Kuala Lumpur News

iCents Wins Subcontract

iCents Group Holdings Berhad said its wholly-owned subsidiary, VC Engineering Sdn Bhd, has accepted a Letter of Award for a RM20.26 million subcontract covering two data centre developments in Malaysia. The work involves the supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning, as well as maintenance, of air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems, with completion targeted by 20 August 2026.
“The award of this subcontract for two data centre projects reflects our continued involvement in specialised ACMV works within high-specification facilities. We remain focused on delivering the Project in accordance with the agreed scope, timeline and quality standards. This contract is expected to contribute positively to our financial performance for the financial year ending 30 June 2026 and reinforces our commitment to disciplined project execution and operational excellence.”
“This subcontract further strengthens our project portfolio within the data centre segment, particularly in specialised ACMV works. Our team will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and adherence to technical specifications. We remain committed to maintaining high standards of quality, safety and operational discipline throughout the execution of the Project.”

Propel Global Q2

Propel Global Berhad reported RM20.5 million in revenue for the second quarter ended 31 December 2025 (Q2 FY2026), down from RM28.3 million a year earlier. Loss before tax widened to RM3.9 million, compared with RM1.5 million in Q2 FY2025. Quarter-on-quarter, revenue rose 14% from RM17.9 million in Q1 FY2026, while losses narrowed from RM6.1 million, indicating gradual operational stabilisation.
The O&G segment remained profitable, posting RM13.5 million in revenue and RM2.3 million profit before tax, despite lower EPCC progress claims. The Technical Services segment recorded RM5.0 million in revenue, with losses narrowing significantly due to cost optimisation. The ICT segment saw lower revenue at RM1.4 million, reflecting the absence of prior-year one-off contributions.
For the six months ended 31 December 2025, group revenue totalled RM38.4 million, with loss before tax at RM10.0 million, primarily due to softer EPCC claims and the lack of non-recurring ICT income.
“While year-on-year comparisons reflect the absence of non-recurring contributions recognised in the previous financial year, Q2 FY2026 demonstrates encouraging quarter-on-quarter recovery, with revenue growth and a narrowing of losses. Our O&G segment remains profitable, and cost optimisation across our TS operations is beginning to yield tangible improvements.”
“We remain disciplined in project selection and focused on strengthening execution capabilities. With improving project visibility and stabilising operating conditions, we are cautiously optimistic that performance will progressively strengthen as key milestones are delivered in the second half of the financial year.”
The group highlighted growth opportunities in Malaysia’s construction, O&G, and data centre sectors, noting progress on a RM70 million data centre civil and structural works package in Johor Bahru, with potential optional works increasing total contract value. Propel Global also announced a memorandum of understanding to explore modular gas-to-power solutions in Sabah, supporting its expansion into energy transition projects.

Shopee Raya Trends

Shopee Malaysia showcased its Ramadan-Raya shopping trends at Shopee House: Bazar Gaya Raya at The Yard, Sentul Depot, bringing together local brands, affiliates and content creators to highlight how content-led commerce is shaping festive purchasing decisions and supporting local seller growth.
“Semakin ramai rakyat Malaysia menggunakan kandungan untuk mencari produk dan membandingkan pilihan menjelang Ramadan dan Raya. Apabila pembeli menonton livestream, video pendek, dan cadangan daripada pencipta, penjual dapat menjangkau pelanggan baharu, pencipta kandungan memperoleh peluang menjana pendapatan, dan pembeli pula dapat membuat keputusan dengan lebih yakin,” katanya.
Shopee said platform data shows the shift is accelerating, citing over 7 billion views across Shopee Live and Shopee Video in 2025. Sellers using these features reportedly doubled orders during the Raya campaign, while affiliate-driven content delivered a threefold increase in orders.
For 2026, Shopee is expanding its content approach through the Shopee Bazar Hebat Ramadan campaign, including more livestreams, creator content and entertainment. The campaign builds on the weekly #GRWS fashion livestream series and was brought to life at the event via a fashion show featuring Ramadan-Raya collections from local labels including Siti Khadijah, Naelofar, Bulan Bintang and Adnaa. Shopee also announced a new partnership with Viu to launch microdrama content on the platform from 16 February, with new daily episodes at 12pm.
“Pembeli hari ini mahukan inspirasi, nilai dan kemudahan dalam satu tempat. Dengan menghubungkan pembeli, penjual, dan afiliate melalui kandungan, kami mewujudkan ekosistem perayaan yang lebih inklusif, di mana perniagaan kecil boleh berkembang dan rakyat Malaysia dapat menikmati pengalaman beli-belah berteraskan kandungan sambil membuat persiapan Raya dengan lebih mudah,” tambah Opal Wu.

