Dua pemain industri yang mempunyai akar umbi kukuh di Malaysia serta penyenaraian antarabangsa terkemuka kini bergabung tenaga bagi membawa pembaharuan dalam sektor kesihatan global, anti-penuaan dan kesejahteraan. Holista Colltech Limited (ASX: HCT) dan Swang Chai Chuan Limited (HKEX:2321) secara rasmi mengumumkan usahasama strategik 50:50 menerusi Ovicoll Pty Ltd, sekali gus menandakan satu pencapaian penting dalam usaha memperluaskan kejayaan serantau mereka ke pasaran global.
Kerjasama ini memberi tumpuan kepada pembangunan kemudahan pengeluaran kolagen nano biri-biri berteknologi tinggi di Collie, Australia Barat. Usahasama tersebut menggabungkan kekuatan unik kedua-dua syarikat, iaitu kepakaran inovasi saintifik daripada Holista Colltech yang disenaraikan di Australia serta kekuatan modal dan rangkaian pengedaran luas milik Swang Chai Chuan yang disenaraikan di Hong Kong.
Kolagen berasaskan ovine atau biri-biri yang dibangunkan menerusi kerjasama ini dilihat mempunyai potensi besar sebagai biologi “Halal” universal kerana sifatnya yang neutral dari segi budaya dan agama. Ini menjadikannya lebih mudah diterima di pasaran global serta menawarkan alternatif yang lebih sesuai untuk pengguna yang mementingkan aspek pematuhan Halal.
Kemudahan pengeluaran tersebut juga bakal memanfaatkan kelebihan biosekuriti bertaraf dunia di Australia, yang memiliki satu-satunya kawanan biri-biri di dunia yang diperakui bebas penyakit Scrapie serta dikategorikan sebagai mempunyai risiko BSE yang boleh diabaikan oleh Pertubuhan Kesihatan Haiwan Sedunia (WOAH). Status unik ini dikekalkan menerusi kawalan sempadan Australia yang ketat sejak pembentukan persekutuan negara itu pada tahun 1901.
Melalui Ovicoll Pty Ltd, kedua-dua syarikat menyasarkan pengembangan pasaran antarabangsa dengan memanfaatkan kepakaran masing-masing dalam penyelidikan, pengeluaran dan pengedaran global. Dalam masa sama, Holista turut memeterai perjanjian bersama Regenerex Pharma, sebuah syarikat yang sedang berkembang dalam sektor pembalut luka, sekali gus memperkukuhkan keyakinan terhadap potensi komersial produk yang bakal dihasilkan.
Holista Colltech Limited merupakan syarikat kesihatan dan kesejahteraan yang disenaraikan di Australia dengan operasi utama di Malaysia. Syarikat itu memberi tumpuan kepada penyelesaian bioteknologi berasaskan sains menerusi beberapa segmen termasuk suplemen diet, bahan makanan sihat, kolagen ovine dan kawalan jangkitan. Swang Chai Chuan Limited pula ialah syarikat peneraju dalam sektor barangan pengguna cepat laris (FMCG) yang disenaraikan di Hong Kong dan menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran, logistik serta pergudangan komprehensif di Malaysia bagi pelbagai produk makanan, minuman dan barangan isi rumah.
Epson, the global leader in document scanner shipments, has officially unveiled the WorkForce DS-530III, a high-performance A4 Duplex Sheet-fed color scanner designed to revolutionize productivity in digitized workplaces. This latest addition to Epson’s lineup is specifically engineered for performance-driven office environments, offering a sophisticated blend of rapid scanning speeds, intelligent paper protection, and versatile media handling within a compact, space-saving design. By prioritizing both speed and reliability, the DS-530III aims to serve as a cornerstone for businesses looking to enhance their document management workflows.
Performance is at the heart of the DS-530III, which delivers impressive scan speeds of up to 40 pages per minute or 80 images per minute. Designed to handle high-volume demands, the scanner boasts a daily duty cycle of up to 6,500 pages, ensuring it can keep up with the most intensive administrative tasks. The inclusion of an automatic feeding mode allows users to scan batches of documents of varying sizes into a single digital file, while the one-pass duplex scanning feature captures both sides of a document simultaneously to maximize time savings.
