Industry News
Malaysia unveils pavilion at COP30 to champion climate action
Malaysia has officially unveiled the Malaysia Pavilion at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, reinforcing its dedication to addressing the global climate crisis. The pavilion, themed “Climate Action Now: Net Zero Pathways Unlocked,” showcases Malaysia’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This initiative builds on the progress made at COP29 and reflects Malaysia’s whole-of-nation approach to climate action.
The pavilion highlights Malaysia’s focus on biodiversity and nature-based solutions as key elements of its low-carbon transition. As the ASEAN Chair of 2025, Malaysia is also deepening regional collaboration to accelerate collective climate action. The pavilion will spotlight five thematic areas: restoring rainforests, rivers, and reefs; energy transition pathways for developing nations; climate justice in the Global South; future-proofing water, food systems, and industry; and unlocking finance for net-zero.
Datuk Nor Yahati binti Awang, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), stated, “We aim to drive tangible and transformative change that will realise our aspiration of achieving carbon neutrality and securing a sustainable future for all.”
The Malaysia Pavilion will host a series of high-level dialogues, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions to advance regional and global conversations on climate resilience. Key stakeholders include Tenaga Nasional Berhad, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the World Bank.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, in collaboration with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, the pavilion underscores Malaysia’s readiness to transition from commitments to implementation, showcasing real progress and partnerships for a sustainable future.
Swiss-Belhotel expands with Sheng Tai in Malaysia
Swiss-Belhotel International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malaysia’s leading property developer, Sheng Tai International, to explore collaborations in hotel development and management. This strategic partnership aims to introduce internationally branded hotels across Malaysia, focusing on Sheng Tai’s upcoming mixed-use and luxury developments.
Gavin M Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the shared commitment to excellence and innovation. “We are delighted to collaborate with Sheng Tai International, a visionary developer that shares our commitment to excellence and innovation,” he stated. The partnership is set to expand Swiss-Belhotel’s presence in Malaysia through new world-class properties.
Dato Leong Sir Ley, Founder, Chairman, and Group President-CEO of Sheng Tai International, emphasised Melaka’s strategic importance as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs and traders. He noted that the collaboration would elevate the hospitality landscape in Melaka and significantly contribute to the local economy. “This collaboration with Swiss-Belhotel International will not only elevate the hospitality landscape in Melaka but also contribute significantly to the local economy,” he said.
Edward J L Faull, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Swiss-Belhotel International, added that the partnership aims to create high-quality, internationally branded hotels that complement Malaysia’s evolving tourism landscape. The alliance will explore opportunities for Swiss-Belhotel to manage hospitality components within Sheng Tai’s premium developments, including beachfront and mixed-use projects in Melaka and other key destinations.
This collaboration aligns with both organisations’ vision to create high-value tourism and lifestyle destinations, advancing hospitality excellence in Malaysia.
Aquawalk Group’s IPO oversubscribed by 6.22 times
Aquawalk Group Berhad, renowned for its world-class aquaria such as Aquaria KLCC, has announced that its initial public offering (IPO) has been oversubscribed by 6.22 times. The IPO, set to list on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 19 November 2025, has attracted significant investor interest, reflecting confidence in the company’s growth prospects.
The IPO involves a public issue of 368.6 million new ordinary shares at RM0.31 per share, aiming to raise $24.1m (RM114.3m). Additionally, an offer for sale of 368.6 million existing shares will be made via private placement to selected investors and Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. The Malaysian public’s allocation of 92.2 million shares saw 8,986 applications for 665.6 million shares, with a value of approximately $43.5m (RM206.3m).
Aquawalk, established in 2005, operates in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, with attractions like the award-winning Aquaria KLCC and Aquaria Phuket. The Group’s Executive Chairman, Simon Foong, expressed satisfaction with the IPO’s reception, stating, “We are pleased and encouraged by the overwhelming response to our IPO, which reflects public confidence in Aquawalk and the exciting growth prospects we have ahead.”
Proceeds from the IPO will fund upgrades and expansions of existing aquaria and new projects in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and Java, Indonesia. Upon listing, Aquawalk will have a market capitalisation of $120.4m (RM571.3m). M & A Securities Sdn Bhd and CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd are managing the IPO process.
ESGReports.my launches as Malaysia’s first GRI-licensed platform
ESGReports.my, Malaysia’s first and only Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)-licensed ESG reporting platform, has officially launched. Developed by Glomar Ventures, the platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, including AI-powered ESG reporting, consultation, and Exemplar Global-certified auditing and training. This initiative is designed to support Malaysia’s sustainability goals under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, Malaysia MADANI Framework, and National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030.
