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Powered by MyRepublic’s AI Automation Box, the sandbox offers secure, on-premise AI infrastructure designed for experimentation, prototyping and deploying intelligent automation solutions. Faculty and students will gain hands-on experience developing AI workflows, deploying Large Language Model (LLM) applications and building real-world automation solutions aligned with industry challenges.

The partnership extends beyond infrastructure to include co-development of AI training programmes, consultancy engagements, collaborative solution design, and industry attachment opportunities. By integrating applied learning with commercial deployment expertise, both organisations aim to drive innovation that results in measurable industry impact.

“Applied AI innovation happens when infrastructure, talent and real-world problems converge,” said Lawrence Chan, Chief AI Officer, MyRepublic. “Through this collaboration, we are providing industry-grade AI automation capabilities that empower educators and students to move beyond experimentation into deployment.”

“At Singapore Polytechnic, we believe that successful technology adoption starts with people. Tools matter, but real impact comes when teams have the skills, confidence, and hands‑on experience to apply AI meaningfully,” said Georgina Phua, Deputy Principal (Development), Singapore Polytechnic. “Through this partnership, SP and MyRepublic will work together on training and consultancy initiatives to support enterprises in exploring and building agentic workflows.”

Together, MyRepublic and SP aim to accelerate AI adoption, strengthen industry-academia collaboration and position Singapore at the forefront of applied AI capability development.

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MyRepublic Broadband Pte Ltd

MyRepublic is an award-winning telecom operator whose values lie in the future of connectivity, the next opportunity to disrupt, and innovations that will make a real difference. The provider’s priority is to redefine broadband and mobile connectivity in the markets it operates and empower customers to understand what a true modern connectivity experience can be.

Singapore Polytechnic

Singapore Polytechnic (SP), established in 1954, is a leading educational institution committed to shaping future-ready talent and driving innovation. With a staff strength of 1,400 and over 12,800 students across 30 full-time diploma courses and four common entry programmes, SP is known for its strong industry focus, mastery in teaching, and emphasis on lifelong learning.

SP champions innovation across key areas, such as pedagogy, digitalisation, sustainability, and industry engagement. Beyond education, SP plays a catalytic role in advancing business transformation. Through its 12 consultancy and technology innovation centres, SP offers tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of industry. Its SP Company and Workforce Transformation (SP CWT) framework guides enterprises in navigating technological shifts and building future-ready capabilities.

Visit www.sp.edu.sg to learn more.

Official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed value-added industrial output rose 6.3 per cent year on year during January and February combined. The figure marked an acceleration from the 5.2 per cent growth recorded in December and exceeded forecasts by economists who had anticipated a more modest rise of around five per cent.

Authorities combine the first two months of the year when reporting major economic indicators to smooth distortions created by the Lunar New Year holiday, which shifts between January and February and can disrupt production schedules and consumer spending patterns.

The latest figures indicate that industrial activity remains one of the more resilient pillars of China’s economic performance. Manufacturing, mining and utilities production all contributed to the increase, with higher-value sectors linked to technology and advanced equipment manufacturing continuing to expand.

Stronger factory output came alongside moderate improvement in other key indicators. Retail sales, a broad measure of consumption, climbed 2.8 per cent during the same period, signalling some recovery in household spending after a subdued end to the previous year. Fixed-asset investment, which tracks spending on infrastructure, property and equipment, rose 1.8 per cent after contracting during 2025.

Analysts view the combination of rising industrial production and steady investment as evidence that state-backed infrastructure projects and export-oriented manufacturing are helping stabilise growth, even as other sectors continue to face pressure.

Manufacturing linked to high-technology and green industries has been a central driver of output gains. Production of computers, communications equipment and advanced machinery has expanded more rapidly than traditional heavy industries, reflecting Beijing’s push to upgrade the country’s industrial base and strengthen technological self-reliance. Data on industrial structure show that more than thirty of the country’s forty-one major manufacturing categories recorded growth during the past year, underlining the breadth of activity across sectors.