To ensure consistent results, Epson has equipped the DS-530III with advanced protection technologies. The scanner features paper protection and Double Feed Detection Skip (DFDS) technology, which identifies abnormal feeds to prevent damage to documents with staples, folds, or stickers. A built-in glass dirt detection feature further enhances reliability by notifying users if debris is detected on the scanning surface, preventing the need for tedious re-scans. For fragile or irregularly sized items, the scanner supports carrier sheets with automatic detection, while ultrasonic sensors provide real-time alerts for overlapping pages.
Versatility is further expanded through a hybrid scanning option, where the DS-530III can be paired with the Epson Perfection V39II flatbed photo scanner via an optional dock. This allows offices to digitize thick materials like books or delicate receipts without needing multiple standalone devices. On the digital side, the scanner is powered by Epson Scan 2 and Document Capture Pro software. These tools provide advanced image enhancement, skew correction, and built-in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for searchable PDFs, while also supporting up to 30 customizable scan settings to automate repetitive office tasks.
According to Alvin Tan, Managing Director of Epson Malaysia, the DS-530III is a reflection of the company’s commitment to precision engineering and user-focused innovation. He noted that as organizations deepen their digital transformation, they require solutions that combine performance with the flexibility to handle diverse media. The WorkForce DS-530III is officially available in Malaysia through authorized dealers, offering a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to work smarter and more efficiently in an increasingly digital world.
Emirates Group recorded its highest-ever profit for the 2025-26 financial year, posting a pre-tax profit of AED24.4 billion (US$6.6 billion), an increase of seven per cent compared to the previous year. The Group also achieved record revenue of AED150.5 billion (US$41 billion) despite facing operational disruptions across the Gulf region during the reporting period.
Emirates maintained its position as the world’s most profitable airline, reporting a pre-tax profit of AED22.8 billion (US$6.2 billion), up seven per cent year-on-year. The strong performance was driven by network expansion and the addition of new Airbus A350 aircraft equipped with the airline’s latest products and technologies.
Meanwhile, dnata also delivered an impressive performance, recording its highest-ever revenue of AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion) alongside steady profit growth, supported by increased airport operations, catering and travel services activities.
For the financial year ended 31 March 2026, Emirates Group also reported record cash assets of AED59.6 billion (US$16.2 billion), reflecting a 12 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The Group’s EBITDA reached AED41.1 billion (US$11.2 billion), highlighting strong operating profitability.
The Group declared a dividend of AED3.5 billion (US$1 billion) to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Following the increase in the UAE corporate tax rate from nine to 15 per cent due to the implementation of Pillar Two tax regulations, Emirates Group posted a profit after tax of AED21 billion (US$5.7 billion), up three per cent from the 2024-25 financial year.
Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said the outstanding results demonstrated the resilience of Emirates Group’s business model, which is built on safety, innovation, service excellence, strong talent and strategic partnerships.
He noted that during the first 11 months of the 2025-26 financial year, demand for Emirates and dnata products and services remained robust, contributing to higher revenue and healthy profit margins driven by continuous investments in products, technology, branding and people development.
However, military activities in the Gulf region on 28 February significantly disrupted global commercial aviation operations, including in the UAE. Emirates and dnata responded swiftly by implementing measures to support affected customers and employees while ensuring operational continuity.
Sheikh Ahmed said Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, supported by modern infrastructure and a strong aviation ecosystem, enabled UAE authorities to act quickly in securing safe commercial flight corridors. Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have since gradually recovered, although passenger capacity has yet to fully return to pre-disruption levels.
He also highlighted the important role played by Emirates Group employees in ensuring the organisation remained agile and operationally efficient during challenging times. Sheikh Ahmed further expressed appreciation for Dubai’s leadership and its continued support for the aviation sector as a key driver of the emirate’s economy.
