John Wong has been appointed as the City Managing Director of BeLocal Kuala Lumpur, marking a pivotal step in BeLocal Global’s city-by-city expansion strategy. With over 30 years of leadership experience at major companies such as Kimberly-Clark, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Heineken, and Shell, Wong is set to lead one of BeLocal’s most significant city markets.

BeLocal Global, known for its commitment to building cultural standards, sees Kuala Lumpur and Selangor as crucial components in its growth as the global authority for vibes. This appointment underscores the platform’s dedication to strengthening its cultural network across cities worldwide.

Wong’s extensive expertise in strategy, consumer insights, and growth transformation is expected to drive BeLocal Kuala Lumpur’s development. His leadership is anticipated to enhance the city’s cultural landscape, aligning with BeLocal’s mission to establish a robust city-by-city cultural network.

This strategic move not only highlights BeLocal’s focus on Kuala Lumpur but also reinforces its long-term vision of expanding its influence and setting cultural benchmarks globally. As Wong takes the helm, BeLocal Kuala Lumpur is poised to become a key player in the platform’s international expansion efforts.

EI Power Berhad, a power engineering solutions provider, has entered into an underwriting agreement with M&A Securities Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of M&A Equity Holdings Berhad, as it prepares for its initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. This agreement marks a significant step towards the company’s listing, expected in the second quarter of 2026.

The IPO will involve the issuance of 129.5 million new ordinary shares, representing 18.5% of the company’s enlarged share capital, alongside an offer for sale of 70 million existing shares, accounting for 10% of the enlarged share capital. M&A Securities will underwrite 66.5 million of these shares, which will be available to the Malaysian public, eligible directors, employees, and shareholders of OCK Group Berhad.

EI Power Berhad, headquartered in Shah Alam, has a 16-year track record in providing engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning services for power solutions. The company is recognised as a Class A Electrical Contractor by the Energy Commission Malaysia and a Grade G7 Contractor by the Construction Industry Development Board, allowing it to undertake projects of any contract value.

Executive Director and CEO Albert Chang Wan Siong stated, “The signing of this underwriting agreement with M&A Securities marks a key milestone as we progress towards our upcoming listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities.” The proceeds from the IPO will support the company’s strategic initiatives, including expanding operations and extending its geographic footprint into Thailand.

The growth of power-intensive facilities in Malaysia, driven by the relocation of multinational semiconductor and electronics manufacturers, is expected to increase demand for EI Power Berhad’s solutions.

DayOne Data Centres Limited, a Singapore-based global hyperscale data centre platform, has announced a RM28b investment in Malaysia by the end of 2026. This move aims to solidify its leadership in Malaysia’s data centre market and bolster the country’s status as a regional digital hub. The announcement was made at the inaugural Tech & AI Career Expo in Kuala Lumpur.

The investment will see Malaysia become DayOne’s largest global operational footprint, with the country accounting for over 50% of the firm’s workforce growth by 2026. This expansion is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs across the supply chain and over 200 high-value roles in finance, procurement, and corporate functions through the Phase II expansion of its Global Shared Services Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

DayOne also introduced two talent programmes to nurture young talent through internships and graduate pathways, aiming to train over 1,000 data centre engineers at its Regional Operations and Training Hub in Johor. “Malaysia is not just a market for DayOne; it is a long-term commitment,” said Jamie Khoo, CEO of DayOne.

The Tech & AI Career Expo, attended by over 1,000 participants, 30 companies, and 13 universities, served as a platform for connecting talent with opportunities in the technology and AI sectors. The event was supported by Malaysian government agencies, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation.

Following this event, DayOne plans to extend its talent engagement initiatives across the region, with the next event scheduled in Thailand later in April.

Airwallex, a global financial and payments platform, has announced its full commercial launch in Malaysia after obtaining e-money issuance and Class A licences from Bank Negara Malaysia. These approvals allow Airwallex to offer a comprehensive suite of financial services, positioning it as one of the few non-bank entities in Malaysia with such capabilities.

