Straits Energy’s unit and Horizon ink MoU to develop and deploy Smart Shipyard project

Bursa Malaysia-listed Straits Energy Resources Berhad (Straits) on Wednesday (20 August) said Straits CommNet Solutions Sdn Bhd (SCS), its indirect subsidiary, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with shipyard operator Horizon Shipyard Inter Globe (M) Sdn Bhd (Horizon), a 20%-owned indirect associate of Straits.

The companies will collaborate on the design, development, and deployment of a Smart Shipyard at Horizon’s facilities.

The collaboration aims to integrate solar power, AI security surveillance systems, advanced drone and artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring systems, as well as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software systems, creating a connected, data-driven shipyard. 

The implementation of drone and AI monitoring systems is expected to enable Horizon Shipyard to automate critical visual data capture and leverage AI analytics for process optimisation, predictive anomaly detection, and strategic resource allocation. Through the deployment of these systems and other Smart Shipyard capabilities, Horizon Shipyard anticipates substantial improvements in yard efficiency, productivity and energy efficiency.

Straits CommNet Solutions will be the designated solution and equipment provider for these integrated technologies, complementing Horizon Shipyard’s infrastructure capabilities.

Sunny Ho Khin Choy, Chief Executive Officer of Straits CommNet Solutions, said: “We are proud to announce the signing of this MOU with Horizon Shipyard, a prominent shipyard operator specialising in shipbuilding, repairs, and maritime services for commercial vessels based in Malaysia.

This project will leverage Straits CommNet Solutions’ extensive digital transformation capabilities to advance Horizon’s shipyard infrastructure, enabling it to unlock new opportunities and achieve sustained growth as an emerging player in the maritime industry.

With Malaysia’s increasing focus on becoming Asia’s shipbuilding and ship repair hub, corresponding investments into this industry have been rising, going from RM65.8 million in 2021 to RM363 million in 2022. At Straits CommNet Solutions, we see this growing market as an opportunity to expand our digital transformation solutions business through the deployment of Smart Shipyard projects, starting with Horizon Shipyard.

On the Group level, this project complements our efforts to diversify our business, with telecommunications and network services as a key growth engine.”

Dato’ Mark Kuang Chia Chun, Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Shipyard, said: “At Horizon Shipyard, we believe the digital transformation of shipyards has the potential to boost agility in yard operations, increase capacity, and ultimately improve productivity and competitiveness.

By digitalising and automating the shipbuilding process and integrating drone and AI systems across our facilities, we aim to manage and handle complex projects with enhanced precision and efficiency, while also improving the safety of our workers.

We look forward to leveraging Straits CommNet Solutions’ extensive digital transformation and IR4.0 capabilities to build one of Malaysia’s first Smart Shipyards, unlocking a new paradigm in Malaysia’s shipbuilding industry.”

Photo credit: Straits Energy Resources
Published: 21 August, 2025