Throughout the 2025-26 financial year, Emirates Group invested AED17.9 billion (US$4.9 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment and advanced technologies to support future growth. The Group’s workforce also expanded by eight per cent to 130,919 employees, including a growing UAE national workforce which now exceeds 4,000 employees.
Commenting on the outlook for 2026-27, Sheikh Ahmed said Emirates Group is entering the new financial year with a very strong cash position and solid business fundamentals. He added that the Group would continue its aircraft delivery and cabin retrofit programmes while maintaining investments in new facilities and world-class customer experiences.
During the year, Emirates expanded its network with four new destinations: Da Nang, Hangzhou, Siem Reap and Shenzhen. As of 31 March 2026, Emirates’ global network covered 152 cities across 80 countries. The airline also strengthened its strategic partnerships with 32 codeshare partners and 117 interline partners, providing customers access to more than 1,700 cities worldwide.
Emirates received 15 new Airbus A350 aircraft during the financial year, enabling the airline to offer more premium products, including Premium Economy Class and next-generation inflight entertainment systems. By the end of March 2026, Emirates operated a fleet of 277 aircraft with an average fleet age of 10.8 years.
Emirates’ revenue increased by two per cent to AED130.9 billion (US$35.7 billion), while profit after tax reached a record AED19.7 billion (US$5.4 billion). The airline carried 53.2 million passengers during the financial year, recording a passenger seat factor of 78.4 per cent.
As part of efforts to enhance customer experience, Emirates introduced high-speed Starlink internet connectivity across its aircraft and continued its US$5 billion cabin retrofit programme. To date, 91 aircraft have completed the full refurbishment process.
Emirates SkyCargo also delivered strong performance, handling 2.4 million tonnes of cargo, up three per cent from the previous year. The cargo division generated AED16.2 billion (US$4.4 billion) in revenue, contributing 12 per cent to Emirates’ total revenue.
In addition, dnata continued to strengthen its global operations as revenue increased by 12 per cent to AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion). The growth was driven by increased aviation and travel activities across key markets including Australia, Europe, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States.
dnata also invested AED858 million (US$234 million) to expand catering facilities, cargo operations and environmentally friendly ground support equipment. The company continued implementing sustainability initiatives, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), food waste reduction programmes and the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in its operations.
On the social responsibility front, Emirates Group continued supporting community programmes through the Emirates Airline Foundation and the dnata4good platform, including initiatives focused on education, healthcare and welfare assistance for underprivileged communities worldwide. :::
Johor’s live entertainment landscape has officially entered a new era of acoustic excellence following a landmark strategic agreement between Audience Lab Soundtech Sdn Bhd and France’s premier professional audio manufacturer, NEXO. Facilitated by Audio Solutions Sdn Bhd, NEXO’s exclusive distributor in Malaysia, this deal establishes Audience Lab Soundtech as the key strategic partner in Southern Malaysia, bringing world-class French engineering directly to the region’s growing event industry.
Joe White, NEXO’s Business Development Manager for Asia & Australia, delivering a detailed walkthrough of the Alpha+ Series highlights to a captivated, full-house audience.
The partnership was inaugurated with the Southern Malaysia launch of the NEXO Alpha+ Series, a high-performance system designed to elevate regional production standards to match international benchmarks. Since 1979, NEXO has been synonymous with premium quality, with every system meticulously designed and manufactured in France. By securing this deal, Audience Lab Soundtech ensures that Johor now has a local gateway to the same elite audio technology used in iconic global venues and major touring productions.
The centerpiece of this expansion, the Alpha+ Series, is a hybrid system that redefines power and precision for large-scale environments. Capable of delivering up to 148dB peak SPL, the system features a modular configuration that combines the strengths of point-source and line-array technologies. This evolution of the legendary 1990s Alpha Series is engineered for maximum efficiency, allowing for rapid, single-operator rigging—a critical advantage for the fast-paced live event and festival market in Southern Malaysia.
