A recent survey by Kintone Southeast Asia has revealed a significant trend in Malaysia, where nearly one in three companies are embracing no-code tools to empower employees in creating digital workflows. This shift is enabling frontline workers to become digital problem-solvers, thereby transforming the digital landscape across the nation.

Conducted with almost 1,000 business and IT decision-makers, the 2025 IT Decision-Making Survey highlights that over half of Malaysian companies are actively pursuing digital transformation. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges due to knowledge gaps and limited resources. The survey also identifies project management, file storage, and communication as persistent pain points for businesses.

Security remains a top concern, with 40.4% of decision-makers prioritising reliable security in IT systems. Additionally, 37.4% of respondents expressed worries about data leakage during system rollouts, whilst 35.4% cited a lack of in-house expertise as a major barrier.

Tsubasa Nakazawa, Managing Director of Kintone Southeast Asia, stated, “Digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new tools – it’s about making them usable for the people who drive the business every day. By putting no-code tools directly into the hands of employees, this opens up opportunities for SMEs, including frontline employees to build their own solutions, close the digital skills gap, and build momentum from within.”

The survey underscores the potential for no-code tools to bridge the digital divide in Malaysia, offering a pathway for SMEs to enhance productivity and innovation. As more companies adopt these tools, the role of citizen developers is expected to grow, further shaping Malaysia’s digital economy.

e-pay by NTT DATA has announced the relocation of its Sarawak operations to a new office in Kuching, Malaysia, as of 25 September 2025. This strategic move aims to bolster the company’s ability to serve retail partners and customers across East Malaysia more effectively.

As the largest prepaid top-up and bill collection network in Malaysia, e-pay continues to expand its presence nationwide. The new office is set to provide merchants in Sarawak and beyond with secure, convenient, and reliable electronic payment services. This development is part of e-pay’s ongoing efforts to support businesses of all sizes in meeting the increasing demand for digital transactions and in-store services.

e-pay by NTT DATA empowers thousands of merchants across Malaysia with a comprehensive electronic payment ecosystem. The services offered include mobile reloads, bill payments, game credits, loan repayments, e-wallet top-ups, and travel and entertainment reloads. The company handles over 15 million transactions each month, establishing itself as a trusted provider of seamless in-store digital services.

As a subsidiary of NTT DATA Payment Services, e-pay operates not only in Malaysia but also in Thailand and the Philippines, further solidifying its position as a leading payment solutions provider in the region. The new office in Kuching underscores e-pay’s commitment to enhancing its service delivery and supporting the digital payment needs of its clients.

Eligible members of CPA Australia in Malaysia are set to be the first to participate in a new work placement initiative in Australia, as part of the Young Professionals Exchange Programme. Organised by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this programme aims to enhance business engagement between Australia and Southeast Asia, with Malaysia being the initial market before expansion to other regions.

The programme allows organisations within CPA Australia’s Recognised Employer Programme to apply for participation, matching eligible employees with Australian counterparts. Priya Terumalay, CPA Australia’s Head for Southeast Asia, highlighted the programme as an “exciting opportunity” for members to gain a competitive edge by working in cross-border markets. “We are dedicated to enhancing the global mobility of CPA Australia members,” she stated.

The initiative is open to individuals aged 40 and under with at least three years of professional experience. Placements, recommended to last between three and 12 months, will commence in late 2025 or early 2026. Financial support, including flights, visas, and orientation, is available to facilitate the exchange.

This programme coincides with CPA Australia’s 70th anniversary in Malaysia, where it boasts over 10,500 members. The exchange is expected to benefit both Malaysian and Australian members by providing valuable work and cultural experiences, fostering lasting professional connections, and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. For more details, interested parties can visit the CPA Australia website.

Founder Group Limited, a prominent engineering procurement construction and commissioning (EPCC) solutions provider for solar photovoltaic systems in Malaysia, is poised to capitalise on a significant $4.1b (RM17.4b) contract. This development is expected to drive growth in Malaysia’s renewable energy sector, data centre expansion, and national artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions.

The contract, which represents a 40% increase in EPCC value, is set to sustain sector activity until the end of 2028. Founder Group’s strategic alignment as a pure-play EPCC provider positions it to benefit from the anticipated bottoming of solar panel prices in 2025, which presents cost advantages for EPCC players.

