Financial Quarter Jul-Sep'24 to be announced on 28/11/24
Jobs that are currently in progress during this quarter.

A). Civil Engineering
1. Project Period: 1 January 2024 - 31 December 2026 with Contract Value: Rm 230,000,000.00
2. Period: 1 July 2024 - 31 March 2026 with Contract Value: Rm 16,100,000.00
3. Period: 29 July 2024 – 13 June 2027 with Contract Value: Rm 36,786,981.01
4. Period: 26 August 2024 - 25 August 2025 with Contract Value: RM14.550,000.00
5. Project Period: 28 June 2024 - 28 September 2024 with Contract Value: Rm 4,050,000.00 completed recently.

B). Financial technologies
On 4 July 2024, BNM vide its letter had resolved to approve the issuance of Class B remittance licence under the Money Services Business Act 2011 to Uniqa.

C). Bituminous products
Production have increased its total production capacity by 400MT per month to 1,000MT per month. The increase in total production capacity will enable Aizo to ride on the growing demand from the construction sector.
This will undoubtedly unlock a new revenue driver for the Group.

D). Renewable Energy
The Group’s power unit, Coral Power Sdn Bhd operates, owns and manages a 9.99 Mwac capacity solar plant located in Manjung, Perak.
The solar plant is expected to generate approximately 22GWh of clean and renewable energy.

Will this financial quarter be better compared the previous quarter?

I would personally say it will be a good financial quarter for Aizo under Abang and the best is yet to come. Remember folks, Rome wasn't built in one day.

Knowing the potential to turn Aizo around, Abang will not be the only person acquiring more.

His group or gang, which has something in common with Azio's endeavor, will definitely buy slowly but surely and increase their holdings gradually.

Total acquired: 277,850,000 units
Estimated total cost: Rm 43,485,750.00
Estimated buying at Rm 0.1565 per share

Substantial shareholder After the Proposed Private Placement and, After conversion / exercise of
all convertible securities: Abang direct holding of 272,000,000 units will be diluted to 10.56%.

Will he buy more directly or indirectly?

Hence the approved and ongoing tranches of private placement are indicating that the selected investors are enthusiastic about Azio's future endeavor.

So folk, if you’re the Executive Chairman of Azio considering raising money via a private placement, first make sure you have a solid business plan that provides a strong case on why institutions would want to invest in your business:

1. What is it about your company that is unique and sets you apart from the competition?

2. How will you grow profits consistently over the long term, year in and year out?

3. Have you and your partners invested your own money in the company? In other words, do you have some “skin in the game”?

4. Do they have experience in growing similar businesses in your industry and providing a solid return for owners and investors?

5. What about your industry? Is it on the rise (think social media or green technologies) or in decline, such as travel agents and film manufacturers, which have virtually been replaced by the Internet and digital technologies?

6. As RE capacity is set to continue its upward trajectory over the next five years, what is your future action plan? Can you find enough land for your project? Do you have the resources?

7. Do you have good rapport with shareholders, government regulators, business partners, suppliers, and customers?

There you go folk!

There are several advantages to using private placements to raise finance for business. They:

• allow Azio to choose their own investors – this increases the chances of Azio having freindly investors with similar objectives and means investors may be able to provide business advice and assistance, as well as funding.

• allow Azio to make a return on the investment over a longer time period as private placement investors will be prepared to be more patient than other investors, such as venture capitalists.

Folk, a business obtaining investment through private placement is also not required to give up a seat on the board of directors or a management position to the group of selected investors.

Instead, control over business operations and financial management remains with the owner.

Folk, issuing private placement isn't always that bad too.

When a company issues new stock, it is usually in a positive light, to raise money for expansion or investment capital to fund large projects and new ventures.

The bottom line, the motivation for raising additional funds may be an outstanding opportunity for rapid growth.

The private placement can help the company make the most of it.

As a result, the eventual extra profits realized from the company's expansion may push its stock price substantially higher.

