23/07/2025

ESG WEDNESDAY | JULY 23, 2025

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NMB, CIMA formalise concrete collaboration

EPIC upbeat on FY25 outlook despite oil and gas industry challenges KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Bhd (EPIC) is upbeat about its finan cial year ending Dec 31, 2025 (FY25), outlook trajectory de spite the current challenging environment in the oil and gas industry. Group CEO Dr Muhtar Suhaili said the group is eyeing strategic growth through enhanced operational effi ciency, digitalisation efforts and regional partnerships. “The momentum generated from recent initiatives, coupled with the launch of key upcoming projects, positions the group to achieve its financial targets while remaining steadfast in its en vironmental, social and gover nance (ESG) commitments. “This is supported by steady growth across its core business segments, including port opera tions, marine services, support base, and renewable energy,” he said in a statement recently. The statement was released following the conclusion of EPIC’s 44th annual general meeting, chaired by director Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim, who represented the chairman and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar. EPIC said with a clear strategic roadmap, strengthened funda mentals, and an unwavering focus on value creation, the group is well-positioned to capi talise on emerging oppor tunities within the energy and industrial sectors. “We remain committed to delivering sustainable growth, reinforcing stakeholder trust, and advancing its role as a key enabler in Malaysia’s oil and gas ecosystem,” it said. Building on this momentum, EPIC has set ambitious financial targets for FY2025, underpinned by several key developments, namely by securing two major contracts from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas). The group recorded a FY2024 revenue of RM403.8 million, an increase of 17.4 per cent from RM344.0 million in FY2023, showcasing its ability to navigate evolving industry dynamics while maintaining a solid busi ness foundation. “A notable highlight was the group’s profit after tax, which nearly doubled to RM16.6 million from RM8.9 million in the pre vious year. “This remarkable performance was attributed to increased pro ductivity and prudent cost man agement across its subsidiaries,” it said. EPIC is a Terengganu govern ment-linked company under the Terengganu Inc Group, operating as an integrated oil and gas solutions provider. – Bernama

our commitment to bridging nanotechnology and sustainable construction. “Graphene-enhanced concrete offers distinct advantages in reducing the carbon footprint of Malaysia’s infrastructure sector through capturing solid carbon processed from polluting gaseous emissions, while providing next generation building materials that are stronger, more durable, and environmentally responsible. “Ultimately, our goal is to catalyse adoption across key sectors such as ready-mix concrete, roadworks, and smart urban developments, positioning Malaysia at the forefront of green construction innovation based on this unique carbon capture approach.” Market forecasts highlight the technology’s potential, with the Asia-Pacific segment expected to grow from US$ 6.1 million in 2020 to US$18.8 million by 2025 and reach US$54.9 million by 2030. Rising demand for eco-friendly materials in urban and smart city projects underpins this growth.

CIMA managing director Hairol Azizi Tajudin said: “As Malaysia’s leading cement and concrete producer, we are proud to lead the way in sustainable construction and innovative solutions. “This partnership reflects a continuation in our unwavering commitment to advancing low carbon technologies and supporting Malaysia’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. “Through initiatives like this, we aim not only to meet the evolving demands of our industry but also to champion environmental responsibility, in line with global sustainability benchmarks.” While challenges such as the high cost of graphene derivatives and limited production scale exist, the project aims to overcome these through intellectual property development, technology localisation, and policy advocacy. The product will adhere to national standards and environmental

o Partnership aims to pioneer integration of nanotechnology into construction industry

KUALA NMB (NanoMalaysia Bhd), a CLBG under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), and Cement Industries of Malaysia Bhd (CIMA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Group Bhd, signed a strategic partnership to drive the development of Graphene Enhanced Concrete – a groundbreaking sustainable building material locking in solid carbon derived from greenhouse gas atmospheric emission, aimed at transforming Malaysia’s construction industry by addressing critical environmental and performance challenges. LUMPUR:

materials science, it is foreseen that the development of a new generation of green and sustainable concrete will be designed to support long-term environmental goals while elevating industry standards. Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL 3), the project is advancing toward TRL 5 through collaborative efforts involving formulation development, performance optimisation, and cost-benefit analysis. CIMA not only serves as the technology recipient but also provides real-world insights throughout the research process, ensuring practical application and industry relevance. Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) is supporting the project with specialised research expertise. NMB Group CEO, Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad said: “This collaboration with CIMA reinforces

This partnership aims to pioneer the integration of nanotechnology into the construction industry, focusing on delivering concrete solutions that not only meet but exceed all key technical performance criteria. By advancing innovation in Vitahealth, Tropicana to hold biggest Offline 16 event yet framework, including Malaysia’s Low Carbon Cities Framework, Green Building Index (GBI), and ESG reporting frameworks.

Banking & Finance everyone, young and old, can take meaningful breaks from the digital world, and embrace a healthier and KEPONG: This year, the Offline 16 event is back, bigger, better, and more impactful than ever! First launched in 2024, the inaugural event was a smashing success, garnering over 300 participants and championing both mental and physical wellness. Spearheaded by Australian-owned supplement brand VitaHealth Malaysia and community builder and master planner Tropicana Corporation Bhd, Offline 16 encourages participants to disconnect from digital devices and reconnect with the world around them. Building on this momentum and in alignment with both companies’ ESG commitments, this year’s movement aims to engage over 1,200 participants nationwide. Unlike last year’s record-breaking 16-hour single event, Offline 16 has evolved into a series of themed gatherings, each one designed to be more accessible, while spotlighting different facets of mindfulness and wellness. The journey began with the Pickleball Challenge in Penang last month, followed by Nature’s Retreat at FRIM, Kepong recently. The movement will culminate in its largest edition yet at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort (TGCR) this August, with a final rest-and recharge resort retreat this October. VitaHealth (Malaysia & Singapore) CEO and founder of Offline 16, Dr KS Beh said: “Our mission is to transform Offline 16 into a widespread mental wellness movement, where

Offline 16’s Nature’s Retreat at FRIM attracted hundreds of participants.

‘Redefining the Art of Living, Caring and Sharing’, we remain committed to growing this positive movement, and we warmly welcome more corporate partners to join us,” she said. “I believe that wellness is not just about staying active. It’s also about finding balance and peace of mind,” shared Malaysia’s Olympian and VitaHealth ambassador, Pearly Tan. “That’s why Offline 16 means so much to me. It’s a great reminder to pause, breathe, and just enjoy the present. I’m really happy to be part of this movement that promotes mental well-being and builds a happy community.”

corp comms & ESG unit of Tropicana Group and senior committee member of Tropicana Foundation, emphasised: “As a community builder, our ESG commitments centre on creating and nurturing sustainable townships where residents can truly enjoy a work-live learn-shop-play environment. “OFFLINE 16 is more than just a digital detox – it’s a platform that nurtures mental, physical, and environmental wellness. We are proud to continue this journey with VitaHealth and our community conscious arm, Tropicana Foundation. “In line with our mantra

happier lifestyle. “Our first kick-off event at Penang attracted over 200 participants through a dynamic pickleball challenge. “Today, our second edition, Nature’s Retreat event at FRIM, welcomed an impressive 300 participants.” “This further reinforces that Malaysians are increasingly receptive to healthier, more engaging, and balanced ways of living. At VitaHealth, we live by our slogan ‘Healthy Life, Happy Vibes’, and we are committed to championing this movement for many years to come.” Serena Lim, senior GM of Group

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