EVCharge Live and Mobility Live Thailand 2026 to Showcase Smart Mobility and EV Infrastructure Drive
Thailand’s flagship platform for electric vehicle infrastructure and intelligent transport solutions will return with EVCharge Live Thailand and Mobility Live Thailand 2026, scheduled for 28–29 January at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre. Organised by Terrapinn, the twin events are expected to draw thousands of participants from government agencies, transport authorities, utilities, OEMs, charging solution providers and technology firms to strengthen collaboration across the mobility and energy value chain. Organisers said the exhibition and conference will highlight Thailand’s rapid progress in EV adoption, charging networks and smart mobility as the country seeks to position itself as a renewable energy and EV hub for the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference programme will feature more than 120 industry leaders discussing e-mobility, public transport electrification, intelligent transport systems and smart grid integration. Ms Ploylapas Singtothong, Ministerial Advisor to the Minister of Industry, will deliver a keynote address on Thailand’s roadmap to become a regional renewable energy and EV hub, alongside senior officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Eastern Economic Corridor, the Ministry of Transport and the Board of Investment. Over 50 exhibitors will showcase technologies ranging from ultra-fast charging and advanced energy storage to AI-driven transport systems, with sponsors including Bosch, Exicom, Infineon and Advanced Battery Recycle. The events, co-located with Highways TH and Solar & Storage Live Thailand 2026, will be free to attend and are expected to serve as a key platform for partnerships shaping Thailand’s future transport and energy landscape.
Editor’s Note: EVCharge Live and Mobility Live Thailand 2026 will be held on 28–29 January at BITEC, showcasing Thailand’s progress in EV adoption, charging networks, and smart mobility as the country positions itself as a renewable energy and EV hub for Asia-Pacific. The twin events will feature 120+ industry leaders, 50 exhibitors, and major sponsors like Bosch and Infineon, highlighting technologies from ultra-fast charging to AI-driven transport systems while fostering partnerships across the mobility and energy value chain.
Thailand Becomes Southeast Asia’s Largest PCB Hub as EV and AI Trends Reshape Industry
Thailand has emerged as Southeast Asia’s largest printed circuit board manufacturing hub, driven by a major 920 million baht investment from Mektec Manufacturing Corporation, according to the Board of Investment. The expansion reflects strong demand from the electric vehicle and electronics sectors, with Mektec increasing production capacity to serve growing regional and global markets. At the same time, Thai marketers are turning to artificial intelligence to cope with tighter advertising budgets and shifting consumer behaviour, while industry experts highlight the rising role of marketing psychology in shaping purchasing decisions.
In the energy sector, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand plans to add 210 new electric vehicle charging outlets by next year, reinforcing its push into EV services and supporting national efforts to cut carbon emissions. Digital payments platform YouTrip has also reported a surge in transactions, driven by currency volatility and rising outbound travel, with its user base tripling since late 2022 and spending increasing fivefold. Meanwhile, global developments continue to influence Thailand’s market outlook, as the European Union’s new tariffs on Chinese-made cars underscore intensifying competition in the EV sector and shifting consumer preferences worldwide.
Editor’s Note: Thailand has become Southeast Asia’s largest PCB manufacturing hub with Mektec’s 920 million baht expansion, driven by rising demand from EVs and electronics, while AI and marketing psychology reshape consumer’s engagement in purchasing decision making, such as the areas like EV car, digital travel payment. The country is also boosting EV infrastructure with 210 new charging outlets, seeing surging digital payments via YouTrip, and facing global market shifts such as EU tariffs on Chinese cars. It’s expected that PCB’s global demand will keep on growing and Thailand will play its active role in this sector.
