Trinasolar, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mestron Energy, a Malaysian renewable power generation specialist, to support Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap. Under the agreement, Trinasolar will supply 50 megawatts (MW) of its Vertex N solar modules to bolster Mestron’s renewable energy projects across the country.

This collaboration aims to enhance Malaysia’s sustainability efforts by integrating Trinasolar’s advanced solar technology with Mestron Energy’s local expertise in renewable energy deployment. Ku Jun Heong, Vice President of Trinasolar’s Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa region, stated, “We’re pleased to partner with Mestron Energy to deliver advanced, cost-effective solar solutions that support Malaysia’s clean-energy ambitions.”

Mestron Energy, part of the Mestron Holdings Berhad group, is well-positioned to expand its renewable portfolio with Trinasolar’s cutting-edge technologies. Por Teong Eng, Managing Director of Mestron Energy, remarked, “Partnering with Trinasolar presents an excellent opportunity to support Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s renewable energy development. We believe that solar installations will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help create a sustainable future.”

The partnership underscores the increasing demand for corporate renewable energy solutions in Malaysia and highlights the potential of the ASEAN region as a hub for clean energy development. As Malaysia continues its transition towards a low-carbon economy, this collaboration between Trinasolar and Mestron Energy is set to play a pivotal role in achieving the nation’s sustainability goals.

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), has launched the ASEAN BUILT Platform to mobilise investment in sustainable buildings. Unveiled at the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum in Kuala Lumpur on 17 October 2025, this initiative seeks to address the region’s growing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The platform, developed under the Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition Project and funded by Germany’s International Climate Initiative, serves as a one-stop shop for unlocking investment in sustainable buildings. It offers tools such as a project database, a low carbon calculator, investment matchmaking, and a knowledge-sharing hub. These features aim to connect stakeholders and provide data-driven insights to facilitate investment in energy-efficient solutions.

Buildings currently account for 22% of ASEAN’s energy consumption, a figure expected to rise by 56% by 2050. The ASEAN BUILT Platform is integral to the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026–2030, which targets a 40% reduction in energy intensity by 2030. Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director of ACE, stated, “This platform helps close the investment gap by connecting project developers with investors, accelerating the flow of capital towards energy-efficient solutions.”

The initiative is expected to develop a pipeline of bankable projects over the next two years, aiming to evolve into a self-sustaining ecosystem by 2028. This launch underscores ASEAN’s commitment to meeting its energy and climate goals, signalling readiness to mobilise green investment at scale.

Malaysia and Singapore have announced the development of two new interconnections to facilitate cross-border electricity trade. This initiative, revealed on 17 October, aims to enhance energy security and sustainability for both nations. The interconnections will allow for the exchange of up to 100 megawatts of electricity, significantly increasing the capacity for energy trade between the two countries.

The new infrastructure is expected to be operational by 2025, marking a significant step in regional energy cooperation. The interconnections will not only bolster energy security but also support Singapore’s transition towards a low-carbon energy future. By integrating more renewable energy sources, both countries aim to reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to regional sustainability goals.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Trade and Industry highlighted the importance of this development, stating, “These interconnections will enhance the resilience of our power systems and support our climate change commitments.”

The project underscores the growing trend of regional collaboration in energy markets, as countries seek to optimise resources and improve energy efficiency. The increased capacity for electricity trade is expected to provide economic benefits, including potential cost savings for consumers and businesses.

As the project progresses, both governments will continue to work closely to ensure the successful implementation and operation of the interconnections. This collaboration sets a precedent for future cross-border energy projects in Southeast Asia, promoting a more integrated and sustainable energy landscape.

Ibraco Berhad, a Sarawak-based property developer, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Health Management International (HMI Medical) to establish a new private specialist hospital in Kuching, Sarawak. The Regency Hospital Kuching, set to open in 2029, will be a 300-bed facility located within The NorthBank township, designed to address the increasing demand for advanced healthcare services in the region.

