Airwallex, a global financial and payments platform, has announced its full commercial launch in Malaysia after obtaining e-money issuance and Class A licences from Bank Negara Malaysia. These approvals allow Airwallex to offer a comprehensive suite of financial services, positioning it as one of the few non-bank entities in Malaysia with such capabilities.

The new licences enable Airwallex to provide a unified platform supporting payments, foreign exchange (FX), and multi-currency accounts. This development is timely as Malaysian businesses increasingly expand internationally, necessitating scalable financial infrastructure. Arnold Chan, General Manager for Asia-Pacific at Airwallex, stated, “Malaysia is a strategic market for Airwallex, and these approvals enable us to bring our full financial infrastructure to businesses on the ground.”

Building on its existing Class B Money Services Business licence and Registered Merchant Acquirer status, Airwallex has processed over RM2b in remittance volume in 2025. The company plans to double its local team in 2026, reflecting its commitment to the Malaysian market.

Airwallex’s expansion comes as Malaysia’s digital economy is set to contribute 30% of GDP by 2030, highlighting the growing need for seamless financial services. As Chan noted, “We provide the infrastructure businesses need to operate more efficiently and with greater control.”

With these regulatory approvals, Airwallex is poised to support Malaysian businesses in their global operations, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a regional growth hub.

NEC Corporation of Malaysia has announced the appointment of Takayuki Inaba as its new Managing Director, effective immediately. Inaba, who also serves as President and CEO of NEC Asia Pacific, brings nearly 40 years of experience at NEC Corporation. His extensive background in driving business growth and forming strategic partnerships across Asia positions him as the ideal leader to guide NEC Malaysia through its next phase of development.

Inaba’s career at NEC is marked by significant leadership roles, including his tenure as Chairman and President of NEC India Pvt. Ltd. and Chairman Representative of NEC (China) Co., Ltd. These roles have equipped him with the expertise to expand NEC’s presence in some of Asia’s most dynamic markets. His appointment is expected to bolster NEC Malaysia’s strategic initiatives and enhance its competitive edge in the region.

The decision to appoint Inaba underscores NEC’s commitment to strengthening its operations in Malaysia, a market seen as pivotal for the company’s growth in Southeast Asia. With Inaba at the helm, NEC Malaysia aims to leverage his experience to drive innovation and expand its market share in the telecommunications and technology sectors.

Inaba’s leadership is anticipated to play a crucial role in navigating the challenges and opportunities within Malaysia’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. As NEC Malaysia embarks on this new chapter, the company is poised to enhance its contributions to the local economy and reinforce its position as a leader in technology solutions.

Sunrate, a global payment and treasury management platform, has inaugurated a new office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of its strategic expansion across Southeast Asia. The office, located at Menara Binjai, offers a larger workspace to accommodate Sunrate’s growing team and enhance its global operations network.

The new facility will support various functions, including operations, customer experience, product development, and regional business support. This expansion underscores Sunrate’s commitment to Malaysia as a strategic hub for fintech talent and operational excellence. “Malaysia is an important market for Sunrate and a key part of our global strategy,” said Paul Meng, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunrate.

Malaysia has rapidly become a significant centre for fintech and digital finance in Southeast Asia, bolstered by a strong talent pool and a supportive regulatory environment. Sunrate’s expanded presence in Kuala Lumpur highlights the company’s confidence in Malaysia’s role as a burgeoning regional fintech hub. Tey Jing Ying, Country Manager for Malaysia, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “We are excited to continue growing our presence here and contributing to Malaysia’s vibrant fintech ecosystem.”

The Kuala Lumpur office will collaborate closely with Sunrate’s teams across Asia, Europe, and other regions, supporting the company’s expanding global operations. As digital commerce continues to grow, Sunrate remains focused on building infrastructure that facilitates seamless cross-border money movement. Founded in 2016, Sunrate operates in over 190 countries and partners with major financial institutions, including Citibank and Standard Chartered.

