AGP Executive Report

Energy & Industry: Shanghai Electric won its first overseas heavy-duty gas turbine order for Unit 3 of Sarawak Samalaju’s 500MW CCGT project, delivering an EPC turnkey package plus a 25-year service deal. AI & Values: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim urged Muslim communities to engage AI and digital tech while keeping faith and ethics central, warning against becoming “weaponised” by outsiders. Healthcare Reform: Experts say Malaysia’s RESET agenda and MediAsas-style private insurance reforms won’t show instant results, but must keep momentum through real implementation. Education & Tech Access: JANM adopted SK Belimbing under the MADANI Adopted School programme, supplying Android TVs and air-conditioning to boost digital learning. AI Governance & Risk: A survey finds data quality is the top AI compliance risk for financial firms, with generative AI the most considered use case. ASEAN/Global Tech Diplomacy: Perlis’ Raja Muda called for joint research, technology transfer and talent development to turn institution-to-country ties into real impact. AI in Business: George Kent is testing agentic AI commercialisation in Malaysia/ASEAN via a term sheet with Shandong Extreme Vision. BRICS Tech Push: BRICS leaders backed cooperation on technology, supply chains and health, while warning against “weaponisation” of technology and critical minerals.

AI Governance & Safety: MCMC is investigating an Anthropic report alleging AI-driven fake X accounts and political messaging aimed at influencing Malaysian voters, with Fahmi Fadzil saying the probe may extend beyond X. BRICS Finance & Trade: PM Anwar Ibrahim urged BRICS to back a fairer global financing system so developing countries aren’t forced to choose between debt repayment and basic needs, while also pushing action against unfair trading practices and expanding tech cooperation in areas like semiconductors and AI. Malaysia-India Tech & Industry: French engineering firm Segula says it plans to make Malaysia its SEA hub, targeting advanced manufacturing and design work with initial hires and training support. Defence Cooperation: Anwar confirmed Malaysia is exploring India’s BrahMos missile system, but any decision would be led by the Malaysian Air Force. Workplace Well-being Policy: A safe-community group calls for Budget 2027 tax incentives to boost private-sector occupational safety, health and mental wellness. Education & AI Exposure: Perlis’ Faizuddin Centre is running school-level AI and science/tech programmes for asnaf students via partnerships with local universities. Green Energy & High-Tech Links: Malaysia and Hungary discussed cooperation in green energy, semiconductors, pharma and advanced manufacturing. Consumer Tech Watch: Vivo X500 series models have cleared Malaysia’s SIRIM certification ahead of launch.

Engineering & AI for Industry: Segula Technologies says Malaysia can take on higher-value engineering work now done in India, with a planned global engineering centre in Malaysia by end-2026 using AI to support automotive, aerospace, energy and advanced manufacturing. BRICS Diplomacy: PM Anwar Ibrahim met major firms and also used cultural diplomacy in New Delhi, including a Kishore Kumar song performance, as BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026 amid Middle East tensions. AI Governance Push: AI Malaysia will prioritise an AI Governance Bill and a Malaysia AI Safety Institute, and coordinate the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 to speed responsible AI adoption. Digital Safety at Home: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urged parents to actively use parental controls and stay alert to AI-enabled scams. Tech Skills for Students: TM’s Perak Morse Code Challenge highlighted early telecom tech history while testing student focus and discipline. Investment Momentum in Selangor: Selangor reported RM70b investment approvals by June, led by services and manufacturing, with hopes to hit RM80b soon. Regional Energy Security: Malaysia backs an ASEAN oil stockpile study led by ERIA, aiming for completion by November.