HMI Medical, a Singapore-headquartered healthcare provider with a strong presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, will fully own and operate the hospital. The project is part of HMI Medical’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality in Southeast Asia. “With the strong growth of Sarawak, its increasing international connectivity and growing demand for advanced healthcare services, we are excited to establish the Regency Hospital Kuching,” said Chin Wei Jia, Group CEO of HMI Medical.

To facilitate the hospital’s development, Ibraco has agreed to sell its 100% equity interest in NorthBank Specialist Hospital Sdn. Bhd. to Kuching Health Holdings, a subsidiary of HMI Medical, for $190,000 (RM900,000). This transaction is expected to conclude within six months, after which the hospital will acquire 4.2 acres of land for construction.

The new hospital is anticipated to create over a thousand jobs and offer cross-training opportunities for clinical professionals. Datuk Chew Chiaw Han, Ibraco’s Group Managing Director, expressed pride in contributing to Sarawak’s healthcare sector and broader economic progress. The announcement was made during the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 in Singapore, marking a significant step in the region’s healthcare development.

The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, PETRA, has congratulated 16 Malaysian organisations for their achievements at the ASEAN Energy Awards (AEA) 2025. These accolades underscore Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and its leadership in the clean energy transition across the region.

The AEA, organised by the ASEAN Centre for Energy, is the region’s highest recognition for excellence in sustainable energy. This year, 25 Malaysian organisations were nominated through the National Energy Awards, which celebrates best practices in energy management, efficiency, and renewable energy.

Among the winners, CSC Steel Sdn Bhd was honoured in the Large Industry Energy Management System category, whilst Primetech Engineers Sdn Bhd excelled in the Large Green Building category. Collectively, the 16 winners have significantly reduced carbon emissions by nearly 72 million tonnes annually and generated 76 MW of renewable power, showcasing Malaysia’s leadership in sustainability and energy performance.

These achievements align with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap and Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. PETRA emphasises the importance of collaboration between the government, industry, and communities in advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Singapore Energy Interconnections, SP Group, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) have signed a Joint Development Agreement to conduct a feasibility study for a second electricity interconnection between Singapore and Malaysia. Announced at the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, the project aims to enhance energy cooperation and increase cross-border electricity trade capacity to 2,000 megawatts by 2030.

The agreement was signed by TNB’s President and CEO, Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin Bin Megat Hassan, SP PowerGrid’s CEO, Jimmy Khoo, and SGEI’s CEO, Ong Teng Koon. The ceremony was witnessed by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, and Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Energy, Dr Tan See Leng.

This study follows a successful pre-feasibility study completed in May 2025, which found no technical barriers to the project. Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin Bin Megat Hassan stated, “The upcoming feasibility study for the second Malaysia–Singapore interconnection is a crucial step towards expanding cross-border electricity trade.”

SP Group’s Group CEO, Stanley Huang, emphasised the importance of regional grid connectivity, saying, “This study will be the conduit for closer collaboration with Malaysia to enhance energy security through diversified low carbon energy sources.”

The first interconnection, established in 1983 and upgraded in 2022, currently supports two cross-border electricity trade projects. The second interconnection is expected to further the ASEAN Power Grid vision, strengthening regional grid connectivity and electricity trade.

Asia Pacific is increasingly pivotal in global trade resilience, according to the DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, a report by DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business. Released on 17 October 2025, the report highlights how the region is adapting to policy changes under President Trump’s second term, with international trade growing at its fastest rate since 2010, excluding the pandemic rebound.

The report reveals that six of the 10 fastest-growing trade lanes originate from Asia, underscoring the region’s significant role in global trade. Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam are among the top 10 markets showing rapid trade value growth, reflecting Asia Pacific’s increasing influence and resilience in supply chain networks.

Intra-Asia trade is also on the rise, with East Asia & Pacific’s intra-regional trade share increasing from 55% to 56%. This shift is evident in the reduced trade distances for countries like Thailand, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong SAR, indicating a pivot towards regional partners.

ASEAN has emerged as a key destination for Chinese exports, offsetting a 15% drop in exports to the US with a 15% increase to ASEAN. Vietnam, Thailand, and India have seen the largest increases in their share of China’s exports.