Therefore folk, by issuing additional stock for sale, shareholders' ownership in the company is reduced, or diluted when these new shares are issued.

That may lead shareholders to believe their value in the company is decreasing.

But on the positive side, Abang with a large chunk of stock of +-15% and who is still actively acquiring more through the open market can often take advantage of shareholders that own a diluted smaller portion of the company after the private placement.

Folk, share dilution happens when a company issues additional stock for sale to few selected individuals or corporate entity, or to a small group of chosen investors to raise funding, relatively quickly and easily, the capital needed to grow and advance their businesses.

Chosen or selected investors typically involved in private placement issues are either institutional investors, such as banks and pension funds, or high-net-worth individuals such as close personal friends of a director.

Bursa Securities had, vide its letter dated 19 September 2024, approved the listing of and quotation for up to 234,072,000 new ordinary shares for Private Placement.

Private placement of shares refers to the sale of company shares to the investors and institutions selected by the company, also called accredited investors.

Accredited investors include:
Financial institutions
Private business development companies
Directors, executives, or partners of the firm
Individuals with a net worth of more than $1 million, excluding the value of their primary residence.

I do believe the private placement will to go the right friendly investors & Abg would also increase his stakes in due time.

Personally I do believe Azio will shine soon in the good hand of Abang as the Captain.

So a director buying on market is usually a fantastic sign that they're backing their own horse and following their words with money but its a different scenario for Abg as his interest has been diluted due to the PP.

The big Q now will he buy more to increase his stakes in Azio above 16.828 % or he just happy with what he has?

Remember folk after the second tranche of private placement there are still 162,684,500 units pending to be issued for the private placement.

As such Abang shareholding in Azio will definitely be diluted further.

There you go, folk!

EC Abang interest in Azio.

Dated: 11 Jan 2024 Direct Interest 272,000,000 16.828%

Dated: 29 Oct 2024 Direct Interest 276,500,000 14.896%

Executive Chairman interest diluted by 1.932% because of the latest second tranche private placement dated 28 Oct 2024.

No. of SIS Option available to be granted and approved in the previous meeting 38,369,117 units.

So folk, will that SIS be enough for him or will he buy more in the open market to increase his shareholding in Azio?

1. Prasarana Malaysia Berhad tender: Design, Supply, Install, Testing, Commissioning, Operation & Maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Prasarana Malaysia Berhad. The tender closed on 28 October 2024.

Open to Bumiputera companies and investors in the solar Photovoltaic (PV) industry, as well as Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) or their subsidiaries, with a minimum paid-up capital of RM 1 million, and experience in project development, financing, installation, and operation of solar systems.

2. Sarawak Energy Berhad Malaysia has Released a tender for Supply, Delivery, Installation, Testing And Commissioning Of Solar Battery At Solar Hybrid Power Stations. The tender closed on 30 October 2024.

Folk acquisition of shares in open market by Executive Chairman:

27/10 acquired 2,000,000 units at Rm0.144
28/10 acquired 2,500,000 units at Rm0.145
29/10 to be known on the 30/10 if there any.

Yes folk, November will be an interesting month for Azio.

Folk with the mega project like Sarawak Data Center Park in the pocket, next will the the mega Floating Solar Farm projects.

Solar Energy Tenders Pending Announcement:

1. Sarawak Energy Tender- Request for Proposal for Front End Engineering Works for the Expansion of 160MW Floating Solar at Batang Ai. Tender closed on 31 July 2024.

2. Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation for LSS-Energy Transition SuRiA - LSS5 5. Tender closed on 25 July 2024.

November will be an interesting month for Azio.

Why would a Chairman buy his own company’s stock?

A Chairman may buy his own company’s stock for several reasons. Firstly, it can be a sign of confidence in the company’s future performance.

By purchasing shares, the Chairman is showing that they believe the stock is undervalued and has the potential to increase in value.

Additionally, buying stock can be a way for the Chairman to align their interests with the shareholders and demonstrate their commitment to the company’s success.

