote the tool, Allianz Malaysia has launched the ‘Allianz Plan & Win’ campaign, running until 7 June 2026, offering participants a chance to win prizes such as Dyson products and RM200 Touch ‘n Go credits. For more information, visit the MyAllianz portal.

Grab has announced updates to its Cross-Border SG-JB (Beta) pilot, which has completed over 1,000 rides since its launch on 4 May 2026. The service, connecting Singapore with areas in Malaysia such as Johor Bahru and Iskandar Puteri, now features a shortened advance booking window and streamlined return bookings. Passengers can book rides just six hours in advance, down from the previous 12-hour requirement. Additionally, an automated notification will prompt passengers to book their return journey immediately after securing their initial ride.

Alvin Wee, Senior Director of Transport & Country Operations at Grab Singapore, expressed gratitude to passengers and taxi driver-partners for their feedback, which has been instrumental in shaping these updates. “With the June holidays coming, we expect an increase in Singapore-Malaysia trips among families and friends, and we look forward to supporting such travel needs,” he said.

To encourage more commuters to try the service during the upcoming school holidays, Grab is increasing its cross-border ride discount to up to 30% from 29 May to 28 June 2026, up from the initial 20% discount offered earlier in May. As the first platform to receive the Cross-Border Ride-Hail Service Operator Licence under the enhanced Cross-Border Taxi Scheme, Grab aims to refine its operations and deliver a reliable service by working closely with regulators, taxi driver-partners, and passengers.

CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has announced a net profit of RM1.9b for the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, achieving a return on equity of 11.0% and earnings per share of 17.8 sen. The group’s performance, despite foreign exchange and geopolitical challenges, was bolstered by the disciplined execution of its Forward30 strategy.

The group’s operating income remained steady at RM5.4 billion, with non-interest income rising by 11.9% quarter-on-quarter to RM1.7b, driven by stronger trading and foreign exchange income. This increase helped offset a 5.0% decline in net interest income, which fell to RM3.7b due to a slight compression in the net interest margin. However, signs of stabilisation were noted, with net interest margin expanding in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

CIMB’s total assets and gross loans saw marginal growth, whilst its Cash-led strategy improved the current account savings account ratio to 43.3% by March 2026. Operating expenses decreased by 5.5%, enhancing the cost-to-income ratio to 47.2%.

The Forward30 strategy is showing results, with the group maintaining disciplined capital allocation and executing a Cash-led approach to optimise funding costs. Cross-sell initiatives have increased customer income, and the group is expanding its wealth franchise with new propositions in Thailand and Indonesia.

Novan Amirudin, Group CEO, stated, “We are encouraged by the resilience of our performance and the early signs of NIM stabilisation, supported by disciplined balance sheet management and sustained customer activity across our core markets.”

Looking forward, CIMB remains cautiously optimistic, focusing on disciplined capital allocation and robust asset quality to deliver sustainable performance and long-term value for stakeholders.