12/02/2026

BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | FEB 12, 2026

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AirAsia X uses Bahrain as hub to expand beyond Asia

Maxis appointed ECRL’s telecom

partner in 10-year deal KUANTAN: Maxis Bhd has been appointed by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) as the single preferred infrastructure provider and telecommunications partner for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. This partnership spans a 10-year period and solidifies Maxis’ role in powering one of Malaysia’s most significant national infrastructure projects. The appointment was formalised yesterday at the KotaSAS ECRL station in Kuantan, coinciding with the landmark arrival ceremony of the ECRL’s Golden Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train and Electric Locomotive (E-Loco). The event was officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Under the agreement, Maxis will deliver a full suite connectivity ecosystem across the 665km rail alignment, ensuring seamless mobile coverage – including in tunnels and stations – managing MRL’s telecom assets and fibre capacity, providing onboard WiFi and retail broadband at ECRL stations, and rolling out enterprise push-to-talk services to strengthen railway operations and safety. To ensure universal connectivity, Maxis has entered into an agreement with U Mobile Sdn Bhd to jointly develop new mobile infra structure. This collaboration ensures that the ECRL operates as a shared network, allowing users from all mobile network operators (MNOs) to enjoy uninterrupted service. As the lead partner, Maxis will coordinate with other MNOs to maintain rigorous quality and coverage standards along the entire line. “Maxis is committed to supporting the ECRL project by delivering fast, reliable, and secure connectivity, benefitting its operations, passengers, and ecosystem of retailers,” said Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng. “This initiative aligns with the national digitalagenda,contributingtothedevelopmentof the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) for the benefit of the rakyat.” This partnership marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s journey towards a digitally integrated transport network. By leveraging its No. 1 converged network, Maxis is ensuring that the ECRL is not just a transport link, but a digital corridor that empowers communities, businesses, and industries across the East Coast. ABB widens range of hyper efficiency motors in Malaysia PETALING JAYA: ABB is accelerating industrial energy efficiency in Malaysia with its expanded range of IE6 Hyper Efficiency synchronous reluctance (SynRM) motors. As Malaysian industries continue to focus on improving energy performance, managing operating costs, and advancing sustainability commitments, ABB’s magnet free IE6 technology offers a future ready solution for energy-intensive assets. Now available from 110 kW to 450 kW in frame sizes 280 and 315, and speeds up to 3600 rpm, the IE6 SynRM motor brings next level efficiency and sustainability to even more industrial applications. This move builds on the 2024 milestone when ABB was the world’s first manufacturer to launch a magnet-free IE6 SynRM motor for specialist applications. ABB has now made this breakthrough its mainstream option, moving ahead of the anticipated IE6 Hyper-Efficiency standard. “The IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2025 reinforces energy efficiency as one of the fastest, and most cost-effective levers for industrial productivity and decarbonisation. In line with our Engineered to Outrun philosophy, the IE6 Hyper-Efficiency SynRM motors are designed exactly for this moment,” said ABB IEC LV Motors president Stefan Floeck.

while staying true to our value proposition of affordable long-haul travel.” Shaikh Salman Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain said, “This agreement with AirAsia X is a strategic decision that reflects Bahrain’s strength as an economic partner, and its role as a centre for regional and global connectivity. The investment will reinforce Bahrain’s position as a key gateway linking Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while delivering tangible economic benefits. It will create direct employment across aviation operations and generate wider opportunities across tourism, logistics, hospitality, and related services. Just as importantly, it will support skills development and long-term career pathways for Bahrainis in a global industry that continues to evolve and grow. We are proud to welcome AirAsia X as a member of TeamBahrain.” As part of its growth strategy, AirAsia X will continue to expand its long-haul operations and hub connectivity, supported by ongoing fleet upgrades, digital initiatives and strategic partnerships. The airline remains focused on delivering value-driven travel while strengthening its role as a bridge between key global regions through its hub and-network model.

