MI Technovation Plans SGX Listing for Semiconductor Materials Unit
MI Technovation Bhd is considering a separate listing of its semiconductor materials business unit subsidiaries on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia. The company said the proposed listing would allow the materials division to gain independent recognition and corporate stature, enhancing its reputation and supporting efforts to expand its customer base. By establishing a distinct market presence, the unit is expected to attract greater investor attention and strengthen its competitive positioning within the semiconductor value chain.
The proposed move is also aimed at improving operational efficiency through a clearer separation of responsibilities between MI Technovation’s semiconductor equipment and materials businesses. This would enable dedicated management teams to focus on growth opportunities specific to each segment. The company added that the listing remains subject to regulatory approvals in both Singapore and Malaysia, as well as shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting and any other relevant consents required.
Editor’s Note: MI Technovation Bhd plans to list its semiconductor materials unit on the Singapore Exchange to give it independent recognition, attract investors, and strengthen its position in the semiconductor value chain. The move, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, will also improve efficiency by separating management of its equipment and materials businesses.
Inari Amertron Faces Challenging Year Amid Transition, Eyes AI-Driven Growth
Inari Amertron Bhd is set for a testing year as near-term headwinds weigh on earnings visibility, according to Kenanga Research. The company is navigating challenges including a transition in its radio frequency (RF) assembly segment, foreign exchange volatility, and tighter substrate and material supply linked to the broader AI-driven semiconductor upcycle. Reflecting weaker second-quarter performance, the research house cut its FY26–FY27 net profit forecasts by 16% and 1% respectively, and lowered its target price to RM2.05 while maintaining an “outperform” call. The softness is largely attributed to the RF segment, which contributes 61% of group revenue, with first-half revenue declining 21% year-on-year due to reduced mid- and low-band assembly scope.
Despite near-term pressures, Inari is positioning for longer-term growth driven by its opto-electronics segment, expected to emerge as a key earnings driver from FY27 onwards. Demand for AI-led datacentre transceivers is projected to boost ChipFab volumes, potentially doubling by FY27 and increasing opto-electronics’ revenue contribution to as much as 38% by FY27–FY28. This shift is expected to rebalance the group’s revenue mix, reducing RF’s share to around 55%. Management is also cautiously optimistic about a rebound in the next premium smartphone cycle around September, which could restore higher-value RF content. Meanwhile, the proposed acquisition of Lumileds remains on track for completion by the end of 3Q26, pending regulatory approvals in the United States and Europe.Top of Form
Editor’s Note: Inari Amertron is facing near-term challenges from its RF assembly transition, weaker earnings visibility, and supply constraints, prompting reduced profit forecasts and a lower target price. However, it is positioning for longer-term growth through AI-driven demand in opto-electronics, a potential smartphone rebound, and the planned Lumileds acquisition.
Selangor Expands SIBS 2026 with ASEAN Push and New Strategic Pillars
Invest Selangor Berhad has unveiled an ambitious expansion roadmap for the 10th edition of the Selangor International Business Summit 2026, scheduled from October 14 to 17 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Marking a decade since its inception in 2015, the summit has grown from a boutique trade event into a major regional platform, with visitor numbers rising from 4,316 to 57,249 and cumulative potential transaction value reaching RM30.56 billion. The 2026 edition will introduce new pillars including the Selangor Techsphere Summit, Selangor AI & Semiconductor Summit 2026, and the Selangor International Care Expo, alongside existing platforms such as the Selangor ASEAN Business Conference and the Selangor Investment and Industrial Park Expo, further strengthening Selangor’s multi-sector investment ecosystem.
To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Invest Selangor will also launch SIBS@ASEAN, a regional activation strategy aimed at positioning the summit as a cross-border business movement. The inaugural edition, SIBS@ASEAN Bandung, will be held in Bandung from July 9 to 10, leveraging economic similarities between Selangor and West Java as key industrial and innovation hubs. Selangor State Executive Councillor Ng Sze Han said the expanded platform reflects the state’s strengths across high-tech manufacturing, digital innovation and the social economy, while CEO Hasan Azhari Idris noted the initiative will help local companies remain globally competitive amid shifting regional supply chains.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/announcement/770120
Editor’s Note: Selangor will mark the 10th anniversary of the Selangor International Business Summit in October 2026 with expanded pillars such as the Techsphere Summit, AI & Semiconductor Summit, and International Care Expo, reinforcing its role as a regional investment hub. To extend its reach, Invest Selangor will also launch SIBS@ASEAN, beginning with Bandung in July, to position the summit as a cross-border business movement.
