GENERAL

TDA-Led RM7 Billion in Performance-Based Contracts Across Govt Agencies

 |  Saturday, 23 August 2025 16:07  |  Published in GENERAL

 

TDA-Led RM7 Billion in Performance-Based Contracts Across Govt Agencies

The Technology Depository Agency Bhd (TDA), an agency under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, has marked significant progress in its Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) efforts, with more than 86 agreements across government agencies now worth a combined more than RM7 billion contracts value.

This reflects Malaysia’s growing push to make government spending more accountable. As of August 2025, these contracts have either been executed or are ongoing, involving several key ministries and agencies. These include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence consisting of: Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Army & Royal Malaysian Airforce, Royal Malaysian Police, Immigration Department, Ministry of Homes Affairs and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agencies.

The achievement is a testament to TDA’s success in the implementation of PBC in government procurement. This was highlighted at the Malaysian PBC Practitioner Workshop 2025, where stakeholders from across ministries and  agencies gathered to experience and strengthen cooperation.

PBC is a method where the contractor’s payment is directly tied to the achievement of agreed-upon outcomes, with rewards for achieving targets and remedies for underperformance.

Under PBC, contracts are no longer about ticking boxes. Payments are tied to delivery of specific outcomes, not routine paperwork anymore. Instead of simply meeting basic requirements, contractors must deliver on agreed service and efficiency targets, ensuring public funds are spent on real results.

“This shows how far we’ve come in moving government contracts from process-driven to performance-driven. By embracing PBC, agencies are showing their commitment to ensuring every ringgit spent brings value to the rakyat,“ said TDA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sharoul Jambari. 

Introduced in July 2022, the PBC method is compulsory for maintenance, repair and overhaul contracts worth more than RM25 million. The approach has long been practised in the US, Europe, and Australia, and Malaysia’s steady adoption shows the country is raising the bar in performance-driven procurement.

The workshop provided the government bodies an opportunity to share experiences, identify challenges and provide feedback that will help refine future policies under the Ministry of Finance. It also reinforced the importance of inter-agency collaboration, to ensure the contracts deliver both efficiency and long-term benefits for the public.

Additionally, it sharpened policy recommendations, improved agency readiness, and strengthened ties between ministries - while reaffirming TDA’s role as a PBC centre of reference (PBC COR) for all performance-related matters, both contractual and non-contractual.

With more than 86 contracts already in motion, TDA and its stakeholders are looking ahead to the next phase, embedding performance-based practices across more sectors and strengthening public trust in how government spending is managed.

-END-

_________________________________________________________________________

MB World Group Launches MBW Innexus Industrial City, Setting a Bold Industrial Future for Johor, with Maybank as Financier

 |  Thursday, 21 August 2025 00:21  |  Published in GENERAL

MB World Group Launches MBW Innexus Industrial City, Setting a Bold Industrial Future for Johor, with Maybank as Financier 

Strategically located within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone, and financed  by Maybank Islamic Berhad, the RM2 billion development is set to drive cross-border  investment and elevate Johor’s industrial landscape 

MB World Group Berhad, through its subsidiary,  Rising Gateway Sdn. Bhd., has officially launched MBW Innexus Industrial City today, a  freehold heavy industrial development in the fast-growing eastern corridor of Johor Bahru. 

Spanning 732 acres in Tanjung Langsat, MBW Innexus sits at the heart of Flagship D  within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), a high-impact growth belt  supported by both the Malaysian and Singaporean governments. The launch was  officiated by YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Bin Ghazi, Menteri Besar Johor, and YB Senator  Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and  Industry Malaysia. 

“MBW Innexus Industrial City marks a bold new chapter for us,” said Dato’ Rohman  Ahmad, Executive Director of MB World Group Berhad. “We believe industrial growth must  be matched with infrastructure, connectivity, and liveability. And that is exactly what we are working to build, not just factories, but a functioning ecosystem.” 

Where Strategic Policy Meets Real-World Opportunity 

Just 6 km from Tanjung Langsat Port and 14 km from Johor Port, MBW Innexus offers  access to sea routes, major highways, and international airports, including Senai  International Airport and Singapore’s Changi Airport. This proximity ensures seamless  connectivity, efficient logistics, and access to ASEAN and global markets. 

As part of JS-SEZ, the development benefits from strong policy and business facilitation  through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J).

At the launch event, Rising Gateway Sdn. Bhd. also exchanged a Bilateral Financing  Agreement with Maybank Islamic Berhad for a facility of up to RM635.6 million comprising  Commodity Murabahah Term Financing, Short-Term Revolving Credit-i, Bank Guarantee i, and Derivative-i.  

“This financing package gives MB World Group the flexibility and breadth of options  needed to meet its operational and infrastructure requirements—laying the foundation for  developing a thriving ecosystem at MBW Innexus Industrial City,” said Dato’ John Chong,  Group CEO of Global Banking, Maybank. “We are also offering comprehensive and  customised financial solutions to businesses, especially in the new economy and  advanced manufacturing, keen to establish their operations in this Industrial City. This  collaboration reflects Maybank’s strategy to work with different stakeholders and foster  inclusivity that supports growth across the spectrum, from mid-market innovators to  multinational anchors in the JS-SEZ.” 

