Industry News
Allianz General disrupts EV service market
Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad has unveiled its latest customer-centric initiatives, offering on-the-go services for electric vehicle (EV) charging and windscreen replacement. These services aim to enhance convenience for customers and address the growing needs of EV owners.
The EV Charging On-the-Go service, part of Allianz General’s EV Shield coverage, provides a 15-minute fast charge, allowing a travel range of up to 50km to the nearest charging facility. This service has been expanded beyond the Klang Valley to Penang, Kuantan, and Johor Bahru, making it accessible to more EV owners nationwide. “We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the industry,” said Allianz General CEO Sean Wang, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
The Windscreen Replacement On-the-Go service offers customers the convenience of having their damaged windscreens replaced or repaired at their preferred location. This service promises a swift response, with Allianz-branded service cars dispatched within an hour, using genuine glass replacements with a lifetime warranty.
Both services have been well-received, with increasing demand and positive customer feedback. Allianz General continues to set new benchmarks for service excellence, reinforcing its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Sanofi partnership forces healthcare expansion in ASEAN
Sanofi and DKSH have announced a strategic partnership to improve access to cardiovascular treatments in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, and diabetes treatments in Singapore and Thailand. This collaboration combines Sanofi’s scientific expertise with DKSH’s regional commercial capabilities to address the growing burden of chronic diseases in Southeast Asia.
The partnership comes as healthcare systems in the ASEAN region face challenges from ageing populations and increasing demand for quality care. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in the area. By leveraging DKSH’s end-to-end services, the collaboration aims to provide integrated, value-driven healthcare solutions tailored to local needs.
Eric Mansion, General Manager Pharma Southeast Asia and India at Sanofi, stated, “This partnership with DKSH is a meaningful step in strengthening how we serve patients. With DKSH’s proven healthcare expertise and strong commercial capabilities in Southeast Asia, we can broaden access to established treatments, enhance the experience for healthcare professionals and patients, and stay agile as market needs evolve.”
Patrik Grande, Global Head of Business Unit Healthcare at DKSH, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting DKSH’s capabilities in customer insights and omni-channel engagement. “Through this collaboration, we aim to help improve access to treatment as part of our mission to deliver better healthcare for all,” he said.
The collaboration is set to ensure continuity of care, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, and support sustainable healthcare outcomes across the region, reflecting a shared commitment to patient-centric care.
CIMB formalises MoC with DBKL, challenges Kuala Lumpur economic growth
CIMB Group has announced a three-year strategic Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) to drive inclusive economic growth in Kuala Lumpur. The initiative, named “Moving KL Forward – Kita Bagi Jadi bersama DBKL x CIMB”, seeks to stimulate economic activity, strengthen local business ecosystems, and foster community resilience. The collaboration will focus on uplifting communities, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the creative industry, through various curated platforms.
The MoC will be signed by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Seri TPr Haji Fadlun Mak Ujud, and CIMB Group’s CEO, Novan Amirudin. The signing ceremony, scheduled for 16 April 2026 at the Institut Latihan DBKL in Kuala Lumpur, will be witnessed by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Federal Territories), and Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, Chairman of CIMB Group.
The collaboration is anchored in CIMB’s purpose of “Advancing Customers and Society”, aiming to implement programmes that will benefit the local economy and communities. The event will include speeches from key figures, a video presentation, and a press conference, followed by lunch. This partnership is expected to provide significant support to local businesses and enhance community resilience in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia’s HNW lead legacy planning in Asia, survey reveals
HSBC Life’s inaugural survey on High Net Worth (HNW) Legacy Planning reveals that Malaysia is leading in legacy planning across Asia and the Middle East. The survey, titled “Bridging the intentions-action gap,” highlights that 52% of Malaysia’s HNW individuals have a formal legacy plan, exceeding the survey average of 41%. This places Malaysia ahead of wealthier markets like Singapore, where only 45% have a formal plan, and significantly ahead of Hong Kong and Taiwan, with 26% and 24% respectively.
The survey underscores a trend of early legacy planning among Malaysia’s HNW individuals, with 82% starting their plans before the age of 50. This is in stark contrast to Taiwan, where 40% delay planning until after 50. Linda Yip, Country Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC Malaysia, commented, “Asia is experiencing one of the largest wealth transfers in history, and Malaysia is part of this shift. With a GDP growth of 5.2% in 2025 and rising incomes, more entrepreneurial wealth is emerging, and younger high-net-worth individuals are increasingly proactive in legacy planning.”
Family considerations are a significant factor, with 43% of Malaysian respondents citing potential family disputes as a primary concern. This highlights the importance of establishing clear intentions early. The survey also notes that 25% of HNW individuals across the nine markets use life insurance as a primary legacy planning tool, with Malaysia at 17%. This suggests room for growth in the adoption of life insurance as a planning strategy.
