Industry News
Batik Air shifts operations to Changi Terminal 4
Batik Air Malaysia, along with Batik Air Indonesia and Thai Lion Air, will relocate their operations to Terminal 4 at Changi Airport, Singapore, starting 11 November 2025. This strategic move aims to bolster the airline’s regional presence and accommodate its expanding route network across Southeast Asia.
The transition from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4 is part of the Lion Group’s growth strategy, driven by increasing air travel demand. Terminal 4, designed to handle up to 16 million passengers annually, offers advanced facilities, including Changi’s fully automated self-service system, known as FAST, and unique attractions like the Chandelier playground and the Heritage Zone. These enhancements promise a seamless and engaging airport experience for travellers.
Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, CEO of Batik Air Malaysia, stated, “This relocation represents an important step in Lion Group’s long-term growth strategy in Singapore. Terminal 4 offers the capacity and modern infrastructure to support our expanding operations whilst providing passengers with a seamless, world-class airport experience.”
In addition to the terminal move, Batik Air will introduce new routes from Singapore to Ipoh, Penang, and Subang on 8 December 2025. These new services, alongside existing flights to Kuala Lumpur, aim to enhance travel options and support tourism, business, and cultural exchanges in the region, aligning with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Passengers are encouraged to verify their flight details and plan accordingly to take advantage of the improved facilities and connectivity offered by the move to Terminal 4. For more information, travellers can visit Batik Air’s website or download their mobile app.
ASEAN Youth Conference 2025 champions sustainability
The ASEAN Youth Conference (AYC) 2025, held from 6–8 November at Taylor’s University in Kuala Lumpur, brought together more than 100 young leaders from across Southeast Asia. Themed “Youth Role in Building an Inclusive & Sustainable ASEAN Region,” the event focused on fostering youth-driven solutions for regional development and sustainability.
Co-organised by the ASEAN Youth Organisation (AYO) and Taylor’s Centre for Family Business, the conference featured a dynamic mix of panel sessions, workshops, and capacity-building engagements. Speakers from various sectors, including government, academia, and civil society, participated, reflecting a commitment to intersectoral collaboration.
Prof. Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit, Dean of the School of Global Studies at Thammasat University, highlighted the importance of integrating global and local perspectives in her keynote address. “Real transformation is not about replacing what is local with what is global, but about weaving both into a new sense of belonging,” she stated.
The conference also included intensive workshops where delegates developed policy papers aligned with ASEAN priorities. These proposals will be submitted to the ASEAN Secretariat for consideration in the ASEAN Youth Work Plan 2026-2030.
AYO Chairperson Sarah Rauzana emphasised the significance of youth participation, noting the inclusion of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s eleventh member. “Moments like these matter. We want young people to know that their voices are not only heard—they are needed,” she said.
The AYC 2025 continues to be a vital platform for fostering intercultural and multidisciplinary exchange, contributing to a resilient and sustainable ASEAN community.
Tune Talk partners with Truecaller to boost telecom trust
Tune Talk, Malaysia’s fastest-growing mobile network operator, has announced a strategic partnership with Truecaller, the global leader in trusted communication platforms. This collaboration aims to enhance customer interactions by introducing more transparency and reliability in the telecom sector. Through the Truecaller Customer Experience Solution, Tune Talk will ensure that every customer call is transparent and recognisable, featuring a verified business caller ID with the company’s name, logo, and call purpose.
The partnership introduces features such as Business Profile, Call Reason, and Call Me Back, which provide customers with clarity and control over their interactions with Tune Talk. These capabilities are set to redefine customer engagement by ensuring that calls related to account support, loyalty offers, or plan renewals are clearly identified and understood.
Gurtaj Singh Padda, co-founder and CEO of Tune Talk, emphasised the importance of trust in customer relationships, stating, “Partnering with Truecaller allows us to take a proactive step towards greater transparency, clarity, and customer assurance.” Priyam Bose, Global Head of GTM and Developer Products at Truecaller, added, “Our partnership with Tune Talk empowers Malaysian businesses to communicate with their customers in a more transparent, credible, and secure way.”
This initiative underscores Tune Talk’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting a new benchmark for customer engagement in Malaysia’s telecom sector. As Tune Talk continues to digitalise and scale, this partnership is expected to foster stronger, long-term relationships built on trust and transparency.
Grundfos to host Semiconductor Sustainability Summit in Penang
Grundfos, a leader in advanced pump solutions and water technologies, is set to host the Semiconductor Sustainability Summit 2025 on 11 November in Penang, Malaysia. Partnering with Arthur D. Little, the summit will focus on the water-energy nexus, a critical area where water systems impact energy consumption and efficiency. This comes as the semiconductor industry faces rising energy demands, with Scope 2 emissions comprising 77% of its carbon footprint in 2023.