Solar & Storage Live Thailand 2026 to Drive Clean Energy Push in Bangkok
Thailand will take a major step toward its clean energy transition with the return of Solar & Storage Live Thailand 2026 on 28–29 January at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre. Organised by Terrapinn, the free exhibition and conference is expected to attract more than 5,000 industry stakeholders, including policymakers, utilities, developers, investors and technology providers, as Thailand accelerates the adoption of solar and energy storage solutions. Backed by key agencies such as the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Industry, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Provincial Electricity Authority, the event will showcase innovations from over 80 sponsors and exhibitors and feature more than 200 expert speakers discussing policies, business models and technologies shaping the country’s energy future.
The programme will include five conference tracks and presentations by senior officials and industry leaders from government, utilities and clean energy firms, addressing topics ranging from smart grids and renewable integration to energy investment and digital power systems. Leading exhibitors such as Ningbo Deye Inverter Technology, RAPD Solar Cell, GoodWe and Enercore will present next-generation solar and storage technologies. Co-located with EVCharge Live Thailand, Highways Thailand and Mobility Live Thailand, the event will create a multi-sector platform linking renewable energy, electric vehicle charging, smart mobility and transport infrastructure, reinforcing Thailand’s ambition to build a sustainable, low-carbon energy and mobility ecosystem.
Editor’s Note: Solar & Storage Live Thailand 2026 will be held on 28–29 January at BITEC, bringing together over 5,000 stakeholders and 80+ exhibitors to showcase innovations in solar and energy storage as Thailand accelerates its clean energy transition. Backed by key government agencies, the event will feature 200+ expert speakers and co-located platforms on EVs, smart mobility, and transport infrastructure, reinforcing Thailand’s goal of building a sustainable, low-carbon ecosystem.
Arise–True Partnership to Drive AI and Data Centre Growth While Preserving Financial Discipline
Arise Ventures Group and True Corporation have outlined a strategy to accelerate growth in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data centres while maintaining strict financial discipline at True. Speaking to analysts on January 26 at True Tower in Bangkok, executives said Arise would act as the main vehicle to scale up technology capabilities, while True continues to focus on its core telecoms business. Arise chairman and chief executive Suphachai Chearavanont said the group’s strategy will rest on three pillars—telecommunications, cloud and data centres, and fintech—aiming to build a full digital ecosystem from infrastructure to consumer services. He added that investments in AI, cloud and data centres would be channelled through specialised subsidiaries such as True IDC, avoiding heavy capital burdens on True’s balance sheet.
True chief executive Sigve Brekke said the partnership would not change the company’s commitment to financial discipline, with a target dividend payout of at least 50% and a plan to reduce net debt to EBITDA to 3.2 times by 2027. He noted that current consumer demand remains centred on 4G and 5G, with no immediate need for large-scale 6G investment. Both companies stressed that their synergy is focused on value creation through linking telecoms, digital payments, data centres and consumer applications, supported by AI to improve efficiency and customer experience.
Editor’s Note: Arise Ventures Group and True Corporation have announced a strategy to accelerate growth in AI, cloud computing, and data centres through subsidiaries like True IDC, while True maintains focus on telecoms and strict financial discipline. The partnership aims to build a full digital ecosystem linking telecoms, fintech, and consumer services, with targets including a 50% dividend payout, reduced debt by 2027, and technology-driven growth in Thailand’s digital economy.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40061761
Editor’s Note: Arise Ventures Group and True Corporation have announced a strategy to accelerate growth in AI, cloud computing, and data centres through subsidiaries like True IDC, while True maintains focus on telecoms and strict financial discipline. The partnership aims to build a full digital ecosystem linking telecoms, fintech, and consumer services, with targets including a 50% dividend payout, reduced debt by 2027, and technology-driven growth in Thailand’s digital economy.
