Industry News
DayOne clinches 1GW energy deal in Malaysia
DayOne Data Centres Limited, a Singapore-based global digital infrastructure company, has announced a significant partnership with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to secure over 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy in Malaysia. The agreement, signed on 4 June in the presence of Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim and senior Malaysian officials, includes approximately 1.5 gigawatts peak (GWp) of solar capacity and 2.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery energy storage. This initiative positions DayOne as one of the first companies to transition from renewable energy intent to full contractual execution under the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS).
The collaboration with TNB is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional digital infrastructure hub whilst supporting the country’s renewable energy ambitions. The project will involve ground-mounted solar and hybrid hydro floating solar (HHFS) installations, marking a significant step in Malaysia’s efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio.
DayOne’s move into the Malaysian market is seen as a strategic effort to leverage the country’s growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. By integrating advanced solar and battery storage technologies, the partnership aims to enhance energy efficiency and reliability, contributing to Malaysia’s long-term sustainability goals.
Jamie Khoo, Chief Executive Officer of DayOne, stated, “We are proud to be TNB’s largest customer and contribute to the stability of the national grid. This partnership strengthens our ability to grow in Malaysia with greater energy resilience while supporting our customers’ sustainability ambitions.”
The agreement underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the transition to renewable energy. As Malaysia continues to develop its digital infrastructure, collaborations like this are crucial in meeting the increasing energy demands whilst reducing carbon emissions. The successful execution of this project could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the region, potentially accelerating the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
ENERtec Asia 2026 forces Malaysia’s energy shift
ENERtec Asia 2026 has announced a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to bolster Malaysia’s digital economy through renewable energy and battery storage innovations. The collaboration, revealed on 30 May 2026, aims to position Malaysia as a regional hub for clean energy investments, addressing the surging electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres.
The event, co-located with The Energy Transition Conference by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, will be held from 3 to 5 June 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It will explore the integration of AI, renewable energy, and advanced storage technologies in reshaping industrial operations and infrastructure planning across ASEAN.
MIDA’s CEO, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “By leveraging AI to revolutionise our energy infrastructure, we can fast-track our net-zero goals.” The collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s aspirations to become a preferred destination for next-generation energy technologies.
The event, organised by Informa Markets Malaysia and co-hosted by The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia, is expected to attract over 12,000 industry professionals and 1,000 companies from 60 countries. Highlights include the WATTS NEXT seminar, focusing on AI’s role in energy efficiency and showcasing utility-scale battery storage solutions.
As Malaysia accelerates its transition towards decarbonisation and digitalisation, ENERtec Asia 2026 serves as a strategic platform connecting policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to shape the region’s sustainable energy future.
Maybank posts net profit RM2.48b in Q1 FY26
Maybank has announced a net profit of RM2.48b for the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, a 4.2% decline from RM2.59b in the same period last year. The bank’s performance was bolstered by improved net interest margins, disciplined cost management, and higher core fees from wealth and investment banking activities, despite a challenging market environment.
The bank’s net fund-based income grew by 3.2% year-on-year to RM5.11b, driven by an improved net interest margin of 2.14%, up from 2.04% a year earlier. However, non-interest income fell to RM1.99b due to weaker trading and market-related income. Maybank’s operating income decreased by 7.9% to RM7.10b.
In Singapore, Maybank reported an 8.4% year-on-year increase in profit before tax to S$194.39m, supported by a 27.5% rise in net fund-based income to S$246.17m. This growth was attributed to lower re-priced funding costs, which offset softer earning-asset income.
Maybank’s President and Group CEO, Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, highlighted the group’s steady earnings and strong balance sheet fundamentals, stating, “Maybank continued to deliver steady earnings supported by stronger net interest margin, prudent cost management and broadly stable asset quality during the quarter.”
The bank’s liquidity and capital positions remain robust, with a Group Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 133.3% and a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 14.96%. As Maybank progresses with its ROAR30 strategy, it aims to deepen regional connectivity across ASEAN and advance sustainable growth amidst ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Lockton taps Thangavelu to tackle operational hurdles
Lockton has announced the appointment of Siva Thangavelu as Chief Operating Officer of Lockton Sime Malaysia, aiming to drive regional transformation and operational excellence. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Siva brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles at Swiss Re, CIMB, Marsh McLennan, Royal Bank of Canada, and HSBC.
Siva’s career highlights include leading major transformation initiatives across Asia Pacific, training over 600 individuals in process improvement methodologies, and delivering numerous projects focused on automation and operational performance improvements. At Marsh, he managed a 50-member team, enhancing service delivery in Malaysia and Indonesia.