The summit aims to provide practical solutions for reducing energy use and emissions in the semiconductor sector. Jennelle Loo, Regional Senior Manager at Grundfos, emphasised the urgency: “The time to act is now. As the semiconductor industry experiences unprecedented growth, it also faces increasing pressure on energy and water resources.”
Key discussions will include decarbonising operations, leveraging AI and IoT for resource efficiency, and balancing growth with energy intensity. The event will feature a keynote by YB Tuan Zairil Khir Johari, Penang State Executive Councillor, and a panel discussion with industry experts.
Grundfos will also showcase smart water systems, including smart pumps and intelligent temperature control, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing. The summit is open to industry professionals and media, offering insights into sustainable practices for the fast-growing sector. Prior to the event, Grundfos released a whitepaper, “Smart Pumps, Green Tomorrow,” outlining pathways for improved energy efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.
AmMetLife Cultural Run unites Malaysians in celebration
The AmMetLife Cultural Run 2025 saw close to 2,000 Malaysians converge at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur, for a vibrant celebration of the nation’s multicultural heritage. Organised by AmMetLife Insurance Berhad, the event aimed to promote unity and wellness through a morning of fitness and fun.
Participants, dressed in colourful traditional attire, engaged in a series of activities designed to highlight Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscape. The run was not just about physical fitness but also about fostering a sense of community and togetherness among attendees from various backgrounds.
The event underscored the importance of cultural appreciation and healthy living. The success of the AmMetLife Cultural Run 2025 highlights the growing trend of combining cultural events with wellness initiatives, offering participants a holistic experience that benefits both body and mind. As the event concluded, many participants expressed hope for its return in the coming years, further strengthening community bonds and cultural appreciation across Malaysia.
Malaysia Airlines launches year-end travel campaign
Malaysia Airlines has unveiled its “Time for Malaysia Airlines” campaign, encouraging global travellers to plan their year-end holidays and 2026 adventures. The campaign, running until 20 November 2025, offers an exclusive discount of up to 20% on flights across the airline’s extensive network, valid for travel until 31 August 2026.
The campaign aims to inspire travellers to explore new destinations and revisit favourite spots, leveraging Malaysia Airlines’ comprehensive route offerings. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “We are excited to offer our customers the opportunity to explore the world with Malaysia Airlines, providing them with great value and exceptional service.”
This initiative comes as the holiday season approaches, a peak time for travel, and seeks to capture the interest of those planning their next getaway. The airline’s extensive network ensures that travellers have a wide range of destinations to choose from, enhancing the appeal of the campaign.
By offering significant discounts, Malaysia Airlines is positioning itself as a competitive choice for holidaymakers looking to maximise their travel budgets. The campaign not only highlights the airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction but also aims to boost travel activity during the festive season and beyond.
As the campaign progresses, Malaysia Airlines anticipates a positive response from travellers eager to take advantage of the discounts and explore the world with the airline.
AICB hosts global leaders to combat financial crime
The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) has gathered over 50 global experts and more than 1,200 banking professionals at the 15th International Conference on Financial Crime and Counter Terrorism Financing (IFCTF) in Kuala Lumpur. Held from 4 to 6 November 2025, the event aims to address the escalating rates of financial crime through AI-driven solutions and cross-border collaboration.
Malaysia has reported RM112 billion in online fraud losses in the first half of 2025, with scam-related losses reaching nearly RM192 billion by September. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced cooperation and advanced technology to combat financial crime. The conference, supported by Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia, and the Labuan Financial Services Authority, focuses on AI-enabled fraud detection and machine learning-driven compliance.
In his opening remarks, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour emphasised the importance of ethics in sustaining trust within the financial industry. “No algorithm can replace the judgement, integrity, and accountability expected of the financial industry,” he stated. AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim highlighted the alignment between innovation and integrity, noting that “our strength lies in our people—skilled, principled, and vigilant.”
The conference also aligns with Malaysia’s broader commitment to reform, as reflected in Budget 2026, which allocates RM32 million to strengthen legal frameworks and combat scams. The introduction of a new Cyber Crime Bill and expanded capabilities for the National Scam Response Centre are part of these efforts.
Now in its 15th year, IFCTF remains ASEAN’s leading platform for financial crime prevention and compliance excellence, reinforcing AICB’s dedication to advancing digital literacy and ethical leadership in the banking sector.
Steel Hawk diversifies into expanded EPCC segment
Steel Hawk Berhad, a prominent oil and gas services provider, has received shareholder approval to diversify into the Expanded Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) segment. This strategic move, approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting, aims to leverage Steel Hawk’s engineering strengths to explore opportunities in sectors such as utilities, power, and telecommunications.
