Global supply chain leader HAVI has announced the establishment of its TechHUB in Kuala Lumpur, marking it as one of only four such hubs worldwide and the first in the Asia Pacific region. Scheduled to officially open in November, this hub aims to position Malaysia as a strategic centre for digital supply chain innovation, focusing on AI-driven logistics solutions.

The Kuala Lumpur TechHUB has already employed 50 technology professionals since March 2026 and plans to expand to 100 employees by the end of the year. The roles will cover various fields, including demand forecasting, data analytics, and IoT-enabled fleet management. By mid-2027, the hub is expected to create 150 high-value jobs, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s digital economy.

Reto Sahli, HAVI’s Chief Digital and Information Officer, highlighted Malaysia’s technological ambition and multilingual talent as key factors for selecting Kuala Lumpur. “Through the Kuala Lumpur TechHUB, we are not only building digital solutions for our customers and operations, but we are also creating opportunities for Malaysian professionals to take on global roles,” Sahli stated.

The hub’s establishment coincides with Malaysia’s logistics sector’s rapid growth, projected to increase from $297b in 2025 to $401b by 2031. This growth is driven by e-commerce momentum and supply chain modernisation. Additionally, Malaysia’s digital economy recorded RM87.4b in approved investments in 2025, expected to generate over 31,000 high-value jobs.

Daniela Ribeiro, Director of Technology Transformation at HAVI, emphasised the importance of talent in driving supply chain transformation. “Our focus in Malaysia is to nurture teams that understand both the technology and the realities of Asia-Pacific markets,” Ribeiro said.

The TechHUB is set to reinforce Kuala Lumpur’s status as a strategic centre for digital supply chain transformation, offering Malaysian professionals opportunities to engage in international projects and career growth.

Alpro Group and AstraZeneca Malaysia have launched the “Are Your Kidneys OK?” campaign, aiming to enhance early detection of health issues across the cardio-kidney-metabolic spectrum and raise awareness of hyperkalaemia. This nationwide initiative seeks to reach 12,550 Malaysians, providing subsidised blood screenings and educational resources to improve public understanding of these interconnected health conditions.

The campaign addresses the growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease in Malaysia. Hyperkalaemia, a condition marked by elevated potassium levels, often goes unnoticed until complications arise. By offering subsidised blood tests, the initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage proactive health management.

AstraZeneca Malaysia’s Country President, Svetlana Yanchuk, highlighted the campaign’s role in strengthening public awareness and facilitating informed discussions with healthcare professionals. “Through Alpro Group’s nationwide network, we aim to help more Malaysians learn about relevant risk factors,” she said.

The campaign also features a digital health education platform, providing accessible information on hyperkalaemia and its links to chronic kidney disease. This resource supports individuals and caregivers in preparing for discussions with healthcare providers.

Alpro Group’s Medical Director, Ng Ming Lee, emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, stating, “We want to make preventive healthcare more accessible by connecting public education, affordable screening, and professional healthcare support.”

This collaboration underscores the vital role community pharmacies play in public health, offering convenient access to education, screening, and professional guidance. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing preventive healthcare and improving long-term health outcomes for Malaysians.

CIMB Bank Berhad has successfully onboarded over 10,000 employees from Infineon Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. Melaka onto its CIMB@Work payroll banking solution. This significant collaboration marks one of the largest payroll onboarding initiatives for CIMB, highlighting the strong partnership between the two organisations.

Infineon Melaka employees will now enjoy a seamless salary banking experience, along with preferential privileges such as lower entry requirements for selected CIMB credit cards and preferential rates on financing products. Gurdip Singh Sidhu, CEO of CIMB Malaysia, stated, “This collaboration reflects our capability to deliver innovative large-scale payroll banking services that help organisations foster inclusivity within their workforce.”

Eng Seng Meng, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Infineon Melaka, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, noting the importance of providing employees with comprehensive financial solutions and value-added benefits. “Entrusting CIMB with the payroll banking transition for more than 10,000 employees marks an important milestone in our partnership,” he said.

The CIMB@Work solution offers employees a broad ecosystem of banking, financing, protection, and wealth management services. Additional benefits include 20% cashback on tolls and overseas spend with the CIMB Visa Debit Card, and preferential foreign exchange rates for outward foreign telegraphic transfers at CIMB branches.

CIMB aims to be a leading financial institution in payroll banking, supporting employers and employees across the country with practical, customer-centric solutions. This partnership with Infineon Melaka underscores CIMB’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and enhancing the employee experience.

Malaysia and Bangladesh are advancing their healthcare collaboration, following a meeting between the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Bangladesh’s Health Ministry. The meeting, held in Dhaka, aimed to further develop medical tourism and patient access between the two nations.

