AWC Berhad, through its subsidiary Stream Environment (S) Pte Ltd, has been awarded a S$4.6m contract by the Housing & Development Board of Singapore for the design, build, and operation of a Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System. The contract, announced on 14 November 2025, is part of Project EW & FM and marks a significant addition to AWC’s portfolio in Singapore.

The contract is structured in two phases, each comprising design and construction works, expected to span 12 and 24 months respectively. This project is a testament to AWC’s growing influence in the Singaporean market, bolstering its order book and enhancing earnings visibility for the coming years. The Group’s CEO, Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor, expressed satisfaction with the continued trust from HDB, a returning client, and highlighted that the cumulative major contract wins for FY26 now total approximately RM270m.

AWC’s Environment Division is poised for growth, leveraging its position as a leader in automated pneumatic waste collection systems. The global market for such systems is projected to grow significantly, with East Asia expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 8.3% by 2034. This favourable outlook provides a solid foundation for AWC to capture further growth opportunities in both domestic and regional markets.

The pneumatic waste collection industry is gaining momentum due to increasing urbanisation and regulatory support for sustainable waste management solutions. AWC’s patented shuttle system, which uses 70% less energy than traditional systems, positions the company well to meet these demands.

Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Life) has successfully concluded its 2025 Action Group Seminar & Recognition (AGSR) series, aimed at strengthening its agency network and enhancing customer value. The series, which included three seminars—two in Malaysia and one in Thailand—brought together over 3,000 Allianz Life Changers and guests. The events focused on strategic agency development and fostering a high-performing agency force.

Raymond Cheah, Allianz Life’s Chief Sales Officer, highlighted the importance of trust in their business. “We are in the business of protection and our customers rely on us to protect what matters most to them. This trust is earned through consistency, professionalism and empathy,” he stated. Cheah emphasised that equipping agents with the right skills and mindset is crucial for building a reliable foundation for customer trust.

The AGSR series celebrated top-performing agents and offered professional development opportunities through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and recognition ceremonies. These seminars also provided insights into leadership, innovation, and market trends, ensuring agents are prepared to meet the evolving needs of customers.

A significant component of Allianz Life’s strategy is the Allianz C.E.O. Programme, a 24-month initiative designed to develop high-potential individuals into agency leaders. This reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing a professional, customer-focused agency force.

By investing in talent development and customer-centric strategies, Allianz Life aims to sustain growth and meet the changing demands of its clientele.

CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad has announced a RM1m commitment to enhance conservation efforts in Malaysia’s Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and Royal Belum State Park. This initiative, part of the EcoSave-i: Our Nature, Our Treasure programme, aims to expand environmental education, protect biodiversity, and engage local communities in Penang and Perak.

The renewed two-year partnership with The Habitat Foundation and Penang Institute will focus on revitalising the endangered Malayan gaur populations in Royal Belum State Park. This includes improving habitat conditions and collaborating with the local Orang Asli community for herd monitoring and habitat maintenance.

Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, CEO of CIMB Islamic, expressed the bank’s dedication to safeguarding Malaysia’s ecosystems. “Through EcoSave-i, we aim to create inclusive and meaningful opportunities for communities to connect with nature,” he stated.

In Penang, the initiative will continue to protect biodiversity by installing wildlife canopy bridges to aid the movement of endangered species like the Dusky Langur. Public awareness and education will also be prioritised, with programmes designed to engage over 500 participants annually.

The partnership will also introduce sustainability innovations, such as Economical Food Waste Composters developed by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, to reduce food waste and support urban farming.

Since its launch in 2008, EcoSave-i has contributed over RM12m to conservation efforts across Malaysia. The public can support these initiatives by opening an EcoSave-i account, which channels 0.2% of the total average portfolio balance towards environmental projects.

Perfios.ai, a global B2B SaaS TechFin company, has announced the expansion of its Nexus 360 solution across Southeast Asia, unveiled at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025. This advanced platform, designed for document processing and analysis, significantly reduces credit underwriting times to just 15 minutes, enabling automated Straight Through Processing (STP).

Perfios has formed strategic partnerships with leading Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) in Malaysia and the Philippines. These collaborations mark a shift for Perfios from providing point solutions to offering comprehensive services like Nexus 360, aimed at transforming the lending sector in the region.

