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NCT Group, Ecorise Solar and Yingli Group forms strategic collaboration for solar farm development

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As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable development, NCT Group of Companies (NCT Group), through its subsidiary NCT Century Sdn Bhd, announces a strategic collaboration with Ecorise Solar Sdn Bhd and Yingli Group Co., Ltd (China) to advance large-scale renewable energy development in the northern region of Malaysia. The collaboration reinforces NCT Group’s ambition to shape future-ready industrial ecosystems by driving innovative and low-carbon solutions for the region.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged, paving way for the development of a 150MWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm integrated with a 200MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Delapan Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ), Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. The project aims to enhance clean energy availability in Peninsular Malaysia and support the growing demand for renewable electricity among enterprises transitioning to low-carbon operations.

Under the agreement, NCT Group will coordinate land matters with Northern Gateway (NGX) and oversee all regulatory requirements. Ecorise Solar and Yingli Group will jointly undertake the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) as well as long-term Operations and Maintenance (O&M), supported by Yingli’s global solar expertise and Ecorise’s local technical capabilities. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be established to drive project implementation and investment participation.

Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, Founder and Group Managing Director of NCT Group, said, “The development of a large-scale solar and storage facility in Delapan SBEZ will create tangible opportunities for investors and industries seeking cleaner and more resilient power solutions. This collaboration directly supports our mission to elevate the northern corridor as a strategic destination for advanced manufacturing, logistics and cross-border growth, particularly as we expand our ecosystem through our industrial park, NCT InnoSphere (NIS).”

The collaboration also complements NCT Group’s ongoing development of NIS within the Delapan SBEZ, undertaken in collaboration with NGX. As Kedah’s first Managed Industrial Park focused on high-value, sustainable and cross-border industries, NIS enhances the region’s competitiveness through its strategic location and supports NCT Group’s broader strategy to integrate renewable energy and green infrastructure across its industrial developments.

NIS is NCT Group’s second industrial park venture, strategically located in Delapan SBEZ, adjacent to the Malaysia-Thailand border and near Penang Port. Launched in September 2025, the project spans 137 acres of free-zone land and is being developed in partnership with NGX, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM1.10 billion.

Halal SMEs to receive full ESG Support under new MBSB–Asia CarbonX partnership

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MBSB Berhad (MBSB) today formalised a strategic collaboration with Asia Carbonx Change Plt (Asia Carbonx Change or ACCP) to provide Halal SMEs with a clearer and more practical pathway to meet ESG expectations. Through this partnership, Halal-certified and Halal-focused businesses will gain access to recognised renewable energy tools and support that help them prepare for certification, strengthen compliance and remain competitive as sustainability standards continue to evolve.

This collaboration focuses on helping Halal SMEs improve their ESG practices through practical actions, including better energy management and recognized sustainability reporting tools. By integrating Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) solutions into MBSB’s Islamic Sustainability Financing Programme, the partnership enables businesses, particularly those adopting solar energy to access verified renewable energy attributes that help reduce Scope 2 emissions and strengthen sustainability reporting.
Asia Carbonx Change Plt will serve as MBSB’s appointed intermediary to register, issue, manage and redeem RECs on behalf of solar asset owners and eligible MBSB customers.

This includes asset onboarding and compliance with the internationally recognised I-REC(E) and I-Track standards, ensuring each certificate redeemed is traceable and credible.
This partnership strengthens MBSB’s value proposition to SMEs by offering:

  • Up to 100% financing margin
  • Zero upfront capital for qualifying customers
  • Access to RECs for decarbonization reporting
  • Opportunities for REC monetization for eligible solar customers

This follows MBSB’s latest initiative pursuant to its RM1 billion solar financing commitment and supports the Group’s broader goal of mobilizing RM10 billion in sustainable and transition finance by 2026 under its Sustainable and Transition Finance Framework. To date, MBSB has already mobilised RM4.73 billion in sustainable financing, representing 47% of its 2026 target.

Asia Carbonx Change Plt, a Malaysia-based renewable energy solutions company, facilitates the creation, monetization and trading of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that are internationally recognised. These certificates allow organisations to claim renewable electricity usage and offset Scope 2 emissions, reinforcing their sustainability credentials while supporting Malaysia’s clean energy transition.