AI Governance & Safety: AI Malaysia will prioritise the AI Governance Bill and set up a Malaysia AI Safety Institute, aiming to implement the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 with “move fast, implement with discipline” delivery. Education & Assessment: Malaysian English Language Teaching Association says educators must rethink teaching and assessment for AI-era learning, shifting toward problem-, project- and task-based approaches rather than relying on final written outputs. Digital Safety at Home: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urges parents to use parental controls as the first line of defence, warning that AI-enabled scams and face filters are getting more sophisticated. Cyber Manipulation Politics: UMNO Information chief Azalina Othman Said warns Malaysia’s digital political space is vulnerable to AI-driven fake accounts and manipulation, urging the public to verify sources. Tech Heritage in Schools: Telekom Malaysia’s Perak Morse Code Challenge highlights Morse code’s role in Malaysia’s early telecom history, with student winners from Taiping schools. Community Tech-Enabled Living: Projek Mesra Rakyat road upgrades and lift repairs in Kuala Lumpur’s Pangsapuri Kos Rendah Bandar Tasik Selatan, plus a Flexi EV charging station launch, show tech-enabled upgrades at apartment level. Rural Healthcare Gap: A commentary marks Malaysia’s 63rd year by spotlighting how rural communities still lack equal healthcare access, tying the issue to long-standing service coverage limits. BRICS & Maritime Security (Malaysia angle): At BRICS in New Delhi, Anwar Ibrahim met Iran’s Pezeshkian, calling for dialogue to de-escalate West Asia and stressing freedom and safety of maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

AI & Education: A Malaysia education warning lands hard in PISA 2025 results, showing weaker baseline skills in maths, reading and science—raising doubts about readiness for an AI-driven economy. AI Infrastructure & Power/Water: Firmus and OpenAI’s multi-year compute deal spotlights Malaysia’s push into AI “factories,” while a separate report flags the hidden constraint: water demand as data-centre capacity ramps up. Digital Safety: MCMC calls for uniform SLAs and “safety by design” to curb online harms, especially for children and minors. Cyber/AI Governance: Anthropic-linked claims of election manipulation using fake accounts keep the spotlight on AI misuse and election integrity. Industry Tech: Mondelez’s 90m ringgit Crumb Tower in Shah Alam boosts automation and advanced chocolate processing. Energy/Markets: Bursa Malaysia ends the week sharply lower as crude oil and yields weigh on sentiment. Nuclear for Growth: Nuklear Malaysia frames nuclear tech as a commercial engine beyond labs, aligned to DTNN 2030. Regional Health Tech: ASEAN and South Korea deepen cooperation on AI and digital health for earlier detection and resilient care. Security & Policing Tech: KL police urge tech adoption, data analytics and stronger information sharing to tackle evolving crime. BRICS Diplomacy: Anwar meets Putin on trade, palm oil and direct flights, as BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi with tech and innovation themes. Circular Materials: UM researchers explore turning prawn shells into chitosan-based biodegradable plastic films.

AI Security & Elections: Anthropic says it disrupted an AI-powered election manipulation operation targeting Malaysia, using about 1,000 fake X accounts, a bogus news outlet and Claude-based influence tooling linked to an Istanbul firm. Digital Health & Regional Cooperation: Malaysia’s Health Minister says ASEAN-US talks will expand early detection, genomic surveillance, big-data analytics and One Health, with a 2027-2030 work plan. AI Governance for Education: Malaysia’s AI Action Plan push is now landing in schools and universities, with calls for responsible, fair and safe classroom use. Data Centres vs Water: A new analysis warns Malaysia’s AI/data-centre surge could lock in future water demand, raising questions on supply and priority as capacity tightens. Energy Transition Skills: TNB highlights workforce capability-building as the key to delivering the energy transition, from smart meters to drone grid inspections. Automotive Tech & EV Growth: BYD confirms it won’t proceed with a CKD plant in Tanjung Malim but keeps local assembly plans; meanwhile EV registrations hit an August record 8,833 units (+155% YoY). Industry & Manufacturing: Mondelez launches a RM90m Crumb Tower at Cadbury’s Shah Alam plant to boost automation and local chocolate-crumb production. Cyber Safety for Minors: MCMC urges uniform service standards and “safety by design” to protect children online as scams and contraband sales evolve. BRICS Payments Push: India’s Piyush Goyal urges BRICS to link payment systems and expand local-currency digital trade, spotlighting UPI’s scale. ASEAN Tech Events: ZTE and GSMA M360 ASEAN kick off in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on moving from connectivity to digital value creation.