Exports have also provided support. Overseas shipments from China surged at the start of the year, led by electronics, semiconductors and equipment associated with artificial intelligence infrastructure. Robust global demand for solar panels, electric vehicles and lithium batteries has further reinforced factory activity, with these sectors often described as part of China’s emerging “new three” export engines.

Despite the stronger industrial figures, economists caution that the broader economic outlook remains uneven. Domestic consumption has not fully regained momentum, and households continue to show caution in discretionary spending. Retail sales growth, although improving, still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, highlighting lingering uncertainty among consumers.

A prolonged downturn in the property sector remains one of the most significant drags on economic confidence. Investment in real estate development has declined sharply over the past several years, and housing sales have contracted as developers grapple with high debt levels and weak buyer demand. The downturn has had ripple effects across construction, steel, cement and household goods industries, sectors traditionally linked to housing activity.

Labour market conditions also present a mixed picture. Urban unemployment rates have edged higher, with the jobless rate reaching slightly above five per cent early in the year. Rising employment pressure, particularly among younger workers and graduates, has become a focus of policy discussions as authorities seek to sustain economic stability.

Manufacturing sentiment indicators underscore these challenges. Official purchasing managers’ surveys have slipped below the expansion threshold of 50, suggesting some factories are experiencing slower order growth and cautious business expectations. Analysts note that while export-oriented companies continue to benefit from global demand, firms dependent on domestic consumption face more subdued conditions.

Beijing has set a national economic growth target of around 4.5 to 5 per cent for 2026, the lowest range in decades and a signal that policymakers are preparing for a more moderate expansion phase as structural adjustments reshape the economy. The leadership has repeatedly emphasised the need to strengthen domestic demand while maintaining technological advancement and industrial upgrading.

Infrastructure spending remains a key policy lever. Local governments have accelerated projects in transportation networks, energy systems and digital infrastructure, helping sustain industrial demand for materials and equipment. Investment in strategic industries, including renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, continues to receive policy support.

Global developments also weigh on the outlook. Geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in energy prices could affect trade flows and production costs, while shifting trade policies among major economies present another layer of uncertainty for exporters.

• 63 percent of industrial leaders in Malaysia have already invested in energy efficiency and a further 33 percent plan to within 12 months – yet results remain fragmented and uneven

• Energy consumes 25 percent of operating costs in Malaysia, and 61 percent say rising costs threaten profitability – but barriers have shifted since 2022, from cost to data, skills and organizational silos

• Digital readiness in Malaysia reaches 84 percent, and 85 percent agree total cost of ownership should guide investment in energy efficiency – however, only 42 percent consistently apply this approach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Energy efficiency has become a board‑level margin and risk issue, but many industrial organizations in Malaysia are struggling to turn intent into sustained results, according to a new report from ABB.

Based on a survey of 2,700 senior decision‑makers across 15 countries and 15 industries, the study, developed in partnership with Sapio Research, finds that 63 percent of respondents in Malaysia have already invested in energy efficiency and a further 33 percent plan to within the next 12 months. Yet, progress is increasingly constrained by execution gaps.

Energy accounts for 25 percent of operating costs on average in Malaysia, and 61 percent of companies say rising energy costs continue to threaten profitability. For executives, the challenge has shifted from reacting to price spikes to managing persistent price volatility and structural exposure.

Compared to the global average, Malaysia shows an average energy cost burden (25% vs 25% globally), above-average profitability threat perception (61% vs 59% globally), and the highest level globally of digital readiness (84% vs 67% globally).

“Energy efficiency has become a foundation for business continuity, compliance, and long-term value creation. It’s a condition for market access,” explains S Kanavati, Vice President, Motion Services, ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd. “Today, leaders care about optimizing energy use. What they struggle with is deployment, at scale, and over time.”

Execution, not intent, is now the differentiator

The study shows that digital readiness in Malaysia has reached 84 percent, with respondents already using or ready to deploy digital energy‑management tools. However, readiness alone does not guarantee results. Only 42 percent of Malaysia companies consistently apply total cost of ownership (TCO) when making investment decisions – despite 85 percent agreeing it should guide purchasing.