Furthermore, buying can also be a way for the Chairman to take advantage of potential undervaluation in the market.

If the Chairman believes that the stock is currently trading at a lower price than its true value, he may see an opportunity to buy and make a profit in the long run.

Lastly, buying stock can be a strategic move for the Chairman to gain control or increase influence within the company folk!

Folk, private placements are typically offered to accredited investors, such as high net worth individuals or institutions to allow Azio to raise capital quickly and efficiently, without the time-consuming.

Azio can choose their investors carefully and negotiate the terms of their private placement offerings to maintain control over their operations and strategic direction.

Private placement too can also help Azio avoid the influence of activist investors or other external forces that may seek to influence their decision-making processes.

Folk, AIZO has proposed to undertake private placement of up to 10% of the company’s total issued shares or up to 178,469,000 new shares.

The first tranche of the private placement involved the issuance of 26,770,300 placement shares priced at RM0.125 each which were listed on Bursa Malaysia on October 11, 2024

The second tranche of its private placement of 44,617,200 shares at RM0.122 per placement share were listed 0n 29 Oct 2024.

Folk for the balance of the private placement shares, the issue price per share which will be fixed at a later date would definitely be much higher than the first and second tranches as the share price move up higher in November 2024.

There you go folk!

Folk, November will be the active month for Azio shares. LSS5 winners announcement, Sarawak Energy tender and the quarter financial earning report.

As stated in Azio Annual Report 2024: Malaysia’s Energy Commission has recently announced the opening of the fifth Large Scale Solar competitive bidding process, known as ‘LSS-Peralihan Tenaga SuRia’ or ‘LSS PETRA’.

It is pertinent to note that LSS5 stipulates the minimum Bumiputera and local Malaysian equity requirements, reflecting the Government’s intention to increase local participation in the RE sector.

Towards this end, the Group, confident in our competitive pricing, is working diligently to secure another large-scale solar award from the Energy Commission, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship

Folk, LSS5, also known as LSS-Energy Transition SuRiA, has the largest allocation to date with 2gw or 2,000mw up for grabs.

There are four packages under LSS5. The biggest is Package 3 — which carries 1,000mw and parties can propose to build anywhere from a 30mw plant up to a 500mw one. There are four packages available under LSS5 with project capacity ranging between 1MW-500MW each.

Three out of the four packages are for rooftop or ground-mounted solar projects with an aggregate quota of 1.5GW.

The fourth package is for floating solar projects with a total quota of 500MW. The tender requires minimum Bumiputera or local Malaysian equity requirements to increase local participation in the RE industry.

If the government announces the [winners of the] LSS5 projects soon, it will be a boon for the industry as players can take advantage of the low solar panel price and a stronger ringgit against the US dollar.

The drop in solar panel prices has also been attributed to Chinese manufacturers throwing prices as they cease operations due to oversupply. They are selling lower than market prices to clear their stocks.

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/729472

7. Signaling a positive outlook: Buying stock can be seen as a vote of confidence in the company’s current performance and future prospects. It demonstrates that the EC has a positive outlook on the business and believes it is undervalued by the market.

8. Capitalizing on insider knowledge: Directors often have access to non-public information about the company’s performance and future plans. By purchasing stock, they can take advantage of this knowledge to make a profitable investment.

There you go, folk!

Folk, there are several reasons why a Chairman (EC) would buy his own stock.

1. Confidence in the company: When an EC purchases his own stock, it shows that he has confidence in the company’s ability to perform well in the market. This can be seen as a vote of confidence in the company’s business model, management team, and future growth prospects.

2. Alignment of interests: By investing in his own company, the EC aligns his own interests with those of the shareholders. This can signal to investors that the EC is committed to increasing shareholder value and is not simply looking to cash out.

3. Undervalued stock: If the EC believes that the company’s stock is undervalued, he may choose to purchase shares in order to take advantage of the potential for future growth. This can be seen as a bullish signal by other investors and may lead to increased confidence in the stock.