His educational background includes an MBA from the University of Strathclyde, and he is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Siva is also recognised for his commitment to community impact, having led mental health initiatives and digital-inclusion programmes.
Nicholas Lee, CEO of Lockton Sime Malaysia, expressed confidence in Siva’s ability to elevate the company’s operational capabilities, stating, “Siva’s breadth of experience across global financial institutions and his demonstrated leadership in driving transformation make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team.”
Lockton, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, operates in over 160 countries and is known for its independence and client-focused service. Siva’s appointment comes as Lockton Sime Malaysia accelerates its growth ambitions and strengthens operational resilience in the region.
Allianz Malaysia unveils tool to tackle financial unpreparedness
Allianz Malaysia Berhad has unveiled the Life Planner calculator on its MyAllianz platform, a digital tool designed to simplify financial planning for Malaysians. This initiative addresses the increasing need for financial clarity, particularly in areas like retirement planning and financial protection for dependants.
Recent statistics reveal that only 41% of Employees Provident Fund members have reached the basic savings benchmark, with just over 10% on track for a comfortable retirement. This underscores the necessity for accessible financial tools. Allianz Malaysia’s CEO, Sean Wang, emphasised the company’s commitment to empowering Malaysians with financial confidence, stating, “The Life Planner is designed to make that first step easier.”
The Life Planner offers two main tools: the Retirement Calculator, which assesses retirement goal progress and potential savings gaps, and the Life Value Calculator, which evaluates the financial impact on dependants in case of income loss. These tools provide a comprehensive view of financial readiness by considering EPF savings, investments, and other assets.
Unlike traditional calculators, the Life Planner offers an integrated experience, allowing users to store results securely and connect with insurance advisers without any initial commitment. To promote the tool, Allianz Malaysia has launched the ‘Allianz Plan & Win’ campaign, running until 7 June 2026, offering participants a chance to win prizes such as Dyson products and RM200 Touch ‘n Go credits. For more information, visit the MyAllianz portal.
Grab slashes booking times in SG-JB pilot
Grab has announced updates to its Cross-Border SG-JB (Beta) pilot, which has completed over 1,000 rides since its launch on 4 May 2026. The service, connecting Singapore with areas in Malaysia such as Johor Bahru and Iskandar Puteri, now features a shortened advance booking window and streamlined return bookings. Passengers can book rides just six hours in advance, down from the previous 12-hour requirement. Additionally, an automated notification will prompt passengers to book their return journey immediately after securing their initial ride.
Alvin Wee, Senior Director of Transport & Country Operations at Grab Singapore, expressed gratitude to passengers and taxi driver-partners for their feedback, which has been instrumental in shaping these updates. “With the June holidays coming, we expect an increase in Singapore-Malaysia trips among families and friends, and we look forward to supporting such travel needs,” he said.
To encourage more commuters to try the service during the upcoming school holidays, Grab is increasing its cross-border ride discount to up to 30% from 29 May to 28 June 2026, up from the initial 20% discount offered earlier in May. As the first platform to receive the Cross-Border Ride-Hail Service Operator Licence under the enhanced Cross-Border Taxi Scheme, Grab aims to refine its operations and deliver a reliable service by working closely with regulators, taxi driver-partners, and passengers.
CIMB profit remains resilient in Q1 2026
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has announced a net profit of RM1.9b for the first quarter ending 31 March 2026, achieving a return on equity of 11.0% and earnings per share of 17.8 sen. The group’s performance, despite foreign exchange and geopolitical challenges, was bolstered by the disciplined execution of its Forward30 strategy.
The group’s operating income remained steady at RM5.4 billion, with non-interest income rising by 11.9% quarter-on-quarter to RM1.7b, driven by stronger trading and foreign exchange income. This increase helped offset a 5.0% decline in net interest income, which fell to RM3.7b due to a slight compression in the net interest margin. However, signs of stabilisation were noted, with net interest margin expanding in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
CIMB’s total assets and gross loans saw marginal growth, whilst its Cash-led strategy improved the current account savings account ratio to 43.3% by March 2026. Operating expenses decreased by 5.5%, enhancing the cost-to-income ratio to 47.2%.
The Forward30 strategy is showing results, with the group maintaining disciplined capital allocation and executing a Cash-led approach to optimise funding costs. Cross-sell initiatives have increased customer income, and the group is expanding its wealth franchise with new propositions in Thailand and Indonesia.
Novan Amirudin, Group CEO, stated, “We are encouraged by the resilience of our performance and the early signs of NIM stabilisation, supported by disciplined balance sheet management and sustained customer activity across our core markets.”