Hextar Buys llaollao

Hextar Industries Berhad (HIB) has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire a 51% equity stake in Woodpeckers Group Sdn Bhd for RM177.5 million in cash, marking a major step in its diversification into the food and beverage retail business. The acquisition gives HIB immediate exposure to Malaysia’s frozen dessert segment through Woodpeckers Group’s nationwide llaollao franchise network, which currently operates 131 outlets.
Woodpeckers Group reported revenue growth from RM117.81 million (FYE 2022) to RM150.64 million (FYE 2024), representing a 13.08% CAGR, and achieved RM30.3 million profit after tax and minority interest in FYE 2024. The deal values Woodpeckers Group at RM348 million and includes an average annual profit guarantee of RM29 million over three years
“This acquisition marks a decisive step in our strategic evolution. Woodpeckers Group has built a highly credible and resilient F&B platform, supported by proven operational capabilities, disciplined expansion, and deep understanding of Malaysian consumer preferences. By combining their operating expertise with HIB’s financial strength, governance, growth capital and the strength of our resources, we are well positioned to accelerate scale, enhance operational efficiencies, and unlock sustainable long term value in Malaysia’s dynamic food and beverage landscape.”
“From a single bold idea to a nationwide platform, our growth has always been driven by strong teams, disciplined execution, and deep insights into Malaysian consumer behaviour. Woodpeckers Group began its journey with llaollao and went on to define Malaysia’s frozen yogurt category, leading and growing it as one of the country’s most recognisable and trusted food and beverage retail platforms, thus establishing a strong record in brand building, operational excellence, and nationwide execution.”
“Partnering with HIB marks an exciting new chapter for the Group. With enhanced scale, capital support, and strong strategic alignment, we are confident in accelerating our growth ambitions, strengthening the brands Malaysians trust, and creating long-term opportunities for our people as we build the next generation of innovative food and beverage concepts. Our leadership team will continue to lead the businesses under Woodpeckers Group, ensuring continuity, cultural consistency, and operational excellence in meeting both parties shared long-term vision”
Following completion, HIB will represent two global franchise brands in Malaysia — Luckin Coffee and llaollao — positioning the group to capture growth in the expanding F&B retail sector.

Vanzo Back In Profit

Vanzo Holdings Berhad returned to profitability in 1QFY2026 (quarter ended 31 December 2025), posting RM17.4 million in revenue—up 45% from RM12.0 million a year earlier—and profit after tax of RM1.6 million, reversing a loss in the corresponding quarter last year.
The group said performance was driven by a stronger December 2025 sales surge and sustained demand across key product lines including the VANZO LX Series, Smart Car Diffuser, and Mini Vent Series, alongside new launches such as the Hello Kitty and Zootopia series. Vanzo also expanded its retail footprint to nine kiosks, with new openings at Imago Shopping Mall, Sabah (7 November 2025) and KSL City Mall, Johor Bahru (4 December 2025), while pursuing partnerships to broaden distribution across physical retail and e-commerce.
“Moving forward, we will take a bolder approach in venturing into new areas of the business, including expanding our business-to-business (B2B) segment, launching new products, and entering new markets to strengthen our presence and drive sustainable growth. With a strong focus on innovation and operational excellence, we are confident in delivering long-term value to our customers and shareholders.”

