26/05/2026

BIZ & FINANCE TUESDAY | MAY 26, 2026

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Meta Bright to supply energy

AirAsia MOVE to explore using stablecoin in Kazakhstan

reported a higher net profit of RM741.4 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared with RM705.7 million in the corresponding quarter last year. The energy shipping company said revenue rose to RM2.89 billion, up RM75.3 million, or 2.7%, from RM2.81 billion a year ago. MISC attributed its better performance to higher revenue from the petroleum and product shipping segment, primarily driven by higher freight rates and earning days, as well as higher revenue from the marine and heavy engineering segment, mainly due to ongoing projects advancing into higher construction phases, partially offset by lower revenue from post-sail away projects. efficiency solutions to Best Fresh Mart KUALA LUMPUR: Meta Bright Group Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Best Fresh Mart Sdn Bhd to explore and implement energy efficiency (EE) initiatives across the retailer’s properties. The agreement builds on the group’s existing relationship with Best Fresh Mart, following an earlier zero-capex solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions initiative for the retailer’s outlets in Kapar, Selangor and Bukit Rambai Putra, Malacca. While solar PV helps generate cleaner energy, EE initiatives aim to reduce overall electricity consumption in supermarket buildings by optimising existing energy systems. Under the MOU, Meta Bright will step in as the full-suite developer. The group will evaluate, finance, design, install and operate the energy efficiency systems. In return, Best Fresh Mart will provide access to its locations and share energy usage data, enabling Meta Bright to conduct technical assessments to pinpoint exactly where power is being wasted. The collaboration also reflects Meta Bright’s growing presence among supermarket and grocery operators. Electricity is one of their largest operating expenses due to the continuous energy demands of refrigeration, lighting and ventilation systems. Meta Bright undertakes the upfront investment, enabling retailers to benefit from immediate electricity cost savings and allowing the group to generate recurring income from its energy efficiency initiatives. “Retailers are getting squeezed by operating costs, and electricity is a massive part of that monthly bill,” said Derek Phang Kiew Lim, executive director of corporate and strategic planning at Meta Bright. “For Meta Bright, this is a perfect fit for our strategy. We want to build a strong, recurring income stream by solving real financial problems for our clients. “By funding and operating these energy efficiency systems ourselves, we help businesses like Best Fresh Mart lower their overheads without spending their own capital, while we build a resilient, long-term energy business.” By taking on the role of developer, financier, and operator, Meta Bright is making energy efficiency highly accessible for commercial businesses, the company said.

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia MOVE, Intebix and the Solana Foundation signed a letter of intent (LOI) to explore a strategic collaboration which will explore integrating Evo, a Tenge-denominated stablecoin on Solana, into the AirAsia MOVE platform in Kazakhstan, with the aim of expanding digital payment options and creating a more seamless travel experience. By combining AirAsia MOVE’s extensive travel distribution network as Asia’s leading travel platform, serving over 17 million monthly active users with Intebix’s licensed digital asset infrastructure and Solana’s industry-leading block chain technology, the initiative aims to explore a real-world, travel focused application and use case for the Evo stablecoin. Under this initiative, AirAsia MOVE and Intebix will work together to evaluate the technical architecture, settlement mechanics and regulatory alignment required to pilot Evo on