With over 20 years of expertise, Audience Lab Soundtech marks a new milestone by officially launching the high-end NEXO Alpha+ series in Southern Malaysia.
This strategic move reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the professional audio ecosystem beyond the Klang Valley. With NEXO systems already powering premier Malaysian venues like Zepp Kuala Lumpur and the Arena of Stars at Genting Highlands, the focus now shifts to Johor as a rising hub for world-class live experiences. Joe White, NEXO’s Business Development Manager for Asia and Australia, highlighted Johor’s strong potential for technical advancement, noting that the Alpha+ Series is the result of years of research aimed at delivering uncompromising sonic clarity.
By combining Audience Lab Soundtech’s deep local market insights with NEXO’s global legacy, this partnership empowers Southern Malaysian event organizers and venue owners to deliver world-class auditory experiences. Shao Ming Teo, Managing Director of Audience Lab Soundtech, emphasized that this collaboration enables local players to meet international production standards, ensuring that Johor remains a competitive and vibrant destination for high-end entertainment and large-scale corporate events.
Nestlé Malaysia and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership through the SYNERGY (Strengthening Your Network and Ecosystem for Resilient Growth) initiative. Theed under the theme ‘Memacu Halal, Memperkasa Komuniti’, this collaboration highlights a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready Halal industry while strengthening Malaysia’s status as a global leader in the sector. JAKIM has recognized Nestlé Malaysia’s comprehensive end-to-end Halal ecosystem, which has evolved since the company began pioneering Halal practices in the 1970s. As the Global Centre of Halal Excellence for the Nestlé Group, the Malaysian operations play a pivotal role in sharing local expertise across the company’s global network to build worldwide trust in Halal standards.
The partnership emphasizes that a credible Halal ecosystem requires consistent cooperation between regulators and industry players to uphold rigorous standards. Nestlé Malaysia’s commitment extends across its entire value chain, from certified manufacturing facilities to grassroots community engagement. By working closely with JAKIM, the company aims to scale up efforts that empower youth, support local entrepreneurs, and strengthen the national supply chain. This industry-led contribution complements national efforts to multiply positive impacts and maintain Malaysia’s reputation as a leading global Halal hub.
Education and talent development form a cornerstone of this holistic Halal strategy. The Halal@School program, in partnership with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), has introduced foundational Halal values to over 6,000 students across Peninsular Malaysia. Building on this, the Halal@STEM initiative launched in 2025 has engaged hundreds of secondary students to spark interest in science through a Halal lens, supported by the inaugural HalalSTEM Expo in Pahang. Additionally, the Nestlé Youngpreneurs Programme has provided 200 university students with practical business insights and Halal best practices.
Nestlé Malaysia also focuses on building capability within the business community and supply chain. Since 2010, the SME Mentoring Programme has assisted more than 1,200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in navigating the Halal certification process. More recently, the company introduced a pioneering Halal certification mentoring initiative specifically for third-party logistics providers in collaboration with JAKIM, engaging 27 companies to ensure strict compliance throughout the supply chain. Public awareness is further driven through a podcast series with the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), which has reached hundreds of thousands of listeners nationwide. These collective efforts demonstrate that Halal has been internalized as a core organizational value, ensuring a resilient and scalable foundation for the future of Malaysia’s Halal economy.
Castrol Malaysia has strengthened its position in the country’s lubricant market with the expansion of its branded workshop network to more than 3,000 locations nationwide. This milestone marks a new chapter in how vehicle owners access professional and trusted vehicle care through the Castrol Auto Service and Castrol Bike Point networks. With a presence spanning major towns and cities across Malaysia, the network provides motorists with widespread access to reliable and professional vehicle servicing.
These workshops are designed to give drivers and riders consistent access to high-quality servicing supported by Castrol’s trusted range of products. Collectively, they serve up to half a million customers each month, reflecting Castrol’s strong relationship with everyday motorists. The continued expansion underscores the brand’s commitment to strengthening its market presence, improving service standards and enhancing accessibility for consumers nationwide, while also leveraging digital solutions such as the Castrol Motorist App and Google Business integration to improve convenience and workshop visibility.