In addition, the event commemorated the handover of the Smart Industrial Park Blueprint  for MBW Innexus Industrial City developed by Telekom Malaysia (TM) through its  enterprise and government solutions arm, TM One. The blueprint provides a digital, ESG aligned industrial ecosystem, incorporating high-speed converged connectivity, enterprise  5G, IoT, AI powered surveillance (Vision AI) and cloud solutions (TM Cloud Alpha) that  positions MBW Innexus as a digital-ready industrial city within the JS-SEZ. 

Purpose-Built for Industrial Evolution 

MBW Innexus Industrial City will be supported by robust infrastructure, including a 132kV  main intake station, high-capacity water tank, sewage treatment plant, and wide roads  designed for smooth cargo movement. Supporting facilities also include on-site workers’  hostels, a mosque, stalls, and a communal park, creating an environment where  businesses and communities can grow together. 

Phase 1 of the project featuring 13 industrial plots is scheduled for completion in Q2 2027,  with the overall project projected to generate a Gross Development Value of RM2.025  billion.

A New Launchpad for Malaysia and Beyond 

By combining Malaysia’s cost advantages and land security with proximity to Singapore’s  global financial and logistics ecosystems, MBW Innexus is positioned as a launchpad for  regional expansion. 

Backed by MB World Group’s track record of over 5,000 units delivered across Johor  Bahru, Bandar Penawar and Melaka, MBW Innexus represents a commitment to  sustainable industrialisation and reinforcing Johor’s industrial competitiveness. 

For more information, visit: www.mbworld.com.my 

* * *

Morgan's Retail Debuts World's First Fully AI-Run Store - Just Scan, Tap and Go!

 |  Wednesday, 20 August 2025 22:54  |  Published in GENERAL


Morgan’s Retail Debuts World’s First Fully AI-Run Store - Just Scan, Tap and Go!

 

  1. The fully AI-powered model reimagines retail with real-time automation, personalised shopping, and a zero-inventory, Net Zero Energy approach.
  2. Marking a retail milestone, the innovation strengthens Morgan's Retail's position as a forward-thinking industiry leader, making shopping easier for customers.

     

    Imagine walking into a retail store with no queues, no cashiers, and no waiting around. Just scan, tap, and go! Morgan's Retail is set to launch the world's first fully automated, AI-powered retail concept store in Brooklyn, New York, in the fourth quarter of the year, an absolute game-changer that promises to transform the way we shop forever.


    Gone are the days of long checkout lines and frustrating stock shortages. Morgan’s Retail is ushering in a new era of shopping with its cutting-edge store that uses artificial intelligence to personalise every customer’s journey in real time. From instantly recommending products tailored to your preferences to guiding you through the aisles with AR way-finding, shopping becomes effortless and enjoyable.

    With easy, smart operations and management solutions, AI takes care of everything, from monitoring inventory and adjusting prices to overseeing security and even cleaning shelves. The store’s innovative smart floor sensors track each step shoppers take, converting their kinetic energy into electricity that powers the entire store sustainably. This clever energy-harvesting technology helps Morgan’s Retail achieve a Net Zero Energy footprint. Combined with a zero-inventory model that slashes waste and storage needs, this approach dramatically cuts carbon emissions and sets a new benchmark for eco-friendly retail.

    Morgan’s Retail harnesses cutting-edge technology that thinks and acts, combining generative AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to deliver a seamless, efficient shopping experience. Unlike traditional stores with physical shelves, Morgan’s Retail introduces its patented Customer Visualisation Unit (CVU), a revolutionary interface that allows customers to browse and interact with a vast virtual product catalogue. Customers can instantly access detailed product information from ingredients and nutrition to storage tips, empowering them to make informed choices based on their preferences, lifestyle, and needs.

    Thanks to these intelligent solutions, the store operates with significantly fewer staff, as customers receive all the guidance they need to select the right products independently. Security is also enhanced through AI-powered video analytics, ensuring a safe environment. Meanwhile, smart store layouts dynamically adapt by analysing customer movements and responses to promotions, optimising product placement within the virtual environment for maximum convenience and satisfaction. This innovative blend of technologies creates a highly personalised, efficient, and secure shopping experience without the need for physical products on shelves.

    Rajeev Lee, Group CEO of Morgan’s Holdings, shares a bold vision for the future, describing this innovation as “not just solving traditional retail challenges but fundamentally reinventing retail itself.” He highlighted how Morgan’s Retail is positioning itself as a global leader in tech-driven, sustainable retail solutions by embracing data, automation, and environmental responsibility.

    With the global retail market projected to reach US$17.1 trillion, Morgan’s Retail AI-powered approach addresses the urgent demand for smarter, faster, and greener shopping experiences. The company plans to expand this revolutionary model not just in the United States but throughout Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East, actively seeking partnerships and investment to drive the next retail revolution.

    This isn’t just about cutting-edge technology, it’s about transforming everyday shopping into something simpler, faster, and truly personalised, all while safeguarding our planet. Why it matters to you is simple, imagine never having to queue again, effortlessly finding exactly what you need, and enjoying the confidence that your choices are tailored to your preferences, all within a store that runs itself efficiently and sustainably. Morgan’s Retail’s AI-powered store is the future arriving at our doorstep, offering a retail experience that is smarter, greener, and more customer-friendly than ever before.

    For the latest updatesw and exclusive insights, follow us on social media @moreatmorgans

    Or visit our website: www.morgansholding.com

    Morgan's Retail warmly welcomes enquiries from partners and investors eager to join us on this exciting journey.                                                          

                                                                        -END-


Page 12 of 1273