ZTE Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CIMB Bank Berhad to establish a strategic cooperation framework aimed at advancing digital infrastructure across ASEAN. This partnership combines ZTE’s telecommunications expertise with CIMB’s financial solutions to support the deployment of next-generation digital infrastructure, particularly 5G networks.

The MoU, formalised in Kuala Lumpur, was signed by Kevin Xiao of ZTE and Freddy Ong of CIMB, with Steven Ge and Denise Wong witnessing the event. The collaboration will explore infrastructure financing, regional network expansion, and cross-border liquidity management. By integrating technical capabilities with strategic banking solutions, the partnership aims to create a holistic ecosystem involving operators, government agencies, regulators, and investors to drive digital transformation in the region.

This expanded partnership is expected to accelerate high-speed connectivity rollout in underserved and rural areas, helping bridge the urban-rural digital divide. It also aligns with regional frameworks like the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, enhancing execution efficiency and scalability for infrastructure projects.

Steven Ge, Vice President of ZTE Corporation, stated, “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing ASEAN’s digital infrastructure and accelerating the deployment of 5G networks.” Kevin Xiao added that integrated financial solutions are crucial for large-scale telecommunications projects. Chu Kok Wei of CIMB highlighted the collaboration’s role in supporting ZTE’s regional expansion through integrated financing and banking solutions.

The partnership builds on an established collaboration in Malaysia, extending its reach to Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia, with broader regional ambitions.

Kingdom Digital has been appointed as the Creative Automation Agency for Malaysia Airlines, following a competitive retainer pitch. This significant partnership will see the agency manage the airline’s global marketing efforts across over 20 countries, utilising its proprietary Digital Creative Automation (DCA) technology to deliver hyper-localised, multi-language assets efficiently.

The collaboration aims to streamline Malaysia Airlines’ marketing operations, allowing for rapid adaptation to fluctuating fares and evolving promotions in the competitive aviation sector. By reducing production turnaround times by up to 80%, the airline can swiftly pivot global campaigns across various digital formats. This approach combines automation with human oversight, ensuring strategic agility and creative quality.

Ryan Ong, CEO of Kingdom Digital, highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership: “At Kingdom Digital, we believe technology should empower people, not replace them. This partnership with Malaysia Airlines allows us to solve real business operational challenges whilst unlocking new creative potential.”

The retainer agreement builds on a relationship that began in July 2024, when Kingdom Digital supported Malaysia Airlines on a project basis. The agency’s comprehensive creative automation pipeline includes dynamic creative templating, multilingual adaptation, and high-volume media versioning, enabling the airline to maintain brand consistency whilst expanding its storytelling capabilities.

This appointment underscores Kingdom Digital’s leadership in Southeast Asia and reflects a growing trend towards hybrid creative-tech models that blend AI with human creativity. Together, Malaysia Airlines and Kingdom Digital are redefining the integration of creativity and automation to inspire trust and confidence in global markets.

Satair has successfully implemented the Swisslog AutoStore system at its Singapore facility, marking a significant advancement in its logistics capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. This installation, announced on 13 April, is Satair’s third global automation deployment, following previous successes in Hamburg and Dulles. The system aims to harmonise and robotise logistics processes, enhancing efficiency and scalability.

The AutoStore system allows for high-density, goods-to-person automation, storing approximately 80% of small and medium-sized parts within a 1,000 m² area. This innovation promises faster, more consistent order processing and supports scalable 24/7 operations, offering improved reliability and flexibility, especially during peak demand periods. Steven Xie, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Swisslog APeC, stated, “By combining Swisslog’s integration expertise with AutoStore’s high-density storage technology, we are enabling Satair to scale efficiently and stay ahead of growing regional demand.”

Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, this project reinforces Singapore’s status as a leading aerospace logistics hub. Andy Lee, Managing Director for Satair Asia-Pacific, highlighted the importance of this development, saying, “The inauguration of AutoStore in Singapore is a pivotal step in our transformative regional growth via technology.”

Swisslog continues to collaborate with Satair to expand its automation capabilities, ensuring the Singapore facility remains a benchmark for operational excellence in the region. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s ongoing efforts to advance digitalisation and build future-ready supply chain capabilities.