The new licences enable Airwallex to provide a unified platform supporting payments, foreign exchange (FX), and multi-currency accounts. This development is timely as Malaysian businesses increasingly expand internationally, necessitating scalable financial infrastructure. Arnold Chan, General Manager for Asia-Pacific at Airwallex, stated, “Malaysia is a strategic market for Airwallex, and these approvals enable us to bring our full financial infrastructure to businesses on the ground.”

Building on its existing Class B Money Services Business licence and Registered Merchant Acquirer status, Airwallex has processed over RM2b in remittance volume in 2025. The company plans to double its local team in 2026, reflecting its commitment to the Malaysian market.

Airwallex’s expansion comes as Malaysia’s digital economy is set to contribute 30% of GDP by 2030, highlighting the growing need for seamless financial services. As Chan noted, “We provide the infrastructure businesses need to operate more efficiently and with greater control.”

With these regulatory approvals, Airwallex is poised to support Malaysian businesses in their global operations, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a regional growth hub.

NEC Corporation of Malaysia has announced the appointment of Takayuki Inaba as its new Managing Director, effective immediately. Inaba, who also serves as President and CEO of NEC Asia Pacific, brings nearly 40 years of experience at NEC Corporation. His extensive background in driving business growth and forming strategic partnerships across Asia positions him as the ideal leader to guide NEC Malaysia through its next phase of development.

Inaba’s career at NEC is marked by significant leadership roles, including his tenure as Chairman and President of NEC India Pvt. Ltd. and Chairman Representative of NEC (China) Co., Ltd. These roles have equipped him with the expertise to expand NEC’s presence in some of Asia’s most dynamic markets. His appointment is expected to bolster NEC Malaysia’s strategic initiatives and enhance its competitive edge in the region.

The decision to appoint Inaba underscores NEC’s commitment to strengthening its operations in Malaysia, a market seen as pivotal for the company’s growth in Southeast Asia. With Inaba at the helm, NEC Malaysia aims to leverage his experience to drive innovation and expand its market share in the telecommunications and technology sectors.

Inaba’s leadership is anticipated to play a crucial role in navigating the challenges and opportunities within Malaysia’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. As NEC Malaysia embarks on this new chapter, the company is poised to enhance its contributions to the local economy and reinforce its position as a leader in technology solutions.

Sunrate, a global payment and treasury management platform, has inaugurated a new office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of its strategic expansion across Southeast Asia. The office, located at Menara Binjai, offers a larger workspace to accommodate Sunrate’s growing team and enhance its global operations network.

The new facility will support various functions, including operations, customer experience, product development, and regional business support. This expansion underscores Sunrate’s commitment to Malaysia as a strategic hub for fintech talent and operational excellence. “Malaysia is an important market for Sunrate and a key part of our global strategy,” said Paul Meng, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunrate.

Malaysia has rapidly become a significant centre for fintech and digital finance in Southeast Asia, bolstered by a strong talent pool and a supportive regulatory environment. Sunrate’s expanded presence in Kuala Lumpur highlights the company’s confidence in Malaysia’s role as a burgeoning regional fintech hub. Tey Jing Ying, Country Manager for Malaysia, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “We are excited to continue growing our presence here and contributing to Malaysia’s vibrant fintech ecosystem.”

The Kuala Lumpur office will collaborate closely with Sunrate’s teams across Asia, Europe, and other regions, supporting the company’s expanding global operations. As digital commerce continues to grow, Sunrate remains focused on building infrastructure that facilitates seamless cross-border money movement. Founded in 2016, Sunrate operates in over 190 countries and partners with major financial institutions, including Citibank and Standard Chartered.

Base Maintenance Malaysia (BMM), a subsidiary of SIA Engineering Company Limited, has celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of 55 trainee technicians. This marks a significant step in developing skilled talent for Malaysia’s aerospace sector amid rising demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Technician Trainee Programme, introduced by BMM, aims to strengthen Malaysia’s aerospace talent pipeline and support the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem. Over 100 technicians have been enrolled in the programme, which combines classroom learning with hands-on experience over 12 months. The curriculum covers aircraft maintenance fundamentals, safety, regulatory compliance, and on-the-job training.

