Malaysia’s Kejuruteraan Asastera Berhad Unveils New Identity

Malaysian firm Kinergy Advancement Berhad (formerly known as Kejuruteraan Asastera Berhad), dealing in energy and engineering solutions, has officially unveiled its new name and logo.

The firm stated that rebranding signifies its commitment towards the regional expansion of its sustainable energy solutions (SES) business. In its statement KAB said “Kinergy” is a fusion of the words “kinetic” and “energy”. It symbolises the motion, force and momentum generated when the group takes action to drive positive change and progress toward its goals. The word “Advancement”, represents the group’s commitment for continuous improvement and progress.

KAB group Managing Director Datuk Lai Keng Onn noted, “The group targets the SES segment to make a profit contribution of 70% to 80% in financial year 2023 (FY23).The SES segment contributed 32% to the overall profit after tax (PAT) of the group’s profitable segments in 2022. However, the figure rose to 71% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023 (1Q23). I think we are on track to achieve our target for the segment.”

Lai furhter added, “The group had RM700mil in project value (ongoing and completed) for the SES segment, which is poised to provide KAB with a stable recurring income for the next 10 to 20 years.This order book consists of the concession business and also engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contract from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS). For the EPCC contract, we will commence this year and it is targeted to be completed in 2026.”

“The rest of the concession business will be carried out according to the length of the concession; some 10, 15, or 20 years. Hence, we are quite confident regarding the company’s bottom line due to contributions from this segment over the next 10 to 20 years,” he said.

“This name change marks the timely rejuvenation of our business operations with our SES segment, signalling the way forward in driving sustainable growth for the group.We have made significant strides in our SES segment over the years and together with its strong financial performance thus far, we are confident the SES segment will underpin the group’s continued growth moving forward,” Lai said. He  further said  that the margins in the SES segment were high and one of the reasons behind the group’s decision to venture into it.

“Our most prized asset is contributing 45% to 50% profit after tax margin, so it is very good in comparison to EPCC and the mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E) segment. The margins for the construction industry are not very encouraging at the moment,” Lai said.

However, he revealed that due to a certain synergy between the M&E and SES segments, KAB will not phase out the M&E segment completely.

“I think the growth for the M&E segment will be slow and steady. We are actually tendering new jobs at the moment. We will also focus more on industrial projects for our engineering business,” Lai said.

He also revealed the plans of acquiring several new assets this year, namely, a biogas plant as well as a mini hydroelectric power plant in Indonesia.

“In the last few years, we have been actively expanding our asset portfolio in order to be a one-stop energy and engineering solutions provider. We are still looking for opportunities,” he said.

Currently, KAB  owns a suite of sustainable energy assets under its SES segment that includes  co-generation and waste heat recovery plants and solar photovoltaic systems,firm’s statement informed. Lai said, “The new acquisitions, brownfield and greenfield developments, will be financed with internal funds and bank borrowings.