Schneider Electric Calls for Energy and Infrastructure Readiness to Sustain Malaysia’s Investment Momentum

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia must strengthen coordination across investment, energy, and infrastructure planning to sustain growth in artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing, Schneider Electric said.

The global energy technology leader made the call at Schneider Electric Innovation Day Kuala Lumpur 2026, held under the theme “Advancing Energy Tech for Malaysia’s Future.” The event brought together leaders from government, utilities, and industry to discuss how electricity demand, grid readiness, cooling, water availability, and decarbonization are becoming increasingly important considerations for investors, especially with the growth of AI technologies. Panel discussions also brought together industry stakeholders to explore how Malaysia can further strengthen the infrastructure needed to support its continued growth.

The event also marked the forming of a partnership between Schneider Electric and Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). The collaboration brings together Schneider Electric’s global energy technology expertise and UNITEN’s research and talent development capabilities, strengthening France–Malaysia cooperation in areas that can help Malaysia prepare its energy systems and workforce for future growth.

Eugene Quah, Country President, Schneider Electric Malaysia, said, “Malaysia cannot treat investment attraction and infrastructure planning as separate conversations. Every major investment in AI, data centers or advanced manufacturing brings new energy, cooling and resource requirements. Meeting these needs also requires people who understand the technologies and research that address the challenges operators face. Our partnership with UNITEN brings these priorities together, combining global energy technology expertise with Malaysian research capabilities and talent.”

Zalina Zainol, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Investment Promotion and Facilitation of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), also added, “Malaysia continues to attract high-quality investments in AI, data centers, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. For MIDA, attracting investment is only part of the equation. We also need to make sure these investments can be implemented smoothly and deliver real value to the economy. This is important not only to sustain Malaysia’s competitiveness, but also to create jobs, strengthen local supply chains and deliver long-term economic value.”

Scaling Infrastructure to Sustain Malaysia’s Investment Momentum. Malaysia recorded RM218.5 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, with advanced manufacturing and technology among the country’s key growth drivers. Sustaining this momentum will require energy, water and digital infrastructure to scale alongside investment without compromising reliability, affordability or sustainability. 

Eugene also mentioned, “The answer is not simply to generate more power for the incoming growth. We must make better use of existing systems by connecting electrification, automation and digitalization to improve efficiency, anticipate risks and respond faster as demand evolves.”

In a keynote on the global megatrends shaping this next phase, Pang XingJian, Zone President, East Asia, Schneider Electric emphasized that Malaysia sits at the intersection of a new energy landscape, accelerating AI and digitalization, and an increasingly multipolar world. Organizations that want to lead must look beyond short-term efficiency and build resilience into how they plan, operate and grow.

Advancing France–Malaysia Collaboration in AI and Energy Innovation. The hope is that the Schneider Electric and UNITEN partnership will strengthen cooperation in energy research, capacity building and future talent development. The partnership provides a platform for France–Malaysia collaboration, connecting academic research with industry expertise to address the energy challenges accompanying Malaysia’s industrial and digital growth.

Research and collaboration areas include energy systems, future distribution grids, Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), digital grid technologies, and artificial intelligence applications for the energy sector. These areas are increasingly relevant as electricity networks accommodate more renewable energy, changing demand patterns and more complex operating requirements.

The collaboration aims to connect research with practical industry needs, creating opportunities to explore how digital technologies and AI can improve energy planning, system visibility, and operational decision-making. Both parties will also explore opportunities to translate research outcomes into commercially applicable energy solutions. 

Both parties will explore establishing and hosting Schneider Electric laboratories within UNITEN’s National Energy Center in Bangi. This could provide a setting for research, experimentation, and collaboration among researchers, students, and industry experts.

Talent development will be supported through knowledge exchange, expert talks, guest lectures and industry-led workshops, alongside internships, final-year projects and industry mentorship. The collaboration will also explore recruitment pathways for eligible UNITEN students and graduates, helping connect their academic training with the skills needed across an increasingly digital energy sector.

Professor Ir. Dr. Khairul Salleh Bin Mohamed Sahari, Vice-Chancellor and CEO, UNITEN said, “Malaysia’s energy future needs research that addresses practical challenges and graduates who can apply their knowledge in industry. Our collaboration with Schneider Electric will give students and researchers opportunities to engage with energy technologies and industry expertise, particularly in digital grids and AI applications. We aim to develop local capabilities and explore how research can become solutions that meet the needs of Malaysia’s energy sector.” 

Leveraging off 40 Years of Advancing Energy Technology, Innovation Day Kuala Lumpur 2026 also formed part of Schneider Electric’s 40th anniversary in Malaysia, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to advancing energy technology, developing local talent and supporting the country’s industrial and sustainability ambitions.

“Malaysia has the ambition and investment momentum to strengthen its position as a regional industrial and digital hub. And Schneider Electric remains committed to bringing together global innovation, local expertise and strong partnerships to help Malaysia build an energy system that is more efficient, resilient and ready for future growth,” Eugene concluded.