and emerged from the pandemic stronger and more focused. Now, we are rebuilding with discipline – growing our order book, strengthening our balance sheet and laying the foundations for sustainable long-term growth. Bahrain fits squarely into our long term network blueprint to link Asia to the world. Our focus remains on disciplined fleet expansion, strengthening core hubs, driving ancillary and digital growth, ensuring every new market strengthens the overall network. This is how we create sustainable value for the group of airlines while continuing to democratise long-haul travel.” Capital A CEO and AAX adviser Tony Fernandes said: “This is a defining step in the next phase of AAX’s growth. Bahrain as our strategic hub allows us to connect Asia with the Middle East and Europe more effectively while creating a scalable platform for future growth. Beyond the airline, this partnership strengthens the broader aviation ecosystem, enabling Capital A businesses such as cargo and MRO services to scale alongside AAX. Looking ahead, we will deepen partnerships with airports, tourism authorities and industry stakeholders to unlock new demand corridors. We are building a growth engine that balances connectivity, commercial performance and operational resilience,

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) marked a significant milestone in its international growth journey as it advances its medium-haul expansion beyond Asia, positioning Bahrain as a key strategic hub to strengthen connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia. This follows the Letter of Intent signed on Nov 3, 2025 between Capital A Bhd and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to develop Bahrain as AAX’s Middle East hub. This development reflects AAX’s broader ambition to build a more globally connected long-haul network, anchored by strategic hubs beyond Southeast Asia. Bahrain’s strategic location and robust aviation make it central to AAX’s plans to facilitate greater flows of travellers, trade and tourism across regions. AirAsia X Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “This milestone reflects the broader transformation of AAX into a truly globally connected airline. We navigated one of the most challenging periods in aviation history o Gulf partnership opens new corridors linking four major regions Lien highlighted that the semiconductor industries of both countries are highly complementary and interdependent. “Eco nomically, Taiwan became Malaysia’s 4th largest trading partner in 2025, with total bilateral trade reaching a historic US$57.4 billion (RM225 billion), marking a 32.3% increase compared with the previous year,” she said. Taiwan is also Malaysia’s seventh largest investment partner, creating around 500,000 local jobs, she added. Education and tourism ties between the two nations are equally strong. About 10,000 Malaysian students pursue studies in Taiwan each year, while 130,000 Malaysian alumni have returned home, contributing expertise and serving as bridges of friendship. In 2025, nearly 700,000 people travelled between Taiwan and Malaysia, further deepening people-to-people connections. Malaysia is actively pursuing digital transformation and aims to become an AI driven economy supported by a comprehensive AI ecosystem by 2030. Lien noted that Taiwan, as a global leader in advanced semiconductor production and AI server technology, is well placed to support Malaysia’s ambitions. “Only through cooperation with Taiwan can Malaysia secure a leading position in the global AI race,” she said, emphasising the strategic role Taiwan plays in global supply chains. Lien also urged Malaysia to renew the 1993 Bilateral Investment Agreement to better reflect current supply chain realities and strengthen institutionalised cooperation based on equality, respect, and reciprocity. She stressed that Taiwan’s New Southbound semiconductor and AI industry strategy depends on partners viewing Taiwan as a fair

Taiwan, Malaysia strengthen semiconductor, AI ties PETALING JAYA: Taiwan and Malaysia are boosting their economic and technological partnership, with semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as key areas of collaboration, Dr Lien Yu-Ping, Taiwan’s representative (head of mission) to Malaysia, said at the 2026 Lunar New Year Tea Reception on Tuesday. The event was organised by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia.

Dr Lien offers a toast during Lunar New Year reception, accompanied by her husband Jason Li Young Nien.

reinforcing the trade pact. Lien concluded by underscoring the long term benefits of closer collaboration. “By building on our achievements, Taiwan and Malaysia can continue to create a win-win situation in trade, technology, and human capital.”

and equal collaborator. She added that Taiwan already meets the high-standard requirements of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and its accession could bring significant economic benefits to Malaysia and the wider region while further