4. Signaling effect: When an EC buys his own stock, it can send a positive signal to other investors. This can create a positive feedback loop, as other investors may interpret the EC’s purchase as a sign that they should also invest in the company.

5. Long-term investment: Finally, an EC may choose to buy his own stock as a long-term investment strategy. By purchasing shares in his own company, the EC is effectively doubling down on his belief in the company’s potential for long-term growth. This can be seen as a positive signal by other investors and may lead to increased demand for the stock.

6. Defending against hostile takeovers: By buying a significant amount of their company’s stock, CEOs can increase their ownership stake and make it more difficult for potential acquirers to gain control. This can help protect the company from hostile takeovers and ensure its long-term independence.

So folk, when chief executives buy their own companies’ shares, it’s often worth considering the stock.

Folk, an Executive Chairman (EC) buying his own company’s stock can have a positive impact on other shareholders.

When an EC purchases stock, it signals confidence in the company’s future prospects. This can help to boost investor confidence and attract more investment in the company, leading to an increase in the stock price.

Additionally, when the EC owns a significant amount of company stock, he has a vested interest in seeing the stock price rise, which aligns his interests with those of the other shareholders as this would increase their wealth.

This can create a sense of alignment between the EC and the shareholders and help to build trust and loyalty among investors.

Finally, buying stock can also be a way for the EC to take advantage of potential undervaluation in the market.

If the EC believes that the stock is currently trading at a lower price than its true value, he may see an opportunity to buy and make a profit in the long run.

Azio Annual Report 2024 Management Discussion & Analysis on Renewable Energy Way Forward:

The Group is committed to continuing its exploration and expansion in this vital sector, aligning our business practices with global environmental goals and contributing to a greener future for all.

Malaysia’s Energy Commission has recently announced the opening of the fifth Large Scale Solar competitive bidding process, known as ‘LSS-Peralihan Tenaga SuRia’ or ‘LSS PETRA’.

It is pertinent to note that LSS5 stipulates the minimum Bumiputera and local Malaysian equity requirements, reflecting the Government’s intention to increase local participation in the RE sector.

Towards this end, the Group, confident in our competitive pricing, is working diligently to secure another large-scale solar award from the Energy Commission, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.

Folk, investors who buy the dip are looking to purchase a stock only when it has fallen from its recent peak. They assume that the price decline is temporary or a short-term aberration, and that the dip is an opportunity to buy shares at a bargain price.

Dip buyers generally are looking to build a larger position in a stock, and use temporary price declines—aka “dips” in the share price to increase their holdings.

Yes folk, I'm in the queue at 0.13 & 0.12 sen. Finger crossed.

Hong Leong Investment Bank research estimates that solar engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning jobs from Large Scale Solar 5 (LSS5) alone will hit RM7 billion.

Folks, the Energy Commission said interested parties must meet the criteria outlined in the Request for Proposal: must be an experienced companies and consortiums involved in energy generation projects, including project financing and power plant operations.

Folks, the successful bidders to be announced in November 2024 by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation through the Energy Commission. https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/729472

Folks, Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation through the Energy Commission stated that the LSS5 tenders provides opportunities for Bumiputera companies to get involved in the energy sector and compete healthily.

Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation for LSS-Energy Transition SuRiA - LSS5 5 tenders targets a total capacity of 2,000MWac:

a). The first package includes 250 MW of rooftop or ground-mount solar plants, with permitted generation capacities of 1 MW to 10 MW. It is open to companies with at least 51% Bumiputera ownership that are registered as a small- and medium-size enterprises (SME) with SME Corp Malaysia.

b). The second package includes 250 MW of rooftop or ground-mount solar, but with permitted generation capacities of 10 MW to 30 MW. It is open to companies that have at least 51% Bumiputera ownership, or from consortia with at least one Bumiputera company holding at least 51% equity.

c). The third package covers 1 GW of rooftop or ground-mount solar power plants, with permitted generation capacities of 30 MW to 500 MW.

d). The fourth package features 500 MW, and covers floating solar plants with permitted generation capacities of 10 MW to 500 MW.

