KUALA LUMPUR: Automotive parts distributor MSB Global Group Bhd, through wholly owned subsidiary MSB Machinery Corporation (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zhejiang Guansheng Dongchi Energy Technology Co Ltd, a subsidiary within GSP Automotive Group, to jointly explore semi-solid state lithium battery energy storage opportunities in Malaysia.
With this MoU, MSB Global executive director Oscar Ow Chen Lun said, it is making its first move into the battery energy storage system space.
“This MoU allows MSB to participate in the energy storage segment through a market-driven and project-based approach, without manufacturing commitments or guaranteed project awards. This enables us to assess demand progressively, engage customers responsibly and evaluate opportunities based on commercial viability and risk considerations,” he said at a media briefing on Monday.
As renewable energy deployment expands and energy resilience becomes increasingly important across commercial, industrial and infrastructure sectors, the role of safe, reliable and scalable energy storage solutions continues to grow, said Ow.
From MSB’s perspective, he said, this collaboration allows the group to better understand how advanced energy storage solutions can be applied within real-world commercial, industrial and infrastructure settings in Malaysia.
“Our focus is not on the technology itself, but on how such solutions can be deployed responsibly, economically and in line with customer needs, regulatory requirements and project realities.”
He stressed that this MoU does not represent a shift in its core business focus but, rather provides a structured platform to assess energy storage-related opportunities as the market evolves.
“We have built the foundation in the aftermarket automotive parts and lubricants segment, supported by long-standing partnerships, an established distribution network, and a cautious operating philosophy,” said Ow.
Zhejiang Guansheng Dongchi Energy Technology CEO Li Chang said the MoU marks the beginning of a structured collaboration between “our organisations to jointly explore semi-solid state lithium battery energy storage opportunities in Malaysia”.
“This represents an important step in our efforts to assess the applicability of our advanced energy storage technologies in key regional markets, working alongside a trusted local partner.”
Li said the company has invested significantly in the development of semi-solid and quasi-solid state lithium battery technologies, with a strong emphasis on safety, performance and long-term reliability.
“Compared with conventional liquid lithium batteries, semi-solid state technology offers attributes such as improved safety characteristics, higher energy density and enhanced operating stability, making it suitable for a range of commercial, industrial and infrastructure-related energy storage applications,” he added.
The MoU, which is effective for six months, is non-binding and does not have any immediate financial impact on the group, MSB Global said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia. It added that the collaboration is exploratory in nature and subject to further discussions and the execution of definitive agreements.
