Latest news with #DRB-HICOM


The Star
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
DRB-HICOM acquires remaining 30% stake in SEMSB for RM20mil
PETALING JAYA: DRB-Hicom Bhd is acquiring the remaining 30% stake in Scott & English (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (SEMSB) from Arah Kiara Sdn Bhd for RM20mil. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, DRB-Hicom said the acquisition was done via its wholly-owned subsidiary, HICOM Holdings Bhd (HHB), making SEMSB a wholly-owned subsidiary of HHB. DRB-HICOM said SEMSB owns two properties located in strategic areas, namely Glenmarie, Shah Alam and Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur. 'These properties currently generate stable rental income and offer long-term redevelopment prospects/potential. 'The acquisition would allow DRB-HICOM Group to secure full ownership of SEMSB and allow the group to optimise and unlock value from these strategic properties.' According to DRB-HICOM, SEMSB was principally engaged in the importation, distribution, and servicing of industrial, marine, and engineering products, as well as investment holding. 'SEMSB ceased its core operations since March 31, 2015 and is currently involved in the rental of properties located in Glenmarie Shah Alam.'


USA Today
14-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Land For Sale In Tanjong Malim's New Tech Valley For AI Data Center Investment
Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory / Syndication Cloud / May 7, 2025 / Sungai Samak Estate Tanjong Malim has witnessed some huge changes over the years – from humble beginnings as an 18th-century trading post to its growing role as one of Malaysia's most vibrant tech hubs. Want the lowdown on whys, hows, and wheres of investing in the region? Visit real estate investment consultancy Sungai Samak Estate's site to explore the future of technology and economic development in Tanjong Malim and learn how you can get involved! More details at Don't Know Much About Tanjong Malim? Explore the town's rich history and discover key events that demonstrate the town's spirit and resilience. For example, it endured and survived the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945 and the Communist Insurgency from 1948 to 1960, rising to meet the challenges of the times. The town's current economic boom reflects its ongoing commitment to progress and innovation. Prime Positioning According to the guide, the town is set to benefit from high-speed railway links to Port Klang and Proton City and developer DRB-HICOM's plans to turn Tanjong Malim into the 'Detroit of ASEAN' through its Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) project. These developments will bring a huge influx of workers and speed up the already rapidly rising economic growth in the area. Want to be a part of it? The company explains how these developments will see the area's population rise by around 50,000 by 2027, bolstering demand for housing, retail, and other consumer amenities. A 400-acre development is underway adjacent to the AHTV plant, featuring smart urban planning and over 6,000 commercial and residential units. What About Data Center Provision? Tanjong Malim is a prime spot for data center investment. Developers, tech companies, and investment companies such as Bain Capital are drawn to its perfect location, growing infrastructure, and affordable land. The town's progressive ethos is also seen in the growth of its AI and robotics sector. A Sungai Samak Estate spokesperson says, 'Tanjong Malim can shape the future with Malaysia's first AI & Robotics University, built on a legacy of excellence from the 100+ year-old Sultan Idris Teachers Training University. Backed by industry, it will drive AI and STEM breakthroughs, revolutionizing manufacturing and automation.' What Investment Opportunities Are There? The company highlights the availability of five 376-acre plots of land – located 10 minutes from the center of Tanjong Malim – as an ideal opportunity for investors hoping to share in the success of the region's economic transformation. Be part of Malaysia's hi-tech future with Sungai Samak Estate! For more info, go to Sungai Samak Estate 2 Jalan Sempurna off Jalan Gombak Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory 53000 Malaysia


