MalaysianUpdates

Tag: #GigEconomy

  • Bateriku, CerminPro Partner to Strengthen Roadside Assistance Solutions in Malaysia

    L-R Syed Faiz (Chief Business Officer, Bateriku), Azarol Faizi (Chief Executive Officer, Bateriku), Azril Ezry Azami (Founder, CerminPro)

    8 MAY 2026, SHAH ALAM – Bateriku (M) Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia’s leading on-demand connected roadside assistance provider, has officially entered into a strategic partnership with automotive windshield specialist CerminPro through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing Malaysia’s roadside assistance landscape by integrating specialised automotive services while simultaneously creating new socio-economic opportunities within the country’s growing gig economy ecosystem.

    The partnership introduces a reciprocal service model that combines the strengths of both companies to deliver a more seamless and comprehensive experience for motorists. Under the agreement, CerminPro will offer Astra battery replacement services across its network of nearly 20 outlets nationwide, while Bateriku will integrate CerminPro’s windshield repair and replacement expertise into its extensive digital and physical ecosystem. This integration aims to provide customers with easier access to essential automotive care services through a single connected platform.

    The collaboration also represents a notable industry cross-partnership, bridging the gap between specialised glass repair services and general roadside assistance. By leveraging Bateriku’s nationwide reach alongside CerminPro’s technical expertise, the initiative seeks to strengthen the safety net available to Malaysian motorists, beginning with an initial rollout across the Klang Valley. The partnership will serve as a platform to test and refine an operational model designed to meet evolving customer expectations in the automotive service industry.

    Beyond service expansion, the collaboration is anchored on four strategic pillars aimed at strengthening the industry ecosystem. These include fostering cross-industry partnerships to break traditional silos within the automotive sector, providing upskilling opportunities for automotive gig workers, diversifying income streams for service technicians, and enhancing the value proposition of connected roadside assistance solutions. Through cross-training initiatives, Bateriku’s mobile technicians, known as BHeroes, together with CerminPro’s specialists, will gain broader technical capabilities that allow them to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic automotive landscape.

    L-R Syed Faiz (Chief Business Officer, Bateriku), Azarol Faizi (Chief Executive Officer, Bateriku), Azril Ezry Azami (Founder, CerminPro)

    The partnership also focuses heavily on supporting gig economy workers by creating new pathways for income diversification. By enabling technicians to handle multi-service referrals and fulfilment opportunities beyond their core specialisations, both companies aim to empower their workforce with more sustainable earning potential. This reflects a broader commitment not only to operational growth but also to developing a stronger and more resilient support ecosystem for gig professionals.

    According to Bateriku Chief Executive Officer, Azarol Faizi, the collaboration extends beyond conventional business objectives and centres on building a sustainable ecosystem for gig partners. He noted that the partnership with CerminPro enables the company to create added value for customers while ensuring technicians are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to expand their expertise and income potential.

    Meanwhile, CerminPro Founder, Azril Ezry Azami, highlighted the company’s longstanding commitment to reliability and speed in automotive care. Through the integration of Astra battery solutions into CerminPro’s outlets and participation in Bateriku’s broader ecosystem, customers will gain more accessible and convenient access to essential vehicle maintenance services. Whether driving an everyday vehicle or a luxury performance car, motorists can now enjoy greater peace of mind through an expanded support network that combines battery assistance with trusted windshield solutions.

    As Malaysia’s automotive landscape continues to evolve, the Bateriku–CerminPro partnership demonstrates how strategic collaborations can drive innovation, strengthen customer convenience and create meaningful economic opportunities within the connected mobility and gig economy sectors.

  • QWORK AND BANK ISLAM COLLABORATE TO DRIVE FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND EMPOWER THE GIG ECONOMY

    By establishing its strategic cooperation with Qwork, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (Bank Islam or the Bank) continues to advance financial inclusion and empower disadvantaged populations. This ground-breaking, community-driven website links companies with a wide range of qualified freelancers.

    With this partnership, Bank Islam aims to tap into Qwork’s extensive pool of gig workers via  its intuitive platform to provide flexible financial solutions tailored to the needs of  freelancers. By leveraging Qwork’s diverse talent network, Bank Islam aims to address the  growing workforce segment’s economic challenges and offer them access to Shariah compliant banking products and services.

    Bank Islam can promote Qwork’s advertised jobs within its Be U By Bank Islam app, which  is 100% digital. Aside from accessing banking services, customers can use the ‘Gig  Marketplace’ feature within the app to find income opportunities provided by Qwork.  The effort aligns with Be U’s endeavors in responding to the needs of young adults who  seek to earn spare cash through short-term jobs.

    Bank Islam Group Chief Digital Officer, Noor Farilla Abdullah expressed her enthusiasm  about the partnership. She stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with Qwork in our  ongoing efforts to bolster the overall Be U app. Incorporating this use case into the app  will empower users to handle their finances and earn their living. With everything on a  single platform, users can easily track and manage their finances and access tailored  solutions that cater to freelancers. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment 

    to serving the needs of the underserved communities and promoting equitable financial  practices.”

    Earlier in September 2023, Be U by Bank Islam launched its debit card that is 100% issued,  delivered, and managed through the app. Apart from providing convenient payment  services, the Be U by Bank Islam app continues to release customer-centric solutions  designed for the younger generation and freelancers. Bank Islam plans to introduce  flexible financing options, digital payment solutions, and financial planning services in the  Be U app.

    By understanding the unique needs and challenges of the freelance community, the  Bank aims to provide them with the support and tools necessary to thrive in today’s  dynamic economy.

    Qwork’s CEO, Muna Munirah, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “We  are thrilled to partner with Bank Islam to empower freelancers and provide them with  access to Islamic banking products and services. This collaboration aims to democratise  benefits with the likes of working for an MNC for the gig workers, a.k.a freelancers on  Qwork.”

    Bank Islam and Qwork are confident that this partnership will significantly impact the  freelance community, fostering financial stability and unlocking new growth  opportunities. By combining their expertise and resources, both organisations are  committed to creating an ecosystem that supports the financial aspirations of  freelancers, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the Malaysian  economy.