At the same time, responsibility for energy efficiency remains fragmented across executive management, operations, sustainability, maintenance and finance, with no single function clearly accountable.

“The barriers to energy efficiency have fundamentally changed,” adds Pearl Ong, Regional Service Manager, Asia, Motion Services, ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd. ” Cost is no longer the main blocker for many organizations globally – it has fallen from 50 percent to 43 percent since 2022. What’s holding companies back now are organizational silos, skills gaps and a lack of usable data. That’s a critical inflection point. It tells us the challenge is helping businesses turn intent into repeatable execution.”

In Malaysia, the most significant barriers to energy efficiency are the costs (54%), the potential for downtime and disruption (44%), and a lack of specialist resource (36%).

Renewables alone are not enough

The research also points to a growing risk of ‘post‑renewables complacency’. Among organizations in Malaysia that have switched to renewable energy sources (43% of respondents), 37 percent report a reduced focus on energy efficiency.

While renewables lower the carbon intensity of energy, they do not reduce the volume consumed – meaning significant efficiency gains remain untapped, even for companies that have already secured green power. As a result, opportunities to strengthen resilience, control long‑term costs and reduce exposure to volatility are being left on the table.

When asked about their primary reasons for investing in energy efficiency, respondents in Malaysia said reducing energy costs (63%), complying with regulations (53%), and improving their resilience and competitiveness (49%).

The next phase of the industrial energy transition will be defined by delivery capability. While activity levels are high across businesses in Malaysia and globally, efforts remain shallow, lacking coordination and long‑term structure.

“To close the execution gap, ABB combines diagnostics with targeted modernization of motor‑driven systems, software‑based optimization tools, outcome‑based financing and lifecycle services,” concludes Pearl Ong. “End-to-end energy intelligence is another way we help industries outrun, leaner and cleaner – turning isolated initiatives into sustained performance gains.”

For the full report, visit this page.

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About ABB

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is at the core of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to contribute to energy efficient, decarbonizing and circular solutions for customers, industries and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services we support our customers and partners to achieve better performance, safety and reliability. To help the world’s industries outrun – leaner and cleaner, we deliver motor-driven solutions for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Building on over 140 years of domain expertise in electric powertrains, our more than 23,000 employees across 100 countries learn and improve every day. go.abb/motion

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Forvis Mazars in Singapore

About Forvis Mazars in Singapore
Forvis Mazars Group SC is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading professional services network. Operating as an internationally integrated partnership in over 100 countries and territories, Forvis Mazars Group specialises in audit, tax and advisory services. The partnership draws on the expertise and cultural understanding of over 40,000 professionals across the globe to assist clients of all sizes at every stage in their development. Forvis Mazars in Singapore is part of the Forvis Mazars Group. Our clientele benefits from the combined expertise of 400+ Singapore-based professionals and our international team.

About Forvis Mazars APAC
Present in Asia Pacific since 1997, Forvis Mazars operates in more than 15 countries and territories in the region and draws on the expertise of over 10,100 professionals in more than 60 offices. We work as one integrated team, leveraging expertise, scale and cultural understanding to deliver exceptional and tailored services in audit and accounting, as well as tax, financial advisory, outsourcing, consulting, sustainability and legal services.

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Dubai-based technology firm Solstice Data has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kerala government to invest ₹52,600 crore in a large-scale data infrastructure project at the KINFRA Industrial Park in Mattannur, marking one of the biggest technology investments proposed for the state’s digital economy. The agreement envisions the development of advanced artificial intelligence-driven high-performance computing data centres on approximately 100 acres of land in Kannur district, a move officials say could reshape the region’s industrial profile.

The MoU was exchanged in Thiruvananthapuram between Raj Babu Thulaseedharan, Solstice Data’s country head for India, and Santhosh Koshy Thomas, managing director of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, commonly known as KINFRA. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Industries Minister P Rajeev and Director of Industries P Vishnuraj, signalling strong administrative backing for the project.