Frasers Hospitality commits $140m to asset overhaul
Frasers Hospitality, a division of Frasers Property Limited, has announced a $140m asset enhancement initiative across key properties in Kuala Lumpur, London, Melbourne, and Singapore. This strategic move aims to sustain value, enhance income resilience, and bolster long-term portfolio performance through disciplined capital deployment.
The initiative includes the transformation of the Park International Hotel in London, which will reopen in February 2027 as Capri by Fraser, Kensington. The refurbishment will introduce a refreshed brand identity, focusing on curiosity and contemporary urban living, with flexible accommodation and communal spaces. The project will also enhance the building’s environmental performance and increase its inventory by nine keys.
In Melbourne, the Novotel on Collins will undergo a refurbishment to optimise space and align with Novotel’s global brand standards. This will add 72 keys, improving revenue potential and operational efficiency. The Westin Kuala Lumpur will see a phased refurbishment aimed at strengthening its premium segment through sustainability upgrades, targeting completion by July 2027.
In Singapore, Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is undergoing a transformation to elevate its luxury segment whilst preserving its architectural heritage. Scheduled for completion by December 2027, the hotel will remain operational throughout the process.
These enhancements align with global hospitality trends, focusing on experiential environments and sustainability. Jason Leong, Head of Investment and Asset Management at Frasers Hospitality, stated, “Our asset enhancement strategy reflects disciplined capital stewardship and long-term conviction in gateway cities with strong underlying fundamentals.”
ZTE expands CIMB partnership for ASEAN 5G push
ZTE Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CIMB Bank Berhad to establish a strategic cooperation framework aimed at advancing digital infrastructure across ASEAN. This partnership combines ZTE’s telecommunications expertise with CIMB’s financial solutions to support the deployment of next-generation digital infrastructure, particularly 5G networks.
The MoU, formalised in Kuala Lumpur, was signed by Kevin Xiao of ZTE and Freddy Ong of CIMB, with Steven Ge and Denise Wong witnessing the event. The collaboration will explore infrastructure financing, regional network expansion, and cross-border liquidity management. By integrating technical capabilities with strategic banking solutions, the partnership aims to create a holistic ecosystem involving operators, government agencies, regulators, and investors to drive digital transformation in the region.
This expanded partnership is expected to accelerate high-speed connectivity rollout in underserved and rural areas, helping bridge the urban-rural digital divide. It also aligns with regional frameworks like the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, enhancing execution efficiency and scalability for infrastructure projects.
Steven Ge, Vice President of ZTE Corporation, stated, “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing ASEAN’s digital infrastructure and accelerating the deployment of 5G networks.” Kevin Xiao added that integrated financial solutions are crucial for large-scale telecommunications projects. Chu Kok Wei of CIMB highlighted the collaboration’s role in supporting ZTE’s regional expansion through integrated financing and banking solutions.
The partnership builds on an established collaboration in Malaysia, extending its reach to Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia, with broader regional ambitions.
Kingdom Digital wins Malaysia Airlines creative automation deal
Kingdom Digital has been appointed as the Creative Automation Agency for Malaysia Airlines, following a competitive retainer pitch. This significant partnership will see the agency manage the airline’s global marketing efforts across over 20 countries, utilising its proprietary Digital Creative Automation (DCA) technology to deliver hyper-localised, multi-language assets efficiently.
The collaboration aims to streamline Malaysia Airlines’ marketing operations, allowing for rapid adaptation to fluctuating fares and evolving promotions in the competitive aviation sector. By reducing production turnaround times by up to 80%, the airline can swiftly pivot global campaigns across various digital formats. This approach combines automation with human oversight, ensuring strategic agility and creative quality.
Ryan Ong, CEO of Kingdom Digital, highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership: “At Kingdom Digital, we believe technology should empower people, not replace them. This partnership with Malaysia Airlines allows us to solve real business operational challenges whilst unlocking new creative potential.”
The retainer agreement builds on a relationship that began in July 2024, when Kingdom Digital supported Malaysia Airlines on a project basis. The agency’s comprehensive creative automation pipeline includes dynamic creative templating, multilingual adaptation, and high-volume media versioning, enabling the airline to maintain brand consistency whilst expanding its storytelling capabilities.
This appointment underscores Kingdom Digital’s leadership in Southeast Asia and reflects a growing trend towards hybrid creative-tech models that blend AI with human creativity. Together, Malaysia Airlines and Kingdom Digital are redefining the integration of creativity and automation to inspire trust and confidence in global markets.