Folk, the final two packages are open to companies that are incorporated in Malaysia with a minimum 51% local Malaysian equity, or consortia where at least one member is a company incorporated in Malaysia, with at least 51% local Malaysian equity.

Folk, RHB Research said Sarawak is in a sweet spot to gain from foreign investments as the state has the most competitive unsubsidised electricity tariffs in Asean and business-friendly policies, while abundant RE sources have enabled it to attract foreign customers into Data centers.

Good news for Azio and with Sarawak Government support make it easier to find and lobby for customers into the Sarawak Data Centers Park.

Solar Energy Tenders Pending Announcement:

1. Sarawak Energy Tender- Request for Proposal for Front End Engineering Works for the Expansion of 160MW Floating Solar at Batang Ai. Tender closed on 31 July 2024.

2. Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation for LSS-Energy Transition SuRiA - LSS5 5. Tender closed on 25 July 2024.

Folk, with tremendous opportunities for Azio to secure jobs especially in Sarawak in the near future, buying at 0.135 & below is considered "a Steal" buy.

Now that with the mega project like Sarawak Data Center Park in the pocket, next will the the mega Floating Solar Farm projects.

Beli simpan lalu kaya begulai 📈💰

KUCHING (Oct 23): The water reservoirs at Bakun, Murum, and in the near future, Baleh, will provide huge areas for floating solar installations, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this huge potential of solar resources can be used to pump water and subsequently utilised to generate power during unavailability of the sunlight, thereby providing additional and sustainable energy for Sarawak.

“The reservoir for the hydropower provides potentially suitable sites for floating solar, which can be used with PHES (pumped hydro energy storage), thereby increasing further renewable energy generation from water resources,” he said.

AIZO is aiming to be a full stack financial technology solutions provider in Malaysia, through their wholly owned subsidiary Techmile Resources Sdn Bhd (TRSB),

TRSB will be tailor-made to become a financial technology company that provides electronic payment system solutions such as alternative delivery channels to banks and financial institutions via secured electronic platforms for both micro and cross-border payments.

TRSB’s recent acquisition of Uniqa, meanwhile is aimed to transform TRSB into a full-stacked financial technology solutions provider in Malaysia which would allow it to provide financial technology support to clients and partners who offer remittance services to the Asian markets such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Philippines, which are the top destinations for remittance from Malaysia.

For the record, Uniqa is an approved system provider under BNM section 40 of the Money Service Business Act with clients using its financial technology solutions needing BNM license approvals. Approval license from BNM for remittance payment services projected approval in 4Q24.

Uniqa currently has two local banks using its remittance system and is also working closely with its local partner bank to establish partnerships with a number of overseas banks in Indonesia, China, and the Philippines, as well as countries in the Middle East and Europe.

Folks, over the last twelve months, AIZO Group Berhad's revenue grew by 2.7%. That's not great considering the company is losing money. In contrast, the share price took off during the year, gaining 190%.

It's good to see that AIZO Group Berhad has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 190% in the last twelve months.

Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 11% per year), it would seem that the stock's performance has improved in recent times.

Someone with an optimistic perspective could view the recent improvement in TSR as indicating that the business itself is getting better with time.

Folks, it's now an open secret that Azio is the new hidden GEM in KLSE. The business will need a lot more growth to justify that increase. As such have patience when we investing a business through the stock market as "Patience Can Produce Uncommon Profits."

1. Sarawak aims to have five data centres that will create further economic growth for Sarawak through cross-border data flow by 2030.

2. Sarawak aims to have solar energy make up 12 per cent of its total capacity mix by 2030.

3. Ongoing talks with Singapore and Indonesia remain productive, with Sarawak poised to play a significant role in supplying power to the grid and the grid’s infrastructure could be in place by 2030.