Solstice Data, headquartered in Dubai, specialises in designing and operating high-performance computing facilities that support artificial intelligence applications, cloud services and large-scale data processing. The company has overseen more than sixty data-centre projects internationally, including facilities in North America. The planned Kerala campus is expected to incorporate similar advanced infrastructure, supporting large computing workloads used by artificial intelligence developers, research institutions and global technology companies.

Officials involved in the negotiations describe the proposed facility as a strategic attempt to position Kerala within the expanding global data-centre ecosystem. The investment is scheduled to be implemented over a five-to-seven-year period, with phased development of computing infrastructure and supporting utilities. Such projects typically require heavy investments in power systems, cooling technology, fibre-optic connectivity and advanced cybersecurity frameworks, all of which are considered essential to attract international technology firms that rely on reliable data-processing capacity.

Mattannur’s KINFRA Industrial Park was selected as the project site after infrastructure upgrades created additional industrial land within the complex. The park covers about 175 acres, with roughly 123 acres designated for industrial use after internal roads, power supply and other facilities were developed. Officials said the Solstice Data project will occupy the remaining 100 acres currently available for new enterprises within the park, effectively completing the industrial allocation of the site.

Kerala’s industry department has framed the project as part of a broader push to attract technology-driven investments beyond the state’s established IT corridors. While cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram host major software parks and technology campuses, northern districts have been seeking large industrial anchors to stimulate employment and infrastructure development. Officials believe a data-centre cluster could generate both direct and indirect jobs, ranging from engineering and maintenance roles to specialised positions in artificial intelligence research and cloud-computing operations.

Industries Minister P Rajeev said the planned facility is expected to open significant digital opportunities for the state’s technology ecosystem. According to government officials, the project will be developed in collaboration with local partners, potentially creating links with educational institutions, startups and software companies working in artificial intelligence and data analytics. The state has promoted digital innovation as a key pillar of its industrial strategy, aiming to expand sectors such as fintech, health-tech and data science.

Data-centre investments have gathered momentum globally as demand for computing power rises with the growth of artificial intelligence models, streaming services and cloud-based applications. Major technology companies have been building hyperscale facilities capable of handling vast quantities of data, often requiring reliable electricity supply and extensive fibre-optic connectivity. Industry analysts say regions that provide stable power networks, regulatory clarity and strong connectivity stand to attract significant investments from technology infrastructure firms.

Kerala has gradually positioned itself as a destination for knowledge-based industries through investments in IT parks, research institutions and digital-skills programmes. Earlier technology initiatives in the state have involved collaborations with global companies and overseas investors. Observers see the Solstice Data project as another example of cross-border partnerships shaping technology infrastructure, particularly with firms based in the Gulf that maintain commercial ties with southern states.

Local authorities in Kannur district view the project as a potential catalyst for broader economic activity around Mattannur, an area already connected by road networks and the nearby Kannur International Airport. Industrial planners say large technology campuses often stimulate the creation of ancillary industries including power equipment suppliers, cooling system manufacturers and digital-services firms.

Solstice Data’s decision to establish an artificial-intelligence-focused data-centre campus also reflects the intensifying competition among regions seeking to host digital infrastructure. Governments across Asia have introduced policies aimed at attracting such projects through land allocation, tax incentives and investments in high-capacity electricity grids.

Bosch SDS and NxtGen Datacenter & Cloud Technologies have unveiled plans to launch a sovereign artificial intelligence cloud platform designed to accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption across India’s manufacturing and industrial sectors. The initiative aims to give enterprises secure domestic infrastructure for deploying advanced AI applications, including predictive maintenance, asset optimisation and real-time industrial data orchestration from factory floors to cloud platforms.

The partnership brings together Bosch’s software and digital engineering capabilities with NxtGen’s hyperscale data-centre infrastructure and managed cloud services. Executives involved in the project say the platform is intended to address a growing demand among industrial companies for locally hosted AI environments that comply with national data sovereignty expectations while enabling modern digital manufacturing systems.