The discussions were part of MHTC’s visit to Bangladesh from 17 to 20 August, building on the momentum from the Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s visit to Malaysia in June. The leaders of both countries had expressed optimism about expanding bilateral cooperation in healthcare, particularly in light of Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT2026).

The collaboration is driven by increasing demand, with healthcare travel revenue from Bangladeshi patients to Malaysia rising from RM2.2m in Q1 2025 to RM2.7m in Q1 2026, marking a 22.7% increase. This growth underscores Bangladesh’s potential as a significant market for Malaysian healthcare services.

Dato’ Suriaghandi Suppiah, CEO of MHTC, stated, “Malaysia and Bangladesh have built more than five decades of partnership, and in June our leaders agreed to extend that partnership into healthcare. Our responsibility now is to translate that commitment into practical cooperation, not only in healthcare travel, but in the exchange of skills, standards and knowledge that strengthens both our systems.”

Bangladesh’s Health Minister highlighted the importance of making Malaysian healthcare more accessible and affordable to the Bangladeshi population, emphasising competitive pricing and broader access. This cooperation is expected to strengthen the longstanding relations between the two countries and enhance healthcare opportunities for Bangladeshi patients.

Linde Malaysia, Monash University Malaysia, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) have joined forces to host the Linde-Monash University Sustainability Conference 2026. This pioneering summit, held on 18 August, aimed to accelerate industrial decarbonisation in Malaysia, aligning with the country’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

The conference, themed “Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy,” brought together over 400 participants, including government officials, corporate representatives, and academic leaders. It focused on fostering dialogue and showcasing technologies that support zero-emission and low-carbon industrial transformation. The collaboration seeks to drive the adoption of clean energy solutions and green investments, crucial for Malaysia’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Linde Malaysia’s Managing Director, Hoo Peih Yoke, highlighted the importance of connecting sustainability ambitions with practical industry action. “By leveraging the combined strengths of each partner, the conference sought to facilitate knowledge exchange and identify actionable pathways for sustainable growth within the nation’s industrial sector,” she stated.

A key moment of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Linde Malaysia and Monash University Malaysia, officiated by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation. This MoU establishes a framework for long-term collaboration in education, research, and sustainability initiatives.

The conference also featured discussions on deployable technologies such as hydrogen solutions, carbon capture, and cleaner combustion technologies. These innovations are poised to benefit sectors like oil and gas, chemicals, and manufacturing, enabling substantial carbon reductions and operational efficiencies.

Looking forward, the tripartite framework aims to continue fostering collaboration through ongoing dialogue and joint initiatives, supporting Malaysia’s long-term energy transition and sustainability goals.

The launch of Droneport1000, a collaborative effort by Selangor Aviation Technology and Innovation (SELATI) and Universiti Selangor (UNISEL), marks a significant advancement in Malaysia’s Low Altitude Economy. Unveiled on 30 July 2026, this initiative is set to transform Sabak Bernam into a hub for unmanned aircraft systems, Advanced Air Mobility, and next-generation drone technologies.

Droneport1000 is designed as a test and evaluation facility, fostering collaboration among government, academia, and industry. It aims to support research, testing, talent development, and the commercialisation of unmanned aviation solutions. This initiative is part of the broader Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA), which focuses on enhancing sectors like precision agriculture, logistics, infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and biodiversity conservation.

The initiative aligns with SABDA’s strategic projects, including the 600-acre Sungai Lang Fisheries Industrial Zone and the proposed Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve, which is set for UNESCO submission by September 2026. These projects aim to bolster food security, environmental stewardship, and community-led development.

Selangor State Executive Councillor for Islamic Affairs and Innovation Culture, Dr Mohammad Fahmi bin Ngah, emphasised the state’s commitment to building an ecosystem for the Low Altitude Economy. “By bringing together technology, digital infrastructure, and collaboration across government, academia, and industry, we are creating a platform that supports innovation,” he stated.

Puan Zannifa Azura binti Ahmad, CEO of SELATI, highlighted the potential of Droneport1000 to be a “game changer” for Sabak Bernam, creating new opportunities across various sectors. The initiative demonstrates how technology and investment can enhance food security, biodiversity conservation, and community prosperity.

As SABDA continues to develop, it aims to attract investment, strengthen food security, and create meaningful opportunities for the people of Sabak Bernam, positioning the district as a driver of sustainable economic growth.

Renowned chef Vijayakant Shanmugam has been appointed as the Director of Culinary at Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, marking his return to Malaysia after nearly 30 years of international culinary experience. Shanmugam will spearhead the culinary operations at the hotel, which is set to open in 2026, bringing his expertise from across Southeast Asia, the Maldives, Japan, and India.