In Malaysia, Perfios is collaborating with a top digital lending platform to facilitate rapid credit decisions for retail and micro-SME borrowers. This initiative, which digitises onboarding and validates financial documents, has powered over $106 million (RM 500 million) in “safe financing.” The AI-driven Nexus platform automates income and risk assessments, paving the way for future expansion into SME financing.

Perfios’ deployments are part of broader digital transformation efforts across various institutions, achieving over 50% automation in credit assessment processes. This enhances fraud-risk management and scales operations across SME, commercial, and wholesale segments. Global CEO Sabyasachi Goswami highlighted the need for AI-led decision-making infrastructure, stating, “Lenders are standardising on Nexus to move from document collection to final decision in minutes, not days.”

Perfios, founded in 2008, serves over 1,000 financial institutions in more than 20 countries, delivering 8.2 billion data points annually. Headquartered in Malaysia, the company offers a suite of 75+ products and has received multiple global accolades for its innovative contributions to the financial industry.

The Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) has launched the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2025, a pivotal event in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicle (EV) mobility. The expo, which began on 14 November, is part of Malaysia’s strategy to establish itself as the regional automotive hub in Southeast Asia.

Officiated by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, GATE 2025 underscores Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening its automotive sector. The event highlights the nation’s efforts to support local vendors through localisation incentives aimed at bolstering the domestic supply chain. “The technologies, partnerships, and ideas presented here are already shaping the future of our nation’s mobility and manufacturing sectors,” said the minister.

Organised by MARii and Derrisen Sdn Bhd, GATE 2025 builds on the success of E-Mobility Asia and aims to elevate Malaysian manufacturers and suppliers to multinational status. Azrul Reza Aziz, CEO of MARii, stated, “We are setting the foundation to elevate Malaysian manufacturers and suppliers into multinational champions enabled by AI, digitalisation, and high-value innovation.”

The three-day expo features several key events, including the GATE Conference, which offers insights into ASEAN mobility and sustainability, and GATE Connect, an OEM-Vendor Automotive Exchange. Strategic partners such as Proton, Perodua, and GWM are participating, reinforcing Malaysia’s position in the automotive landscape.

With a strong foundation in semiconductor manufacturing and reserves of rare earth elements, Malaysia is well-positioned to achieve its National Automotive Policy 2020 targets, aiming for 20% EV adoption by 2030 and 80% by 2050. GATE 2025 is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI-driven automotive technologies and sustainable smart mobility in the region.

AWC Berhad, a prominent engineering services group, has received approval from the Malaysian government for a one-year extension of its concession agreement for maintaining government buildings in the Southern and Sarawak zones. This extension, valued at approximately RM63.7m, will commence on 1 January 2026 and conclude on 31 December 2026.

The Ministry of Works has provided AWC’s subsidiary, Ambang Wira Sdn Bhd, with an Interim Agreement for the continuation of building support services. The agreement covers the management and upkeep of federal buildings in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Sarawak. The extension is based on existing rates and service scopes.

AWC’s CEO, Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor, expressed satisfaction with the extension, stating, “We are certainly delighted to secure the 1-year extension for the Concession Agreement, which reflects our proven delivery and strong track record as the incumbent.” He also noted the group’s readiness to bid for a new concession.

The extension marks AWC’s fourth major contract win in FY26, boosting its order book to RM257m. The group continues to pursue new opportunities across its key divisions, maintaining a positive outlook despite broader economic uncertainties.

AWC Berhad, listed on Bursa Malaysia since 2003, operates in facilities management, environment, engineering, and rail sectors, with a regional presence in Asia and the Middle East.

Malaysia has officially unveiled the Malaysia Pavilion at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, reinforcing its dedication to addressing the global climate crisis. The pavilion, themed “Climate Action Now: Net Zero Pathways Unlocked,” showcases Malaysia’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This initiative builds on the progress made at COP29 and reflects Malaysia’s whole-of-nation approach to climate action.

The pavilion highlights Malaysia’s focus on biodiversity and nature-based solutions as key elements of its low-carbon transition. As the ASEAN Chair of 2025, Malaysia is also deepening regional collaboration to accelerate collective climate action. The pavilion will spotlight five thematic areas: restoring rainforests, rivers, and reefs; energy transition pathways for developing nations; climate justice in the Global South; future-proofing water, food systems, and industry; and unlocking finance for net-zero.

Datuk Nor Yahati binti Awang, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), stated, “We aim to drive tangible and transformative change that will realise our aspiration of achieving carbon neutrality and securing a sustainable future for all.”