Biodiversity Push: Malaysia’s “Hidden Wonders of Malaysia” campaign launches with the Natural History Museum and Aquaria KLCC to boost public awareness and conservation of local biodiversity. AI Misuse Warning: Anthropic details how bad actors tried to use its AI for bioweapons and biological harm, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards. ASEAN Medicines Plan: ASEAN endorsed a five-year action plan to secure affordable essential medicines for 600 million people via pooled purchasing and stronger self-reliance. Food Security Policy Link: Malaysia’s KPKM says it will learn from India’s buffer stock, distribution and supply-chain approach as it drafts the National Food Security Act. Radiation Monitoring Openness: Malaysia’s GSWMS now monitors national waters 24/7 for unusual radiation changes, with data made publicly accessible. Cyber Channel Boost: Forescout upgraded four resellers to platinum status after a training push, aiming to raise partner technical capability. BRICS Security & Diplomacy: Delhi Police mobilised 15,000+ personnel for BRICS summit security while Malaysia’s PM is set to meet industry leaders during the event. AI-First for ASEAN: Malaysia’s deputy communications minister urges the country to move beyond consuming AI and build foundations for SMEs and start-ups to scale solutions across ASEAN. Workplace Culture: Sunway Group earns Great Place To Work certification for a second straight year, citing improved staff experience.

AI Governance & Trust: Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo says Malaysia’s AI Governance Bill is finished and could be tabled in Parliament this quarter or by early 2027, with enforcement structures being set up. Consumer AI in Malaysia: HONOR Malaysia CEO Ethan Chen argues AI adoption hinges on linguistic relevance and simple, accessible user experiences in a multilingual market. Digital Foundations for ASEAN AI: Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching urges Malaysia to move from consuming AI to building the connectivity, computing, cloud and data backbone that lets SMEs and start-ups scale solutions across ASEAN. E-commerce Drug Crackdown: Fahmi Fadzil says authorities are monitoring coded listings and fake accounts used to sell prohibited substances online, warning platforms to act proactively. Aviation Safety Tech: CAAM calls for “safety intelligence” using AI, data and shared expertise to prevent accidents and push for zero fatalities. Energy & Industry: Petronas awards the Estuary Cluster PSC and hands over seismic data for the Mutiara Cluster, using technology-led approaches to unlock marginal resources. Wildlife Conservation: MPOGCF and Perhilitan report eight Malayan tiger cubs born under an ex-situ breeding programme supported by RM2m since 2021. Health Tech Research: A Malaysian-led study validates a Persian-language questionnaire to measure mobile health adoption for osteoporosis care among older Iranians. EV Reality Check: Commentary highlights Malaysia’s EV growth outpacing public charger expansion, raising concerns about charging access. Payments Innovation: PhonePe and Visa roll out cardless payment tools like Tap to Pay and Cross Border Scan to Pay for India and select international markets.

Apple’s Foldable Push in Malaysia: Apple officially unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, with Malaysia pricing from RM9,499 and pre-orders starting 16 Oct (availability 23 Oct). Wearables Upgrade: Apple also announced AirPods 5 (RM599) and AirPods 5 with wireless charging case (RM699), plus Apple Watch Series 12 and Watch Ultra 4 updates focused on new chips and improved health sensing. Food-Safety Tech Certification: NSF named Shell MDS (Malaysia) the first APAC manufacturer to earn dual PFAS-free and MOAH-free certification for food-contact materials and nonfood compounds. Education & STEM Skills: Malaysia’s MOE is rolling out a Mathematics Misconceptions Module to tackle weak concept understanding and reasoning, not just test-taking performance. Digital Trust in ASEAN: Experts at M360 ASEAN 2026 stressed that resilience needs partnerships and disaster-ready telecom failover, while ASEAN must build trust to avoid an “AI divide” and fight scams via faster cross-border intelligence sharing. Energy & Data Centre Pressure: S&P says Malaysia’s growth stays resilient on manufacturing, infrastructure and data centres, but power strain is a growing concern as investments accelerate. Public Health & Community Care: Malaysia showcased the Mentari community mental health model at the 17th AHMM, shifting care from institutions to early screening and recovery support.