According to Joshua Tan, Head of Marketing for Castrol Malaysia and Singapore, this milestone represents more than just growth, as it reflects long-standing trust in the brand. He noted that each Castrol-branded workshop represents reliability and professionalism, aligned with Castrol’s goal of making quality vehicle care accessible to all vehicle owners, while continuing to drive industry progress through technology, training and partnerships.
Each Castrol-branded workshop provides professional vehicle maintenance services along with a full range of Castrol lubricants, supported by global standards and technology. Vehicle owners can also access the Castrol Motorist App, which offers convenient features such as service booking, maintenance tracking and loyalty rewards, enhancing the overall customer experience and providing added everyday convenience.
The expansion is supported by ongoing investment in workshop partner training, digital tools and long-term customer engagement initiatives, aligning with Castrol’s vision of sustainable growth and continued leadership in the automotive service sector. Businesses interested in joining the Castrol-branded workshop network can obtain more information or register their interest through Castrol Malaysia’s official website.
Razorpay Curlec, Malaysia’s leading payment gateway, has been honoured with the ‘Best PayTech for Digital Customer Experience (CX) – Payments’ award at The Digital Banker’s Digital CX Awards 2026. This recognition highlights the company’s continued efforts in transforming digital payments and enhancing customer experience across financial services.
The Digital Banker, a globally respected business intelligence and research organisation, evaluates institutions that are reshaping digital customer journeys through innovation. The Digital CX Awards are regarded as a global benchmark for excellence, recognising companies that deliver seamless, consistent, and superior customer experiences across the financial sector.
This year’s programme saw over 1,600 submissions from more than 200 financial institutions worldwide, making the competition highly competitive. Evaluations were based on key areas such as innovation, engagement, personalisation, and user experience, including API integration, automation, real-time engagement, and overall customer satisfaction.
Accepting the award in Singapore, Kevin Lee, Country Head and CEO of Razorpay Curlec, expressed pride in the achievement and appreciation for his team’s dedication. He emphasised the company’s mission to provide world-class financial infrastructure for businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises.
Razorpay Curlec continues to enhance its unified checkout experience with features such as Tokenised Cards, Apple Pay, Zero Interest Installment Plans, BNPL options, and wallet redirection. These solutions are designed with a simple and intuitive interface that helps improve conversion rates across merchants.
The company’s infrastructure is supported by its proprietary Shield risk engine, which monitors transactions in real time using billions of data points to ensure reliability and security even during peak periods. Razorpay Curlec is also exploring agentic payments in Malaysia, preparing merchants for evolving consumer behaviour.
With e-commerce expected to contribute significantly to a US$234 billion regional digital economy by 2025, demand for scalable payment solutions continues to rise. Razorpay Curlec currently supports over one million businesses globally and more than 5,000 SMEs and enterprises in Malaysia.
The company has achieved over 90 percent transaction success rates, driven merchant revenue growth of 8 to 10 percent through AI optimisation, and processed more than 11.5 million transactions with 65 percent year-on-year growth. It remains committed to building a seamless financial operating system for businesses as Malaysia’s digital economy expands.
The inaugural SME Market Expansion Showcase, officially presented to the business community today, brought together more than 30 curated businesses and serious industry visitors at CityStage @ KL City Walk in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. The event went beyond a conventional marketplace, positioning itself as a business growth platform where brands gained exposure, conducted direct sales, and built strategic partnerships. Its core focus spanned direct customer engagement, on-the-spot sales opportunities, industry forum sessions, and networking with key decision-makers, creating a dynamic environment designed to help participants learn, connect, and expand their businesses.
The one-day showcase was well attended by SME owners, entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, decision-makers, as well as buyers and investors. A series of highly anticipated forum talks and panel discussions explored topics such as market expansion strategies, the adoption of artificial intelligence for digital growth, access to financing and grants, smart scaling approaches, and the sharing of entrepreneurial success stories. The event also provided attendees with valuable direct access to founders and key decision-makers, enhancing opportunities for meaningful engagement.