Malaysian Reserve
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
New Energy Asia unveiled to empower EV charging growth in Malaysia, ASEAN
by SHAUQI WAHAB NEW Energy Asia Sdn Bhd, a newly established joint venture (JV) between HICOM Engineering Sdn Bhd (HESB) and China-based Hangzhou Flash Charging New Energy Co Ltd (HFC), enters the Malaysian and ASEAN electric vehicle (EV) market with a wide range of high-quality and reliable EV charging solutions. HESB is a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Bhd, while HFC operates under Lotus Technology Inc. The collaboration brings together HESB's industrial capabilities and DRB-HICOM's brand heritage with HFC's international experience in EV charging technology. The latter has a proven track record in delivering advanced charging infrastructure in markets such as China, Germany and Kuwait. Present at the official unveiling of New Energy Asia were Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, HESB chairman and DRB-HICOM Group MD Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Lotus Group CEO Feng Qingfeng, HESB COO Hazrin Fazail Haroon and New Energy Asia CEO Gordon Lee. Syed Faisal stressed that climate change is a present and pressing reality and stated that the initiative goes beyond a symbolic gesture. 'Our Net Zero Carbon Initiative is more than a pledge. It is a concrete plan of action,' he said in his opening remarks. He said DRB-HICOM aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through a three-pillar strategy, namely operational efficiency, renewable energy (RE) transition and carbon accountability. This involves upgrading facilities for energy efficiency, increasing the use of solar and wind power and publishing independently audited annual carbon reports to ensure transparency and progress. DRB-HICOM also plans to engage stakeholders through employee training, awareness campaigns and green incentives as part of its effort to foster a culture of sustainability both internally and externally. 'Let us walk this path together and let our actions today shape a better tomorrow,' Syed Faisal added. New Energy Asia will distribute HFC's full range of EV chargers in the region, including premium Lotus-branded chargers such as the cutting-edge 450 kilowatt (kW) liquid-cooled all-in-one direct current (DC) charger. This flagship product can charge the Lotus Emeya from 10% to 80% in just 14 minutes. Other offerings include 7kW, 11kW and 22kW smart AC chargers, as well as a wide selection of air-cooled and liquid-cooled DC chargers ranging from 30kW to 450kW. These products can also be customised to meet specific user requirements. During the launch, the company signed several memoranda of collaboration (MOCs) with local partners to further build out Malaysia's EV charger manufacturing ecosystem. These partnerships will support research and design (R&D), industrial integration and the expansion of clean mobility infrastructure. Hazrin Fazail revealed that the group is placing a strong emphasis on software integration and after-sales support to ensure reliability and long-term value for users. Initial technical training for personnel is currently being conducted in Hangzhou, China, with continued collaboration to take place online. He said these efforts are aimed at building internal capabilities ahead of local manufacturing. Meanwhile, manufacturing of EV chargers is planned to take place in Malaysia within the next two years, subject to positive market traction. Hazrin Fazail said this aligns with the company's vision for sustainable and locally driven production, which also includes hiring more software engineers to enhance system reliability and user experience (UX). 'This is an opportunity to have more software engineers come and join us as we build this capability,' he explained. While the company does not plan to operate as a Charge Point Operator (CPO), it intends to work closely with CPOs in Malaysia to ensure compatibility and support. The business model avoids direct competition in the CPO space, instead offering hardware and systems that enable broader EV ecosystem growth. Looking ahead, New Energy Asia aims to penetrate the ASEAN market by offering both Lotus-branded and white-label EV charging products. Beyond charging infrastructure, New Energy Asia will also supply advanced energy storage systems to address the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in both residential and commercial markets. The company has signalled its intent to become a key enabler of electric mobility in the region by working closely with stakeholders across the EV value chain. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition


The Star
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
New Energy Asia to be sole Lotus EV charger distributor across Asean
DRB-HICOM group managing director and HESB chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar. —LOW BOON TAT/The Star. KUALA LUMPUR: New Energy Asia Sdn Bhd, a newly established joint venture (JV) between HICOM Engineering Sdn Bhd (HESB) and Hangzhou Flash Charging New Energy Co Ltd. (HFC) from China, will exclusively distribute Lotus electric vehicle (EV) chargers across ASEAN. HESB is a subsidiary of DRB-Hicom Bhd , while HFC is a subsidiary of Lotus Technology Inc., which is a company mainly engaged in the design, development, manufacturing and sales of luxury EVs. DRB-HICOM group managing director and HESB chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar said that starting today, New Energy Asia will begin the nationwide rollout of a full range of Lotus charging stations in Malaysia. "We are also keen to work with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and property developers, too, because modern condominiums deserve turbocharged EV units. "Big things are coming ahead. Our JV with HFC marks a significant milestone. Thank you for believing in us. We are excited to co-create something truly impactful in the future. "To the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, as well as the Energy Commission, your guidance and support have made this possible. We are deeply grateful,' he said in his speech at the JV collaboration here today. Syed Faisal said that DRB-HICOM is committed to answering the government's call, especially in the EV sector, contributing to net-zero emissions by 2050. "Our HICOM Engineering manufacturing facilities also assemble Mercedes-Benz EQS EV, and Pos Malaysia has already converted 2,000 vehicles into electric motorcycles and vans. "We are just not talking about change, but we are living it. Therefore, this new JV becomes a natural extension in our effort to slash the carbon footprint,' he added. Meanwhile, HESB chief operating officer Hazrin Fazail Haroon said that New Energy Asia aims to set up a manufacturing facility within the next two years, depending on market demand. The targeted location for the facility is Tanjung Malim, Perak. However, for now, New Energy Asia will focus on after-sales service and support for its charge point operators (CPOs), as well as strengthening the capabilities and expertise of its workforce in this area. "We have sent our team to Hangzhou Flash Charge in China for the first step training, they have been there and they have gained all the knowledge about the charging equipment, the direct current, and also alternating current. "For the second phase, we are doing online training focused on the calibration of charging equipment and compatibility with new cars available in the market. We will work with OEMs and our partners to do these calibrations and address any issues we face in Malaysia,' he said. - Bernama


New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
DRB-HICOM records RM17.7mil net profit in Q1
KUALA LUMPUR: DRB-HICOM Bhd recorded an 80.6 per cent decline in net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 to RM17.7 million from RM91.5 million in the same period last year. This was attributed to reduced revenue across major segments, coupled with higher depreciation and amortisation expenses. According to its filing on Bursa Malaysia, DRB-HICOM's revenue for the quarter slipped five per cent to RM4.11 billion from RM4.33 billion. This was mainly impacted by lower sales of Proton vehicles and lower contributions from its manufacturing and engineering businesses. No interim dividend was announced for the financial period. DRB-HICOM said it continues to prioritise digital transformation in core sectors like banking and postal services, aiming to enhance operational efficiency through these ongoing initiatives. "In other areas, including aerospace and defence, services, and properties, the group continues to strengthen business fundamentals to support resilience and long-term sustainability. "The group anticipates a moderate outlook for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025," it added.