BOI Approves 96 Billion Baht in Data Centre Investments to Boost Thailand’s Digital Hub Ambition
Thailand’s Board of Investment has approved seven data centre projects worth more than 96 billion baht at its first meeting of 2026, underscoring strong investor confidence in the country’s digital infrastructure as global demand for cloud, AI and data services grows. The meeting on January 15 cleared projects by True Internet Data Center, GSA Data Center 05, Stellar DC and Fraer Technology, with facilities located in Chonburi, Samut Prakan, Rayong and Bangkok and a combined IT load capacity of more than 368 megawatts. BOI Secretary-General Narut Therdsteerasuk said the approvals would support Thailand’s goal of becoming a regional digital hub and lay foundations for long-term economic growth driven by the digital economy.
https://en.thairath.co.th/news/governmentpolicy/2908054
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s BOI has approved seven data centre projects worth over 96 billion baht, boosting digital infrastructure with a combined IT load of 368 megawatts to support the country’s ambition of becoming a regional digital hub. To maximise local benefits, new promotion conditions mandate Thai staffing, R&D, SME support, and stricter energy and water efficiency standards, with higher incentives for projects outside the Eastern Economic Corridor to encourage balanced regional development and manage power demand.
Thailand Sees Record Investment Applications in 2025, Digital and Green Industries Lead the Way
Thailand’s Board of Investment reported a surge in investment promotion applications for 2025, with total project value rising 67% to Bt1.876 trillion across 3,370 projects, reflecting strong investor confidence in the country’s infrastructure, workforce, and strategic positioning for the new economy. Digital industries led the way, attracting Bt746 billion for 151 projects. The electronics and electrical appliances sector ranked second with Bt277.6 billion across 470 projects, including printed circuit boards, IC design, semiconductor assembly, and Thailand’s first upstream cell-level battery plant by Sunwoda Automotive Energy Technology.Other high-value sectors included automotive, food and agro-processing, petrochemicals, renewable energy, and medical businesses. Applications under the Smart and Sustainable Industry upgrade scheme nearly doubled to 473 projects, totaling Bt68.3 billion, highlighting efforts to adopt digital technologies and automation.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) continued to expand, with 2,421 projects valued at Bt1.36 trillion, led by Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan, and the UK. Geographically, nearly 60% of investment value was concentrated in the Eastern region. BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi said the substantial number of promotion certificates issued in 2025—2,779 projects worth Bt1.15 trillion—signals real investment inflows likely over the next one to two years. Looking ahead, the BOI expects 2026 investment momentum to be driven by manufacturing relocation, digital and AI expansion, green and sustainable projects, automation to address ageing workforces, and Thailand’s business-friendly policies. Key priorities include strategic industries such as BCG, EVs and batteries, semiconductors and advanced electronics, digital and AI, along with efforts to strengthen talent pipelines, supply chains, and investment facilitation through initiatives like Thailand FastPass.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/investment/40061707
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s BOI reported record 2025 investment applications worth Bt1.876 trillion across 3,370 projects, led by digital industries, electronics, and green sectors, with FDI reaching Bt1.36 trillion mainly from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan, and the UK. Looking ahead, 2026 momentum is expected from manufacturing relocation, AI and digital expansion, EVs, semiconductors, and sustainable projects, supported by policies to strengthen talent, supply chains, and investment facilitation.
Solar & Storage Live Thailand 2026 Set to Accelerate Country’s Renewable Energy Transition
Thailand is gearing up for a major leap in clean energy adoption as Solar & Storage Live Thailand 2026 returns to Bangkok on 28–29 January at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). Organised by Terrapinn, the free-to-attend exhibition and conference will bring together over 5,000 stakeholders—including industry leaders, developers, policymakers, solution providers, investors, and innovators—under one roof. With more than 80 sponsors and exhibitors and over 200 expert speakers, the event aims to drive the expansion of solar and storage technologies, reinforce Thailand’s renewable energy commitment, and showcase the nation’s innovation in sustainable energy solutions. Key government agencies and industry partners such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Industry, EGAT, MEA, and PEA are supporting the event, underlining its importance as the country’s leading solar and storage platform.