In her welcome address, Tanker Collaborative Director Janet New highlighted the critical role of SMEs as the backbone of the economy, noting that the showcase aimed to foster a meaningful ecosystem where entrepreneurs could gain funding insights, embrace digital growth, prioritise health, and build strategic partnerships for sustainable success. She also elaborated on the event’s key objectives and emphasised the importance of maximising both booth presence and forum participation. She added that the true value of the event lies in active engagement, encouraging exhibitors to present not just products but also solutions and collaboration opportunities, while urging visitors to approach each interaction with curiosity and purpose to strengthen the overall business ecosystem.
A key highlight of the forum sessions was the focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and its role in measuring a company’s sustainability, ethical impact, and operational risks. Stacia Lim, Director for Corporate Governance, led the discussion by providing in-depth insights into integrating ESG into SME strategies and explaining why it is no longer optional. She also outlined practical frameworks for adoption and noted that Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework and the amended Bursa Malaysia Listing Requirements now include Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, with a phased mandatory implementation leading up to 1 January 2027, significantly reshaping obligations for suppliers and SMEs.
The ESG discussion was further expanded in a panel session featuring Lim, Shu Yi Kuek, founder of KPL Corporate Advisory Sdn. Bhd., and Alan Chin, Vice President of Group Sustainability and Strategic Partnerships at Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, moderated by Sally Yap of PeakJob Sdn Bhd. The session explored ESG in action, covering grants, tax incentives, compliance requirements, and green financing opportunities, while also presenting practical case studies and strategies for unlocking green loans. Lim emphasised that ESG adoption does not have to be costly and encouraged SMEs to start from where they are, while Chin highlighted that sustainability should be viewed as a competitive advantage rather than merely a compliance exercise.
The discussion also addressed Malaysia’s new incentive framework, effective from 1 March 2026, which introduces a more targeted and outcome-based approach, with ESG practices as a key eligibility criterion. The framework will initially apply to the manufacturing sector, while the timeline for the services sector will be announced later, with incentives potentially granted for up to 15 years.
Other sessions included a health talk by Nutrition Consultant Dr. JC Wong from JC Lifestyle Coaching, who shared insights on protecting heart health through proper dietary practices, including understanding good and bad fats, reducing harmful oils, adopting appropriate cooking methods, and managing cholesterol naturally. He later joined Dr. Anandarajah Shanmugam, co-founder of Healthy Lifestyle Solutions, in a panel discussion that explored heart disease beyond conventional medical and diagnostic approaches.
Marketing influencer Kien Lim, founder of Attitude Ideology, presented on market expansion strategies for SMEs, covering entry into new markets, the use of digital channels, partnership models, and scaling without significant overheads. In the final panel session, Kien Lim was joined by Newspin Communication’s PR Director Marc Ng and Brand and Communication Consultant Clarence Koh to discuss content creation, public relations, social media, and the role of key opinion leaders in the attention economy. The session was moderated by Gina Woon, co-founder of Novela Boutique.
Throughout the day, exhibitors were also given the opportunity to deliver 90-second introductions of their businesses during networking sessions, allowing them to showcase their offerings and connect with potential partners and clients.
The event was organised by Tanker Collaborative Sdn Bhd, a dynamic event and business activation company with operations in Malaysia and Hong Kong. The company specialises in large-scale showcases, corporate events, and market expansion platforms, and is known for designing and executing high-impact experiences that connect brands, businesses, and communities. Through curated exhibitions and strategic collaborations, Tanker drives visibility, engagement, and real commercial outcomes, serving as a growth enabler for SMEs and enterprises looking to expand their reach across regional markets. With a strong focus on execution excellence and measurable results, the company continues to deliver seamless, purpose-driven events that turn ideas into impactful business opportunities.