Betamek Profit Surge

Betamek Berhad reported a sharp earnings improvement for the third quarter ended 31 December 2025 (Q3 FYE2026), with profit before tax (PBT) rising 95.5% year-on-year to RM11.18 million. Revenue increased 10.9% to RM80.13 million, supported by higher orders and production volumes, while profit after tax reached RM8.95 million (EPS: 1.98 sen).
For the nine months, Betamek posted RM209.48 million in revenue and RM30.84 million in PBT, exceeding 87% of its audited FYE2025 results. The Board declared a third interim dividend of 1.25 sen per share, bringing cumulative dividends for FYE2026 to 3.50 sen, representing a payout ratio of about 64% and a yield of 6.9%.
Performance was underpinned by resilient automotive demand, ongoing Perodua model rollouts, stronger export contributions, and revenue diversification, with non-automotive customers contributing approximately 18% of total revenue.
“Our Q3 performance reflects the strength of Betamek’s operating fundamentals. Achieving nearly double-digit revenue growth and a 95.5% increase in PBT underscores the resilience of our business model. With nine-month earnings already exceeding 87% of audited FYE2025 results, the Board is confident that FYE2026 will mark another record year for the Group.”
Betamek said it remains focused on cost optimisation, production efficiency and expanding R&D capabilities to capture opportunities in higher electronics content vehicles and evolving mobility trends.

Orgabio Profit Jumps

Orgabio Holdings Berhad posted strong earnings growth for the second quarter ended 31 December 2025 (Q2 FY2026), with revenue rising 60.36% year-on-year to RM40.7 million on sustained demand for its instant beverage premix manufacturing services and improved production efficiency following its expanded facility commissioning. Profit before tax surged 110.29% to RM3.9 million, while profit after tax climbed 122.04% to RM2.8 million.
For the first half ended 31 December 2025, Orgabio reported revenue of RM79.8 million (+63.35% YoY), PBT of RM7.6 million (+112.96%), and PAT of RM5.5 million (+137.20%), reflecting continued momentum across consecutive quarters. Quarter-on-quarter, revenue increased 4.30% from RM39.1 million in Q1 FY2026, supported by stronger overseas contributions and improved cost absorption.
As at 31 December 2025, total assets stood at RM103.1 million, shareholders’ equity strengthened to RM65.3 million, borrowings fell to RM7.6 million, and cash and cash equivalents rose to RM12.0 million, supported by RM7.9 million in operating cash flow.
“Q2 FY2026 marks another quarter of solid earnings expansion for Orgabio. Our revenue growth of over 60% year-on-year reflects strong demand from both domestic and international brand owners, while improved factory utilisation continues to enhance operational efficiency and profitability. We are encouraged by the sustained order flow and remain focused on strengthening production efficiency, maintaining cost discipline, and expanding our customer base across regional markets.”