efficient and modern tonnage. It said the segment continues to focus on advancing its fleet reju venation strategy through the delivery of modern and efficient LNGCs and the securing of new long-term charters. “In parallel, the segment continues to implement strategic measures for vessels currently off charter, including lay-ups to optimise costs, asset monetisation to redeploy capital, and the exploration of redeployment opportunities,” it added. The company has also approved a first tax-exempt dividend of eight sen per share for the financial year 2026, amounting to RM357.1 million. The proposed dividend will be paid on June 25 to shareholders registered at the close of business on June 12. – Bernama are exploring how Evo stablecoin can create a faster, lower-friction payment experience for travellers while maintaining compliance within Kazakhstan’s regulatory framework. “Together with AirAsia MOVE and Solana Foundation, we are building practical use cases that move blockchain technology beyond speculation and into everyday utility,” he said. Solana Foundation head of payment growth, Apac, Anna Yiran Zhang said Solana is built for high speed, institutional-grade appli cations that require near-instant finality and low costs. “We are thrilled to support AirAsia MOVE and Intebix in this initiative. This project exemplifies the real-world impact of blockchain technology in transforming how everyday consumers interact with digital assets through practical, high-frequency use cases like travel,” she said. The collaboration will focus on ensuring the project meets all regu latory requirements in Kazakhstan. All parties will now begin a formal assessment of the project’s technical, legal, and commercial feasibility within the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s regulatory sandbox, with the intent to establish definitive agreements for a pilot phase. Evo stablecoin was launched by Intebix on Solana, in partnership with Mastercard and Eurasian Bank, in 2025. It was the first tenge denominated stablecoin launched within the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s regulatory sandbox for digital assets. This initiative for AirAsia MOVE, facilitated by AirAsia Next aligns with the Capital A’s mission to deliver smarter, faster and more connected experiences across its ecosystem, strengthening the ability to serve customers and partners with greater efficiency and innovation.

o Travel platform collaborates with Intebix and Solana Foundation to widen digital payment options

“By exploring the utility of the Evo stablecoin and its regulatory pathways, we are not only looking at the future of digital payments, but also strengthening our position as one of the most forward-thinking and innovative OTAs in the region. “As digital asset adoption grows globally, this could eventually enable travellers from markets like Kazakhstan to seamlessly book flights and hotels on AirAsia MOVE using digital assets like stablecoin,” he said. Intebix CEO Talgat Dossanov said the company believe digital assets must solve real-world problems to achieve mainstream adoption. “Through this collaboration, we

Solana within the AirAsia MOVE ecosystem in Kazakhstan. The initiative paves the way for a more flexible and innovative digital experience, potentially enabling users to use digital assets across AirAsia MOVE’s global travel ecosystem. AirAsia MOVE chief of people and partnership officer Lim Ben-Jie said this initiative reflects AirAsia MOVE’s ambition to redefine the future of travel commerce through innovation and emerging technologies. “We are pleased to collaborate with Intebix and the Solana Foundation to explore such an exciting pilot project, made possible through AirAsia Next, the brand and innovation arm of the Capital A ecosystem.

From left: Lim, Dossanov and Zhang at the letter of intent signing in conjunction with Solana Summit Kazakhstan.

MISC posts higher revenue, net profit in first quarter KUALA LUMPUR: MISC Bhd

tainties continue to shape the operating landscape, Zahid said MISC’s commitment to sustainable growth remains steadfast as it balances operational excellence with long-term value creation. “Guided by our delivering progress strategy, we will continue to navigate the changing landscape with agility while strengthening the group’s position as a trusted global maritime and energy solutions partner,” he added. Looking ahead, MISC said liquefied natural gas carrier (LNGC) rates are expected to remain elevated relative to the pre-conflict period in West Asia, underpinned by robust long-term LNG demand. Meanwhile, rates for steam LNGCs are expected to remain subdued as charterers continue to favour more

segments. “This performance reflects the strength of our diversified business portfolio, disciplined cost manage ment and our ability to capture value across evolving market conditions. “We continue to execute our strategic priorities with discipline through fleet modernisation, portfolio optimi sation, securing long-term charter contracts, and pursuing oppor tunities across both conven tional and lower-carbon maritime solutions,” he said. While geopolitical develop ments and macroeconomic uncer

“The increase in the group’s revenue was, however, offset by lower revenue in the gas assets and solutions segment, mainly due to the absence of recognised con struction revenue during the period under review, as well as lower

earning days re sulting from vessel disposals, vessel lay-ups and lower charter rates,” it said in a statement yesterday. President and group CEO Zahid Osman, noted that the group deli

vered a resilient first quarter in 2026, achieving higher profitability and robust operating cash flows despite continued market volatility across