The Malaysia Pavilion will host a series of high-level dialogues, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions to advance regional and global conversations on climate resilience. Key stakeholders include Tenaga Nasional Berhad, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the World Bank.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, in collaboration with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, the pavilion underscores Malaysia’s readiness to transition from commitments to implementation, showcasing real progress and partnerships for a sustainable future.

Swiss-Belhotel International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malaysia’s leading property developer, Sheng Tai International, to explore collaborations in hotel development and management. This strategic partnership aims to introduce internationally branded hotels across Malaysia, focusing on Sheng Tai’s upcoming mixed-use and luxury developments.

Gavin M Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the shared commitment to excellence and innovation. “We are delighted to collaborate with Sheng Tai International, a visionary developer that shares our commitment to excellence and innovation,” he stated. The partnership is set to expand Swiss-Belhotel’s presence in Malaysia through new world-class properties.

Dato Leong Sir Ley, Founder, Chairman, and Group President-CEO of Sheng Tai International, emphasised Melaka’s strategic importance as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs and traders. He noted that the collaboration would elevate the hospitality landscape in Melaka and significantly contribute to the local economy. “This collaboration with Swiss-Belhotel International will not only elevate the hospitality landscape in Melaka but also contribute significantly to the local economy,” he said.

Edward J L Faull, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Swiss-Belhotel International, added that the partnership aims to create high-quality, internationally branded hotels that complement Malaysia’s evolving tourism landscape. The alliance will explore opportunities for Swiss-Belhotel to manage hospitality components within Sheng Tai’s premium developments, including beachfront and mixed-use projects in Melaka and other key destinations.

This collaboration aligns with both organisations’ vision to create high-value tourism and lifestyle destinations, advancing hospitality excellence in Malaysia.

Aquawalk Group Berhad, renowned for its world-class aquaria such as Aquaria KLCC, has announced that its initial public offering (IPO) has been oversubscribed by 6.22 times. The IPO, set to list on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 19 November 2025, has attracted significant investor interest, reflecting confidence in the company’s growth prospects.

The IPO involves a public issue of 368.6 million new ordinary shares at RM0.31 per share, aiming to raise $24.1m (RM114.3m). Additionally, an offer for sale of 368.6 million existing shares will be made via private placement to selected investors and Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. The Malaysian public’s allocation of 92.2 million shares saw 8,986 applications for 665.6 million shares, with a value of approximately $43.5m (RM206.3m).

Aquawalk, established in 2005, operates in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, with attractions like the award-winning Aquaria KLCC and Aquaria Phuket. The Group’s Executive Chairman, Simon Foong, expressed satisfaction with the IPO’s reception, stating, “We are pleased and encouraged by the overwhelming response to our IPO, which reflects public confidence in Aquawalk and the exciting growth prospects we have ahead.”

Proceeds from the IPO will fund upgrades and expansions of existing aquaria and new projects in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and Java, Indonesia. Upon listing, Aquawalk will have a market capitalisation of $120.4m (RM571.3m). M & A Securities Sdn Bhd and CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd are managing the IPO process.

ESGReports.my, Malaysia’s first and only Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)-licensed ESG reporting platform, has officially launched. Developed by Glomar Ventures, the platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, including AI-powered ESG reporting, consultation, and Exemplar Global-certified auditing and training. This initiative is designed to support Malaysia’s sustainability goals under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, Malaysia MADANI Framework, and National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030.

The platform is a 100% Malaysian-built solution that integrates global ESG frameworks with local expertise. “Our goal is to democratise ESG and make it practical, affordable, and achievable for all Malaysian businesses,” said Vasan Lingan, CEO of ESGReports.my. The platform targets Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which constitute over 97% of Malaysia’s business landscape, aiming to make ESG practices accessible and affordable.

ESGReports.my’s AI-powered reporting engine helps organisations identify key ESG metrics, perform data validation, and generate reports aligned with GRI Standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This technology is complemented by guidance from Exemplar Global-certified consultants, ensuring both technical precision and human insight.

The launch aligns with national policies to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. ESGReports.my plans to collaborate with agencies like MATRADE and SME Corp to expand ESG adoption across Malaysia’s MSME sector. The platform aims to empower over 1,000 MSMEs to compete globally by 2027, contributing to Malaysia’s transition towards a resilient, low-carbon economy.