AI Homes Debut

I-Berhad has launched AI Living@ i-City in Selangor, positioning the project as the world’s first AI and robotics residences built for an economy where humans and intelligent machines live and operate together. The 500-unit tower is slated for completion in 2030 and forms part of i-City’s broader AI and robotics residential master plan, with RM1 billion earmarked for technology integration across the township.
“When i-City began over 20 years ago, the idea of a ‘digital city’ was shaped by technologies of that era. At that time, digital largely meant connectivity like broadband infrastructure, data centres and smart buildings,” he said.
“Today, digital transformation has entered a new phase. Artificial intelligence and robotics are no longer back-end tools – they are becoming operating layers of the economy. As a result, the built environment must evolve as well. This means designing homes and urban infrastructure that are compatible with AI and robotics from the outset.”
“By developing the world’s first AI and robotics residential tower as a real-world testbed and commercialization platform for humanoid robotics, we are accelerating the integration of embodied intelligence into everyday residential life.”
The development is backed by a strategic alliance with Agibot Innovation (Shanghai) Technology Co Ltd and is designed as an AI- and robotics-native environment, rather than a conventional apartment block retrofitted with smart devices. “This is not about adding technology into homes. It is about designing homes that assume AI and robotics will be present—permanently,” said Tony Mak. “At AI Living, robotics are treated not as gadgets but as functional occupants within the residential ecosystem. It is designed to allow robots to operate naturally within the home, just like a human would.”
I-Berhad said the project will use a Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, allowing residents to lease domestic robots, while also targeting practical household automation, elderly support and AI-driven wellness monitoring. “The first layer is practical, as robotics can take over routine household tasks such as cleaning, reducing reliance on traditional domestic labour models,” he said. “The second layer addresses demographic trends, like ageing populations and dual-income households, where robotics options extend to elderly assistance, monitoring support, child supervision and companionship services.” “AI Living is not about humans adapting to machines. It is about designing environments where machines support human wellbeing.”

Firefly Renews IOSA

Firefly has renewed its IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Registry for a further two years, extending its listing until February 2028 following a successful Risk-Based IOSA (RBI) audit. The audit marks Firefly’s first assessment under the risk-based methodology, which focuses on safety risks specific to each airline rather than a one-size framework, and covers areas including safety management, flight operations, dispatch, engineering and maintenance, cabin operations, ground handling, cargo and operational security.
“The renewal of our IOSA Registry following our first Risk-Based Audit is a proud moment for Firefly. It reflects the professionalism, discipline and teamwork demonstrated across the organisation, and our unwavering commitment to safety as the foundation of our operations. We will continue to strengthen our systems and processes to ensure we deliver safe, reliable and quality services to the communities we serve.”
Firefly said the renewal underscores strong compliance and alignment with IATA safety benchmarks, reinforcing confidence among passengers, partners and regulators.

Kee Ming Soars

Kee Ming Group Berhad debuted on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market under the stock name “KEEMING” (code 0392), opening at RM0.79 — a 107.89% premium to its IPO price of RM0.38. The M&E engineering solutions provider raised about RM25.32 million through the issuance of 66.63 million new shares.
Proceeds will be used mainly for project working capital (RM13.0m), performance bonds (RM4.0m), expanding its project team (RM1.72m), an ERP system (RM1.0m), general working capital (RM0.60m) and IPO-related expenses (RM5.0m). Kee Ming provides end-to-end engineering services including design, fabrication, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance across electrical systems, ACMV and fire protection, and is also involved in solar PV, EV charging infrastructure and CGPP interconnection facilities.
“Today’s listing marks an important milestone in Kee Ming’s corporate journey. The positive market reception affirms investor confidence in our engineering expertise, disciplined execution and growth strategy. With the funds raised, we are well-positioned to undertake larger and more complex projects across electrical, ACMV, fire protection and solar-related segments, while continuing to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality engineering solutions. We remain committed to creating long-term value for our shareholders and stakeholders.”
“Kee Ming’s successful debut on the ACE Market highlights investor recognition of the Group’s solid track record, diversified M&E engineering capabilities and experienced management team. With favourable industry dynamics driven by infrastructure development, industrial expansion and renewable energy adoption, Kee Ming is well-positioned for sustainable growth. TA Securities is pleased to have supported the Group on this important milestone.”
“Kee Ming’s successful listing reflects the strength of its M&E engineering business model, supported by its solid track record and experienced management team. With comprehensive technical capabilities and exposure to modern infrastructure and clean energy-related infrastructure, the Group is well-positioned to benefit from Malaysia’s industrial and infrastructure growth as well as energy transition.”
TA Securities Holdings Berhad is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Sole Underwriter and Sole Placement Agent for the IPO, while Eco Asia Capital Advisory Sdn. Bhd. is the Financial Adviser.