The event will feature five conference tracks covering policies, business models, and technologies shaping Thailand’s energy future, with senior leaders from government, utilities, and industry sharing insights. Exhibitors such as Ningbo Deye Inverter Technology, RAPD Solar Cell, Enercore, GoodWe, and Mars Rock Thailand will showcase cutting-edge solutions in solar and storage. Co-located with EVCharge Live Thailand, Highways Thailand, and Mobility Live Thailand, the combined events will provide a comprehensive platform for cross-industry collaboration, exploring renewable energy, EV charging, smart mobility, and transportation infrastructure. This convergence is set to foster innovation, accelerate sustainable development, and drive the next phase of Thailand’s energy and mobility transformation.
Editor’s Note: Solar & Storage Live Thailand 2026 will return to Bangkok on 28–29 January, bringing together over 5,000 stakeholders, 80+ exhibitors, and 200 expert speakers to showcase innovations in solar and storage as Thailand accelerates its clean energy transition. Supported by key government agencies and co-located with EVCharge Live, Highways Thailand, and Mobility Live, the event will foster cross-industry collaboration to drive renewable energy, smart mobility, and sustainable development.
Malaysia’s Tech Sector Set for Strong Growth in 2026 Amid Global Semiconductor Upcycle
Malaysia’s technology sector is expected to see robust growth in 2026, driven by a global semiconductor upcycle fueled by artificial intelligence, rising memory demand, and increased capital expenditure, according to RHB Investment Bank. The Semiconductor Industry Association projecting a 26% year-on-year increase in global semiconductor sales next year. SEMI has also raised its estimate for global semiconductor equipment sales to US$145 billion, reflecting stronger investment in chipmaking and testing capacity. to meet accelerating AI and advanced chip demand. RHB noted that the broad-based recovery is already visible in improved order books, revenue growth, and earnings trends among Malaysian technology companies.
The rebound, initially concentrated in high-end AI chips and memory, is spreading to automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics, expanding the earnings base for local players. Outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT) firms are expected to see higher utilisation as chip volumes rise, while electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers are experiencing order improvements, particularly in data centre and industrial products. However, RHB cautioned that macroeconomic uncertainties may continue to influence customer behaviour and the pace of recovery across different companies.
https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/789438
Editor’s Note: Malaysia’s technology sector is set for strong growth in 2026, driven by a global semiconductor upcycle fueled by AI, rising memory demand, and increased capital expenditure, with global sales projected to rise 26% and equipment sales reaching US$145 billion. The rebound, spreading from AI chips and memory to automotive and industrial electronics, is boosting OSAT and EMS firms, though macroeconomic uncertainties may still affect recovery pace.
Khazanah Nasional to Back Energy and Semiconductor Investments Amid AI Boom
Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, plans to direct more capital toward strengthening the power system and supporting local semiconductor firms as artificial intelligence drives the next investment cycle. The surge in AI computing demands makes reliable and resilient energy infrastructure critical, with grid stability and renewable power central to maintaining competitiveness. Khazanah aims to focus on energy infrastructure to ensure Malaysia can meet the growing power needs of AI and related technologies.
In addition, Khazanah is exploring ways to help local semiconductor companies fund capital requirements to move up the value chain into advanced packaging. This aligns with Malaysia’s industrial strategy, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim targeting at least RM500 billion in semiconductor investment and US$5.3 billion in fiscal incentives to strengthen local chip design and packaging capabilities. Khazanah, which also holds stakes in CIMB Group and Malaysia Aviation Group, reported a 22% rise in net asset value to RM103.6 billion in 2024, and expects its international portfolio to expand gradually, supporting both domestic and global investment opportunities.
Editor’s Note: Khazanah Nasional plans to boost investments in energy infrastructure and support local semiconductor firms as AI drives rising power demand, focusing on grid stability and renewable energy to maintain Malaysia’s competitiveness. Aligning with national industrial strategy, it aims to help chipmakers move into advanced packaging, while reporting a 22% rise in net asset value to RM103.6 billion in 2024 and expanding its global portfolio.