Malaysia Launches RM20 Million Quantum Fund to Boost Tech Commercialisation
Malaysia is strengthening its innovation financing ecosystem with the launch of the MTDC Tradeview Quantum Fund, an investment vehicle aimed at accelerating the development and commercialisation of advanced technologies. The fund, introduced in collaboration with Malaysian Technology Development Corporation under the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Malaysia, begins with an initial allocation of RM20 million (US$4.7 million). It is designed to address a key funding gap faced by emerging technology companies, particularly during the critical transition from early-stage innovation to market deployment, where access to capital often remains limited.
The fund will prioritise strategic sectors including electronics, semiconductor technologies, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0 systems, green energy, fintech and agrotechnology, all seen as central to Malaysia’s future industrial growth. Structured as a collaborative effort combining institutional backing and private investment expertise, the initiative reflects a broader policy push to bridge the gap between research and commercial markets. By improving funding access and providing additional industry support, policymakers aim to accelerate innovation, strengthen links between research and industry, and enable technology-driven enterprises to scale and compete globally.
https://opengovasia.com/malaysia-quantum-fund-to-boost-advanced-technology-investment/?c=in
Editor’s Note: Malaysia has launched the RM20 million MTDC Tradeview Quantum Fund to accelerate advanced technology development and commercialisation, addressing funding gaps for emerging tech firms. Targeting sectors like semiconductors, Industry 4.0, green energy, and fintech, the initiative aims to bridge research-to-market transitions and strengthen global competitiveness.
Malaysia Advances Biomass and Carbon Technologies to Drive Low-Carbon Transition
Malaysia is accelerating efforts to develop smart, low-carbon technologies by expanding research in biomass, biofuels and advanced carbon management systems, according to Open Gov. Academic institutions such as Curtin University Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS are collaborating with regional partners to convert agricultural waste and biological resources into sustainable energy solutions. With its strong agricultural base, particularly in palm oil, biomass is emerging as a key renewable opportunity, with research focused on producing advanced biofuels, biochemicals and cleaner energy products while reducing environmental impact.
Researchers are increasingly focusing on biomass valorisation, using thermochemical and biochemical processes to transform waste into valuable outputs such as bioenergy, hydrogen and renewable materials. Advances in carbon capture and utilisation, particularly in bioenergy systems, are also gaining traction, with efforts to capture and reuse carbon dioxide emissions to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Emerging areas such as low-carbon hydrogen production from biomass and microalgae-based energy systems are further strengthening Malaysia’s push toward sustainable energy. These initiatives align with broader regional goals, particularly in Sarawak, and are supported by cross-border collaboration with countries including Philippines and Indonesia to scale biomass technologies and enhance climate resilience.
Editor’s Note: Malaysia is advancing low-carbon technologies by leveraging biomass, biofuels, and carbon management systems, with universities and regional partners converting agricultural waste into sustainable energy. Research focuses on biomass valorisation, carbon capture, and emerging areas like hydrogen and microalgae energy, aligning with regional collaborations to boost climate resilience.
AI Boom to Push Thailand’s IT Spending Near 1.1 Trillion Baht in 2026
Thailand’s IT spending is projected to reach nearly 1.1 trillion baht in 2026, marking an 8.36% year-on-year increase, driven largely by rising investments in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, according to Gartner. Data centre systems are expected to record the fastest growth, surging 27.9% to 70.6 billion baht, with server spending alone rising თითქმის 38% to 51.1 billion baht as enterprises and service providers invest in AI-optimised infrastructure. Communications services will remain the largest segment, accounting for 457 billion baht in spending, supported primarily by continued demand for mobile connectivity.
