Newsflash Asia – Breaking Stories, Smarter and Faster

Industry News

Markets & Investing

Semico Capital Berhad launches RM23.2m IPO

Semico Capital Berhad has unveiled its prospectus for a RM23.2m initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities. The company, a key player in family entertainment and toy distribution, plans to use the funds to expand its arcade and amusement machine business and broaden its toy and collectables portfolio.

The IPO will issue 92.7 million new shares, representing 25.7% of the company’s enlarged share capital, with an additional 18 million existing shares offered for sale. Upon listing, Semico Capital’s market capitalisation is expected to reach RM90m, based on an IPO price of RM0.25 per share.

Executive Director and CEO Tai Lee Chuen highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “The prospectus launch today is a very meaningful moment for us. It reflects how far we have come and the potential that lies ahead.” The company, which began as a small trading business, now distributes over 60 toy brands across Malaysia.

The IPO proceeds will be allocated to purchasing new arcade machines, replacing older units, acquiring new toy brands, repaying bank borrowings, and covering listing expenses. This strategic move comes as the family entertainment market in Malaysia is projected to grow to RM1.9b by 2029, with a CAGR of 10.2%, according to Protégé Associates.

Applications for the public issue are open until 2 January 2026, with the listing scheduled for 13 January 2026. Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad is the principal adviser for the IPO.


Co-Written / Partner

OneOne partners with CoffeeBot to boost user engagement in Malaysia

OneOne, a prominent Southeast Asian fintech and digital engagement company, has announced a strategic partnership with CoffeeBot Malaysia, the country’s largest smart coffee vending network. This collaboration aims to enhance on-ground user engagement by offering digital rewards, gaming perks, and lifestyle benefits through CoffeeBot’s vending machines located at key sites such as MRT stations and university campuses across Malaysia.

The partnership involves the display of OneOne’s promotional videos on 30 selected CoffeeBot vending machines, ensuring high visibility and interaction with thousands of commuters and students daily. Jasmine Lee, Chief Business Officer at ONEVERSE, stated, “This collaboration enhances our ability to reach users where it matters most, on the ground. By merging digital rewards with everyday convenience, we’re creating a seamless experience that brings value to both gamers and coffee lovers.”

Users can enjoy exclusive rewards by scanning the OneOne QR code on participating CoffeeBot machines. The reward mechanics include:

– Day 1: 20% off any CoffeeBot beverage and a Ragnarok Twilight in-game pack worth $10.50 (RM49.90).
– Day 2: 40% off any CoffeeBot beverage and 8 OneOne Credits (OOC).
– Day 3: 60% off any CoffeeBot beverage and 10 OneOne Credits (OOC).

This initiative is designed to encourage daily engagement and integrate lifestyle habits with digital reward ecosystems. The full list of participating vending machines is available on the campaign page.

CoffeeBot Malaysia expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re pleased to collaborate with OneOne in offering rewards that meaningfully enhance user experience. This partnership allows us to bring something extra to our customers beyond just great coffee.”

This collaboration highlights OneOne’s commitment to creating a unified digital-lifestyle ecosystem, leveraging CoffeeBot’s extensive presence to transform everyday interactions into rewarding experiences.


Retail

Comfee Gusto offers smart cooling for young Malaysians

Comfee, renowned as Germany’s top air conditioner brand, has launched its latest product, the Comfee Gusto, aimed at young consumers in Malaysia. With the increasing pressure on young Malaysians to set up new homes or upgrade existing ones, there is a growing demand for modern, high-quality, and affordable appliances. Comfee Gusto addresses this need by offering air conditioners that combine advanced functionality with excellent value, enhancing everyday comfort and efficiency.

The Comfee Gusto is designed with the philosophy of “cooling smart with style,” integrating sleek modern aesthetics with intelligent features. This approach aligns with the core values of the younger generation, focusing on efficiency, convenience, and value. The brand aims to provide solutions that not only meet the functional needs of young consumers but also resonate with their lifestyle aspirations.

Comfee’s entry into the Malaysian market is significant as it caters to a demographic that prioritises smart and stylish home solutions. The Gusto model is expected to become a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their living spaces with appliances that offer both performance and aesthetic appeal.

As the demand for smarter home solutions continues to rise, Comfee’s Gusto air conditioner positions itself as a must-consider option for young Malaysians seeking to enhance their home environment.


Building & Engineering

AWC secures RM42.3m data centre contract

AWC Berhad, a leading engineering services group, has been awarded a RM42.3m contract by Gamuda Engineering for a hyperscale data centre project at Eco Business Park V in Puncak Alam, Selangor. The contract, managed by AWC’s subsidiary Qudotech, involves cold water, rainwater harvesting, and sanitary system works, starting on 8 December 2025 and concluding by 1 September 2027.