Manufacturers across sectors such as automotive, energy, logistics and heavy engineering are increasing investment in AI-driven automation as global supply chains shift toward greater efficiency and resilience. Analysts say many firms are seeking platforms capable of processing large volumes of machine data generated by connected sensors, robotics systems and industrial equipment. The Bosch–NxtGen cloud aims to provide such capabilities by linking edge computing devices installed on factory floors with secure domestic cloud infrastructure.

Industry 4.0 technologies depend heavily on real-time analytics and machine learning models trained on operational data from equipment and production lines. Engineers use these tools to forecast equipment failures, schedule maintenance more efficiently and optimise energy use in industrial facilities. Bosch SDS has developed software frameworks and digital twin technologies designed to model industrial processes, while NxtGen operates data centres capable of hosting high-performance computing and AI workloads.

Executives from both companies say the sovereign AI cloud will enable manufacturers to run advanced analytics while ensuring sensitive operational data remains within national boundaries. Data localisation requirements have become an important consideration for companies adopting AI technologies, particularly in sectors linked to critical infrastructure and strategic industries.

Industrial data orchestration represents a central component of the project. Factories typically generate vast amounts of information from sensors embedded in machines, assembly lines and supply-chain systems. The new platform aims to unify these streams into a single architecture that allows companies to analyse operational patterns and automate decision-making across production networks.

Predictive maintenance stands among the most prominent applications expected to benefit. Machine-learning models trained on historical equipment data can detect early warning signs of mechanical problems before breakdowns occur. Companies adopting such systems report improvements in production uptime and reductions in maintenance costs. Asset optimisation tools can also adjust equipment performance dynamically based on real-time operational conditions, helping plants operate more efficiently.

Bosch SDS, a digital engineering and IT services division of the Bosch Group, has built a strong presence in industrial software development, automotive electronics and embedded systems. The organisation provides engineering services to manufacturing clients globally and has increasingly expanded into artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies.

NxtGen Datacenter & Cloud Technologies operates hyperscale data-centre infrastructure in several metropolitan regions and provides cloud platforms designed for enterprise workloads requiring high performance and data security. The company has promoted the concept of sovereign cloud infrastructure as governments and corporations seek greater control over digital assets and regulatory compliance.

Demand for domestic cloud infrastructure has expanded as companies become more cautious about where critical data is stored and processed. Sovereign cloud environments typically guarantee that data remains within a country’s jurisdiction and that infrastructure operators comply with local legal frameworks. Such models have gained traction among governments and enterprises concerned about cross-border data transfer risks.

Industrial companies are also moving toward hybrid architectures combining edge computing and centralised cloud platforms. Edge devices located inside factories can process sensor data close to the source, enabling immediate operational responses, while cloud platforms provide the computing power required for large-scale analytics and machine-learning training. Integrating these environments allows enterprises to monitor production lines in real time while developing predictive insights from aggregated data.

Artificial intelligence adoption within manufacturing has accelerated as companies pursue automation and efficiency gains. Industrial AI applications include quality control using computer vision, supply-chain forecasting, energy-efficiency optimisation and autonomous robotics. Technology providers see manufacturing as one of the largest growth markets for AI deployments because factories generate extensive data suitable for machine-learning models.

Digital transformation initiatives in India’s industrial sector have gained momentum as manufacturers attempt to strengthen global competitiveness. Government-backed programmes promoting advanced manufacturing and smart factories have encouraged investment in automation, robotics and digital infrastructure. Large technology firms and industrial groups have launched multiple projects aimed at building domestic platforms capable of supporting AI-driven manufacturing systems.

Bosch and NxtGen executives say the sovereign AI cloud will provide enterprises with tools to modernise legacy manufacturing operations while maintaining strict security and governance standards. Industrial clients are expected to gain access to modular services including AI development environments, digital twin simulations and scalable computing resources tailored to industrial workloads.

Technology analysts note that partnerships combining industrial engineering expertise with specialised cloud infrastructure have become increasingly common as companies seek to accelerate digital transformation. Providers that can integrate operational technology systems with enterprise cloud platforms are viewed as well positioned to serve manufacturers adopting Industry 4.0 strategies.