Base Maintenance Malaysia (BMM), a subsidiary of SIA Engineering Company Limited, has celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of 55 trainee technicians. This marks a significant step in developing skilled talent for Malaysia’s aerospace sector amid rising demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Technician Trainee Programme, introduced by BMM, aims to strengthen Malaysia’s aerospace talent pipeline and support the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem. Over 100 technicians have been enrolled in the programme, which combines classroom learning with hands-on experience over 12 months. The curriculum covers aircraft maintenance fundamentals, safety, regulatory compliance, and on-the-job training.

The graduation ceremony, officiated by Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Counsellor for Investment, Trade and Mobility, highlights the collaboration between industry and government to develop a sustainable skilled talent pipeline. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, which seeks to enhance the nation’s capabilities as a regional MRO hub.

BMM has partnered with local aviation training institutions, including Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology, ADMAL Aviation College, and APR Aviation Training Centre, to provide students with real-world maintenance operations exposure. “Developing skilled Malaysian aerospace professionals is central to our long-term investment in Malaysia’s aerospace sector,” said Lee Yang Loong, CEO of BMM.

As global MRO demand grows, BMM’s efforts to cultivate a robust local talent pipeline are seen as essential for the industry’s future.

Swisslog, a leader in automated intralogistics solutions, is bolstering its support for Southeast Asian customers through a revamped organisational structure for the Asia Pacific excluding China (APeC) region. This strategic move, announced on 31 March 2026, aims to enhance resource availability and integration across markets, including Australia and New Zealand.

The new structure will be led by Steven Xie, who has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Managing Director, based in Malaysia. Xie, who joined Swisslog in 2017, emphasised the growing demand for scalable automation solutions in response to e-commerce growth and labour constraints. “Bringing our markets closer together allows us to share engineering expertise, project experience, and innovation across borders,” Xie stated.

Swisslog’s Malaysia office, which hosts one of the company’s three global Research and Development teams, will play a pivotal role in this integration. The office’s expertise in software development and customer service will be shared across the Asia Pacific region, facilitating knowledge transfer and collaboration.

The company’s “Ready for the Next” strategy underscores its commitment to being a lifetime automation partner. This approach focuses on delivering resilient and scalable solutions that adapt to changing demands and fulfilment models. “Being Ready for the Next means staying accountable for the outcome long after go-live,” Xie explained.

Under the new APeC structure, Swisslog aims to provide enhanced access to engineering expertise, improved scalability for large projects, and stronger coordination across supply chains. This initiative reflects Swisslog’s dedication to supporting long-term growth strategies and building resilient automation strategies for its Southeast Asian customers.

Jolicare, Malaysia’s leading herbal repair cream brand, has officially launched in Australia, marking its first venture outside Southeast Asia. The brand’s flagship products, Jolicare Cream and Jolicare Lotion, are now available for purchase online at jolicare.au. This expansion brings Jolicare’s trusted herbal solutions, which have already garnered over 100,000 customers, to Australian families for the first time.

The decision to enter the Australian market was driven by increasing demand from Australian consumers, even before Jolicare established a physical presence. “We didn’t come to Australia to be just another option on the shelf. We came because we know what this product does for people, and Australians deserve access to it,” said Caleb Wong, CEO of Jolicare.

The brand’s journey to Australia began two years ago when an Australian customer discovered Jolicare and shared their positive experience. Since then, interest and orders from Australia have steadily increased, prompting the brand to expand its reach. Many Australian families, particularly parents, have been seeking a reliable herbal alternative for their children’s sensitive skin.

Jolicare’s entry into the Australian market not only addresses the needs of those with dry, itchy, and sensitive skin but also signifies the brand’s commitment to providing effective and lasting skin repair solutions. As Jolicare continues to grow, its presence in Australia may pave the way for further international expansion.

OculloSpace, a space startup from Singapore and Malaysia, is set to launch its first satellite, DECIMALSAT1, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-16 mission. This launch represents a significant achievement for Malaysia’s burgeoning space ecosystem, offering a platform for educational collaboration with several Malaysian universities.

DECIMALSAT1’s mission is not only a technical feat but also an educational opportunity. The satellite project involves partnerships with Malaysian universities, providing students with practical experience in satellite engineering and space technology. This initiative aims to inspire and equip the next generation of engineers and scientists in Malaysia.