Looking forward, CIMB remains cautiously optimistic, focusing on disciplined capital allocation and robust asset quality to deliver sustainable performance and long-term value for stakeholders.
Sandoz Malaysia disrupts NHL and RA treatment landscape
Sandoz Malaysia has partnered with Alpro Pharmacy to launch the first biosimilar treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients in Malaysia. This strategic collaboration, formalised through a recent agreement, aims to improve patient access to affordable, quality treatment, particularly for those referred from government hospitals.
The integration of Sandoz biosimilars into Alpro Pharmacy’s OncoHelp Programme is set to broaden treatment pathways for NHL and RA patients. Christine Chong, Country Head of Sandoz Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, highlighted the importance of biosimilars in expanding access to proven treatment options, especially in oncology and chronic immune-related conditions. “In Malaysia, NHL is the eighth most common cancer, often requiring long-term and costly treatment,” she said. “This collaboration is crucial in providing more affordable treatment and continuous care support.”
Alpro Pharmacy’s OncoHelp Programme offers a comprehensive support service for cancer patients and their families, aiming to make cancer care more accessible and understandable. Joelle Wong Pei Sen, Alpro OncoHelp Programme Lead, emphasised the role of community pharmacies in patient support, stating, “Through OncoHelp, we provide counselling, medication guidance, and continuous care coordination.”
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare access and sustainability in Malaysia. It combines Sandoz’s expertise in biosimilars with Alpro Pharmacy’s extensive community network, supporting thousands of families nationwide. As Malaysia faces increasing challenges in managing cancer and chronic immune conditions, timely access to treatment remains critical.
MAG slashes CO₂ emissions by 103,000 tonnes
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing significant strides in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities. Released on 26 May 2026, the report reveals a reduction of 103,424 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions through enhanced fuel efficiency, achieving total fuel savings of 30,036 tonnes.
MAG’s fleet modernisation programme is a key component of its sustainability strategy, with the introduction of next-generation aircraft such as the A330neo and Boeing 737-8. These aircraft contribute to improved fuel performance and reduced emissions. Additionally, the proportion of MAG’s fleet meeting the stringent International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Chapter 14 noise standards increased from 8.6% in 2023 to 15.6% in 2025.
In a pioneering move, MAG completed its first pilot Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) uplift on the Kuala Lumpur–London route, in collaboration with PETRONAS. The group also implemented a 2% SAF uplift for flights departing from the UK and Europe, aligning with international regulatory requirements.
Philip See, MAG’s Group Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasised the importance of sustainability in the group’s Long-Term Business Plan 3.0, stating, “Sustainability remains a key enabler of our Long-Term Business Plan 3.0 (LTBP3.0), supporting our ambition to build a more resilient and future-ready aviation Group whilst progressing towards our long-term decarbonisation ambitions.”
Beyond environmental efforts, MAG has made notable progress in workforce diversity, with 51% of its over 1,000 new hires in 2025 being women. The group also launched initiatives to encourage female participation in aviation careers, reaching nearly 500 students nationwide.
MAG continues to foster partnerships and initiatives that support sustainability, digitalisation, and employee-led programmes, reinforcing its commitment to responsible growth and long-term value creation.
IHH Healthcare boosts dividend amid FY2025 gains
IHH Healthcare, a leading multinational healthcare provider, announced significant progress in its transformation journey during its 16th Annual General Meeting for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. Shareholders approved all 10 resolutions, including the re-election of directors and the re-appointment of KPMG as auditors.
The Group reported an 18% increase in core revenue to RM26.2b and a 14% rise in EBITDA to RM5.8b. Profit after tax and minority interests (PATMI), excluding exceptional items, grew by 3% to RM2.3b. This strong performance led to a higher total ordinary dividend of 10.5 sen per share for FY2025, up from 10.0 sen in FY2024, representing over 40% of PATMI.
IHH’s transformation initiatives include a cloud-based treasury management platform and an integrated enterprise system across finance, human resources, and procurement. These efforts aim to enhance process effectiveness and supply chain resilience, with rollouts beginning in Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong from Q4 2026.
The Group also achieved 14 out of 16 sustainability targets for 2025 and launched its 2030 sustainability goals, focusing on emissions reduction and resource management. Despite volatile macro conditions, IHH expects strong demand for quality healthcare and plans to expand its services in Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Türkiye.
With disciplined capital allocation and technology-driven productivity, IHH is on track to achieve a double-digit return on equity by 2028, delivering sustainable value for its stakeholders.
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