This marks the second data centre project AWC has secured from Gamuda, following the successful completion of their first project last month. The Group’s CEO, Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor, expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on schedule, noting the contract’s size is more than double that of their previous project. “We appreciate the continued confidence shown by Gamuda,” he stated.

AWC’s cumulative job wins for FY26 have surpassed RM424m, highlighting the company’s robust growth and promising outlook. The Group’s order book stood at RM528m as of September 2025, excluding seven additional contracts worth RM412.3m secured after that date.

AWC Berhad, headquartered in Subang Jaya, operates across four key divisions: facilities management, environment, engineering, and rail. The company is well-positioned in Malaysia’s burgeoning data centre sector, which is still in its early development stages. With a healthy order book and favourable industry conditions, AWC anticipates continued success in the coming years.


Commercial Property

Sunway Square Mall opens in Kuala Lumpur

Sunway Square Mall has officially opened its doors in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, marking a new era for the community with its expansive 320,000 square feet, four-level pet-friendly space. The mall features over 130 shops, including anchor tenants that cater to a variety of needs, and is set to become a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and leisure activities.

The opening celebration is in full swing, offering visitors exclusive promotions, spend and redeem opportunities, and free parking. The mall aims to be more than just a shopping destination; it is designed to be the heart of the Sunway Square development and the larger Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, providing a space for the community to connect and create lasting memories.

HC Chan, CEO of Sunway Malls, stated, “With 95% of shops open, Sunway Square Mall continues our brand experience. This mall is part of a visionary development designed to integrate multifunctional spaces for arts, commerce, education, and business.”

Visitors can explore a variety of offerings, from fresh produce at Village Grocer to ballet classes at Tutu Toe Dance Academy, and even rock climbing at BUMP Bouldering. The Library by BookXcess, open 24/7, offers a space for reading and socialising, particularly for students from the nearby Sunway University.

The mall also introduces Squarrel, a mascot designed by local comic artist Ernest Ng, symbolising community spirit and creativity. The interior design reflects artistic themes, with features like a Spanish staircase and steel archways, and showcases sculptures by resident artist Infantino Fernandes.

Sunway Square Mall is strategically located within the “15-minute city” plan of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, easily accessible via Canopy Walk and the Bus Rapid Transit system. The mall’s opening heralds a new chapter for the community, offering a fully integrated lifestyle centre.


Manufacturing

HG Metal invests in Malaysian steel firm Eden Flame

HG Metal Manufacturing Limited has announced that its subsidiary, HG Metal Investments Pte Ltd, will acquire 18 million Class B Preference Shares in Malaysian steel manufacturer Eden Flame Sdn. Bhd. for RM18m (approximately S$5.68m). This investment is part of HG Metal’s strategy to enhance its supply chain in the regional steel market and support the transition to low-carbon steel solutions.

Eden Flame, located in Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru, is set to commence operations by Q3 2026, specialising in low-carbon electric arc furnace (EAF) steel. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 500,000 metric tonnes, focusing on rebars, a high-demand product in Southeast Asia. The Class B Shares, convertible into ordinary shares, represent about 4.4% of Eden Flame’s post-completion enlarged shares.

The acquisition aligns with Singapore’s carbon tax trajectory and the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which have increased demand for greener construction materials. HG Metal’s CEO, Xiao Xia, stated, “This upstream investment will not only provide us a reliable and competitive source for low-carbon steel, but will also help to position HG Metal for the future as the demand for low-carbon steel in Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia increases.”

Eden Flame is a subsidiary of Green Esteel Pte. Ltd., the controlling shareholder of HG Metal, making this an Interested Party Transaction under SGX regulations. The investment will be funded through HG Metal’s internal resources and previously raised capital.


Healthcare

BIG CARiNG Group partners with Lark for digital healthcare shift

BIG CARiNG Group, Malaysia’s largest pharmacy chain, has announced a partnership with Lark, a leading productivity platform in Southeast Asia, to transform its digital healthcare operations. This collaboration will see Lark’s productivity tools deployed across BIG CARiNG Group’s extensive network of over 600 community stores, aiming to streamline operations and improve customer service.

Lark will act as the central hub, connecting BIG CARiNG Group’s headquarters, retail outlets, and distribution centres. This integration is designed to enhance team collaboration and enable quicker responses to customer and market demands. By improving internal processes, the partnership aims to allow staff to focus more on delivering high-quality healthcare services.

