Analysis
AI boom to demand $1.6 trillion by 2030 with power shortages a critical bottleneck – Knight Frank
The global build-out of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure will require up to $1.6 trillion over the next five years, with access to power, not capital, now the primary constraint on growth, according to Knight Frank.
Analysts see data center to boost Malaysia’s construction growth
Malaysia’s data center sector is poised for continued growth, with contractors securing hyperscale mandates and an estimated MYR 13 billion ($3.26 billion) to MYR 14 billion ($3.52 billion) worth of projects expected in the first half of 2026, according to research houses tracking the country’s digital infrastructure boom.
APAC’s crisis response positions renewables at the core of energy security – BMI
The Strait of Hormuz disruption has prompted Asia-Pacific power systems to prioritize energy security, boosting coal and nuclear generation in the short term while accelerating structural investment in renewables and storage, BMI Country Risk and Industry Research said last Thursday.
Maybank sees 2026 a pivotal year for EV-related FDIs in Malaysia
2026 would be a pivotal year for electric vehicle (EV)-related foreign direct investments (FDIs) in Malaysia following the expiry of completely built-up (CBU) incentives, Maybank Investment Bank said Tuesday.
CIMB sees Malaysia to emerge as ASEAN’s largest sustainable data center hub
Given the breakthroughs in clean energy and green infrastructure, CIMB Securities firmly believes that the pipeline of data center jobs remains intact in Malaysia, which is on track to become ASEAN’s largest sustainable data center hub.
UOB sees stablecoins, CBDCs, and tokenized deposits drive digital money evolution
The global push for tokenized money is entering a new, more mature phase. According to a recent UOB report, industry expectations are shifting from isolated pilots toward scalable operating models underpinned by five key drivers, captured in the acronym SCALE: Standards, Compliance, Access, Linked infrastructures, and Ecosystem.
Kenanga foresees heightened external risks for Malaysia’s technology sector
Kenanga Research has on Friday downgraded Malaysia’s technology sector rating to neutral from overweight as external risks have intensified, particularly from global memory tightness, supply-chain fragility and persistent cost pressure across the value chain.
Middle East tensions pose mixed risks for semiconductor supply chain, Malaysia partially insulated – Maybank
Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, concentrated on assembly, test, and packaging (ATP), is relatively insulated from immediate supply disruptions caused by rising tensions in the Middle East, Maybank Investment Bank said Thursday.
Grab’s Foodpanda Taiwan deal offers scale and new growth options – Maybank
The proposed $600 million acquisition of foodpanda Taiwan gives Grab entry into a structurally attractive on-demand market with meaningful food delivery scale and long-term optionality in adjacent verticals, Maybank Investment Bank said Tuesday.
Prolonged Iran conflict raises helium tail risk for Asia’s semiconductors – Fitch
Asia’s semiconductor supply chain faces rising tail risk from helium tightness as the Iran conflict drags on and Qatar’s natural gas disruption persists, Fitch Ratings said Tuesday.