The platform is a 100% Malaysian-built solution that integrates global ESG frameworks with local expertise. “Our goal is to democratise ESG and make it practical, affordable, and achievable for all Malaysian businesses,” said Vasan Lingan, CEO of ESGReports.my. The platform targets Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which constitute over 97% of Malaysia’s business landscape, aiming to make ESG practices accessible and affordable.
ESGReports.my’s AI-powered reporting engine helps organisations identify key ESG metrics, perform data validation, and generate reports aligned with GRI Standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This technology is complemented by guidance from Exemplar Global-certified consultants, ensuring both technical precision and human insight.
The launch aligns with national policies to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. ESGReports.my plans to collaborate with agencies like MATRADE and SME Corp to expand ESG adoption across Malaysia’s MSME sector. The platform aims to empower over 1,000 MSMEs to compete globally by 2027, contributing to Malaysia’s transition towards a resilient, low-carbon economy.
Powerwell secures RM9.5m data centre project
Powerwell Holdings Berhad, a leading power distribution specialist, has secured a RM9.5m contract through its subsidiary, Kejuruteraan Powerwell Sdn Bhd, to supply switchboards and components for a data centre project in Selangor. This marks the company’s third data centre project win in the financial year 2026, underscoring its growing influence in Malaysia’s expanding data centre sector.
The Managing Director of Powerwell Holdings, Catherine Wong Yoke Yen, expressed satisfaction with the achievement, stating, “The latest award highlights Powerwell’s continued role in supporting the nation’s growing demand for reliable power solutions in data centre developments.” She further noted that Malaysia’s competitive power costs and strong investment appeal are driving the rapid expansion of the data centre industry.
Powerwell aims to leverage its extensive experience and technical capabilities to seize upcoming opportunities, not only in data centres but also in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. Wong added, “With an estimated several gigawatts of total addressable capacity expected over the next five years, Powerwell aims to tap upcoming opportunities by leveraging its experience and technical capabilities.”
As of June 2025, Powerwell’s outstanding order book stands at approximately RM117 million, excluding the new contract. The company, listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad since 2020, continues to expand its footprint, having completed projects in over 10 countries across various sectors.
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Allianz Life launches cancer awareness campaign
Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad has launched the ‘Together, We’ve Got This’ campaign to raise awareness about breast and prostate cancer during Pink October and Movember. The initiative aims to highlight the importance of early detection and regular screening, encouraging Malaysians to take proactive health measures. The campaign comes in response to a significant increase in cancer-related claims, with breast cancer hospitalisation claims rising by 71.5% from 2020 to 2024, and prostate cancer cases more than doubling in the same period.
The campaign underscores the growing need for comprehensive protection and early medical intervention. Allianz Life’s Chief Executive Officer, Charles Ong, emphasised the importance of awareness, stating, “We have seen the growing number of cancer cases reflected in our claims, but we have also seen the difference early detection makes. That is why awareness matters.”
Allianz Life is offering protection solutions such as Prime Care+ and HealthCover Plus, designed to provide comprehensive critical illness coverage. Additionally, customers can benefit from a 20% discount on selected health screening packages by Sunway Healthcare Group if they sign up by 30 November 2025.
This initiative not only aims to reduce the number of cancer cases but also to promote healthier and more confident lives among Malaysians. The campaign is part of Allianz Life’s broader commitment to health protection and community wellbeing.
Oiltek reports mixed financial results for Q3 2025
Oiltek International Limited has released its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2025, revealing a 29.8% drop in revenue compared to the same period last year. Despite this, the company saw a 6.2% increase in profit after tax, attributed to improved gross profit margins in key segments.
The company’s revenue fell from RM67.60m in Q3 2024 to RM47.44m in Q3 2025, primarily due to decreased sales in the Edible & Non-Edible Oil Refinery and Product Sales and Trading segments. However, the Renewable Energy segment showed growth, partially offsetting these declines. Gross profit margins rose by 7.6 percentage points to 37.1%, driven by higher margins in the aforementioned segments.
For the nine months ending 30 September 2025, Oiltek’s revenue decreased by 11.8% to RM148.26m, yet profit after tax increased by 22.9% to RM23.67m. The company’s financial position remains robust, with net assets rising by 9.2% to RM92m, although cash reserves dropped by 12.6% due to dividend payments.