Schaeffler, a global leader in motion technology, has announced its role as the official technology sponsor for the 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). The ARRC, Asia’s premier motorcycle racing series, began its 2026 season on 10 April at Sepang, Malaysia. This sponsorship marks Schaeffler’s strategic entry into the two-wheeler racing scene in Asia, reinforcing its position as a technology leader focused on performance and reliability.

Schaeffler’s involvement in the ARRC allows the company to showcase its full system expertise with precision-engineered products designed specifically for two-wheelers. The company views motorsport as more than just competition; it is a proving ground for technology. This aligns with Schaeffler’s goal to drive innovation globally in motion technology.

Maximilian Fiedler, Regional CEO Asia/Pacific of Schaeffler, stated, “Motorsports is a powerful driver for innovation, constantly challenging us to refine and elevate the standards of our technologies.” The partnership with ARRC provides Schaeffler with a platform to highlight its broad technology portfolio, which enables reliability and efficiency in high-performance environments.

The ARRC features six rounds in prominent locations across Asia, offering Schaeffler a significant opportunity to engage with the dynamic two-wheeler landscape in the region. This strategic move is expected to bolster Schaeffler’s presence and influence in the Asian market, potentially leading to further advancements in their technology offerings.

Skyworth PV has officially entered the Malaysian market, hosting its inaugural Brand Launch and Partnership Conference in Kuala Lumpur on 10 April 2026. The event gathered industry experts, local partners, and business leaders to discuss opportunities in Malaysia’s burgeoning distributed solar sector.

The conference featured a welcome session and a video message from Huang Hongsheng, Founder of Skyworth Group, who reiterated the company’s commitment to the new energy industry. He emphasised the significance of localised development in promoting sustainable, low-carbon growth globally.

Wang Chundan, General Manager of Skyworth PV Asia-Pacific, delivered the keynote speech, highlighting Malaysia’s solar market’s robust momentum. He noted that recent policy changes, such as the removal of capacity limits for non-residential photovoltaic (PV) systems, the optimisation of the SELCO mechanism, and the shift from Net Energy Metering (NEM) to Solar ATAP, are transforming the market landscape.

Skyworth PV’s expansion into Malaysia is expected to accelerate the adoption of solar energy solutions, aligning with the country’s renewable energy goals. The company’s strategic partnerships with local entities are anticipated to drive further growth and innovation in the sector. As Malaysia continues to evolve its energy policies, Skyworth PV’s presence is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of solar energy in the region.

CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad have announced a series of targeted assistance measures to support customers impacted by the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. The initiative aims to alleviate financial pressures and ensure cash flow continuity for both individual and business clients, including small and medium enterprises.

The relief measures include up to six months of payment relief on loan and financing facilities for eligible customers. Additionally, business clients can access customised restructuring and rescheduling solutions to manage repayment obligations and maintain operations. Novan Amirudin, Group CEO of CIMB, emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting the economy and its customers during these challenging times. “CIMB is committed to standing alongside our customers as they navigate evolving challenges, ensuring financial support remains available,” he stated.

Customers seeking assistance can apply through the Payment Assistance Programme forms available on CIMB’s website, contact their Relationship Managers, or visit any CIMB branch nationwide. This initiative underscores CIMB’s dedication to providing timely and practical support to help customers manage their financial commitments and sustain business continuity.

CIMB, one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups, is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and operates across several countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. The bank’s extensive network and comprehensive services position it as a key player in the region’s financial landscape.

Nam Cheong Limited, Malaysia’s largest offshore support vessel (OSV) operator, has announced securing RM102.5m in new charter contracts, further cementing its position in the industry. The contracts involve two vessels—a maintenance work vessel and an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel—set to commence operations in 2026 with options to extend for an additional year.

The AHTS vessel will be chartered to Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CNOOC, starting in the first quarter of 2026. The maintenance vessel will begin operations in the second quarter of the same year, supporting various offshore oil and gas activities across Southeast Asia. This development increases Nam Cheong’s fleet under long-term charter to 69%, just shy of its 70% target, enhancing revenue visibility and recurring income.