The integration of DECIMALSAT1 into the SpaceX mission underscores the growing capabilities and ambitions of Southeast Asian space ventures. By participating in the Transporter-16 mission, OculloSpace is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s space industry, fostering innovation and collaboration.

The launch of DECIMALSAT1 is scheduled to take place soon, marking a new chapter for OculloSpace and the Malaysian space sector. As the satellite prepares for its journey, the collaboration with educational institutions highlights the broader impact of space exploration on science and technology education in the region.

Hilton has announced the opening of its new Hilton Garden Inn in Tuaran, marking the brand’s debut in the area and expanding its presence in East Malaysia. Situated along a serene beachfront, the hotel provides a tranquil escape approximately 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, offering easy access to Sabah’s natural attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Kinabalu National Park.

The 167-room hotel is designed for both leisure and business travellers, featuring king and twin configurations, family and accessible rooms, and premium options with private patios. Guests can enjoy amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel’s dining experience is highlighted by Together & Co., an all-day restaurant and bar serving a blend of Western and Malaysian dishes.

Alexandra Murray, Hilton’s area vice president and regional head of South East Asia, expressed excitement about the new opening, stating, “Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran offers a refreshingly uncomplicated beachfront retreat where families and travellers can switch off, recharge and enjoy a stay defined by welcoming comforts, dependable service and an approachable sense of hospitality.”

The hotel also caters to corporate events with a 164-square-metre multi-purpose hall accommodating up to 80 guests. To celebrate the opening, Hilton Honors members will earn an additional 1,000 points per night for stays from 26 March to 26 June 2026.

CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has announced a strategic collaboration with Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad to advance Malaysia’s Islamic capital markets. This initiative is part of the SC’s Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030 and involves a pilot project under the SC’s ICM Innovation Lab, known as FIKRALab. The project seeks to expand the range of investible options for Shariah-compliant funds, tapping into ASEAN’s Islamic banking growth.

CIMB, a leading Islamic banking franchise in ASEAN, is leveraging its strong market position to deepen its Islamic banking operations. Currently, over half of its Malaysian financing is Shariah-compliant, and its Indonesian subsidiary, CIMB Niaga, is transitioning to a full-fledged Islamic bank. Group CEO Novan Amirudin expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “CIMB’s participation reflects our continued advocacy in capital market and digital innovation.”

The collaboration aligns with CIMB’s Forward30 strategy, which prioritises Islamic finance as a growth engine focused on scale, innovation, and sustainability. By participating in this initiative, CIMB aims to contribute significantly to the evolution of Malaysia’s capital markets, enhancing innovation, resilience, and international competitiveness.

CIMB, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second-largest financial services provider by assets. With a presence across ASEAN and beyond, CIMB continues to expand its influence in the Islamic banking sector.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has strengthened its global academic reputation with significant advancements in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, released by Quacquarelli Symonds. UTM’s notable achievements include a rise in the Engineering and Technology category from 102 to 86, and in Natural Sciences from 227 to 197. The university’s Petroleum Engineering programme climbed to 36th position globally, whilst Architecture and Built Environment entered the top 50, moving up from the 51-100 bracket.

UTM now holds the top national rank in Malaysia across four key disciplines: Architecture and Built Environment, Mineral and Mining Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. It also ranks second nationally in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the broader Engineering and Technology category, with Petroleum Engineering securing the third spot.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Ts Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim attributed these successes to UTM’s commitment to academic excellence, high-impact research, and strategic collaborations. “These achievements reflect the university’s unwavering commitment to strengthening academic excellence, high-impact research, and strategic collaborations with industry partners and international institutions,” he stated.

The university’s progress aligns with its UTM ASCEND 2030 aspirations, aiming to reinforce its position as a global technological leader. UTM continues to focus on innovation, research excellence, and talent development, contributing to national development and global societal wellbeing. Established in 1904, UTM is a research-intensive public university specialising in engineering, science, and technology, with a growing international profile.