Looking ahead, Oiltek is optimistic about the long-term prospects of the Edible & Non-Edible Oil Refinery and Renewable Energy segments. The global fats and oils market is projected to grow significantly, and the company plans to leverage its engineering expertise to capture larger projects. Additionally, the push for sustainable aviation fuel presents new opportunities, with Southeast Asia positioned as a potential hub. Oiltek’s order book currently stands at RM361.6m, expected to be fulfilled over the next 18 to 24 months.
UOBAM Malaysia unveils United Global Premium Opportunity Fund
UOB Asset Management (Malaysia) Berhad has introduced the United Global Premium Opportunity Fund (UGPROF), marking Malaysia’s first global equity wholesale feeder fund. This fund combines high-quality dividend stocks with a single-stock covered call overwriting strategy, aiming to enhance income through selling call options on owned stocks whilst maintaining exposure to robust companies.
The UGPROF is designed for investors willing to navigate the volatility and risks associated with global equities. Lim Suet Ling, CEO of UOBAM (Malaysia), highlighted the fund’s relevance amidst rising concentration risks, macroeconomic uncertainties, and trade tensions. “Global diversification has never been more critical,” she stated, emphasising the fund’s strategy to capture opportunities and generate returns.
The fund invests primarily in the Fidelity Funds – Global Dividend Plus Fund, managed by Fidelity International, with at least 90% of its net asset value directed towards this target fund. The remaining balance is allocated to liquid assets, including money market instruments and deposits. The target fund employs a bottom-up investment approach, focusing on companies with strong fundamentals and prioritising consistent dividend growers.
Available in five currency classes, the fund’s base currency is the US Dollar. The minimum investment varies by class, starting at $1,000 for the USD Dist class. Investors are encouraged to review the fund’s Product Highlights Sheet and Information Memorandum dated 11 November 2025 before investing. The fund is now open for subscription through selected distributors.
Fiuu reports 32% growth, pioneers Samsung Pay Online
Fiuu, a leading fintech platform in Southeast Asia, has reported a 32% increase in total payment volume for the first three quarters of 2025, processing over $8.3b. This growth is attributed to expanding partnerships with Affin Bank, Pos Malaysia, and PayNet. In a significant development, Fiuu has become the first payment acquirer in Malaysia to enable Samsung Pay Online for e-commerce merchants, enhancing the digital payment landscape.
The introduction of Samsung Pay Online is now live with more than 300 merchants, offering a faster and more secure checkout experience. This move is part of Fiuu’s strategy to advance Malaysia’s digital payment ecosystem and reflects the country’s rapid adoption of digital payments. “Malaysia has moved faster on digital payments than many global markets,” said Eng Sheng Guan, CEO of Fiuu.
Fiuu’s achievements have been recognised with several awards, including the Trusted Payment Partner Award in Southeast Asia from Trip.com and recognition from Deloitte as one of Singapore’s Best Managed Companies for the fourth consecutive year. The company also received accolades from Mastercard for innovation and leadership.
Looking ahead, Fiuu aims to enhance its cross-border services and expand its network across ASEAN markets. The company is committed to supporting SMEs and global merchants by providing secure and scalable payment solutions, positioning itself as a regional payments platform.
Port of Tanjung Pelepas adopts GEP software for contract management
The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia’s premier transshipment hub, has selected GEP Software’s AI-driven contract lifecycle management (CLM) solution to manage and monitor contracts across its business units. The decision, announced by GEP, a global provider of procurement and supply chain software, aims to bolster PTP’s governance, compliance, and scalability as it continues its rapid growth.
PTP, a joint venture between MMC Corporation Berhad and APM Terminals, is currently the world’s fastest-growing port, with a 15.4% increase in the first half of 2025, according to Alphaliner. The port is consistently ranked among the most efficient and connected globally. By implementing GEP’s CLM solution, PTP intends to streamline pre- and post-signature processes, reduce contract risk, and enhance visibility into all contract types for proactive monitoring.
The implementation of GEP’s software is scheduled to go live in February 2026. GEP Software, recognised as a leader in the 2025 Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites, offers a range of digital procurement and supply chain platforms, including GEP SMART and GEP NEXXE. These platforms are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, providing clients with enhanced efficiency, agility, and visibility.
As PTP continues to expand as a premier Southeast Asian hub, the adoption of GEP’s industry-leading CLM solution is expected to support its objectives and drive further growth.
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