The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GCL Systems Integration Technology Co., Ltd. to collaborate on renewable energy projects valued at up to $220m across Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. Additionally, Founder Group is exploring AI-powered solutions to enhance project management and operations.

Key market opportunities include the LSS Petra and LSS Petra 5 developments, with up to RM12b worth of 6GW installed capacity anticipated by the end of 2027. The Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) is also expected to boost EPCC job flow, potentially adding RM5b in works.

Lee Seng Chi, CEO of Founder Group, stated, “The significant pipeline of projects combined with favourable market conditions creates substantial opportunities for us. We remain committed to advancing Malaysia’s renewable energy goals.”

Founder Group’s initiatives are crucial for providing sustainable power solutions, enabling data centre expansion, and supporting Malaysia’s AI advancements.

A recent study by Milieu Insight has highlighted a significant shift in Malaysian consumer expectations regarding online shopping. Whilst 86% of Malaysians regularly shop online, the study, titled “Beyond the Hype: Malaysians Want Speed and Smarter Shopping in 2025,” reveals that consumers now prioritise reliability, fair delivery costs, and trustworthy service over price alone.

The study found that 67% of respondents desire lower delivery fees, with 51% admitting they have reduced their online shopping due to rising shipping costs. Additionally, 65% of consumers are willing to pay more for better service, and 82% would spend extra for consistently reliable delivery. This indicates a growing demand for smarter and faster logistics solutions.

Consumer loyalty appears fragile, with 49% of respondents ceasing purchases from a seller after a single delivery issue, and 20% abandoning a platform entirely. Furthermore, 35% of respondents refuse to tolerate poor service, even if discounts are offered.

These findings underscore the impact of delivery fees on household budgets and the frustrations associated with refunds and support. As the demand for efficient logistics grows, the study suggests that online platforms must adapt to meet these evolving consumer expectations.

The Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025, a unique fusion of music and athletics, transformed Kuala Lumpur’s city centre into a lively celebration. Jetour, a leading Chinese SUV brand, joined as the exclusive automotive partner, showcasing its DASHING and VT9 models through interactive displays and engagements. The event, held at the iconic KLCC square beneath the Petronas Twin Towers, attracted over 10,000 runners and 30,000 concert-goers.

Jetour’s involvement in MSMR highlights its “Travel+” philosophy, aiming to blend driving with music and sports to create a dynamic lifestyle experience. Since launching its first model in April 2025, Jetour has quickly risen to become one of the best-selling Chinese SUV brands, emphasising its commitment to an exploratory lifestyle.

During the race kit collection period on 18-19 September, participants had the chance to view static displays of Jetour’s models. On the event day, 20 September, Jetour expanded its presence across multiple key locations, further integrating its brand with the vibrant atmosphere of the run. This partnership not only underscores Jetour’s rapid growth but also its innovative approach to redefining the car as a lifestyle choice.

Zurich Insurance Group has unveiled a global study revealing that empathy is a crucial factor for businesses seeking a competitive edge. Conducted in collaboration with Professor Jamil Zaki from Stanford University, the report titled “Addressing the Empathy Gap” highlights a significant disconnect between consumer expectations and their experiences with businesses. The study, based on a YouGov survey of over 11,500 consumers across 11 countries, underscores the importance of empathy in customer interactions.

The findings show that 73% of consumers avoid companies that fail to demonstrate empathy, with 43% having switched brands due to a lack of empathetic engagement. Furthermore, 61% of respondents expressed willingness to pay more for brands that genuinely care. The study also reveals that whilst artificial intelligence (AI) is recognised for its utility, 71% of consumers believe it cannot replicate genuine human connections, and 92% prefer direct human interaction over 24/7 availability.

The report emphasises the need for empathy, particularly in financial services, where 88% of consumers deem it important, yet only 63% feel the industry meets this expectation. Conny Kalcher, Zurich’s Group Chief Customer Officer, stated, “Empathy is key to shaping customer experience and building lasting relationships.”

Zurich’s Global Empathy Training Programme, co-designed with Be Human Partnership, has seen 26% of its global employees complete nearly 46,000 hours of training since 2023. This initiative has led to measurable improvements in customer advocacy and loyalty, with a 7-point rise in the Transactional Net Promoter Score from January 2024 to June 2025. The study advocates for integrating empathy into business strategies to foster trust and sustainable growth.

