BlackBerry and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) have announced a strategic partnership to nurture Malaysia’s next generation of cyber-defenders and embedded software engineers. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was signed on 4 November 2025, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This partnership aims to enhance Malaysia’s digital talent, industry competitiveness, and regional cyber resilience.

The partnership, witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, Dato Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Canada’s Minister of International Trade, The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, underscores the strengthening ties between Canada and Malaysia. The initiative will provide UKM students and faculty with access to a tiered development programme, focusing on talent research and ethical cyber education.

The MOU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, aiming to advance academic excellence, workforce readiness, and research leadership. It includes industry-relevant cybersecurity and software development training, internships, research grants, and globally recognised certifications for UKM students and faculty. BlackBerry CEO John Giamatteo emphasised the importance of developing a digitally skilled workforce for national security and sustainable economic growth.

Additionally, UKM announced a new initiative, the Trustworthy Professionals programme, in collaboration with BlackBerry and Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Agency. This pilot project will provide cybersecurity training and hands-on experience for up to 50 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, focusing on integrity, ethics, and trust.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting education, research, and innovation in areas crucial to Malaysia’s digital and economic future. By combining UKM’s academic excellence with BlackBerry’s global expertise, the collaboration aims to nurture a new generation of technology leaders equipped with advanced technical knowledge and ethical values.

TMC Life Sciences Berhad (TMCLS) is set for growth in FY2026, following a resilient FY2025, driven by strategic partnerships and a focus on value-based care. At the company’s 23rd Annual General Meeting, Chairman Mohd Mokhtar bin Mohd Shariff highlighted TMCLS’s stable revenue of $73.5m (RM345.5m), a slight 0.3% decrease from FY2024, despite challenges from private insurers and corporate payors.

The group’s strategy includes enhancing community-centric services, clinical excellence, and medical tourism. A proposed single-tier final dividend of 0.1863 sen per share underscores TMCLS’s commitment to shareholder value. Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (THKD) has partnered with OncoCare Medical Malaysia, creating a state-of-the-art cancer care facility, whilst Thomson Fertility has launched EndoCare-Thomson, focusing on endometriosis care.

Additionally, Thomson Fertility achieved Malaysia’s first live birth using the Optimal Receptivity Assay and Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, marking a significant milestone in reproductive medicine. Looking forward, TMCLS plans to expand with the construction of Thomson Hospital Iskandariah in Johor, set to begin in H1 2026, to meet the region’s growing healthcare demands.

Group CEO Adzuan Rahman stated, “Our expansion into Johor with Thomson Hospital Iskandariah represents more than physical growth; it reflects our vision to deliver world-class value-based care closer to communities.” TMCLS aims to strengthen its position as a leading healthcare provider through strategic partnerships and clinical excellence.

AWC Berhad, a leading engineering services group, has secured a RM99.1m contract through its subsidiary, Ambang Wira Sdn Bhd, to provide Integrated Facilities Management services for TM Technology Services’ data centres and buildings in TM Central 1. The contract, awarded by Telekom Malaysia Berhad’s subsidiary, will span five years starting 1 November 2025.

This contract marks AWC’s third major win in the financial year 2026, contributing to a total of RM194m in contracts announced this year. Group CEO Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor highlighted the significance of this project as AWC’s first foray into managing mission-critical, technology-driven infrastructure. “This win is a testament to our proven track record and strong expertise,” he stated.

The contract is expected to provide clear earnings visibility and bolster AWC’s recurring revenue base, which constituted 45% of its revenue in FY25. As of June 2025, AWC’s order book stood at RM597m, excluding the new contracts announced in FY26. The company remains optimistic about future opportunities, actively pursuing additional tenders.

AWC’s involvement in this project aligns with its strategy to engage in higher-value, performance-based contracts within Malaysia’s expanding digital infrastructure ecosystem. This strategic move positions AWC at the forefront of supporting data centres, telecommunications, and advanced technology assets.

Sunway Property, Malaysia’s Master Community Developer, has announced that its Singapore operations will now operate under the name Sunway MCL. This rebranding follows Sunway Group’s acquisition of MCL Land for S$738.7m, marking a significant expansion in the company’s regional property portfolio.