Globally, IT spending is forecast to reach US$6.15 trillion in 2026, up 10.8% from the previous year, with AI-related investments continuing to drive growth despite concerns over a potential market bubble. Server spending worldwide is expected to rise 36.9%, while total data centre spending will exceed US$650 billion, reflecting strong demand from hyperscale cloud providers. Software spending growth is projected at 14.7%, while generative AI models are expected to expand rapidly with growth of over 80%. However, device spending growth will slow to 6.1% due to rising memory prices and supply constraints, which are increasing costs and dampening replacement demand, according to Gartner.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3215764/ai-boom-drives-tech-investment-surge
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s IT spending is forecast to hit nearly 1.1 trillion baht in 2026, up 8.36% year-on-year, driven by surging AI infrastructure investments, especially in data centres and servers. Globally, IT spending will reach US$6.15 trillion, with strong growth in AI-related software and servers, though device spending will slow due to rising costs and supply constraints.
US Launches Section 301 Probes into 16 Trade Partners to Reinforce Tariff Strategy
The United States has initiated investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 into 16 major trading partners, including Thailand, as it seeks to rebuild tariff leverage following a setback at the US Supreme Court. The probe, led by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, targets economies such as European Union, China, India and Japan, among others. Washington alleges that these partners engage in unfair trade practices, including maintaining excess industrial capacity and contributing to persistent trade imbalances that disadvantage US manufacturers.
The move is part of a broader strategy by the administration of Donald Trump to establish alternative legal pathways for imposing tariffs after earlier duties were struck down. Officials indicated that the Section 301 process could enable new tariffs as early as this summer, restoring pressure on key trading partners. Jamieson Greer signalled that additional investigations may follow as the US seeks to reinforce long-term trade enforcement tools and protect domestic industries.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40063653
Editor’s Note: The US has launched Section 301 investigations into 16 major trade partners, including the EU, China, India, Japan, and Thailand, alleging unfair practices such as excess industrial capacity and trade imbalances. The move, part of Donald Trump’s broader tariff strategy, could pave the way for new duties as early as this summer to reinforce trade enforcement and protect US industries.
Thai Industry Urges Emergency Energy Measures Amid Middle East Tensions
The Federation of Thai Industries has called on the Ministry of Energy Thailand to convene an emergency meeting with major fuel traders, warning that escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States pose a serious threat to Thailand’s economic recovery. FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul highlighted the country’s heavy dependence on Middle Eastern crude, noting that any disruption—particularly a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—could severely impact national energy security. He warned that while short-term price spikes in oil and gold are already visible, prolonged conflict targeting energy infrastructure could destabilise the global economy.
In response, the FTI has proposed a three-pronged strategy, including immediate consultations between authorities and oil companies, the identification of alternative shipping routes to bypass high-risk zones, and a comprehensive audit of Thailand’s strategic fuel reserves. The group also urged the government to assess vulnerable industrial sectors and prepare targeted support measures to cushion the impact of rising energy costs. While acknowledging Thailand’s limited geopolitical influence, Kriengkrai said the country should support international calls for de-escalation, stressing that the crisis represents a direct threat to the nation’s industrial base and supply chain resilience.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/trade/40063146
Editor’s Note: The Federation of Thai Industries has urged the Energy Ministry to hold emergency talks with fuel traders as Middle East tensions threaten Thailand’s energy security, particularly its reliance on crude from the region. It proposed immediate consultations, alternative shipping routes, and a review of fuel reserves, while calling for international de-escalation to protect Thailand’s industrial base and supply chain resilience.
Thailand Targets 50% Clean Energy by 2026 Amid Policy Reset and Delays
Thailand is aiming to push clean energy to over 50% of its power mix by 2026 under its draft 2026–2050 Power Development Plan, following a slowdown in renewable energy rollout in 2025 due to delayed feed-in tariff procurement and regulatory uncertainty. According to Watson Farley & Williams, the government is now seeking to accelerate deployment of renewables such as floating solar while restoring investor confidence through clearer tariff structures and better project sequencing. The plan is positioned as a key step in advancing Thailand’s long-term net-zero ambitions.
