HG Metal Manufacturing Limited has announced that its subsidiary, HG Metal Investments Pte Ltd, will acquire 18 million Class B Preference Shares in Malaysian steel manufacturer Eden Flame Sdn. Bhd. for RM18m (approximately S$5.68m). This investment is part of HG Metal’s strategy to enhance its supply chain in the regional steel market and support the transition to low-carbon steel solutions.

Eden Flame, located in Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru, is set to commence operations by Q3 2026, specialising in low-carbon electric arc furnace (EAF) steel. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 500,000 metric tonnes, focusing on rebars, a high-demand product in Southeast Asia. The Class B Shares, convertible into ordinary shares, represent about 4.4% of Eden Flame’s post-completion enlarged shares.

The acquisition aligns with Singapore’s carbon tax trajectory and the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which have increased demand for greener construction materials. HG Metal’s CEO, Xiao Xia, stated, “This upstream investment will not only provide us a reliable and competitive source for low-carbon steel, but will also help to position HG Metal for the future as the demand for low-carbon steel in Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia increases.”

Eden Flame is a subsidiary of Green Esteel Pte. Ltd., the controlling shareholder of HG Metal, making this an Interested Party Transaction under SGX regulations. The investment will be funded through HG Metal’s internal resources and previously raised capital.

BIG CARiNG Group, Malaysia’s largest pharmacy chain, has announced a partnership with Lark, a leading productivity platform in Southeast Asia, to transform its digital healthcare operations. This collaboration will see Lark’s productivity tools deployed across BIG CARiNG Group’s extensive network of over 600 community stores, aiming to streamline operations and improve customer service.

Lark will act as the central hub, connecting BIG CARiNG Group’s headquarters, retail outlets, and distribution centres. This integration is designed to enhance team collaboration and enable quicker responses to customer and market demands. By improving internal processes, the partnership aims to allow staff to focus more on delivering high-quality healthcare services.

The initiative marks a strategic shift towards digital healthcare transformation for BIG CARiNG Group. By digitising and unifying daily operations, the group seeks to boost organisational efficiency and staff productivity. Lark’s platform will be pivotal in streamlining communications, managing workflows, and centralising information.

Key applications of this partnership include an all-in-one collaboration tool that integrates communication, approvals, forms, and ticketing into a single platform. This reduces the need for platform switching, thereby improving efficiency. Additionally, Lark’s tools will standardise and digitise processes, using Lark Base and Wiki to unify workflows and store checklists and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring better compliance.

This partnership is expected to significantly enhance BIG CARiNG Group’s operational capabilities and customer experience, setting a new standard in digital healthcare services.

AWC Berhad, a leading engineering services group listed on the Main Market, has announced promising prospects following its 24th Annual General Meeting. The company, headquartered in Subang Jaya, has secured new contracts worth RM382m, setting a strong foundation for the financial year 2026 (FY26). Group CEO Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor expressed optimism about the company’s outlook, highlighting the contracts’ contribution to earnings visibility and recurring revenue.

AWC’s diverse divisions are poised for growth. The Facilities Division is preparing for a new concession tender, whilst the Environment Division anticipates market expansion in Singapore and the Middle East. The Engineering Division is actively tendering for data centre projects in Malaysia and Singapore, with ongoing projects progressing well. The Rail Division recently secured a RM60m contract for the LRT Ampang Line and is eyeing opportunities in upcoming rail infrastructure projects like the Penang LRT and MRT3.

As of September 2025, AWC’s order book stands at RM528m, excluding six additional contracts worth RM370 million secured after the quarter’s close. The company reported a total dividend of 1.25 sen per share for FY25, reflecting a 16.5% payout ratio based on earnings per share of 7.5 sen. AWC Berhad continues to see ample growth opportunities across its divisions, reinforcing its position in the engineering services sector.

AWC Berhad, a prominent engineering services group, has secured a RM52.3m contract for the facilities management and maintenance of Kompleks Masjid Putra in Putrajaya. The contract, awarded by Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia, will commence on 1 February 2026 and run until 30 April 2031. This latest win brings AWC’s total contract awards for FY26 to RM382m.

The Group’s CEO, Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor, expressed confidence in the company’s continued success, stating, “Our contract win momentum continues with this latest award, bringing our total job wins in FY26 to a solid RM382m. It further strengthens our presence in Malaysia’s facilities management space, supported by our strong track record and deep expertise.”

