The Tech-Powered Future
May 15, 2026
Key Takeaways
- AI is not just a buzzword at Sunway. It’s already improving how the Group works, hires and plans for the future.
At Sunway, technology isn’t just about gadgets, software or robots, it’s about the people.
While most companies are still figuring out how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) effectively, Sunway is already putting it to work.
From smart malls and recruitment tools to safer security systems and virtual assistants, AI is becoming part of everyday life across the Group’s many businesses.
And according to Sunway chief information officer Kevin Khoo, this is only the beginning.
Seamless surgeries, smarter malls, and sharper hiring
Sunway Healthcare Group is pushing the boundaries in healthcare through its use of smart technologies like robotic surgeries, AI-powered diagnostics, and telemonitoring services. They are also leading the way with the use of electronic medical records and healthcare apps to streamline hospital operations and reduce waiting times for patients.
Installed around Sunway Malls, the AI-powered cameras now do more than just record—they help monitor vehicles, detect loitering, and even track crowd movement. This isn’t just about beefing up security; it is about helping businesses and mall operators make better decisions based on real-time insights.
In 2023, the Group also launched the Sunway Super App to consolidate all services from across its businesses — including theme parks, malls, hotels, property, and healthcare — along with over 1,500 partner merchants. Acting as both a service hub and digital wallet, the app enables seamless, cashless transactions within Sunway properties.
“Beyond security, these technologies enable us to analyse customer trends and behaviours, facilitating data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and enhance our overall customer experience,” shared Khoo.
When it comes to recruiting, AI tools are being used to match candidates with jobs more accurately. Sunway’s recruitment process is faster, more efficient, and better at identifying the right talent. Staff are also getting help from an AI-powered chatbot that answers common human resource related questions instantly.
Sunway’s strategic bet on AI and partnerships
The Group started investing in AI back in 2021 well before ChatGPT made waves.
The early start gave them the breathing room to do things properly: cleaning up data, building the right infrastructure, and making sure everyone was on board.
“We made sure we laid the groundwork. Throughout this journey, we have learnt that successful AI adoption is not just about technology. It is also about culture, collaboration, infrastructure readiness and governance,” explained Khoo.
And to make sure people are ready, Sunway has been running training programmes, identifying in-house AI champions, and working across departments to make the change seamless.
This forward-thinking approach stems from a broader commitment that cuts across every part of the business. As Sunway Group deputy president Evan Cheah puts it:
“At Sunway, we see technology as a catalyst for business and community advancement. AI, automation, and digital innovation are fundamental to how we reimagine industries, enrich lives, and future-proof our communities. In the next 50 years, our commitment is to build a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world where technology works quietly, powerfully, and responsibly behind everything we do.”
This long-term thinking also shows how Sunway chooses its partners. The conglomerate works closely with tech leaders like Huawei, alongside startups and research institutions, to explore new ideas and customised solutions.
Sunway and Huawei’s partnership has brought a range of smart solutions across Sunway’s diverse businesses. Notable products include AI-powered surveillance and crowd analytics in Sunway malls, cloud-based infrastructure for Sunway’s digital platforms, and 5G-driven innovations aimed at enhancing campus, healthcare, and retail experiences.
Sunway’s collaboration with Huawei has grown even stronger through its Digital Innovation Programme (DIP). In the DIP’s first phase, Huawei developed the Sunway Super App and helped modernise networks across its headquarters, hospitals, and international schools.
The second phase saw Sunway adopt Huawei’s Big Data solution, now powering over 70 percent of its data lake. Their joint efforts also extend to smart township initiatives, digital power solutions, and talent development via the Huawei ICT Academy at Sunway University. Sunway Trading & Manufacturing has also been recognised as a Huawei Digital Power Gold Partner for its work in Huawei’s FusionSolar solutions.
Beyond retail, Sunway is reimagining mobility. With carbon-free transit as a key priority, the city has invested in electric public transportation and pedestrian-friendly urban designs that encourage walking and cycling over car dependency. In 2022, it took an even bolder step, launching a pilot programme for a driverless bus, a move towards transitioning the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system into an autonomous network.
Sunway and Huawei are also expanding the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Sunway-owned premises, commercial buildings, and residences nationwide. Huawei serves as the technology adviser, providing support for the development and operation of these charging stations.
Huawei’s cloud and AI capabilities have also supported the development of Sunway’s smart city ambitions, including better energy management and digital learning platforms.
“We select partners based on technical expertise, innovations, scalability, and alignment with our business objectives.
Collaborations with industry leaders like Huawei enable us to leverage cutting-edge AI infrastructure and cloud solutions, while also providing valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange on real-world AI applications.
Working with Huawei continues to strengthen Sunway’s digital capabilities, ensuring sustainable and impactful digital transformation across our businesses,” added Khoo.
Cybersecurity gets priority too
With the rampant use of AI and state-of-the-art technology, how does Sunway keep things secure?
According to Khoo, cybersecurity is non-negotiable. The Group uses multiple layers of defence, follows global standards, regularly tests its systems for weaknesses, and refers to trusted advice from credible organisations such as Cloud Security Alliance for teams that rely heavily on cloud services.
Automation plays a big role here too, ensuring compliance, spotting red flags early, and keeping digital operations smooth.
Staff across the Group are trained to stay alert online, especially with more people working remotely. The message is clear: while innovation is great, safety and security is always a priority.
Getting everyone involved
Sunway has made adapting to AI a group-wide effort.
Top level executives are involved in shaping the vision. Mid-level managers are appointed as “AI champions” to lead innovation in their own departments. For the rest of the team, Sunway offers training, runs awareness campaigns, and introduces simple tools—like the HR chatbot—to make AI less intimidating and more helpful.
Khoo admits that some staff were initially hesitant about what AI would mean for their jobs. But once they saw how it could make their work easier—not replace them—they got on board.
“We educate our employees and stakeholders through newsletters and focus groups by sharing real-world AI case studies, raising awareness and encouraging innovation. AI is positioned as an enabler, not a disruptor which can enhance efficiency, productivity, and decision-making,” assured Khoo.
Sunway’s structure allows for experimentation. During the pandemic, one team developed a computer vision AI tool to enhance mall surveillance. It worked well and it is now a standard feature across the Group’s retail operations.
The company encourages departments to test things out, keeping projects grounded in real-world needs, and having in-house AI experts who understand both the tech and the business.
What’s next for Sunway?
Looking ahead, Sunway has its eyes on some exciting new developments.
AI agents that can solve complex problems on their own. Digital avatars that act as virtual customer service representatives. Virtual “digital twins” of buildings that help manage maintenance and improve energy use. Smart systems that turn data into real-time business insights. And open-source AI models that lower costs and increase flexibility.
These aren’t just bold ideas, they’re strategic moves aimed at boosting efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and driving long-term growth.
From back-end automation to customer-facing innovation, the Group is reshaping how a large Malaysian conglomerate can lead with tech. It’s smart, it’s strategic, and it’s rooted in something many tech rollouts forget: its people.
As Khoo puts it, “as technology evolves, we see tremendous potential to further optimise operations, unlock new business opportunities, and reshape the future of AI within Sunway.”
RELATED SDGs
