Macnica acquires majority stake in Malaysia's Orangeleaf Consulting to accelerate Japan's digital transformation

PETALING JAYA – Japanese technology solutions provider Macnica has acquired a majority stake in Malaysian digital transformation specialist Orangeleaf Consulting (OLC), marking a strategic move to expand digital transformation services for Japan's manufacturing sector while strengthening Malaysia's position as a regional technology talent hub.

The investment builds on a partnership between the two companies that began in 2024, combining Macnica's extensive presence in Japan with Orangeleaf Consulting's expertise in enterprise software development, agile delivery and digital transformation consulting.

Founded in Malaysia and headquartered in Singapore, Orangeleaf Consulting operates across Malaysia, Japan and Singapore, delivering digital transformation projects ranging from enterprise software modernisation to artificial intelligence driven business applications.

The acquisition is expected to support Japanese manufacturers facing increasing pressure to modernise operations as artificial intelligence, automation and digital technologies reshape global industries.

Many Japanese companies continue to grapple with shortages of digital transformation talent, ageing legacy systems and a reliance on external vendors for software development and maintenance. The partnership aims to help businesses develop internal digital capabilities while accelerating enterprise transformation programmes.

Macnica, based in Yokohama, is one of Japan's leading technology solutions providers, with expertise spanning semiconductors, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things technologies and smart manufacturing. Together, the companies have been using Siemens' Mendix low code platform to help Japanese enterprises modernise legacy systems and develop software internally rather than relying solely on external technology providers.

The collaboration also highlights Malaysia's growing reputation as a centre for high value digital services. Orangeleaf Consulting said much of its software engineering capability is powered by Malaysian talent, delivering technology solutions for regional and international clients. Macnica President and Co-Chief Executive Officer Kazumasa Hara said the partnership represents more than a financial investment, describing it as a long term strategic alliance designed to strengthen Japan's manufacturing competitiveness through technology and talent development.

He said Orangeleaf Consulting's capabilities in digital transformation, agile software delivery and organisational capability building complement Macnica's customer relationships and technology expertise in Japan.

Orangeleaf Consulting co-founder Ellice Ng said the investment marks one of the company's most significant milestones since it was established eight years ago.

She said the partnership reinforces the company's founding philosophy of helping organisations build internal digital capabilities instead of creating long term dependence on external technology providers.

According to Ng, the collaboration will enable the company to scale its expertise while continuing to develop future ready talent and sustainable digital transformation models for enterprise customers. As part of the transaction, Orangeleaf Consulting has also announced changes to its leadership team. Co-founder Tim Hendricks has been appointed Founder and Chief Executive Officer, where he will oversee the company's business strategy, technology direction and expansion across Malaysia, Japan and the wider Asia Pacific region.

Ng will transition to the role of Founder and Non-Executive Director for Brand and Strategic Innovation, focusing on long term strategy, global partnerships and regional market development.

Hendricks said the partnership opens new opportunities to bring Orangeleaf Consulting's Malaysian developed delivery model to a much larger market while strengthening its expertise in artificial intelligence, enterprise software engineering and digital transformation.

He added that Malaysian technology professionals have already demonstrated their ability to deliver digital transformation programmes for large multinational organisations while helping businesses reduce dependence on legacy systems.

Founded in 2018, Orangeleaf Consulting specialises in digital transformation consulting, enterprise software development, low code platforms, artificial intelligence and technology talent development.

Macnica operates across 91 locations in 28 countries and regions, providing technology solutions covering semiconductors, cybersecurity, AI, IoT and autonomous systems. The company said the investment reflects its broader strategy of combining advanced technologies with local delivery capabilities to help manufacturers respond more quickly to changing market demands.