The diversification is set to broaden Steel Hawk’s earnings base and reduce its reliance on the oil and gas sector. The company plans to capitalise on Malaysia’s growing infrastructure and energy development, including the $3.8b (RM18b) EPCC opportunities from the upcoming LSS 6 solar programme and the rapid development of data centres.
Dato’ Sharman K. Michael, Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of Steel Hawk, stated, “With today’s approvals, the Group is well-positioned to leverage its core engineering strengths to capture opportunities in sectors driven by ongoing infrastructure and energy development.”
Steel Hawk’s first venture outside the oil and gas sector involves a collaboration with Ibrahim & Sons Engineering Sdn Bhd to undertake subcontract works for TNB, valued at $19.5m (RM92.66m). Additionally, the company has secured eight contracts with Sega Elektrik Sdn. Bhd., cumulatively worth $12.8m (RM61m), for TNB’s asset development distribution network.
The company is also reallocating $1.5m (RM7m) from its Initial Public Offering proceeds to enhance working capital, supporting ongoing projects with major clients like PETRONAS. Furthermore, a special issue of up to 70 million new shares will be placed with Bumiputera investors, complying with the Bumiputera Equity Condition set by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
These initiatives are expected to enhance Steel Hawk’s earnings visibility and reinforce its position as a reliable engineering partner in Malaysia’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
Automex debuts in Penang, boosting Malaysia’s Industry 5.0
Automex, Malaysia’s leading automation and smart manufacturing exhibition, has made its debut in Penang, marking a significant step in the nation’s industrial evolution. Running from 4 to 6 November at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, the event is organised by Informa Markets Malaysia and features over 200 global brands showcasing the latest in robotics, industrial automation, and smart factory solutions.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister II, Jagdeep Singh Deo, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) President, Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai, and Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia. The event aims to reinforce Penang’s status as a manufacturing hub and align with the government’s vision for Industry 4.0, advancing towards Industry 5.0.
A key highlight is the collaboration with MSIA, which includes the Silicon Malaysia Conference 2025. This partnership aims to explore new frontiers in manufacturing technology, bridging the automation and semiconductor sectors. “By aligning these strengths, we’re creating opportunities for innovation and growth that will drive Malaysia’s competitiveness well into the future,” said Leeuwenburgh.
Penang, known as the Silicon Valley of the East, contributes nearly 30% of Malaysia’s electrical and electronics exports. The state attracted over RM30 billion in approved manufacturing investments in 2024, with global leaders like MAi, KUKA Robotics, and HP Inc continuing to invest.
Automex Penang is set to become an annual event, connecting local SMEs with global technology providers and advancing Malaysia’s manufacturing story through shared expertise and innovation.
Allianz General urges flood preparedness in Malaysia
Allianz General Insurance Malaysia Berhad has called on the public to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding as the monsoon season and La Nina phenomenon approach. Given Malaysia’s susceptibility to floods, which can severely damage properties and infrastructure and pose significant risks to lives, the company emphasises the importance of readiness.
Sean Wang, CEO of Allianz General, highlighted the necessity of flood preparedness, stating, “We cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared for floods. It is crucial to be aware of the risks and to take the necessary precautions to ensure we stay safe.” The company is committed to equipping policyholders with the necessary resources and support to protect their assets and ensure safety during this period.
Allianz General has released a ‘General Flood Guide’ for commercial and small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) policyholders, offering practical advice for business continuity before, during, and after floods. The guide includes flood preparedness steps and useful contact information for government agencies.
For homeowners, Allianz General’s Smart Home Cover provides protection against ten unexpected events, including floods, hurricanes, and storms. Car owners can opt for Allianz Motor Private Car Comprehensive with special peril coverage for flood protection, whilst motorcyclists can secure similar coverage through Allianz Motorcycle Plus Comprehensive.
Allianz General encourages residents and businesses to review their current insurance coverage and consider adding flood protection options. By taking proactive measures now, individuals and businesses can significantly reduce the impact of floods and expedite recovery.
Join The Community
Thought Leadership Centre
Malaysia secures RM7m bioeconomy deals with Taiwan
Olam Agri expands strategy post-SALIC takeover
Temasek shophouse boosts local growers with new market
CIMB Islamic injects investment into agropreneurship
Maybank extends S$65M to support Singapore’s fourth egg farm
Aonic secures $10m funding for drone expansion
Asian protein buyers trail in sustainability efforts
Allianz expands Orang Asli program, impacts 1,318 villagers
GAR, Arkadiah tackle flawed forest carbon metrics


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.