The merger of Sunway’s five decades of expertise with MCL Land’s six-decade legacy in Singapore aims to create a robust platform for delivering premium and sustainable developments. Datin Paduka Sarena Cheah, Executive Deputy Chair of Sunway Group, stated, “The establishment of Sunway MCL marks an important milestone in Sunway’s growth journey.”

Sunway MCL is now positioned as one of Singapore’s leading residential developers, with nine ongoing projects valued at approximately S$4.5b. The projects, including ELTA, Nava Grove, and Tembusu Grand, will continue under the Sunway MCL brand, reinforcing its presence in the city-state’s residential market.

Under the leadership of Managing Director Chung Soo Kiong and CEO Lee Tong Voon, Sunway MCL will focus on creating homes that embody “timeless elegance and enduring warmth.” The acquisition also includes MCL Land’s Malaysian assets, further strengthening Sunway Property’s regional footprint.

This strategic move aligns with Sunway Property’s long-term vision of building connected communities across Malaysia and Singapore, supported by Sunway’s integrated ecosystem in property, construction, healthcare, education, and hospitality.

Aquawalk Group Berhad, renowned for its world-class aquaria including Aquaria KLCC, has launched its prospectus for an initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, scheduled for 19 November 2025. The IPO seeks to raise up to $24.2 (RM114.3m), marking a significant step in the company’s growth as it transitions to a public entity.

The group, established in 2005, operates aquariums globally, including Aquaria Phuket and a 40% stake in Jakarta Aquarium & Safari. The IPO involves a public issue of 368.6 million new shares and an offer for sale of 368.6 million existing shares, representing 40% of the enlarged share capital. At 31 sen per share, the company is expected to achieve a market capitalisation of $121.1m (RM571.3m).

Funds raised will be allocated to capital expenditures for upgrading and developing attractions, IT improvements, and working capital. This aligns with Aquawalk’s vision of becoming a leading centre for ocean education and conservation. Executive Chairman, Simon Foong, stated, “Aquawalk is set to be the region’s first oceanarium to go public, with vast opportunities to expand our portfolio further in other markets within Asia Pacific.”

The public issue application is open until 7 November 2025. M & A Securities Sdn Bhd and CGS International Securities Malaysia are managing the IPO process.

A recent survey by Sun Life Asia has revealed that financial security is the top priority for legacy planning among families in the region, yet 60% worry their wealth may not extend beyond their children’s generation. The study, titled *Passing the torch: Building lasting legacies in Asia*, surveyed over 3,000 individuals across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The findings highlight the importance of structured planning and financial literacy as Asia undergoes a significant intergenerational wealth transfer. Seven in 10 respondents emphasised the need for protection to ensure their family’s financial security, whilst 59% expressed a desire for their wealth to be invested in long-term growth through financial assets, life insurance, or family businesses.

Concerns about wealth preservation are prevalent, with 55% of respondents doubting their heirs’ financial readiness to manage inherited assets. Only 31% are confident their children will uphold their wishes regarding wealth transfer and asset growth. The affluent are particularly worried, with 28% describing themselves as “very concerned” about the longevity of their wealth.

David Broom, Chief Client & Distribution Officer at Sun Life, noted, “We are seeing a clear shift in how families define legacy – from wealth alone to a combination of financial security, education and purposeful living for future generations.” This shift underscores the need for open family discussions about money and the importance of financial education to ensure lasting legacies.

Allianz Malaysia Berhad has officially opened its new Penang branch in Georgetown, marking a strategic relocation from its former site on China Street. Situated on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, the branch is housed in a heritage building, blending cultural significance with modern amenities. The facility spans 9,000 square feet and includes three training rooms, aiming to improve customer service for over 800,000 clients in the northern region.

The launch was attended by Allianz Malaysia CEO Sean Wang and Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad CEO Charles Ong. Wang stated, “This new branch represents our commitment to growth and accessibility in the northern region.” He emphasised the importance of investing in the heritage building to honour Penang’s cultural history whilst enhancing service accessibility.

The new location offers improved customer experience with ample parking, more service counters, and private consultation areas. This expansion aligns with Allianz Malaysia’s Beyond Central Expansion initiative, aiming to meet the growing needs of the local community.