The initiative marks a strategic shift towards digital healthcare transformation for BIG CARiNG Group. By digitising and unifying daily operations, the group seeks to boost organisational efficiency and staff productivity. Lark’s platform will be pivotal in streamlining communications, managing workflows, and centralising information.

Key applications of this partnership include an all-in-one collaboration tool that integrates communication, approvals, forms, and ticketing into a single platform. This reduces the need for platform switching, thereby improving efficiency. Additionally, Lark’s tools will standardise and digitise processes, using Lark Base and Wiki to unify workflows and store checklists and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring better compliance.

This partnership is expected to significantly enhance BIG CARiNG Group’s operational capabilities and customer experience, setting a new standard in digital healthcare services.


Building & Engineering

AWC Berhad secures RM382m in new contracts

AWC Berhad, a leading engineering services group listed on the Main Market, has announced promising prospects following its 24th Annual General Meeting. The company, headquartered in Subang Jaya, has secured new contracts worth RM382m, setting a strong foundation for the financial year 2026 (FY26). Group CEO Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor expressed optimism about the company’s outlook, highlighting the contracts’ contribution to earnings visibility and recurring revenue.

AWC’s diverse divisions are poised for growth. The Facilities Division is preparing for a new concession tender, whilst the Environment Division anticipates market expansion in Singapore and the Middle East. The Engineering Division is actively tendering for data centre projects in Malaysia and Singapore, with ongoing projects progressing well. The Rail Division recently secured a RM60m contract for the LRT Ampang Line and is eyeing opportunities in upcoming rail infrastructure projects like the Penang LRT and MRT3.

As of September 2025, AWC’s order book stands at RM528m, excluding six additional contracts worth RM370 million secured after the quarter’s close. The company reported a total dividend of 1.25 sen per share for FY25, reflecting a 16.5% payout ratio based on earnings per share of 7.5 sen. AWC Berhad continues to see ample growth opportunities across its divisions, reinforcing its position in the engineering services sector.


Building & Engineering

AWC secures RM52.3m contract for Putrajaya mosque

AWC Berhad, a prominent engineering services group, has secured a RM52.3m contract for the facilities management and maintenance of Kompleks Masjid Putra in Putrajaya. The contract, awarded by Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia, will commence on 1 February 2026 and run until 30 April 2031. This latest win brings AWC’s total contract awards for FY26 to RM382m.

The Group’s CEO, Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor, expressed confidence in the company’s continued success, stating, “Our contract win momentum continues with this latest award, bringing our total job wins in FY26 to a solid RM382m. It further strengthens our presence in Malaysia’s facilities management space, supported by our strong track record and deep expertise.”

AWC’s order book stood at RM528 million as of 30 September 2025, excluding six additional contracts worth RM370m secured after that date. The company anticipates that the new contract will contribute to its earnings in FY26, with a promising outlook for capturing further opportunities across its key divisions, including Facilities, Environment, Engineering, and Rail.

AWC Berhad, headquartered in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, operates across Asia and the Middle East, offering integrated facilities management services. Its environment division, Stream Group Sdn. Bhd., is renowned for its automated pneumatic waste collection systems, having completed over 370 projects globally.


Healthcare

VSure and HEYDOC launch CareConnect Suite in Malaysia

VSure Group and HEYDOC Health have unveiled the CareConnect Suite, a digital platform designed to improve employee benefits for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. This initiative addresses the evolving needs of the modern workforce by bridging gaps in healthcare and protection services.

The CareConnect Suite integrates VSure’s EzPA, which offers personal accident protection and hospital income benefits, with HEYDOC Health’s FutureK, a digitally integrated outpatient care model. This combination aims to provide SMEs with a comprehensive solution that is both affordable and accessible.

The launch of CareConnect Suite is part of VSure’s broader VSure SME Pro programme. This initiative is expected to transform how SMEs in Malaysia manage employee benefits, offering a more streamlined and efficient approach to healthcare and protection.

According to the companies, the new suite reflects a growing demand for digital healthcare solutions that cater to the unique needs of SMEs. By leveraging technology, VSure and HEYDOC Health aim to provide a seamless experience for both employers and employees, enhancing overall workplace satisfaction and productivity.

The collaboration between VSure and HEYDOC Health marks a significant step in the digital transformation of healthcare services for SMEs in Malaysia. As the demand for innovative employee benefits continues to rise, the CareConnect Suite is poised to set a new standard in the industry.


1 2 3 4 27

Join The Community


[resource-center-short]
Digital Magazine

Join The Community

NEWSFLASH

x Studio

Connect with your clients by working with our in-house brand studio, using our expertise and media reach to help you create and craft your message in video and podcast, native content and whitepapers, webinars and event formats.