Bateriku and SVOLT Energy Technology Co. Ltd. have officially entered into a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) after-sales landscape in Malaysia. Formally announced on 21 April 2026, this collaboration seeks to bridge the existing gap in consumer confidence by establishing a comprehensive support ecosystem for EV owners. As Malaysia’s automotive sector pivots toward electrification, the demand for specialized technical expertise and reliable maintenance has never been higher. SVOLT, a global leader in battery innovation and a key supplier to major brands like Geely and Great Wall Motors, already plays a vital role in the Malaysian market through its battery technology in models like the Proton e.MAS 7.
Through this strategic alliance, Bateriku is set to diversify its service offerings to cater specifically to the nuances of the EV market. The cooperation focuses on several critical areas intended to refine the ownership journey, including advanced battery system diagnostics, rapid on-site technical assistance, and more efficient battery replacement workflows. By integrating these services, the partnership ensures that Malaysian EV drivers have access to a dependable and responsive support network, effectively removing one of the primary barriers to widespread EV adoption.
L-R YingTao Hao (Director SVOLT Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Azarol Faizi (CEO Bateriku), Lee Nyuk Kiat (Manager Bateriku)
A key highlight of this agreement is its commitment to human capital development, moving beyond physical infrastructure to focus on upskilling the local workforce. Dedicated training programs will be introduced within the Bateriku ecosystem to equip technicians with high-level expertise in EV battery diagnostics and safe handling procedures. This forward-thinking approach ensures that local talent remains competitive and capable of managing the increasingly complex technological requirements of the modern automotive industry.
The partnership was solidified during a signing ceremony at SVOLT’s headquarters in Jiangsu, China, attended by SVOLT Director Yingtao Hao and Bateriku CEO Azarol Faizi. According to Azarol Faizi, the initiative is centered on providing peace of mind to the growing community of EV owners in Malaysia by guaranteeing that fast and efficient support is always within reach. Yingtao Hao further noted that by pairing SVOLT’s world-class battery technology with Bateriku’s extensive on-ground service network, both companies are creating a safer and more seamless experience for the Malaysian public.
Ultimately, this collaboration serves as a major catalyst for Malaysia’s shift toward sustainable and intelligent mobility. By combining SVOLT’s international technological leadership with Bateriku’s deep-rooted operational presence across the country, the partnership is set to play a pivotal role in accelerating the nation’s green energy goals while supporting the long-term growth of the regional EV ecosystem.
Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) terus memperkukuh pembangunan sosioekonomi Bumiputera menerusi pelaksanaan 111 inisiatif di bawah Peta Transformasi MARA. Pelan strategik ini menjadi asas kepada hala tuju baharu organisasi bagi tempoh lima tahun akan datang. Inisiatif yang dirangka merangkumi sektor pendidikan, keusahawanan, kewangan korporat dan khidmat pengurusan. Fokus utama diberikan kepada peningkatan impak kepada pelajar, usahawan serta masyarakat luar bandar. Langkah ini mencerminkan komitmen berterusan MARA dalam memperkasa komuniti Bumiputera secara holistik.
Pelaksanaan agenda transformasi ini disokong oleh tujuh pasukan khas yang telah digerakkan sejak tahun 2023. Dapatan daripada pasukan ini diterjemahkan kepada 111 inisiatif yang merangkumi enam tunjang utama. Antara tunjang tersebut termasuk dasar dan tadbir urus, kecekapan kewangan serta penyampaian mandat organisasi. Selain itu, ia turut melibatkan pembangunan profesional, teknologi maklumat serta penyelidikan dan jaringan strategik. Pendekatan menyeluruh ini bertujuan memastikan setiap aspek operasi MARA diperkasa secara sistematik dan berkesan.
Dalam sektor pendidikan, pencapaian akademik Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) terus menunjukkan peningkatan yang membanggakan. Keputusan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2025 merekodkan Gred Purata Maktab keseluruhan sebanyak 2.062. Lima MRSM berjaya mencatat GPM di bawah 1.500, manakala 14 MRSM merekodkan GPM di bawah 2.000. Peningkatan ini adalah hasil pelaksanaan pelbagai pendekatan termasuk bimbingan profesional kepada guru dan pedagogi baharu. Selain itu, program pembangunan sahsiah pelajar turut diperkukuh bagi melahirkan generasi yang seimbang.