Chief Executive Officer of Nam Cheong, Leong Seng Keat, commented, “These charter contracts underpin our clients’ confidence in the quality of our fleet. Our average vessel age now stands at 9 years, lower than the market average, which provides a long runway.”

The announcement comes amidst a robust offshore activity environment in Malaysia, driven by energy security concerns and Petronas’ aim to sustain domestic production at approximately 2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day through 2028. With a tight OSV supply due to an ageing fleet and minimal newbuild activity, Nam Cheong remains focused on securing contracts that bolster long-term earnings quality and resilience.

The Milken Institute’s 2026 Global Opportunity Index highlights Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines as Southeast Asia’s leading investment destinations. The report, released on 7 April, underscores the region’s resilience and growth amidst global challenges, attracting significant global capital inflows. The index evaluates investment attractiveness using 101 variables across five categories, including Business Perception and Economic Fundamentals.

Malaysia ranks highest in the region and 23rd globally, buoyed by strong institutions and economic fundamentals. Vietnam follows, ranking second regionally and 39th globally, with impressive economic performance and financial sector development. Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has improved significantly in Financial Services, climbing from 78th to 38th place since 2022. The Philippines, despite strong growth prospects, faces governance and regulatory challenges that may hinder long-term investment.

Matthew Aleshire, director of GeoEconomics at the Milken Institute, noted, “Countries that can maintain macroeconomic stability whilst deepening their financial systems and strengthening governance will be best placed to attract long-term investment.”

The report also highlights Singapore’s consistent ranking among the top 20 most attractive countries for investors, placing 7th globally. The Milken Institute’s index uses data from sources like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, incorporating updated indicators to reflect evolving investment trends. The full report is available on the Milken Institute’s website.

The ACES Institute has unveiled a new research publication, “Doing Things Right, Doing the Right Things: The Scramble for the Soul of an Organisation,” which explores the complex balance between operational efficiency and ethical conviction in modern businesses. The study introduces the 4Cs leadership framework—Creativity, Conscientiousness, Constancy, and Collaboration—to guide organisations in embedding ethical considerations into their operations.

Authored by Ager Freddy, Timothy Benson, and Dr Shanggari Balakrishnan, the research highlights the varied interpretations of “doing the right thing” across different stakeholders, from regulatory compliance to environmental responsibility. The study argues that whilst ethical strategies may incur short-term costs, they can lead to long-term resilience and differentiation.

A case study of Letright Industrial Corp Ltd, led by CEO Ren Li, exemplifies the Constancy pillar of the framework. The company transitioned from using wood to recyclable materials like aluminium, driven by environmental concerns rather than market demand. Despite initial resistance, this shift allowed Letright to innovate and develop products like the Ombra solar smart pergola.

The research underscores the challenges of maintaining an ethical stance amid global economic and political dynamics. It concludes that organisations defining and consistently acting on their values are more likely to achieve lasting relevance. The ACES Institute, a Kuala Lumpur-based research organisation, continues to explore leadership, sustainability, and corporate transformation through its research initiatives.

Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) demonstrated notable resilience in March, closing at 1,690 and outperforming other MIST markets amidst global geopolitical challenges. The index fell by 1.5% month-on-month, a stark contrast to the MSCI Emerging Market Index and the MSCI All Country Asia ex-Japan Index, which plummeted by 13.3% and 13.9% respectively.

The month saw local investors stepping up to absorb a net foreign selling of RM41.7m, as foreign shareholdings dipped to 18.9%. Despite this, local institutions turned net buyers, with a net purchase of RM0.8b, reversing their selling trend from February. Local retail investors also contributed with a marginal net buying of RM39m.

Sector-wise, five out of Bursa Malaysia’s 13 sectorial indices recorded gains, with the plantation sector leading at an 8.6% increase, marking its strongest monthly growth in nearly four years. The industrial production and energy sectors followed with gains of 7.1% and 5.8% respectively. Conversely, the construction, technology, and consumer sectors faced declines.

Among KLCI constituents, Petronas Chemicals, Kuala Lumpur Kepong, and Press Metal Aluminium emerged as top performers, whilst Sunway, Mr DIY, and Gamuda saw the largest declines. The KLCI’s performance highlights its relative stability in a volatile global market, offering a glimpse of optimism for investors navigating uncertain times.