Allianz Malaysia Berhad has announced its support for the government’s Perlindungan Tenang Voucher (PTV) 3.0 programme through its PerlindunganKu Allianz4All product. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive insurance coverage at affordable premiums, made more accessible with the PTV3.0 vouchers. The programme is designed to enhance social protection, particularly for lower-income households, by offering individual coverage for personal accidents, medical needs, and emergency relief.

Sean Wang, CEO of Allianz Malaysia, stated, “We are committed to supporting the government’s initiative to provide financial security to all eligible Malaysians through the PTV3.0 programme. PerlindunganKu Allianz4All is designed to offer the best coverage in times of need with affordable premiums, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.”

The PTV3.0 programme is available to two million eligible recipients of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) on a first-come, first-served basis, with a redemption period from 1 September to 31 December 2025. STR recipients can redeem a RM30 voucher subsidised by the government to purchase simple and affordable insurance or takaful products.

PerlindunganKu Allianz4All offers two plans tailored to meet diverse needs. Plan 1 provides coverage of up to RM30,000 for death or permanent disablement due to accidents, with additional benefits for hospitalisation and medical expenses. Plan 2 offers higher coverage of up to RM50,000, with increased benefits for hospital income and medical expenses. Both plans include emergency relief in the event of evacuation due to floods.

A unique aspect of PerlindunganKu Allianz4All is the allocation of 53.5% of the premium to a Claims Allocation Fund (CAF), used to pay out claims. Surplus from the CAF is distributed to charitable causes, with a portion allocated to the government for policyholders using PTV3.0. In 2024, Allianz Malaysia distributed a surplus of RM219,148 from the CAF to charitable causes, highlighting its commitment to social responsibility.

PerlindunganKu Allianz4All can be purchased through authorised distributors using PTV3.0 vouchers.

Charge+, a leading electric vehicle (EV) charging company in Southeast Asia, and XPENG Motors, a high-tech firm from China, have announced a strategic partnership to establish a supercharging network across Southeast Asia. This collaboration aims to facilitate long-distance EV travel by offering ultrafast charging speeds of up to 480kW DC, enabling a charge from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes.

The initial phase of the project includes the launch of four supercharging sites located in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. These sites are at Royal Square Novena and Downtown East in Singapore, KL Eco City in Kuala Lumpur, and One Bangkok in Thailand. Charge+ has installed six ultra-fast charging points at KL Eco City, making it the fastest EV charging station in Kuala Lumpur with speeds up to 350kW DC.

The second phase will see the expansion of the supercharging network to additional high-traffic locations, including commercial hubs and motorway rest stops in countries like Indonesia. This initiative aligns with Charge+’s ongoing project to create a 5,000km EV charging highway across five Southeast Asian countries.

XPENG EV owners will benefit from exclusive charging discounts at Charge+ public chargers and the new supercharging hubs for three years. By the end of 2025, XPENG users will be able to access Charge+’s network via the XPENG mobile app, with integration into vehicle dashboards and start-stop charging capabilities.

Goh Chee Kiong, CEO of Charge+, emphasised the partnership’s role in enhancing cross-border EV travel, whilst Gao Xiang, General Manager of XPENG Charging, highlighted the potential for unlocking new opportunities in the region.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) has been named the most connected airport in the Asia Pacific region, according to the latest Megahubs 2025 report by OAG, a leading data platform for the global travel industry. Released on 23 September, the report ranks KUL in joint fourth place globally, highlighting its significant growth in connectivity with a 22% increase in destinations served since 2015.

The report, now in its tenth year, underscores the rising prominence of Asia Pacific’s aviation sector, with three airports making it to the global top 10. Seoul Incheon (ICN) ranks sixth, marking a notable climb from tenth place in 2015, with a 58% increase in potential connections. Tokyo Haneda (HND), however, has dropped to ninth place from third in 2024.

In the Asia Pacific region, KUL, ICN, and HND are the top three most internationally connected airports, followed by Singapore Changi (SIN) and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). The report also highlights Kuala Lumpur’s dominance in low-cost aviation, ranking as the world’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC) Megahub, with AirAsia operating 36% of its flights.

Mayur Patel, Head of ASPAC at OAG, noted, “The Asia Pacific region has cemented its reputation as a global powerhouse in aviation, balancing world-class full-service hubs with dynamic low-cost connectivity.”

The findings reflect the region’s unique ability to cater to diverse traveller needs, reinforcing its status as a pivotal player in global aviation.