4. Sarawak we will have a new piping system throughout Sarawak at a cost of RM1.1bil by 2030.

5. Sarawak is targeting 60% student enrolment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by 2030.

6. Sarawak on course to become high-income state by 2030.

7. Sarawak launched the Second Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 which will set out how the state will secure its future as a leading digital economy and society by 2030.

8. An estimated 7,000 telecommunication towers and structures will be needed to achieve full coverage in populated areas in Sarawak by 2030.

9. Sarawak aims to become net food exporter by 2030.

10. Azio remain committed to their goal of driving innovation and supporting Sarawak’s digital ambitions by 2030.

Folks, Sarawak plans to develop additional floating solar projects at the Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum hydroelectric plant (HEP) reservoirs once the 1st phase of such project at Batang Ai completed this October'24.

1. The 2nd phase floating solar farm at the Batang Ai with a potential capacity of up to 160MW.

2. Bakun site with a potential capacity of up to 500MW.

3. Murum site with a potential capacity of 600MW.

There you go.

SINGAPORE: Sarawak is set to take full advantage of Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of Asean next year to accelerate the establishment of the Asean Power Grid, a regional energy initiative that promises to enhance energy cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.

Abang Jo noted that ongoing talks with Singapore and Indonesia remain productive, with Sarawak poised to play a significant role in supplying power to the grid.

Abang Johari expressed optimism that Malaysia will use its position as the Asean chair next year to drive more focused and serious discussions on the Asean Power Grid.

“This has to be a joint decision among the Asean countries, and we only act as a power supplier. I am sure it will be finalised soon."

He also revealed that the grid’s infrastructure could be in place by 2030.

Abang Johari explained that the target for completing the infrastructure is set for 2030, as laying the submarine cables alone is expected to take at least three years.

Sarawak Premier said noted that data centres need SUFFICIENT and RELIABLE SUPPLY OF ENERGY AND WATER as a cooling agent to enable them to function smoothly.

He said “You asked me if Google can go to Sarawak, it depends on Google. It’s not up to us to decide because basically what you want is the bottom line. If you can have the bottom line more in Sarawak, why not come to Sarawak?"

There you go folks, SUFFICIENT and RELIABLE SUPPLY OF ENERGY AND WATER and Tier 4 DC the highest standard for data centers—usually used by LARGE BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS, and GLOBAL ENTERPRISES that require constant availability. That's the Bottom Line!

Busy year ahead for RE players - Maybank IB
Being positive of the Renewable Energy (RE) sector, Maybank Investment Bank, said all LSS5 projects are scheduled to commence operations by 2026.

Potential EPCC contracts worth ~MYR7b
There are four packages available under LSS5 with project capacity ranging between 1MW-500MW each. Three out of the four packages are for rooftop or ground-mounted solar projects with an aggregate quota of 1.5GW. The 4th package is for floating solar projects with a total quota of 500MW.

The tender requires minimum Bumiputera or local Malaysian equity requirements to increase local participation in the RE industry.

Assuming EPCC works value of MYR3.6m per MW, we estimate the offered capacity is worth c.MYR7.2b in EPCC works.

Maybank IB expects the shortlisted bidders to be announced in 4Q24, after the deadline for proposals submission on 25 July 2024.

Folks with the Sarawak Government support for the Sarawak Data Centre Park (SDCP), the opportunities given to Netrunner (design & technical aspects) and Aizo (infrastructure support, clean energy solutions, and water treatment facilities) will not be wasted and project to materialize in no time.

The final detail specifications & costing for the planned facility will only be shared with Sarawak Government first & relevant authorities prior the official announcement to Bursa Malaysia.

Folks, with the SDCP project in their pocket, there are other potential projects for AIZO likely to secure, that is the Solar Farm tenders & other Civil Engineering tenders to be known in November & December'24.

Folks, what Is a Tier 4 Data Center?

1. Tier 4 data center security marks the highest standard for data centers—usually used by LARGE BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS, and GLOBAL ENTERPRISES that require constant availability.