Prof. Steven A. Altman of NYU Stern notes that despite policy threats, globalisation remains robust, with companies managing risks and opportunities in a connected world. The DHL Global Connectedness Tracker, which analyses over 20 million data points, provides insights into these trends, supporting businesses in navigating global trade dynamics.

Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP) has unveiled Dana Iklim+, Malaysia’s inaugural climate-focused investment fund, with a target deployment of RM2 billion. This initiative, launched at the Kuala Lumpur Sustainability Summit 2025 by Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, seeks to propel Malaysia towards a Net Zero future by investing in climate-focused sectors such as infrastructure, private equity, real estate, and nature-based solutions.

Dana Iklim+ is KWAP’s third catalytic investment programme, following Dana Pemacu and Dana Perintis, and aims to further strengthen Malaysia’s investment ecosystem. The fund is designed to deliver both financial returns and environmental benefits, supporting the nation’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. “Dana Iklim+ is an integral part of this effort and demonstrates how institutional capital can be mobilised to drive both environmental impact and sustainable economic growth,” said Hazman Hilmi Sallahuddin, KWAP’s Chief Investment Officer.

The fund is structured as a multi-asset investment strategy, prioritising opportunities that generate meaningful climate impact and sustainable long-term returns. It aligns with national frameworks such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the Ministry of Finance’s GEAR-uP initiative, reinforcing Malaysia’s leadership in green investment.

Dana Iklim+ also incorporates KWAP’s impact measurement framework, which evaluates investments across six dimensions, including alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative aims to mitigate up to one million metric tonnes of CO2e, underscoring KWAP’s commitment to embedding sustainability into Malaysia’s financial ecosystem.

CIMB Bank Berhad and PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad have introduced the CIMB PETRONAS Visa Debit Card, offering cardholders up to RM2,000 in annual cashback on petrol and car-related expenses. The card, launched on 16 October 2025, aims to ease living costs for customers by providing savings on fuel and other essential expenses.

The new debit card complements the existing CIMB PETRONAS Visa Credit Card, allowing customers to maximise their cashback benefits. Gurdip Singh Sidhu, CEO of CIMB Malaysia, highlighted the card’s role in stretching customers’ budgets and enhancing financial resilience. “By enabling these savings, we aim to deliver greater value to our customers and help them build better financial resilience,” he stated.

Azureen Azita Abdullah, COO of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that the card is designed to manage everyday expenses with meaningful savings. “We continue to make life Simpler, Better and More Rewarding for our customers in their everyday journeys,” she said.

The card offers 10% cashback on PETRONAS transactions, including Setel App top-ups and Café Mesra purchases, as well as selected EV charging stations, motor insurance, and car wash services. Eligibility requires a minimum monthly average balance of RM1,000 in a CIMB account.

This initiative also aims to digitise transactions at petrol stations, promoting seamless and secure payments. Previn Pillay, Visa’s Country Manager for Malaysia, emphasised the opportunity to enhance urban mobility and payment convenience through this partnership. The card is available at all CIMB branches nationwide.

The Kuala Lumpur Sustainability Summit 2025, spearheaded by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, is making waves as a pivotal event for climate action in the ASEAN region. Launched by Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia’s Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, the summit gathers leaders from government, academia, and industry to forge pathways for sustainable development.

The summit, co-organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and the Ministry of Economy, features high-level policy addresses reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable growth. Deputy Minister of Economy, Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, emphasised the integration of sustainable development into national policies, whilst Secretary General Ching Thoo al Kim highlighted the need for public-private collaboration to build climate resilience.

Day one spotlighted global collaboration, with UN Special Adviser Selwin Charles Hart stressing shared responsibility in climate resilience. Maybank Foundation’s CEO, Izlyn Ramli, showcased partnerships driving inclusive green growth. The second day focused on translating ambition into action, with Bloomberg Intelligence’s Eric Kane leading discussions on cross-sector collaboration.

A significant outcome was the unveiling of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Climate Resilience, a national call to action uniting various sectors in climate adaptation efforts. The summit concludes with a message from Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, urging immediate climate action and positioning Malaysia as a leader in regional decarbonisation.