Japanese technology firm Macnica, Inc has acquired a major stake in Orangeleaf Consulting Holdings Co. (OLC), a Singapore-registered, Malaysian-founded digital transformation and enterprise software consultancy with operations across Malaysia, Japan and Singapore.

Orangeleaf said in a statement on Wednesday that the transaction represents more than a capital investment – it is a strategic initiative to scale the agile transformation and DX in-sourcing model that Macnica and OLC have jointly developed since 2024.

Through their collaboration, the two companies have leveraged Siemens’ low-code platform, Mendix, to support Japanese enterprises in accelerating digital transformation, modernizing legacy systems and developing internal capabilities to build and continuously improve their own digital solutions.

The partnership has demonstrated a practical and scalable approach to transformation, one that combines strategy, technology, people and execution to deliver measurable business value.

It is noted that as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies continue to reshape industries, organizations are under increasing pressure to transform more quickly and continuously.

However, many Japanese enterprises continue to face challenges such as shortages of DX talent, dependence on external vendors for system development and operations, fragmented legacy systems, and limited internal capabilities to sustain transformation over the long term.

Through this strategic investment, Macnica and OLC will combine their complementary strengths to address these challenges in Japan.

Macnica brings an extensive customer network in Japan, deep knowledge of the country’s manufacturing sector, hands-on expertise in DX in-sourcing, and the ability to integrate advanced technologies such as AI, internet of things (IoT) and cybersecurity.

Meanwhile, OLC brings globally proven digital transformation consulting, agile delivery methodologies and end-to-end software engineering capabilities, powered predominantly by Malaysian talent.

Together, both companies will support Japanese enterprises in building the talent, operating models, technologies and organizational capabilities required to drive transformation from within.

“OLC is a leading global digital transformation company with unique strengths that extend beyond agile transformation and software development to include talent development and organizational capability building, enabling the company to support customers throughout their transformation journey,

“Since beginning our collaboration in 2024 to support digital transformation initiatives for customers in the manufacturing industry in Japan, we have been consistently impressed not only by OLC’s deep expertise and execution capabilities, but also by its unwavering commitment to customer success and the values it brings to every engagement,” said Kazumasa Hara, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Macnica.

According to him, this partnership represents far more than a capital and business alliance. It marks an important strategic first step for two organizations that share a common purpose: helping customers successfully navigate transformation and create lasting business value.

“By combining the expertise and talent of both companies, we look forward to delivering even greater value to customers across industries, while contributing to the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the manufacturing industry in Japan,” he added.

Ellice Ng, Founding Partner & Non-Executive Director, Brand & Strategic Innovation of Orangeleaf Consulting, said this partnership brings together Macnica’s strength, customer relationships and technology ecosystem in Japan with OLC’s transformation experience, software engineering capabilities and talent from Malaysia and the region.

“Together, we are building more than technology solutions. We are building organizational capabilities, developing future-ready talent and creating a sustainable model that enables enterprises to continue innovating long after an individual project is completed,

“This milestone also represents a new chapter for OLC. We remain deeply committed to our team, our customers and the values that have shaped the company from the beginning. With Macnica, we now have the opportunity to scale our impact and contribute meaningfully to the future of Japan’s manufacturing industry,” she added.

Meanwhile, Tim Hendricks, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Orangeleaf Consulting, said the partnership with Macnica allows them to bring their model to a much larger market while continuing to strengthen its technology, delivery and talent capabilities.

“Japanese manufacturers have a tremendous opportunity to modernize their operations, adopt AI and build the internal capabilities required to respond more quickly to change,

“By combining the strengths of both organizations, we can provide customers with an integrated transformation journey from strategy and application development to in-sourcing, talent development and continuous improvement,” he added.

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