AWC’s order book stood at RM528 million as of 30 September 2025, excluding six additional contracts worth RM370m secured after that date. The company anticipates that the new contract will contribute to its earnings in FY26, with a promising outlook for capturing further opportunities across its key divisions, including Facilities, Environment, Engineering, and Rail.

AWC Berhad, headquartered in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, operates across Asia and the Middle East, offering integrated facilities management services. Its environment division, Stream Group Sdn. Bhd., is renowned for its automated pneumatic waste collection systems, having completed over 370 projects globally.

VSure Group and HEYDOC Health have unveiled the CareConnect Suite, a digital platform designed to improve employee benefits for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. This initiative addresses the evolving needs of the modern workforce by bridging gaps in healthcare and protection services.

The CareConnect Suite integrates VSure’s EzPA, which offers personal accident protection and hospital income benefits, with HEYDOC Health’s FutureK, a digitally integrated outpatient care model. This combination aims to provide SMEs with a comprehensive solution that is both affordable and accessible.

The launch of CareConnect Suite is part of VSure’s broader VSure SME Pro programme. This initiative is expected to transform how SMEs in Malaysia manage employee benefits, offering a more streamlined and efficient approach to healthcare and protection.

According to the companies, the new suite reflects a growing demand for digital healthcare solutions that cater to the unique needs of SMEs. By leveraging technology, VSure and HEYDOC Health aim to provide a seamless experience for both employers and employees, enhancing overall workplace satisfaction and productivity.

The collaboration between VSure and HEYDOC Health marks a significant step in the digital transformation of healthcare services for SMEs in Malaysia. As the demand for innovative employee benefits continues to rise, the CareConnect Suite is poised to set a new standard in the industry.

Island Hospital has been named Malaysia’s first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital, a prestigious accolade recognising its high standards in care, safety, and patient experience for international patients. The announcement was made by Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, highlighting the hospital’s role in anchoring Malaysia’s global medical tourism growth.

The Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital (FMTH) programme, launched in 2022, aims to identify hospitals capable of boosting Malaysia’s medical tourism sector. Island Hospital emerged as the top performer among four finalists and is the sole representative from Penang. The programme is spearheaded by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) under the Ministry of Health, with support from the Malaysian Government.

Independent assessments by experts, including IQVIA and Joint Commission International (JCI), evaluated hospitals on clinical quality, patient safety, experience, innovation, and operational performance. This initiative is a key component of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025, which seeks to position the country as a leading healthcare travel destination.

Island Hospital, a private specialist facility, offers advanced care for complex medical and surgical needs, boasting over 120 specialist doctors in fields such as cardiology and oncology. The hospital’s recognition as a flagship institution underscores its commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to international patients. This accolade is expected to enhance Malaysia’s reputation in the global medical tourism market.

The Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, has officially launched RMJDT, a Ringgit-backed stablecoin, on the Zetrix blockchain. This initiative, announced by Bullish Aim Sdn. Bhd., aims to support Malaysia’s national Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure (MBI).

The RMJDT stablecoin is designed to provide a secure and stable digital currency option, backed by the Malaysian Ringgit, enhancing the country’s digital asset ecosystem. The launch marks a significant step in integrating blockchain technology into Malaysia’s financial infrastructure, offering new opportunities for digital transactions.

Zetrix, developed by Zetrix AI Berhad, formerly known as MY E.G. Services Berhad, serves as the platform for this new digital currency. The blockchain’s Layer-1 technology ensures robust security and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for the stablecoin’s deployment.

The introduction of RMJDT is expected to facilitate smoother and more reliable digital transactions within Malaysia, potentially attracting more users to the digital finance space. By leveraging blockchain technology, the stablecoin aims to provide a seamless experience for users, promoting wider adoption of digital currencies in the region.

As Malaysia continues to embrace digital transformation, the RMJDT stablecoin represents a forward-thinking approach to integrating traditional financial systems with cutting-edge technology. The initiative underscores the country’s commitment to advancing its digital economy and positioning itself as a leader in blockchain innovation.

MSIG Insurance Malaysia has intensified its mangrove conservation efforts in collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), marking a significant milestone in its environmental initiatives. Recently, 20 Kelab Pencinta Alam school eco clubs planted 1,200 mangrove saplings at Kuala Selangor Nature Park, as part of a long-term programme aimed at rehabilitating Malaysia’s mangrove ecosystems.