Government plans to establish an $11 billion fund aimed at accelerating semiconductor development, a move designed to strengthen the country’s position in the global electronics supply chain and reduce dependence on imported chips. The proposed initiative, valued at more than ₹1 trillion, is under active discussion and could be unveiled within months as part of a broader push to expand domestic technology manufacturing.

Semiconductors form the backbone of modern technology, powering devices ranging from smartphones and laptops to vehicles, industrial equipment and artificial intelligence systems. Officials believe the new fund will provide subsidies for chip design, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and the development of supporting supply chains, while encouraging investment from both domestic conglomerates and international technology companies.

Policy planners view the programme as a key step in transforming the country into a major centre for semiconductor manufacturing and design. Industry specialists say the fund would complement earlier government initiatives aimed at building a full semiconductor ecosystem, including design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging capabilities.

The proposal builds on earlier efforts launched in 2021 under the semiconductor incentive scheme, which earmarked about $10 billion to attract chip manufacturers and component makers. That programme sought to cover a significant share of the capital costs associated with establishing fabrication and assembly plants, a strategy widely adopted by governments worldwide seeking to secure technology supply chains.

Authorities have framed semiconductor development as a strategic priority amid rising global demand for advanced electronics. The push is also tied to ambitions of expanding the domestic electronics manufacturing sector, which has grown rapidly over the past decade as multinational companies diversify production away from traditional manufacturing hubs.

Major industrial projects linked to this strategy are already underway. A semiconductor assembly and testing facility led by Tata Group in the northeast is expected to become one of the country’s first large-scale chip processing plants, while U. S. firm Micron is developing a packaging facility valued at about $2.7 billion. These projects represent early steps toward creating an integrated semiconductor ecosystem spanning design, fabrication and advanced packaging.

Other proposals include joint ventures between technology firms and global chipmakers. One such project involves a partnership between HCL Group and Taiwan’s Foxconn to establish a semiconductor unit near Jewar airport in Uttar Pradesh. The facility is designed to produce display driver chips used in consumer electronics and could reach an output of tens of millions of units annually once operational.

Government officials have also focused on strengthening the talent pipeline required for the semiconductor industry. A national programme known as “Chips to Startups” aims to train around 85,000 engineers in chip design across more than 300 academic institutions, reflecting recognition that workforce development is critical for sustaining a competitive semiconductor sector.

Industry leaders note that chip manufacturing remains one of the most capital-intensive segments of the technology economy. Fabrication plants require investments that can exceed $10 billion, along with long development timelines and highly specialised expertise. As a result, government subsidies and strategic partnerships are widely seen as essential for building a viable domestic semiconductor base.

Global competition in the semiconductor sector has intensified as governments race to secure supply chains for critical technologies. The United States has enacted multi-billion-dollar incentives through its CHIPS and Science Act, while China continues to channel state funding into chip design and manufacturing. Similar programmes have emerged in Europe, Japan and South Korea, underscoring the geopolitical significance of semiconductor production.

Economic planners argue that strengthening chip capabilities could support broader industrial growth, particularly in sectors such as electric vehicles, telecommunications, defence electronics and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Demand for semiconductors is expected to surge as digitalisation spreads across industries and emerging technologies such as machine learning, cloud computing and smart devices expand globally.

Technology companies have shown growing interest in establishing operations in the country as electronics manufacturing scales up. Smartphone assembly has expanded sharply, with global firms increasing production capacity and boosting exports, reflecting a shift in supply chains that had previously centred heavily on East Asia.

Private investment in semiconductor start-ups has also gained momentum. State-backed funds and regional initiatives have begun supporting chip design ventures working on networking processors and communications hardware, signalling a move toward building indigenous intellectual property alongside manufacturing capacity.

Challenges remain significant. Establishing advanced chip fabrication facilities requires complex infrastructure, steady power supply, large water resources and access to specialised equipment dominated by a small number of global suppliers. Analysts say progress will depend on sustained policy support, long-term financing and collaboration with established semiconductor companies.