Malaysia plans to build first smart AI container port
In an effort to capture logistics demand due to changes in global supply chains, Malaysia is planning to build a new container port along the west coast of the Malay Peninsula facing the Strait of Malacca, which was one of the busiest sea route in the world.
Representatives from Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd (MHSB) and CCCC Dredging (Group) Co Ltd at the MoU signing ceremony. (Photo: theexchangeasia.com)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) ꦍ– In an effort to capture logistics demand due to changes in global supply chains, Malaysia is planning to build a new container port along the west coast of the Malay Peninsula facing the Strait of Malacca, which was one of the busiest sea route in the world.
With an estimated value of 425 million USD, the new port will use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and become the first port in Malaysia to apply this technology.
Early this month, Tanco Holdings Bhd (THB), through its subsidiary Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd (MHSB), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CCCC Dredging (Group) Co Ltd (CCCC Dredging), a subgroup of China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), to develop Malaysia’s first smart artificial intelligence (AI) container port in Port Dickson, Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan state.
According to the MoU, the port will be developed in an area of about 809,300 sq.m in the city of Port Dickson, in the state of Negeri Sembilan. Close to Kuala Lumpur and the midpoint of the Malacca Strait, it could benefit from high traffic and connectivity to key industrial regions in Malaysia. There will be a wharf, a terminal and a 1.8km long container operating area. AI technology is expected to improve port operational efficiency, minimise human errors and reduce accident rates. The AI system will analyse traffic data, schedule ship movements, monitor maritime activities around the port and manage logistics automatically.
Tanco Group Managing Director Andrew Tan Juan Suan said in a statement that the construction of this port will contribute to Malaysia's goal of establishing a modern and efficient port hub, accelerating economic development in Negeri Sembilan, and bolstering Malaysia's global trade position.
According to him, the collaboration between Tanco Group and CCCC Dredging marks a pivotal step towards realising Malaysia's vision of a world-class port in Port Dickson. The expertise and resources brought by CCCC Dredging will ensure the successful implementation of this project, which is set to drive economic growth and create job opportunities in the region.
Negeri Sembilan state Chief Minister Aminuddin Harun said the new port can significantly boost Malaysia's logistics and shipping industry thanks to a network of roads and highways connecting the port with major industrial zones.
As global companies diversify their supply chains, Malaysia has emerged as a beneficiary, attracting investment from electronics producers and other manufacturers. Malaysia's largest port - Port Klang - is also planning to double its capacity to meet demand./.
The Malaysian government has agreed to establish a National Decarbonisation Committee involving state governments and relevant stakeholders to ensure a balanced and orderly transition to low-carbon development.
Malaysia will develop its silver economy to support aging population, allowing them to count on beneficial health and care services while enhancing their productivity ahead of retirement, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed the recent International Social Wellbeing Conference 2024.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke on May 31 said that his country wants to strengthen cooperation with China in artificial intelligence (AI) with focus placed on education and training.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