Satair deploys AutoStore, boosts Singapore’s aerospace logistics capabilities
Satair has successfully implemented the Swisslog AutoStore system at its Singapore facility, marking a significant advancement in its logistics capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. This installation, announced on 13 April, is Satair’s third global automation deployment, following previous successes in Hamburg and Dulles. The system aims to harmonise and robotise logistics processes, enhancing efficiency and scalability.
The AutoStore system allows for high-density, goods-to-person automation, storing approximately 80% of small and medium-sized parts within a 1,000 m² area. This innovation promises faster, more consistent order processing and supports scalable 24/7 operations, offering improved reliability and flexibility, especially during peak demand periods. Steven Xie, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Swisslog APeC, stated, “By combining Swisslog’s integration expertise with AutoStore’s high-density storage technology, we are enabling Satair to scale efficiently and stay ahead of growing regional demand.”
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, this project reinforces Singapore’s status as a leading aerospace logistics hub. Andy Lee, Managing Director for Satair Asia-Pacific, highlighted the importance of this development, saying, “The inauguration of AutoStore in Singapore is a pivotal step in our transformative regional growth via technology.”
Swisslog continues to collaborate with Satair to expand its automation capabilities, ensuring the Singapore facility remains a benchmark for operational excellence in the region. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s ongoing efforts to advance digitalisation and build future-ready supply chain capabilities.
Schaeffler commits to Asia Road Racing with tech sponsorship
Schaeffler, a global leader in motion technology, has announced its role as the official technology sponsor for the 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). The ARRC, Asia’s premier motorcycle racing series, began its 2026 season on 10 April at Sepang, Malaysia. This sponsorship marks Schaeffler’s strategic entry into the two-wheeler racing scene in Asia, reinforcing its position as a technology leader focused on performance and reliability.
Schaeffler’s involvement in the ARRC allows the company to showcase its full system expertise with precision-engineered products designed specifically for two-wheelers. The company views motorsport as more than just competition; it is a proving ground for technology. This aligns with Schaeffler’s goal to drive innovation globally in motion technology.
Maximilian Fiedler, Regional CEO Asia/Pacific of Schaeffler, stated, “Motorsports is a powerful driver for innovation, constantly challenging us to refine and elevate the standards of our technologies.” The partnership with ARRC provides Schaeffler with a platform to highlight its broad technology portfolio, which enables reliability and efficiency in high-performance environments.
The ARRC features six rounds in prominent locations across Asia, offering Schaeffler a significant opportunity to engage with the dynamic two-wheeler landscape in the region. This strategic move is expected to bolster Schaeffler’s presence and influence in the Asian market, potentially leading to further advancements in their technology offerings.
Skyworth PV disrupts Malaysia’s solar market
Skyworth PV has officially entered the Malaysian market, hosting its inaugural Brand Launch and Partnership Conference in Kuala Lumpur on 10 April 2026. The event gathered industry experts, local partners, and business leaders to discuss opportunities in Malaysia’s burgeoning distributed solar sector.
The conference featured a welcome session and a video message from Huang Hongsheng, Founder of Skyworth Group, who reiterated the company’s commitment to the new energy industry. He emphasised the significance of localised development in promoting sustainable, low-carbon growth globally.
Wang Chundan, General Manager of Skyworth PV Asia-Pacific, delivered the keynote speech, highlighting Malaysia’s solar market’s robust momentum. He noted that recent policy changes, such as the removal of capacity limits for non-residential photovoltaic (PV) systems, the optimisation of the SELCO mechanism, and the shift from Net Energy Metering (NEM) to Solar ATAP, are transforming the market landscape.
Skyworth PV’s expansion into Malaysia is expected to accelerate the adoption of solar energy solutions, aligning with the country’s renewable energy goals. The company’s strategic partnerships with local entities are anticipated to drive further growth and innovation in the sector. As Malaysia continues to evolve its energy policies, Skyworth PV’s presence is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of solar energy in the region.
Join The Community
Thought Leadership Centre
Temasek shophouse boosts local growers with new market
CIMB Islamic injects investment into agropreneurship
Maybank extends S$65M to support Singapore’s fourth egg farm
Aonic secures $10m funding for drone expansion
Asian protein buyers trail in sustainability efforts
Allianz expands Orang Asli program, impacts 1,318 villagers
GAR, Arkadiah tackle flawed forest carbon metrics
Brunei, Singapore probe agri-tech zone feasibility
WTK Holdings obtains shareholder approval for plantation expansion


Join The Community
NEWSFLASH
x Studio
Connect with your clients by working with our in-house brand studio, using our expertise and media reach to help you create and craft your message in video and podcast, native content and whitepapers, webinars and event formats.