Malaysia’s EV Adoption Surges but Policy Clarity and Charging Infrastructure Remain Key Challenges
Malaysia saw record growth in electric vehicle (EV) registrations in 2025, with 44,813 units, more than doubling from 21,789 in 2024, according to the Road Transport Department (JPJ). The surge was largely fueled by tax exemptions for fully imported EVs, though the holiday ended on 31 December 2025, leaving consumers and automakers awaiting details on the post-holiday tax framework. Analysts and industry insiders caution that sustaining EV adoption and reaching the government’s target of 15% of total industry volume by 2030 will require long-term policy certainty, particularly for incentives on fully imported and locally assembled EVs. Malaysia currently trails regional peers, with EVs making up roughly 5% of the market, compared to Thailand at 20% and Singapore at over 40% of new registrations.
Despite growth in vehicle adoption, EV charging infrastructure remains insufficient, with just 5,360 charge points nationwide as of November 2025—roughly one for every 15 EVs—compared to Singapore’s one charge point for every three EVs. Most chargers are concentrated in urban areas, with highway charging hubs limited by land access, power capacity, and regulatory hurdles. Experts argue that Malaysia must treat EV charging as a basic utility, establish minimum charger requirements for new developments, and plan strategic, high-capacity charging hubs along major interstate routes to support long-distance travel. Lessons from Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore suggest that linking incentives to local assembly, industrial objectives, and robust infrastructure planning is key to building a sustainable and scalable EV ecosystem in Malaysia.
https://soyacincau.com/2026/01/20/malaysia-ev-boom-faces-reality-check-in-2026/
Editor’s Note: Malaysia’s EV registrations more than doubled to 44,813 units in 2025, but sustaining growth toward the 2030 target of 15% market share will require clearer long-term policies and incentives. Charging infrastructure remains limited with just 5,360 charge points, prompting experts to call for treating EV charging as a basic utility and developing strategic high-capacity hubs to build a scalable ecosystem.
Selangor Accelerates Smart City Vision with RM450 Million MOU for Connectivity, Public Safety, and Flood Management
Selangor took a significant step toward becoming a fully integrated smart state with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the state government and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), witnessed by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Raja Muda Tengku Amir Shah. The agreement formalises cooperation to enhance smart city infrastructure across Selangor, including high-speed public Wi-Fi, expanded fibre optic networks, 5G deployment, and smart poles to ensure comprehensive network coverage. The initiatives will also strengthen public safety, traffic management, and smart flood monitoring, all coordinated through the Selangor Integrated & Intelligent Operations Centre (SIIOC). Funding for the programme has been increased to RM450 million from an initial RM350 million to support full implementation.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the collaboration aligns with Selangor’s goal to be a leading digital economy hub, noting that the state already leads Malaysia in 5G coverage at 96.9% as of December 2025. Smartsel Sdn Bhd, a state-owned subsidiary, will oversee implementation across five core components: mobility, public safety, disaster management, digital governance, and industrial connectivity via 5G. The initiative is integrated with Malaysia Digital 2030, Selangor Digitalisation Plan 2026–2030, and Malaysia Madani, aiming to leverage advanced technologies such as 5G and AI to improve urban service delivery, address complex city challenges, and enhance the quality of life for Selangor’s 7.4 million residents.https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/20/selangor-seals-smart-city-mou-with-mcmc-funding-raised-to-rm450m/206119
Editor’s Note: Selangor has signed a RM450 million MoU with MCMC to enhance smart city infrastructure, including high-speed Wi-Fi, fibre networks, 5G deployment, smart poles, and flood monitoring, coordinated through the Selangor Integrated & Intelligent Operations Centre. Supervised by Smartsel Sdn Bhd and aligned with Malaysia Digital 2030, the initiative will leverage 5G and AI across mobility, safety, disaster management, and digital governance to improve services and quality of life for 7.4 million residents.