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.

The ESG Malaysia Summit 2025, scheduled for 12 November at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, aims to position Malaysia at the forefront of ASEAN’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) transformation. The event will coincide with SEA 2025, running from 12 to 14 November, and seeks to foster collaboration between governments, industries, and innovators to accelerate sustainable growth in the region.

Themed “Sustainability in Motion: From Commitment to Action,” the summit will serve as a premier platform for ESG leadership. It will bring together policymakers, corporate executives, investors, financial institutions, and technology innovators to translate ESG intentions into measurable outcomes. Steven Lee, President of ESG Malaysia, stated, “The Summit reflects Malaysia’s growing influence in ESG transformation. Our mission is to strengthen the country’s role as a regional anchor for sustainable growth.”

The one-day event will feature over 150 industry leaders and sustainability experts, with five strategic sessions designed to drive cross-sector collaboration and regional ESG alignment. Key topics include Malaysia’s sustainability roadmap, carbon markets, climate financing, circular economy, renewable energy, and the role of AI, blockchain, and IoT in ESG transformation.

Supported by partners such as SME Corporation, EUROCHAM Malaysia, and the Malaysia Steel Institute, the summit is 100% HRD Corp Claimable. Attendees will receive a free one-year ESG Malaysia membership and CPD accreditation from GreenRE and the Green Building Index. The summit underscores Malaysia’s commitment to building an integrated and sustainable ESG economy.

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Asia School of Business (ASB), and the National Association of Smallholders (NASH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Malaysia’s smallholders. This collaboration focuses on training, digital readiness, and sustainable financing to strengthen the resilience of smallholders in the face of ageing plantations and evolving global trade expectations.

Malaysia’s smallholder sector is at a critical juncture, with over half of the smallholder-owned oil palms exceeding 25 years of age and an ageing farmer population. These factors, coupled with new global trade regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation, are increasing the pressure on productivity and sustainability standards.

The partnership aims to provide smallholders with the tools needed to navigate these challenges and meet both RSPO and national certification standards. These certifications are crucial for maintaining Malaysia’s reputation in sustainable palm oil production on the global stage.

Guntur Cahyo Prabowo of RSPO, Dr. Melati Nungsari of ASB, and Adzmi bin Hassan of NASH were present at the MoU signing. They emphasised the importance of this initiative in bridging the gap between compliance and competitiveness for smallholders. The collaboration is expected to create practical pathways for smallholders to enhance their operations and align with international sustainability benchmarks.

This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering smallholders and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s palm oil industry. The focus on training and digital tools aims to equip farmers with the skills necessary to adapt to changing market demands and environmental standards.

Ascend Airways Malaysia, part of the global ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group, has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service Permit (ASP), paving the way for the airline to begin operations this November. The Kuala Lumpur-based airline will initially operate with a Boeing 737-800SF, offering both passenger and cargo services across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

The airline’s journey began with the granting of a Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) in 2024. Since then, Ascend Airways Malaysia has worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to secure its AOC. Passenger flights are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, subject to further regulatory approvals, alongside fleet expansion.

Germal Singh Khera, CEO of Ascend Airways Malaysia, highlighted the strategic importance of Malaysia as a logistics and aviation hub connecting Southeast Asia, China, and India. He expressed gratitude for the support from local authorities, stating, “This cooperation is helping the aviation industry in Malaysia to develop and realise its full potential.”

The airline aims to leverage the ACMI model to optimise revenue and scale operations efficiently. Avia Solutions Group, with a fleet of 187 aircraft, operates globally, allowing it to adapt to seasonal demand shifts. The group’s CEO noted, “We aspire to be the leaders in the ACMI space in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Dato’ Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM, praised Ascend Airways Malaysia for its diligence in meeting Malaysia’s civil aviation safety and regulatory requirements, ensuring a smooth licensing process.

Motul, a leader in high-performance lubricants, has launched the GP Next 4T, the latest addition to its GP Series, at the 2025 Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia. This new product blends championship-proven technology with everyday practicality and sustainability, aligning with MotoGP’s shift towards eco-friendly practices.

The GP Next 4T is designed to meet the needs of diverse riders, from daily commuters to weekend thrill-seekers, offering superior engine protection and smoother gear shifts. It features an enhanced ester technology blend, eco-responsible packaging, and meets international standards for engine protection and emissions compatibility.

Keith Schulz, Chief Sustainability Officer of Motul Asia Pacific, stated, “The launch of GP Next 4T reflects Motul’s continuous commitment to performance and responsibility.” Carlo Savoca, Chief Marketing Officer, added, “The new GP Next 4T is a statement of Motul’s commitment to innovation at the highest level of motorsport.”

The GP Next 4T will be available across Asia Pacific from October 2025, offering riders a product that combines the thrill of MotoGP with sustainable innovation. Marc Saurina, Head of Global Commercial Partnerships at Dorna Sports, praised Motul’s role in MotoGP, noting their commitment to creating better performing and sustainable products.

CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (CGS MY) hosted its third annual ESG and Sustainability Conference in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on Malaysia’s transition to a net zero economy by 2050. The event, themed “Malaysia’s Next Step”, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts. Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Malaysia, Akmal Nasrullah, emphasised the urgency of shifting to a low-carbon economy, citing the recent power blackout in Klang Valley and Johor as a wake-up call.

The conference also marked the launch of a Thematic Report on Nuclear for Malaysia’s Energy Transition, developed by CGS International and UK-based Panmure Liberum. The report suggests that introducing a 10% nuclear share in Malaysia’s energy mix could significantly reduce carbon emissions. Kevin Lee, Group Head of Sustainability at CGS International, stated, “Our nuclear report with Panmure Liberum aims to spark informed dialogue on Malaysia’s next frontier in energy sustainability.”

The report outlines three scenarios for Malaysia’s energy future, highlighting the potential of Small Modular Reactors to provide stable, low-carbon power. It estimates that expanding nuclear power to 10% of the energy mix could require an investment of up to $300 billion. However, clear policy guidance is needed to unlock green financing channels.

The conference featured discussions on power sustainability, labour reforms, and cybersecurity risks, underscoring CGS MY’s commitment to promoting ESG integration and sustainable investment practices in Malaysia.