The Georgetown branch complements Allianz Malaysia’s existing facility in Bukit Mertajam, strengthening its presence in Penang. This move is part of a broader network of 30 branches across Malaysia, established since 2002. The new branch underscores Allianz Malaysia’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing service delivery in key regions.

A recent survey by Sun Life Asia reveals that financial security is the primary concern for legacy planning among Asian families, yet 60% worry their wealth will not endure beyond their children’s generation. The study, titled “Passing the torch: Building lasting legacies in Asia,” surveyed over 3,000 respondents across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, highlighting the urgent need for structured legacy planning and financial literacy.

The survey found that seven in 10 respondents prioritise ensuring their family’s financial security as the most crucial aspect of legacy planning. Additionally, 59% wish for their wealth to be invested in long-term growth, whilst 60% express concerns about their wealth’s longevity beyond the next generation. Only 19% of respondents feel fully prepared with their legacy arrangements.

David Broom, Chief Client & Distribution Officer at Sun Life, noted, “We are seeing a clear shift in how families define legacy – from wealth alone to a combination of financial security, education and purposeful living for future generations.”

The survey also highlights that less than a third of respondents believe their children will uphold family traditions, and only 31% are confident their heirs will manage inherited assets effectively. This underscores the importance of financial literacy and open family discussions about wealth.

Despite growing awareness, many families remain unprepared, with only 10% having completed and communicated their legacy plans. The survey indicates a growing demand for professional guidance, particularly among affluent individuals and Gen Z, with 58% and 47% respectively seeking expert advice.

Broom added, “Families are talking but not planning. Whilst more people recognise the need for open conversations about wealth and inheritance, many of these discussions still lack structure and follow through.”

FETC International, a leader in Intelligent Transportation Systems, is set to showcase its advanced Smart Mobility and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technologies at the My ASEAN Roads & Traffic Tech Expo (MyARTTE) 2025. The event will take place from 3–5 November at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of mobility in the ASEAN region.

The company will be located at Booth #2007, where it will highlight its latest innovations in Smart City Solutions and Next-Generation MLFF Highway Systems. These innovations are based on a successful Proof of Concept (POC) conducted on the Maju Expressway (E20) in Malaysia, in partnership with KJS-SEP. The POC, implemented on 12 August 2024 and dismantled on 22 August 2025, achieved remarkable results, including a 100% vehicle detection rate, 100% ANPR accuracy rate, 100% billed accuracy rate, and a 99.97% RFID identification rate.

These results underscore FETC International’s capability to support Malaysia’s shift towards efficient and sustainable tolling infrastructure. Richard Wu, Vice President of FETC International, will participate in a roundtable discussion titled “The Future of Seamless Mobility Payments” on 4 November, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, further emphasising the company’s commitment to advancing mobility solutions.

The expo serves as a platform for government agencies, infrastructure operators, and technology leaders to explore advancements shaping the future of mobility, with FETC International at the forefront of these discussions.

Malaysia, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), has announced the launch of the ASEAN AI Safety Network at the Powering the Intelligent Age Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This initiative, part of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, seeks to advance safe and inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across the region, aligning with sustainability and trust.

The summit, hosted by the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR), drew over 400 delegates from 14 countries, including policymakers, corporate leaders, and researchers. It highlighted Malaysia’s role as a convener of regional dialogue on technology governance and innovation, with a focus on digital transformation and energy transition.

A key feature of the summit was the unveiling of the Sustainable AI White Paper, developed in partnership with MYCentre4IR and ERM, with input from Microsoft. This document aims to guide responsible and energy-efficient AI deployment in ASEAN.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasised Malaysia’s ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030, supported by trusted governance and inclusive talent development. “The ASEAN AI Safe marks an important step forward,” he stated, underscoring the importance of collaboration in ensuring technology benefits all communities.

Cathy Li from the WEF highlighted the region’s potential to shape global AI standards, stressing the need for a shared governance framework that fosters trust and sustainability. The summit also featured discussions on industrial transformation, focusing on data platforms, automation, and clean energy integration.

The event underscored the convergence of AI and industrial sustainability as drivers of ASEAN’s future competitiveness, with Malaysia committed to aligning its digital ambitions with regional sustainability and inclusivity themes.