Shanmugam, originally from Kuala Selangor, will oversee the hotel’s array of dining options, including restaurants, lounges, and banqueting services. He will collaborate with acclaimed chefs Garima Arora and Jean-Georges Vongerichten to establish a unique dining destination in Kuala Lumpur. His recent collaboration with Vongerichten in New York focused on integrating Malaysian ingredients and culinary traditions into the upcoming JG Kuala Lumpur.

With a career that includes roles at prestigious hospitality brands such as Hilton, Shangri-La, and Raffles, Shanmugam has a deep passion for showcasing Malaysian cuisine on a global stage. “It’s an honour to lead the culinary vision for such a highly anticipated luxury hotel opening in Kuala Lumpur,” Shanmugam stated, expressing his aspiration to set new culinary benchmarks in the city.

The Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will feature 268 suites and seven culinary experiences, including the signature Peacock Alley and Istana, which will offer a blend of local and international cuisines. General Manager Etienne Dalançon emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating timeless and welcoming dining experiences that reflect Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of culinary craftsmanship.

A prime freehold development site in Penang’s Batu Ferringhi has been launched for sale, offering a unique opportunity for investors and developers to acquire a rare coastal landholding. Marketed by Colliers, the site is available through an Expression of Interest (EOI) with an asking price of $29.8m (MYR140m). The property, spanning approximately 3.344 acres (13,533 sqm), is approved for up to 722 keys, making it suitable for a landmark integrated hospitality, serviced flat, and wellness destination.

Situated along Jalan Telok Bahang, the site benefits from beachfront access and is surrounded by established hospitality brands such as Bayview Beach Resort and Shangri-La Golden Sands. The development plans propose 473 luxury serviced flats and 249 five-star hotel rooms, with a total designed gross floor area of approximately 54,042 sqm. A management agreement with a renowned hotel operator is in place, although buyers have the flexibility to choose alternative branding.

Zoe Zhou, Director of Capital Markets and Investment Services at Colliers Singapore, highlighted the rarity of such large-scale freehold development sites in Batu Ferringhi, noting the site’s compelling investment potential due to its scale, zoning, and beachfront location.

Penang’s growth as a tourism, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing hub further enhances the site’s appeal. In 2025, the state welcomed 8.76 million hotel guests, including 3.47 million international visitors. The Malaysian Association of Hotels reports average weekday occupancy of 70%, with peak periods seeing up to 100% occupancy.

The Expression of Interest exercise for this investment opportunity closes at 3.00pm on 30 September 2026.

Frasers Hospitality, a division of Frasers Property, has officially opened Fraser Residence Putrajaya, marking the introduction of its renowned serviced residence brand in Malaysia. Situated within the TERRA development on the banks of Putrajaya Lake, the new property offers 283 family-oriented serviced flats, catering to both business and leisure travellers.

This launch is part of Frasers Hospitality’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across Asia, with plans to open 18 new serviced and hotel residences by 2028. The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for flexible long-stay accommodation driven by increasing cross-border mobility and changing travel patterns. Upcoming projects include a Fraser Suites flagship in Bangkok and the recently opened Capri by Fraser in Penang.

Chief Operating Officer Chew Hang Song highlighted the strategic importance of Putrajaya, noting its connectivity, economic potential, and lifestyle offerings. “With its spacious flat-style accommodation and family-focused amenities, Fraser Residence is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of guests seeking the comfort and convenience of a home,” he stated.

Fraser Residence Putrajaya is designed to blend the warmth of home with the convenience of a serviced residence. It features fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and a range of amenities including a gymnasium, swimming pool, and dining options. The property is conveniently located near Kuala Lumpur International Airport and key business hubs, offering seamless connectivity for travellers.

Rohith Murthy has been appointed as the General Manager for Malaysia by bolttech, a global insurtech company. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Murthy will be responsible for overseeing bolttech’s operations and growth strategy in Malaysia, focusing on strengthening partner relationships, exploring new distribution opportunities, and expanding the company’s insurance and protection solutions in the market.

Murthy joins bolttech with more than 20 years of experience in digital financial services, banking, and product innovation across Asia and Europe. His most recent role was as Chief Executive Officer of MoneyHero Group, and he has held senior positions at Citibank, Siam Commercial Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the National University of Singapore.

Emma Butler, Regional General Manager for Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam at bolttech, expressed confidence in Murthy’s capabilities, stating, “Rohith is an accomplished leader with deep experience in building high-impact businesses and partnerships. Having worked with him for many years as a strategic partner, I am confident he has a strong understanding of bolttech, our platform and how we create value for customers.”

Murthy himself is enthusiastic about his new role, saying, “I have long admired bolttech’s ambition to transform how insurance is distributed and experienced, and have seen first-hand the strength of its technology, people, and partnerships. I’m excited to lead the Malaysia business and work with our partners and colleagues to build on this strong foundation and drive the next phase of growth.”

bolttech operates in 39 markets across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa, aiming to create a technology-enabled ecosystem for insurance and protection.