Usaha peningkatan akademik ini turut diperkasakan melalui pengukuhan program Ulul Albab yang kini melibatkan kira-kira 36,000 pelajar di seluruh MRSM. Program ini memberi penekanan kepada keseimbangan antara kecemerlangan akademik dan penguasaan ilmu agama. Dalam masa yang sama, MARA memperkenalkan Program Elite Bound bagi memperluas peluang pendidikan global. Program ini menyediakan laluan khas kepada pelajar cemerlang untuk melanjutkan pengajian di universiti terbaik dunia. Setakat ini, seramai 50 pelajar telah terpilih untuk menjalani fasa persediaan di Kolej MARA Seremban dan Kolej MARA Banting.
Dalam sektor keusahawanan, MARA terus memberi fokus kepada pembangunan industri halal dan pengukuhan kapasiti usahawan Bumiputera. Usaha ini bertujuan membantu mereka menembusi pasaran antarabangsa secara lebih agresif. Sepanjang tahun 2025, program Gate to Global mencatat nilai transaksi jualan sebanyak RM449 juta. Program ini melibatkan 362 usahawan dengan 2,818 produk berjaya menembusi pasaran global. Pencapaian ini membuktikan keberkesanan strategi MARA dalam memperkasa usahawan tempatan.
Selain itu, tujuh Kawasan Industri Makanan MARA telah ditransformasikan kepada MARA Halal Industrial Park. Inisiatif ini menyediakan kemudahan kilang, latihan, khidmat teknikal serta akses pembiayaan kepada usahawan. Langkah ini membantu memperkukuh ekosistem industri halal dalam kalangan usahawan Bumiputera. MARA juga melaksanakan projek transformasi usahawan luar bandar dan menaik taraf premis perniagaan di pelbagai lokasi. Pendekatan ini memastikan pertumbuhan perniagaan lebih mampan dan inklusif.
Dalam sektor kewangan korporat, MARA mengambil langkah lebih agresif untuk meningkatkan disiplin bayaran balik dalam kalangan peminjam. Pendekatan yang dilaksanakan termasuk peluasan kaedah bayaran auto debit, potongan gaji dan e-mandate. Hasilnya, kadar pembiayaan tidak berbayar berjaya diturunkan daripada 35.2 peratus pada Mac 2025 kepada 24.1 peratus pada Mac 2026. Pada masa sama, MARA memperkenalkan dasar pengurusan kredit yang lebih komprehensif. Latihan profesional turut diperkukuh bagi meningkatkan kompetensi pegawai dalam pengurusan kredit.
Seiring perubahan landskap ekonomi semasa, MARA turut melaksanakan pembaharuan Akta MARA 2026. Langkah ini bertujuan memastikan organisasi kekal relevan, responsif dan berdaya saing. Penambahbaikan melibatkan pemodenan kerangka tadbir urus dan pengukuhan fungsi strategik organisasi. Selain itu, mandat MARA disesuaikan dengan cabaran ekonomi masa kini dan masa hadapan. Usaha ini turut menekankan aspek ketelusan dan pematuhan dalam pengurusan kewangan.
Sempena ulang tahun ke-60 penubuhannya, MARA akan menganjurkan Karnival 60 Tahun MARA yang berlangsung di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Kuala Lumpur dari 1 hingga 5 Mei 2026. Karnival ini bertujuan menghimpunkan pelbagai inisiatif pembangunan dalam satu platform terbuka kepada masyarakat. Pelbagai program akan diadakan termasuk pameran pendidikan, forum akademik dan program pembangunan kemahiran. Selain itu, sesi jaringan keusahawanan turut dianjurkan bagi membuka peluang kerjasama baharu. Penganjuran ini menjadi simbol perjalanan panjang MARA dalam memperkasa sosioekonomi Bumiputera.