Digital Trust & Anti-Scam Push: ASEAN leaders at M360 ASEAN 2026 urged stronger cross-border scam intelligence sharing, with telecoms, banks, regulators, enforcement and platforms coordinating faster to protect users as AI raises fraud and impersonation risks. Sovereign AI Hardware: Malaysia is weighing Huawei Ascend 910C accelerators for a MYR2bil sovereign AI cloud, as governments race for compute while managing geopolitical and supply-chain concerns. Data Centres & Power Strain: Singapore’s data-centre spend is forecast to jump to US$19.2bil by 2050, while Malaysia faces rising electricity demand and heat stress from expanding facilities. AI Backlash Hits Asia: Thailand suspended dozens of data-centre projects as regulators tighten resource-use and safety rules, reflecting growing pushback against the AI boom. Mobile Network Benchmark: Ookla’s Speedtest report names U Mobile Malaysia’s Best Mobile Network and Fastest 5G for H1 2026. Maritime Talent Pipeline: MISC launched Yayasan Maritim, Malaysia’s first maritime-focused foundation, to fund education, marine conservation and coastal community resilience. Offshore “Third Eye”: Perdana Petroleum proposes using offshore support vessels as an extra monitoring layer for Malaysia’s waters in Budget 2027. Drug Bust: Bukit Aman dismantled a Selangor drug lab syndicate, seizing drugs worth about RM2.4bil (US$590mil). Energy Transition Project: TNB Genco plans a 595MW floating solar plus 1,190MWh battery hybrid at Tasik Kenyir, targeting completion in 2028.

Malaysia-EU Ties: Malaysia used Brussels’ National Day to highlight growing trade with Belgium (€2.06b in 2025) and the EU (€49b in 2025), while pushing MEUFTA talks and green/digital cooperation. Education & STEM: Malaysia’s PISA 2025 results show strength in science, reading and computational problem-solving, with Education Minister Fadhlina urging parents to prioritise family time as a key driver of learning. Robotics in Tourism: Adora Mediterranea’s Port Klang homeport launch adds a humanoid “Robot Cultural Ambassador” for onboard cultural shows, blending AI, multilingual engagement and Malaysia’s heritage. Data Centres vs Power Supply: Rising heat is driving data-centre electricity use, creating a reported 9GW gas-fired capacity gap by 2032; officials warn cooling demand could push data centres to 31% of peninsular power by 2035. Public Security Cooperation: Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution leads Malaysia’s delegation to China’s Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, focusing on cross-border policing and telecom/cyber fraud. US-Iran Aviation Sanctions: The US Treasury sanctioned 27 remaining Iranian airlines and third-country support firms, including Malaysia-linked entities, as part of wider pressure on Iran’s aviation networks.

AI & Sovereign Chips: Malaysia is reportedly weighing Huawei as an AI chip supplier for a MYR2bil sovereign AI push, despite US warnings, with consideration focused on Huawei’s Ascend 910C. Data Centres & Power Crunch: As heat rises, Malaysia’s data centres hit a record 9.3% of power use (up from a 7% average), forcing a planned 9GW gas capacity gap by 2032 while coal retirement targets remain on track to 2044. Connectivity Upgrades: Maxis deployed Nokia optical transport tech to boost enterprise and data-centre interconnect capacity, aiming at up to 1.2Tbps per channel with higher fibre carrying capacity. Smart Mobility: Malaysia is accelerating Intelligent Transport Systems under the Malaysia ITS Roadmap 2030, using AI, big data, IoT and real-time traffic management for safer highways. STEM & Skills: UniMAP is expanding into AI, data science and embedded systems via a Faculty of Smart Computing, aligning engineering talent with digital needs. Education Outcomes: Malaysia’s PISA 2025 results highlight strengths in curiosity, perseverance, self-directed learning and computational thinking. Public Security Tech: Malaysia’s Home Minister will lead a delegation to China’s 2026 Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, including work on cross-border telecom and cyber fraud. Digital Trade Expo: China’s 5th Global Digital Trade Expo (Hangzhou, Sept 23-27) puts AI at the centre, with Malaysia as guest of honour. Rubber Glove Rules: Malaysia tightens rubber glove licensing and export traceability via MRB measures to curb overcapacity and reduce transshipment risks.

Aviation Safety: Malaysia Airlines MH156 (186 onboard) diverted to Chennai after Engine No. 2 technical issues; a full emergency was declared, passengers were safely handled, and engineers are assessing the aircraft. Aviation Safety (Second Incident): Air India Express also diverted to Chennai over a separate technical problem, with a local standby and emergency teams on alert; operations stayed normal. Energy & Infrastructure: Gas Malaysia and Petronas Gas will jointly study an onshore lateral pipeline linking the proposed Yan regasification terminal to the Peninsular Gas Utilisation system, aiming to firm up feasibility and submissions. Digital Identity: Thailand’s ETDA maps “Big Move 2027” for verifiable digital rights, digital document wallets, and AI governance, building on its digital ID licensing and connected e-services. Data Centres in Malaysia: Savills says Johor Bahru has reached 1,310MW of live data centre IT capacity and is among the fastest-growing markets, even as power and land constraints shape the region. STEM & Research: UMS researchers report a new entomopathogenic fungus species from the INFAPRO rainforest rehabilitation site, highlighting biodiversity gains from restoration. Tech Policy & Industry: Malaysia hosts DGCA/61 on “Smart Skies,” focusing on emerging aviation tech for safety, security, sustainability, and regulatory capability. Mobility Market: Malaysia’s July 2026 light-duty vehicle registrations rose to 80,030, with electrified vehicles at 15.7% and Chinese brands driving BEV growth.