The graduation ceremony, officiated by Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Counsellor for Investment, Trade and Mobility, highlights the collaboration between industry and government to develop a sustainable skilled talent pipeline. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, which seeks to enhance the nation’s capabilities as a regional MRO hub.

BMM has partnered with local aviation training institutions, including Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology, ADMAL Aviation College, and APR Aviation Training Centre, to provide students with real-world maintenance operations exposure. “Developing skilled Malaysian aerospace professionals is central to our long-term investment in Malaysia’s aerospace sector,” said Lee Yang Loong, CEO of BMM.

As global MRO demand grows, BMM’s efforts to cultivate a robust local talent pipeline are seen as essential for the industry’s future.

Swisslog, a leader in automated intralogistics solutions, is bolstering its support for Southeast Asian customers through a revamped organisational structure for the Asia Pacific excluding China (APeC) region. This strategic move, announced on 31 March 2026, aims to enhance resource availability and integration across markets, including Australia and New Zealand.

The new structure will be led by Steven Xie, who has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Managing Director, based in Malaysia. Xie, who joined Swisslog in 2017, emphasised the growing demand for scalable automation solutions in response to e-commerce growth and labour constraints. “Bringing our markets closer together allows us to share engineering expertise, project experience, and innovation across borders,” Xie stated.

Swisslog’s Malaysia office, which hosts one of the company’s three global Research and Development teams, will play a pivotal role in this integration. The office’s expertise in software development and customer service will be shared across the Asia Pacific region, facilitating knowledge transfer and collaboration.

The company’s “Ready for the Next” strategy underscores its commitment to being a lifetime automation partner. This approach focuses on delivering resilient and scalable solutions that adapt to changing demands and fulfilment models. “Being Ready for the Next means staying accountable for the outcome long after go-live,” Xie explained.

Under the new APeC structure, Swisslog aims to provide enhanced access to engineering expertise, improved scalability for large projects, and stronger coordination across supply chains. This initiative reflects Swisslog’s dedication to supporting long-term growth strategies and building resilient automation strategies for its Southeast Asian customers.

Jolicare, Malaysia’s leading herbal repair cream brand, has officially launched in Australia, marking its first venture outside Southeast Asia. The brand’s flagship products, Jolicare Cream and Jolicare Lotion, are now available for purchase online at jolicare.au. This expansion brings Jolicare’s trusted herbal solutions, which have already garnered over 100,000 customers, to Australian families for the first time.

The decision to enter the Australian market was driven by increasing demand from Australian consumers, even before Jolicare established a physical presence. “We didn’t come to Australia to be just another option on the shelf. We came because we know what this product does for people, and Australians deserve access to it,” said Caleb Wong, CEO of Jolicare.

The brand’s journey to Australia began two years ago when an Australian customer discovered Jolicare and shared their positive experience. Since then, interest and orders from Australia have steadily increased, prompting the brand to expand its reach. Many Australian families, particularly parents, have been seeking a reliable herbal alternative for their children’s sensitive skin.

Jolicare’s entry into the Australian market not only addresses the needs of those with dry, itchy, and sensitive skin but also signifies the brand’s commitment to providing effective and lasting skin repair solutions. As Jolicare continues to grow, its presence in Australia may pave the way for further international expansion.

OculloSpace, a space startup from Singapore and Malaysia, is set to launch its first satellite, DECIMALSAT1, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-16 mission. This launch represents a significant achievement for Malaysia’s burgeoning space ecosystem, offering a platform for educational collaboration with several Malaysian universities.

DECIMALSAT1’s mission is not only a technical feat but also an educational opportunity. The satellite project involves partnerships with Malaysian universities, providing students with practical experience in satellite engineering and space technology. This initiative aims to inspire and equip the next generation of engineers and scientists in Malaysia.

The integration of DECIMALSAT1 into the SpaceX mission underscores the growing capabilities and ambitions of Southeast Asian space ventures. By participating in the Transporter-16 mission, OculloSpace is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s space industry, fostering innovation and collaboration.

The launch of DECIMALSAT1 is scheduled to take place soon, marking a new chapter for OculloSpace and the Malaysian space sector. As the satellite prepares for its journey, the collaboration with educational institutions highlights the broader impact of space exploration on science and technology education in the region.