Since the partnership’s inception in 2019, MSIG and MNS have planted over 10,587 saplings across Peninsular Malaysia, with plans to plant an additional 400 saplings by year-end. The initiative is supported by MSIG’s financial backing and volunteer efforts from its employees.

MSIG Malaysia’s CEO, Ang Yien Chia, highlighted the importance of involving young Malaysians in conservation efforts, stating, “By planting these saplings, the students not only learn about conservation—they are actively shaping Malaysia’s environmental future.” She emphasised the company’s commitment to fostering environmental resilience and creating shared value for communities and nature.

Deputy CEO Toshibumi Suzuki underscored the role of mangroves in protecting communities from natural disasters, noting, “Mangrove forests are one of the best examples of how nature protects us. Their strong root systems help stabilise coastlines, reduce the impact of waves and storm surges, and protect communities living in low-lying areas.”

The programme has seen mangrove replanting activities across various locations, including Sungai Cherating, Kuala Bagan Tiang, and Tanjung Piai, contributing to the rehabilitation of degraded coastal habitats and improved biodiversity. MSIG plans to explore further activities aligned with ecological restoration and community resilience in the future.

ZTE Corporation has announced an expansion of its partnership with Multimedia University (MMU) to bolster Malaysia’s capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital talent development. The collaboration was formalised with the signing of an addendum during the closing ceremony of the PRESTIJ programme, which focuses on shaping public services with cybersecurity in the AI landscape.

The partnership, which began with the development of 5G laboratories in Cyberjaya and Melaka, has been instrumental in providing students and researchers with practical exposure to next-generation technologies. MMU’s role as an authorised training and examination centre for ZTE Certification has further solidified its status as a key technology training hub in Malaysia.

In 2024, ZTE and MMU launched the ACE programme to upskill government officers with digital and technology skills. The programme’s second cohort concluded in Beijing last week, marking the completion of a comprehensive training initiative across seven major Chinese cities.

The newly signed addendum introduces ZTE’s AiCube AI education platform to MMU, enhancing the university’s capacity to train industry-ready graduates and public service leaders. This platform offers an immersive learning environment and will serve as a shared ecosystem for both MMU students and public sector participants.

Gu Junying, Senior Vice President of ZTE, emphasised the importance of continuous development in building a future-ready workforce, stating, “Technology evolves quickly and continuous development is vital.” Professor Dato Dr Mazliham Mohd Suud, President of MMU, highlighted the collaboration’s role in supporting Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda.

ZTE’s commitment to Malaysia’s digital ecosystem through sustained investment in talent development and advanced learning technologies aims to contribute to a more future-ready nation.

Ancom Nylex Berhad, a leading chemical group in Southeast Asia, has announced a strategic move to sell up to 50% of its equity interest in Maxlive Sdn Bhd to Thailand’s TOPNEXT International Company Limited for $18.6m. This transaction aims to consolidate Ancom Nylex’s industrial chemical distribution and tank farm businesses under Maxlive, enhancing operational efficiency and market reach.

Maxlive, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ancom Nylex, will integrate six subsidiaries into its structure as part of the restructuring. These include Perusahaan Kimia Gemilang Sdn Bhd, Ancom Kimia Sdn Bhd, Dynamic Chemical Pte Ltd, Ancom Nylex Terminals Sdn Bhd, One Chem Terminal Sdn Bhd, and CKG Chemicals Pte Ltd. The partnership with TOPNEXT, a subsidiary of Thai Oil Solvent Company Limited, is expected to leverage complementary strengths and expand regional opportunities.

Executive Vice Chairman of Ancom Nylex, Siew Ka Wei, stated, “This Proposed Transaction comes at an opportune time as the Group adopts a more forward-looking and strategic approach in navigating the softer conditions currently seen in the industrial chemical sector.” He added that the consolidation would create a more cohesive and agile operating structure, enhancing the group’s ability to respond to customer needs and pursue growth initiatives.

The proceeds from the transaction will be used for working capital, debt repayment, and general corporate purposes. Ancom Nylex will retain control over Maxlive, ensuring its financial results remain consolidated within the group’s financial statements. The definitive agreements are expected to be finalised soon, with terms mutually agreed upon by both parties.