STEM Push: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged Malaysia to move beyond being a technology consumer and build local capability to create, own and master technology, using the National Science Challenge 2026 as a continuous talent pathway. Aviation Policy: Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Malaysia has not decided on a compulsory aviation carbon tax, but will use a phased approach aligned with ICAO’s 2050 net-zero goal. Green Tech & Data Centres: Key ASIC and CT Vision signed an MoU to develop a large-scale Green AI Data Centre in Malaysia powered by dedicated renewable energy, targeting ~300MW IT load within five years. AI Hardware Watch: Malaysia is reportedly evaluating Huawei AI chips for a RM2 billion sovereign AI initiative despite US pressure. UniMAP Research & Skills: UniMAP highlighted its TVET ecosystem for industry-ready training, while UMS researchers reported a newly discovered entomopathogenic fungus species from the INFAPRO rainforest rehabilitation site. Agri Innovation at MAHA: LPNM recorded RM2.3 billion in potential pineapple investments at MAHA 2026, and Malaysia-China MAHA deals totalled RM10.3 billion with smart agriculture and premium produce. Conservation: Perhilitan released 400 juvenile river terrapins to restore endangered populations in Sungai Terengganu.

AI & Cybersecurity in Malaysia: Virtual IT Group (VITG) launched Modern Managed Services and Managed Detection & Response, pushing “secure-by-design” and 24/7 SOC monitoring as AI adoption raises cyber risk. Healthcare Access in Sabah: Sabah Dental Specialist Centre (PPPS) cut specialist waiting times by up to 50% and added 3D-printed denture capability to improve oral care access. Agri-Tech & Funding Momentum: Malaysia’s MAHA 2026 surpassed targets with 4.3m+ visitors and RM66.88m sales, while PM Anwar hinted MAFS budget 2027 could rise for stronger agriculture programmes. Microelectronics Talent Push: UniMAP highlighted its microelectronics PhD researchers and MiCTEC centre of excellence as assets for Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem. Wildlife Conservation: A rehabilitated Malayan tiger, “Yong Choh,” was released into Terengganu National Park via a planned scientific process. Energy Transition Watch: Malaysia is laying groundwork for possible civil nuclear applications, with focus on policy, regulation, feasibility and human capital. Regional Tech & Trade: Wooree Group urged scientific validation for liposome claims while expanding liposome-based supplement exports, including a push toward the US market.

Central Banking Watch: Bank Negara Malaysia kept the OPR at 2.75%, citing contained inflation and export-led growth supported by AI and the tech upcycle. EV & Manufacturing Signals: BYD says it will reveal its next Malaysia move within a week, including how it plans to work with local partners for EV production. Semiconductor Power Needs: ABB warns Penang’s semiconductor growth depends on reliable, sustainable power, smart energy management and a stronger talent pipeline. Nuclear Energy Groundwork: Malaysia is laying policy and human-capital groundwork for possible civil nuclear applications, though timing remains uncertain. Agri-Tech & MAHA Momentum: MAHA 2026 drew about 4.3m visitors and RM66.88m in sales, with MoUs topping RM12.6b, while MADA reports RM301,603 in MAHA sales tied to agrotourism and future tech innovation. Wildlife & Health Tech: Sabah’s new dental specialist centre cuts specialist waiting times by up to 50% and uses a 3D printer for dentures. Disaster Response: SMART’s Nepal relief team has arrived in Kathmandu and is heading for local briefings. AI Security: A criminologist flags seized AI chips as a warning for Malaysia’s role in potential chip smuggling and transhipment risks. Regional Disruption: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption halted flights, stranding travellers and affecting regional air travel.