Hong Leong Assurance launches HLA Legacy Wealth

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Hong Leong Assurance (HLA) introduces HLA Legacy Wealth, a next-generation insurance solution designed to help individuals build, preserve, and pass on their wealth with clarity and care. The policy includes Loyalty Bonuses of up to 25% of the Basic Sum Assured, credited directly into the policy and compounded over time; the Lapse-Free Zone, a first-of-its-kind feature in Malaysia that ensures policy continuity beyond age 95 even in adverse market conditions; and the Death Benefit Settlement Options (DBSO), which allow policyholders to customise how and when their wealth is distributed.

While wills, trusts and family offices remain essential components of estate planning, insurance continues to be one of the most widely adopted tools — offering both accessibility and structure. HLA Legacy Wealth complements these traditional instruments by providing a practical starting point for legacy planning.

To enhance its investment potential, HLA Legacy Wealth offers access to a curated selection of funds, including the newly introduced HLA Strategic Global Equity Fund, managed by Hong Leong Asset Management in partnership with Amundi Singapore Limited — part of Amundi, Europe’s largest asset manager with over USD 2.7 trillion in assets under management (as at 30 June 2025). This global equity portfolio is designed to deliver medium to long-term capital growth.

What truly sets HLA Legacy Wealth apart is its thoughtful approach to long-term financial security and legacy distribution. The Lapse-Free Zone offers true peace of mind in the later years of life, ensuring that the policy remains in force even when market conditions are unfavourable — a reassurance for those who want their legacy to endure without interruption. This feature reflects HLA’s commitment to protecting wealth not just during accumulation, but throughout the final stages of life.

WCT launches new CSR initiative

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WCT Holdings Berhad (WCT) has launched its latest CSR initiative, “Uniting Communities, Building the Nation” (Mengeratkan Komuniti Bersama Membina Negara), at Kampung Sungai Kembong Hilir, Kajang.

Organised under WCTGives and guided by its pillars of #WeCareTogether and #EducationForAll, the initiative aims to revitalise the village’s balai raya and enhance facilities that support learning, social development, and community well-being.

As part of the initiative, WCT contributed funds and volunteer support to refurbish the hall’s adjoining toilet, upgrade the badminton court into a multipurpose space, enhance the kitchen, and provide new tables, chairs, and a reading corner equipped with 300 books for local children. These improvements will enable the balai raya to once again serve as a venue for community meetings, cooking classes, tuition sessions, and recreational activities – fostering learning and connection across generations.

The 80-year-old hall, which had been closed since 2017 due to ageing structures and roof damage, was recently restored by the Hulu Langat District Office and the local community. Building on these efforts, WCT’s contribution further strengthens the hall’s role as the heart of the village, benefitting the 2,000 residents in Kampung Sungai Kembong Hilir.

In addition, WCT extended its support to 100 families from nearby villages – Kampung Sungai Kembong Hilir, Kampung Rinching Hilir, and Kampung Sungai Kembong Hulu by providing Kotak Rezeki packages containing essential groceries worth RM100 each.

Launched in 2022, WCTGives embodies WCT’s commitment to balancing profitability with purpose — creating shared value for both business and society through its three core pillars: #WeCareTogether, #AGreenerTomorrow, and #EducationForAll.

 

XTransfer and Maybank announce strategic partnership

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XTransfer, the world’s leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, and Maybank, a leading bank in ASEAN, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to expand cross-border payment and Shariah-compliant solutions through an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Under the collaboration, XTransfer and Maybank will harness their respective strengths to deliver one-stop cross-border financial solutions, spanning domestic and cross-border payments and FX conversion, across key ASEAN markets, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and United States.

The parties will leverage new technologies and innovations, including APIs, digital platforms, collection solutions, and virtual accounts, to enable automated, real-time, and seamless FX conversion and transaction processing, enhancing the scalability, efficiency, and reliability of cross-border financial services.

Recognising the growing demand for Islamic finance-compliant services in ASEAN, XTransfer and Maybank will also explore and develop Shariah-compliant FX and payment offerings tailored to regional needs, broadening financial inclusion and meeting the evolving requirements of businesses seeking Shariah-compliant solutions.

This comprehensive partnership deepens XTransfer’s Southeast Asia coverage and multi-currency settlement capabilities, while supporting Maybank’s strategy to strengthen its regional franchise and ecosystem connectivity.

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “This collaboration with Maybank marks a significant step in elevating our services across ASEAN. With stronger local collection, FX conversion, and potential Shariah-compliant settlement capabilities, we will help businesses reduce costs, enhance cash flow, and improve transaction efficiency. We will continue to strengthen compliance and risk management to build a trusted cross-border financial infrastructure for our clients.”

Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group CEO of Maybank said, “Together with XTransfer, we can enable more seamless cross-border payments and collections with competitive forex rates for merchants engaged in ASEAN-China trade, and participate in the surging flows between the two regions—now each other’s largest trading partners. Total trade value is on track to reach USD1 trillion this year. This collaboration also opens opportunities to develop innovative solutions for businesses. With Maybank’s presence in the key ASEAN markets, we are truly well positioned to support their cross-border needs.”

New report warns boards of top risks in Southeast Asia for 2026

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As companies budgets and business plans for 2026, the latest global Risk in Focus 2026 Report by the Institute of Internal Auditors Inc. warns that boards must urgently strengthen governance to keep pace with fast-evolving risks.

The report has outlined changes in top risks over the years in many regions, showing how cybersecurity, business resilience, disruptive technologies such as AI, and geopolitical volatility are converging into complex increasingly interconnected, challenging and intensifying.

In the Risk in Focus 2026 Report’s regional deep-dives, Asia Pacific is highlighted as a fast-growing but risk-intensive region requiring urgent governance responses. Specially to Southeast Asia, the Report highlights that Cybersecurity (67%) tops the list as the number one threat, with AI, digital disruption, and data privacy expanding the attack surface. Business resilience (62%) comes second, reflecting the impact of tariff wars, supply chain shocks, and climate-related disruptions. The top two audit priorities for Southeast Asia (above 60%) mirror these threats.

For Southeast Asia, these trends not only heighten exposure but also present an opportunity: organisations that invest in the right resources, skills, and internal audit capabilities today will be better positioned to build resilience, sustain growth, and protect stakeholder trust in the years ahead.
However, while 52% of Southeast Asia survey respondents included digital disruption as a Top 5 risk – with AI reshaping competition and productivity, just 32% included it as a Top 5 audit priority. Many companies admit they lack the skills and frameworks to respond.

This year, the annual global report surveyed over 4,000 senior internal audit leaders worldwide, including 159 respondents from Southeast Asia who represent organisations with significant operations in the region. The 2026 edition introduces a forward-looking outlook — not just a snapshot of current risks but a projection of what boards cannot afford to ignore in the next three years. It also integrates AI, green finance, and geopolitical fragmentation as cross-cutting themes, which were less pronounced in earlier reports.

Press Release – Risk in Focus 2026 x IIAM (1)

Malaysian Companies Under Pressure In 2026

Some of these risks are already manifesting and weighing on organisations in Malaysia. In 2024, police reports point to cybercrime losses exceeding RM1 billion, and yet, only 2% say they are prepared. That’s a governance gap with real financial consequences. Meanwhile ESG compliance pressures are also mounting with IFRS S1/S2 alignment this year and Scope 3 reporting by 2027.

Boards, therefore, cannot afford to de-prioritise these threats, and gaps between identified risks and internal audit coverage, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, digital disruption and human capital which must be addressed with the appropriate control measures.

In these, internal auditors can support leadership in anticipating risks, testing resilience and building confidence with stakeholders. What were once operational — have now become business survival issues, and internal auditors are empowered to guide boards through this era of polycrises.

With organisations improving their resilience against “cascading failures”, The Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia offers more than 90 training programs each year to elevate governance practices and foster a culture of transparency and accountability for businesses. IIAM recently launched the Statement of Risk Management and Internal Control (SORMIC) Guide 2025 with Bursa Malaysia which provides public-listed companies with a clear framework to strengthen disclosures, bolster investor confidence, and embed risk governance into their operations.

Demand for internal audit upskilling is also rising sharply: with growing enrolment in IIAM’s 80 programmes.” Continuous professional development and staying abreast of emerging trends are key to enabling internal auditors to excel in their roles. The Institute is central to equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards necessary to comply with Global Internal Audit Standards effectively.

 

Tiny footprints, Big impact on eco-tourism

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Big Tiny was founded on a simple but ambitious purpose: enable people to rediscover the joy of simple living while protecting the landscapes that make these experiences possible. Since introducing its first tiny houses in Australia in 2017, the Singapore-born brand has grown across the region—including Malaysia—championing a model of tourism that treads lightly yet delivers enriching experiences.

Sustainability was not an afterthought for Big Tiny. From the beginning, its founders set out to reimagine how people can experience travel by creating a model that reduces impact, restores balance and reconnects people with nature. This experience is made accessible through its Tiny Away booking platform, where travellers discover curated eco-conscious stays across the region.

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Tiny houses seamlessly blend with nature.