2. They have an uptime of 99.995%, meaning annual downtime of no more than 26.3 minutes/year.

3. They also feature 2N and 2N+1, fully redundant infrastructure, which is the second major difference between a tier 3 data center and the superior tier 4 data center.

- 2N redundancy means there is a completely mirrored system on standby, independent of the primary system.
- This means that should anything happen to a component in the main data center, there is an identical replica for every component ready to pick up the slack.
- This is by far the most robust form of security that can be employed.

4. All components are supported by two generators, two UPS systems, and two cooling systems. Each path is independent of the other, meaning that a single failure in one will not cause a domino effect with other components, as is the case with lower tiers.

5. Tier 4 data centers have a power outage protection of 96 hours, and this power must not be connected to any external source and must be independent. This is what’s referred to as “fault tolerance”—a capability that means that in the event of a system failure, IT operations aren’t affected in any way.

Folks, unlike tier 3, tier 4 data centers are prepared for unplanned maintenance—businesses that use tier 4 systems will often be unaware that an outage has taken place at all.

Potential clients: Sarawak government GLCs (SESCO, Affin, Bintulu Port, SEDC, & what not), International big IT organizations from China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, etc, and Sarawak based big enterprises.

SARAWAK is not one to be behind on the world’s latest trends that can propel the state towards the future. This can be seen by its myriad of initiatives that can revolutionise the state’s economy.

The recently concluded International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024 is a fine example of this as it showcases what Sarawak hopes to offer from the aspect of technology and the digital economy.

Data centres, for one, is a global hot topic. They serve as catalytic enablers to raise Malaysia’s economic complexity and move up the technology ladder.

Malaysia is set to emerge as the largest data centre hub in the Asean region.
According to DC Byte, more than 1GW of supply is expected to come on stream over the next two years vs the current installed capacity of under 400MW.
About 3GW of capacity is in the developmental stages, and will be added progressively over the next three to five years.

Potential data centre inventory by 2028 would be 10 times more than what it took the industry to build over the last two decades.

This would put Malaysia ahead of Singapore, Asia’s largest DC metro where capacity is projected to stabilise at 1.4GW due to land scarcity and stricter conditions imposed on new builds.

Sarawak has been actively working to build up its data centre industry through several strategic initiatives.

Analysts with RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB Research) in a special report believed the state of Sarawak could well emerge as the next hotspot for data centres.

“This is due to the ample supply of hydroelectric power, growing investments in subsea cable infrastructure and its proximity to Nusantara, the new administrative capital of Indonesia located in East Kalimantan,” it said in the report.

And this prediction is coming to fruition: During IDECS 2024, Aizo Group Bhd, formerly known as Minetech Resources Bhd, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NetRunner Sdn Bhd to develop a Tier 4 data centre hub in Sarawak.

This hub aims to meet the increasing demand for secure and reliable data storage and processing facilities.

The MoU will bring together the strengths of each party to ensure the successful development of the data centres.

Netrunner, a special purpose vehicle focused on attracting investments for a state-ofthe-art data centres park in Sarawak, will lead the technical development and design of the Tier 4 Data Centres Park, ensuring it meets global standards in security, energy efficiency, and reliability.

Subsequently, Aizo will play a key role by providing infrastructure support, including the development of clean energy solutions and water treatment facilities to ensure the sustainability of the data centres’ operations.

By delivering secure, highperformance data management capabilities, the project is set to drive technological innovation, attract new investments, and bolster economic growth in the region.

“This MOU is a significant milestone for all parties involved, and we are excited to contribute to Sarawak’s advancement into the digital age,” commented Dato Abang Abdillah Izzarim, the executive chairman of Aizo, on the project.

“Working alongside the Sarawak Government and Netrunner, we believe that the Tier 4 Data Centres Park will become a cornerstone for the region’s digital infrastructure.

“Aizo is proud to play a role in supporting the growth of Sarawak’s digital economy and ensuring that this project has a lasting positive impact.”