Sunway iLabs, the innovation lab and corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Malaysia-based Sunway Group, has announced a strategic partnership with China International Capital Corporation (CICC), one of China’s leading investment banks, to advance artificial intelligence (AI) technology and deepen cross-border cooperation between China and Malaysia.
Sunway iLabs said in a statement on Friday that the partnership reflects a broader momentum of cross-border collaboration shaping the next phase of AI development in Asia.
As China continues to lead in pragmatic, application-based AI adoption and Malaysia emerges as a growing hub for digital transformation, the CICC Capital–Sunway iLabs alliance complements these strengths.
Both organizations are laying the groundwork for new opportunities in digital infrastructure, AI commercialization and talent development — critical to sustaining Southeast Asia’s competitiveness in the global innovation economy.
“For Sunway iLabs, the collaboration offers access to China’s mature AI ecosystem and reinforces its long-term strategy of integrating innovation, investment and sustainable growth,” said Matt Van Leeuwen, Chief Innovation Officer of Sunway Group and Chief Executive Officer of Sunway iLabs.
“By linking the two ecosystems, the partnership creates a two-way bridge where China contributes proven AI technologies and market-tested models,
“At the same time, Malaysia provides a diverse environment for adaptation, regional scaling and innovation exchange,” he added.
Meanwhile, Stephen Ng, Head of CICC Southeast Asia and South Asia, and Chief Executive Officer of CICC Singapore, said the partnership combines CICC Capital’s global investment expertise with Sunway iLabs’ innovation ecosystem, which marks a vital step in expanding China’s AI ecosystem beyond its domestic borders, enabling Chinese innovation leaders to pilot and scale pragmatic, application-focused AI solutions in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, and vice versa.
Currently managing approximately $60 billion in assets, the statement highlighted that CICC Capital stands at the forefront of AI-driven global innovation, leveraging deep expertise in capital formation, corporate advisory and technology commercialization.
Over the years, CICC Capital has established a robust track record of advancing frontier technologies through strategic investments in AI and deep tech innovation.
Its diversified portfolio spans semiconductor materials for AI computing, AI-powered healthcare platforms, automotive intelligence, mobile communication networks, and AI-driven
cybersecurity solutions.
Meanwhile, building on its growing network of global collaborations — including with Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of Silicon Valley’s most influential venture capital firms — Sunway iLabs said it continues to position itself as a key connector between global capital, cutting-edge technology and Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding innovation landscape.
Through this partnership, Sunway iLabs will continue to nurture high-potential startups, accelerate AI and deep tech adoption, and reinforce Southeast Asia’s emergence as a regional hub for innovation.
Through flagship initiatives such as the FutureX Series,
which will return in 2026, and FutureX Ventures Fest, the firm said it will help bring global networks closer together with local talent to create a transformative, sustainable
impact.
“Looking ahead, this collaboration highlights Sunway iLabs’ growing role as a bridge between global innovation networks and regional opportunity,
“By aligning with international partners such as CICC Capital, Sunway continues to expand Malaysia’s innovation capacity while strengthening the group’s position as a key player in Asia’s digital transformation journey,” said Leeuwen.
He added the partnership also reflects Sunway’s long-term commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable growth through technology, investment, and education — empowering the next generation of innovators to build a smarter, more connected future.
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