Malaysia has taken a step forward in advancing digital inclusion with the launch of the Next Gen TeenXChange and Game Changers Coalition Program, a pioneering initiative by UNICEF, in partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and supported by Micron Technology Malaysia as well as Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). MDEC said in a statement on last Thursday that the program affirms the government’s firm commitment to creating inclusive digital opportunities for girls...

To expand access to reliable energy and make clean power more affordable for industrial businesses, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is investing THB 1.48 billion (approximately $45 million) in CleanMax Energy (Thailand) Company Limited, a subsidiary of Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Private Limited (CleanMax). Backed by Brookfield, CleanMax is a leading Indian renewable energy and net-zero solutions provider for the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector, IFC said in a...

Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) market is approaching a key policy turning point, with the government expected to end completely built-up (CBU) import tax exemptions and the approved permit (AP) regime by year-end, an analyst said in its recent report. According to BIMB Securities Research, this decision will likely shape the direction of the market — either accelerating liberalization and inviting more aggressive price competition or maintaining a controlled environment that...

V-Green Global Charging Station Development Corporation (V-Green) and Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (Green GSM Philippines) have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) – the largest power distribution company in the Philippines, to promote electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development in the country. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the efforts to promote green transportation and develop...

Hydroleap, a Singapore-based sustainable water treatment technologies, has successfully raised an additional $4.75 million in its latest funding round, bringing its total funding to nearly $12 million till date. The firm said in a statement on Wednesday that the funding was secured from strategic investors including EDBI, which operates under SG Growth Capital – the investment platform of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore, Antares Ventures and Woh...

As online gambling continues to grow in the Philippines and remains at the center of national conversations, a recent study suggests that better regulations — not an outright ban— are needed to create a safer playing environment and prevent the proliferation of unregulated gambling platforms. This is the key finding from the latest study by Filipino-focused sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall, which analyzed the behaviors, motivations, and perceptions of Filipino online...

VinFast, the Vietnamese Nasdaq-listed electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has officially signed agreements with 20 new dealership partners which will bring VinFast closer to its goal of operating 100 dealership showrooms this year. This marks a strategic advancement for VinFast in its journey to conquer the Indonesian market, and underscores its commitment to delivering superior products and services to consumers across the archipelago, the firm said in a statement on last Saturday. The 20...

Dutch Good Growth Fund – Financing local SMEs (DGGF) will commit a funding of $170,000 to support Foxmont Philippine Ventures Fund III, with $150,000 allocated to their Business Development Services (BDS) facility and $20,000 dedicated to Technical Assistance (TA). DGGF said in a statement on last Wednesday that the support aims to be catalytic and provide additional value to Foxmont’s portfolio companies and the broader Philippine startup ecosystem in its role as a fund and BDS...

Following the success of previous editions, Net Zero Challenge 2025, Vietnam’s largest climate innovation competition, has officially launched its third edition. Co-organized by Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation, this innovation challenge is in partnership with the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS) and supported by a global network of innovation partners, Touchstone Partners and Temasek Foundation said in a statement on Tuesday. In 2025, participating...

With nearly 19,000 electric vehicles sold in 2024, the Philippines is looking to catch up in Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle (EV) race as ecosystem players like VinFast work to overcome hurdles around charging access, maintenance, and affordability. VinFast said in a statement on Tuesday that emerging Asia’s electric vehicle market reached nearly 400,000 sales in 2024, but the gains were spread unevenly across the region. It is noted that in Southeast Asia, Vietnam led the way...

XL Ventures Pte Ltd, a Singapore-headquartered climate tech focused company, has received In-Principle Approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to perform licensed Venture Capital Fund Manager (VCFM) activities in Singapore. XL Ventures said in a statement on Friday that the firm plans to partner closely with a select number of early-stage companies, providing hands-on support to help them establish operations and scale in Asia. The firm will also foster partnerships with...

Malaysia-based engineering, property and infrastructure firm Gamuda said its wholly owned Australian subsidiary Gamuda Holdings Pty Ltd has signed a landmark agreement with local Tasmanian landowners to co-develop a portfolio of large-scale renewable energy (RE) projects in Central Tasmania. The portfolio represents a combined capacity of 600 MW of wind and solar energy generation and up to 600 MW of battery storage (BESS), Gamuda said in a statement on Tuesday. The portfolio, which...