Big Tiny believes that its products can assist in making better use of land, limit overdevelopment and offer a meaningful alternative to the resource-heavy, high-footfall model of mass tourism. The company does so via thoughtful systems including the way its tiny houses are built and deployed to how resources are managed, its partnership with landowners and engagements with the local communities. Every tiny house is built with light gauge steel, durable composite materials and modular construction to reduce waste. Across its global portfolio of more than 650 units, off-grid and hybrid models rely on solar energy, rainwater harvesting and composting systems, ensuring minimal disturbance to the land.

“We view our efforts as part of an evolving commitment to operationalise sustainability and accountability, and we are confident that with consistency and improvements, a better tomorrow is within reach,” – Adrian, CEO and Co-Founder, Big Tiny.

In 2025, Big Tiny advanced this promise by achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recognition for its Lazarus Island project, with more sites worldwide aiming for certification by 2026. Building on this achievement, Big Tiny is also working towards including its other global projects under the GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels certification by 2026, for a consistent benchmark across its portfolio. Additionally, it has also initiated environmental impact assessments at Grampians Edge and Granite Belt in Australia.

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One with nature, sustainable living in tiny houses.

Big Tiny’s impact extends beyond environmental stewardship as everywhere the brand sets foot in, it believes that local relevance and global consistency can co-exist. Its tiny houses support local economies by engaging over 1,200 stakeholders—from land hosts to owners—and partnering with 300 organisations. The company also collaborates with local artisans, brands, producers, merchants and landowners to infuse authenticity into each stay—whether through region-specific furnishings, community partnerships or curated experiences.

Soon, the brand looks to strengthen its advocacy for regenerative tourism, as guests’ sustainability expectations continue to rise. Efforts in the pipeline include increasing its green procurement with a goal of ensuring at least 15% of materials come from recycled sources by 2030. Big Tiny is also exploring solar-wind hybrid systems that can generate power even at night which will increase the usage of natural sources by another 10%, come 2030. It is also exploring ways to adopt even more energy-efficient appliances to further reduce overall consumption.

For Malaysia, Big Tiny looks to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional travel experience by activating underutilised rural or natural spaces, converting them into low-impact, eco-conscious getaways. With abundance of land and natural landscapes, Big Tiny sees vast potential for growth while simultaneously playing a role setting a benchmark for the country’s eco-tourism landscape and in time, shaping its regenerative tourism industry. Malaysians can also purchase entire tiny homes or share ownership, enjoying passive income from these sustainable stays.

All tiny houses are listed for stays through Big Tiny’s Tiny Away platform (tinyaway.com), alongside other major booking sites.

StashAway launches ETF Explorer

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StashAway Malaysia has launched ETF Explorer, a simple way to invest in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) across assets, themes, and global markets in minutes by removing complexities through its intuitive design and transparent pricing. Users can invest in over 80 expertly-selected ETFs across global equities, bonds, commodities, and trending themes like US tech, artificial intelligence, and emerging markets – all without needing a foreign account.

“Many Malaysians we spoke to felt that global investing was only for the financially savvy,” said Wong Wai Ken, StashAway Malaysia Country Manager. “But it has a place in everyone’s portfolio. Whether you’re just getting started or already experienced, ETF Explorer makes it easy to discover global opportunities and make informed decisions that build long-term wealth.”

ETF Explorer is designed to make global investing as intuitive as possible. Users can invest in an ETF in as little as a minute, without having to sift through thousands of different tickers. Each ETF comes with clear, jargon-free explanations, so users understand exactly what each ETF represents and what they’re investing in.

With just USD $1.99 per order and no ongoing management fees — ETF Explorer allows returns to compound faster over time. Dividends are also automatically reinvested at no charge.

Behind the scenes, StashAway’s investment team screens thousands of ETFs worldwide to identify the most cost-efficient, tax-optimised, and well-managed options for each asset class. This allows investors to benefit from professional insights without the high costs of traditional wealth managers.

ETF Explorer is part of StashAway’s mission to make long-term investing simple and cost effective for all Malaysians. It’s designed for investors who want to build their own portfolios with guidance, while those who prefer a hands-off approach can still choose to grow their wealth through StashAway’s managed investment portfolios.

NCT Group establishes RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah programme

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NCT Group of Companies (NCT Group) marks a significant double milestone — the launch of its maiden RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah Programme, with Maybank participating in the first tranche up to RM390 million in unrated Sukuk, alongside the ground-breaking ceremony for Phase 2 of its flagship NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) in Selangor.