Beyond renewables, Thailand is also laying the groundwork for next-generation energy technologies, including small modular reactors and carbon capture and storage, although large-scale deployment remains some years away. Policy developments in 2025—including the draft Climate Change Act and the introduction of the Utility Green Tariff—signal a broader shift toward building a structured energy market, with mechanisms for emissions trading, carbon taxation and flexible procurement models such as direct power purchase agreements. Continued regulatory clarity and implementation will be critical to scaling investments and sustaining momentum in the country’s energy transition.
Editor’s Note: Thailand aims to raise clean energy to over 50% of its power mix by 2026 under its new draft of 2026-2050(ah+) Power Development Plan, accelerating renewables like floating solar after delays in 2025. The plan also explores small modular reactors, carbon capture, and new market mechanisms such as emissions trading and direct power purchase agreements to support its long-term net-zero goals.
Automation and PCB Exhibitions to Highlight Thailand’s High-Tech Manufacturing Push
A series of co-located industrial exhibitions organised by Messe Frankfurt HK Ltd Taiwan Branch, Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co Ltd and GMTX Company Ltd are set to position Thailand as a regional hub for automation and electronics manufacturing technologies. The events—Automation Thailand and PCB Thailand under the Intelligent Asia Thailand platform—will serve as a central sourcing hub for Southeast Asian industries, bringing together around 310 exhibitors and 9,500 visitors across 10,000 square metres of exhibition space. The initiative comes amid a surge in foreign direct investment, with Thailand recording THB1.06 trillion in investment applications in the first half of 2025, driven largely by high-tech sectors such as digital infrastructure, electronics and automotive manufacturing, supported by national initiatives including the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Automation Thailand 2026 will focus on accelerating industrial transformation through technologies such as robotics, AI-driven automation, smart factory systems and Industry 5.0 solutions, while addressing adoption challenges including skills shortages and implementation complexity. Meanwhile, PCB Thailand will provide a dedicated platform for the country’s fast-growing printed circuit board industry, which is projected to capture up to 25% of the global market by 2027, supported by demand from EV, AI and electronics manufacturing sectors. Together, the exhibitions aim to strengthen Thailand’s position in advanced manufacturing by connecting technology providers, system integrators and industrial buyers, while supporting the shift toward higher-value, innovation-driven production.
Editor’s Note: Thailand is positioning itself as a regional hub for automation and electronics manufacturing with co-located exhibitions—Automation Thailand and PCB Thailand—bringing together 310 exhibitors and 9,500 visitors under the Intelligent Asia Thailand platform. Automation Thailand 2026 will spotlight robotics, AI-driven automation and Industry 5.0, while PCB Thailand will showcase the country’s fast-growing PCB industry, projected to capture 25% of the global market by 2027.
Wuling Enters Thailand’s Electric MPV Segment with Starlight Darion EV Launch
Wuling is expanding its presence in Thailand with the launch of the Starlight Darion EV, marking its entry into the seven-seat electric MPV segment. Targeting families, corporate fleets and mobility service operators, the model is priced from THB 799,000 and comes equipped with a 69.2 kWh battery offering a range of up to 540 km (CLTC), along with 2C fast-charging capability for quicker turnaround times. The launch builds on the earlier success of Wuling’s Air EV and Binguo EV models, which gained traction in Thailand’s competitive electric vehicle market due to their aggressive pricing strategy.
The rollout forms part of Wuling’s broader strategy to diversify beyond compact EVs and strengthen its market position through a joint venture with SAIC-GM-Wuling, establishing Wuling Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The company plans to introduce five EV models in Thailand by 2026, while expanding its showroom network from 24 to 50 locations and setting up a parts distribution centre in Samut Prakan. These efforts are aimed at enhancing after-sales support and achieving a sales target of 8,000 vehicles, as competition intensifies in Thailand’s rapidly growing EV market.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3215764/ai-boom-drives-tech-investment-surge
Editor’s Note: Wuling has launched the Starlight Darion EV in Thailand, entering the seven-seat electric MPV segment with a 69.2 kWh battery, 540 km range, and fast-charging capability, priced from THB 799,000. The company plans to introduce five EV models by 2026, expand showrooms to 50, and set up a parts centre to support a sales target of 8,000 vehicles in Thailand’s growing EV market.