12/05/2026

BIZ & FINANCE TUESDAY | MAY 12, 2026 15 TP-Link, USIM in enterprise networking talent tie-up PETALING JAYA: TP-Link

HE Group secures RM86m deal to build substation in Selangor PETALING JAYA: Electrical engineering service provider HE Group Bhd, through wholly owned subsidiary Hexatech Engineering Sdn Bhd, has accepted a letter of award totalling about RM86 million for the construction of a substation in Selangor. HE Group will construct a 132kilovolts/33kilovolts substation, with completion targeted by Oct 31, 2027. The contract is expected to contribute positively to the company’s financial performance over its duration. Following the latest award, HE Group’s order book stood at about RM150 million yesterday, providing it with a steady pipeline of works and earnings visibility. Managing director Haw Chee Seng said, “This contract further strengthens our track record in undertaking power distribution system and substation related works, particularly involving critical electrical infrastructure. With multiple projects currently in hand, the latest award enhances our earnings visibility as we continue to pursue opportunities in high growth end-user industries.” At the same time, he added, they are progressively expanding their exposure towards industries supported by long term structural growth trends, parti cularly data centres, semiconductors, and renewable energy related infra structure. The entry of a global data centre operator into NSIP enhances the park’s profile and reinforces its appeal to high quality investors, supporting continued investment momentum across the development. NCT World signs term sheet for sale of 100-acre land at NSIP PETALING JAYA: NCT World Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of NCT Alliance Bhd, has signed a term sheet for the proposed sale of a 100-acre land parcel specifically positioned to support data centre developments within NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP), marking a key milestone in the group’s industrial strategy. The land parcel has been identified by a global data centre operator as a potential site for development, reflecting Malaysia’s growing attractiveness as a regional hub for digital infrastructure. The interest also highlights the strength of NCT Smart Industrial Park’s (NSIP) Managed Industrial Park (MIP) model, where integrated infra structure, centralised estate manage ment and long-term master planning create a stable and well-managed environment for large-scale, high value investments. The proposed development is expected to support up to 800MW of data centre capacity and will be undertaken by the purchaser, subject to relevant regulatory approvals and the execution of definitive agreements between the parties. Upon completion, the proposed sale is expected to contribute positively to the group’s revenue and earnings, while streng thening its position in the digital infrastructure segment.

perience, ensuring our students are better equipped to meet evolving expectations in the digital eco nomy. “The collaboration strengthens the university’s approach to pre paring students for real-world demands.” The collaboration with USIM builds on TP-Link Malaysia’s earlier engagements with Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi Mara, forming a growing network of institutions aligned to a common goal of developing enterprise networking talent. In 2025, about 500 students participated in the OCNA certi fication pathway, reflecting strong uptake and increasing relevance of industry-aligned programmes. Beyond talent development, both organisations will explore collaboration in research, faculty engagement and knowledge exchange, strengthening the link between academic institutions and industry practice.

o Three-year collaboration connects training, certification and industry exposure, creates direct path from university to workforce

Distribution Malaysia Sdn Bhd is extending its talent development strategy through collaboration with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), reinforcing a growing push to build a structured pipeline of enterprise networking profess ionals across Malaysia. Rather than standalone aca demic partnerships, the colla boration reflects a more deliberate effort to connect universities into a broader ecosystem where students are trained, certified and chan nelled into industry with relevant in-demand skills. A memorandum of under standing (MoU) was signed to formalise a three-year colla boration focused on integrating enterprise networking capabilities directly into USIM’s academic environment. Through this, TP Link Malaysia will deploy its Omada enterprise networking solutions within campus labs, enabling students to work on infrastructure

TP-Link regional director Hugo Cai said “Enterprises today require talent that can operate, not just understand, digital infrastructure. By building a structured pipeline that connects training, certification and industry exposure, we are creating a more direct path from university to the workforce. The focus is no longer just on education, but on how effectively talent can transition into industry.” USIM deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Professor Dr Mohd Ikmar Nizam Mohamad Isa said, “This partnership allows us to go beyond academic delivery by embedding practical industry elements into the learning ex Malaysia

that mirrors real-world enterprise systems. The programme is designed to move beyond theoretical exposure, combining hands-on technical training, structured workshops and access to the Omada Certified Network Administrator (OCNA) certification pathway. This ensures students graduate not just with knowledge, but with validated, industry-recognised competencies. A key component of the collaboration is the direct link to industry. Students will be offered industrial training and internship placements with TP-Link, providing practical exposure and a clearer pathway into employment within Malaysia’s digital economy.

TP-Link Malaysia and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia representatives at the MoU signing ceremony, marking a collaboration to build a structured pipeline of enterprise networking talent.

Malaysia Airlines focuses on operational consistency, greater flexibility for travellers

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines is continuing to focus on operational consistency and customer flexibility amid today’s evolving operating environment. The airline maintained on-time performance (OTP) above 90% throughout April, marking the second consecutive month of average OTP above the 90% level, while consistently exceeding its 85% target since January. In a statement yesterday, Malaysia Airlines said the sustained performance reflects ongoing operational improvements across the network, including enhance ments to boarding processes and on-ground support, contributing to a smoother and more dependable

campaign brings together cus tomer-focused offerings designed to support more flexible and confident travel decisions. The airline’s progress is further reflected in the continued growth of its brand value. In the latest Airlines 50 2026 report by Brand Finance, Malaysia Airlines recorded the highest brand value growth among Malaysian carriers. Brand value increased by 27% to US$771 million (RM3 billion), with the airline climbing four places to rank 41st globally, supported by sustained recovery and a con tinued focus on delivering a premium, customer-centric exp perience.

continues to be on delivering safe and dependable operations, while providing our customers the flexibility and support they need as travel patterns continue to evolve. “The operational consistency we have seen in recent months, together with continued customer demand across key markets, is an encouraging reflection of the steady progress being made across the airline. Above all, our priority is to ensure customers feel supported and confident throughout their journey with us.” Recognising that travellers are increasingly seeking assurance and value, Malaysia Airlines has introduced its “Now Boarding” campaign across key markets. The

travel experience for customers. It added that customer demand has remained encouraging. In March, year-on-year passenger traffic increased by 30%, with positive momentum continuing into April as traffic grew by 8%. The sustained growth, the air lines said reflects stable underlying demand for travel across key markets, even as the broader air travel environment continues to evolve. Malaysia Aviation Group CEO of airlines business Bryan Foong said, “We recognise that travellers today are navigating a more uncertain environment, and that reliability and flexibility remain important when planning their journeys. Our focus