The award-winning developer established the RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah Programme to enhance funding flexibility for its working capital needs and support the Group’s long-term growth strategy, while broadening its access to the domestic debt capital market.

Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, Founder and Group Managing Director of NCT Group, said “We are delighted to work with Maybank as our valued partner in our Sukuk Wakalah Programme, a key initiative that strengthens our financial foundation. The Sukuk Programme will provide us with greater flexibility to pursue new opportunities, driving us into the next phase of growth as we continue to deliver developments that generate sustainable value for our stakeholders.”

The Group has appointed Maybank Investment Bank Berhad as the Sole Principal Adviser and Sole Lead Arranger for the establishment of the Sukuk Wakalah Programme, as well as the Sole Lead Manager for the first tranche of the unrated Sukuk.

Following the Sukuk announcement, NCT Group also celebrated the ground-breaking of Phase 2 of its 732.5-acre NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) in Selangor.

With a gross development value of RM2.5 billion, the ground-breaking of Phase 2 underscores NCT Group’s strong commitment to driving industrial transformation and promoting economic growth in the state through world-class development built on the pillars of innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.

The new phase will build upon the success of Phase 1, featuring similar industrial components with larger plots and enhanced infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of high-technology, logistics, and manufacturing industries. Maintaining NSIP’s core focus on smart and sustainability-driven development, Phase 2 will further strengthen the park’s integrated ecosystem with improved connectivity, upgraded utilities, and advanced digital systems that support automation and future-ready operations for long-term industrial growth. Completion of Phase 2 is scheduled for 2029.

Dato’ Sri Yap added, “Another key milestone has been achieved today with this ground-breaking. Given the scale and expectations of this project, we are determined to ensure that each phase is completed well within its timeline as we continue to shape the nation’s industrial future. This next chapter brings us closer to realising a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive ecosystem that will elevate the sector.”

Located within the Integrated Development Region in South Selangor (IDRISS), NSIP is NCT Group’s flagship project and one of Malaysia’s most advanced managed industrial ecosystems that is redefining industrial development in the region while meeting global ESG standards. Once fully developed, NSIP will serve as a key catalyst for the progress of Selangor and the broader IDRISS corridor.

 

Sunway City Iskandar Puteri is Malaysia’s top smart township

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Sunway City Iskandar Puteri (SCIP) has won Platinum distinction at the Smart Township Malaysia 2025 Awards organised by PLANMalaysia (Jabatan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa) under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan [KPKT]), ranking first among 15 participating townships nationwide.

This milestone marks a historic achievement for Malaysia’s urban development landscape as for the first time, a developer-led township has earned Platinum recognition in a programme traditionally reserved for local councils and government agencies.

The Smart Township Malaysia 2025 Awards operate under the Rangka Kerja Bandar Pintar Malaysia (2019–2025), the national benchmark for smart city implementation aligned with Malaysia’s Smart Nation 2040 vision. PLANMalaysia’s evaluation framework – under the Malaysia Standard ISO 37122:2019 – assesses the performance and level of the townships’ initiatives and implementation against seven key pillars: Smart Government, Smart Economy, Smart People, Smart Living, Smart Mobility, Smart Environment, and Smart Digital Infrastructure.

Chung Soo Kiong, Managing Director of Sunway Property, highlighted that the “This Platinum recognition reaffirms Sunway Property’s leadership in driving Malaysia’s next generation of smart townships. Through Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, we’ve successfully brought to life the seven key pillars set by PLANMalaysia of what a truly integrated, future-ready community is. By harnessing the power of AI, technology, and sustainability, we’re creating connected ecosystems that learn, adapt, and thrive — a model for the smart townships of today and tomorrow.”

Gerard Soosay, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Property (Southern Region), emphasised that sustainability and innovation has always been at the heart of Sunway’s development philosophy.
“At Sunway, sustainability is embedded into every aspect of how we design and build. As the Master Community Developer, our focus goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about creating smart, connected, and inclusive townships that elevate the quality of life for our community. Sunway City Iskandar Puteri reflects this long-term vision, where smart technologies, digital systems, and sustainable design work hand-in-hand to build resilient communities and a better future for generations to come.”

This Platinum distinction positions Sunway City Iskandar Puteri as the blueprint for Malaysia’s next generation of smart and sustainable townships, showcasing how developer-led innovation can complement national urbanisation goals. The recognition also reinforces Sunway Property’s strategic alignment with Malaysia’s Smart City Malaysia 2.0 and Smart Nation 2040 frameworks, opening new avenues for collaboration with federal agencies and setting the pace for sustainable urban transformation.