KUALA LUMPUR (July 7): Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Tuesday:

In an attempt to reverse the slide in its subscriber base and provide a simple-to-sign-up instant alternative to combat content piracy, Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd (KL:ASTRO) is launching an X3 streaming service from July 20 from as low as RM39.99 per month. The streamlined sign-up process comes in response to feedback from Malaysians that it was previously too complicated, interim group CEO Henry Tan said, adding that the changes are aimed at making it easier for customers to return to the platform while encouraging support for local content creators. — Astro's X3 targets digital first users with ‘no box, no installation, no contract’ streaming service

Zetrix AI Bhd (KL:ZETRIX) has signed a preliminary agreement with the Philippine government to develop the country's public blockchain infrastructure, marking a major expansion of its blockchain footprint in Southeast Asia. It said the memorandum of understanding was signed between three entities: its subsidiary Zetrix Philippines Inc, My Blockchain Infrastructure Sdn Bhd — a Zetrix AI joint venture with Malaysia's National Research and Development Agency Mimos Bhd — and the Department of Information and Communications Technology of the Philippines. — Zetrix AI inks preliminary deal to power Philippines' public blockchain infrastructure

Master Tec Group Bhd (KL:MTEC) has secured a one-year extension of its cable supply contract with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA), valued at RM109.54 million. Under the extension, effective Aug 10, its wholly-owned unit Master Tec Wire & Cable Sdn Bhd will continue supplying underground cables and conductors for TNB's distribution network division. — Master Tec secures one-year extension for TNB cable supply contract worth RM109.5m

Niche Capital Emas Holdings Bhd (KL:NICE) said its joint development partner, Greensnow Consolidated Bhd, has secured an interim manufacturing licence from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry to process rare earth carbonate into rare earth oxide — the specialised chemical powders used in modern high-tech and green technologies — at its plant in Gebeng, Kuantan. — Niche Capital says rare earth partner got interim manufacturing licence from Miti

MCE Holdings Bhd (KL:MCEHLDG) is aiming to raise its exports to around 30% from less than 10% of total revenue now, as the automotive electronics manufacturer ramps up production at its new manufacturing hub as it secures more projects from overseas customers, particularly from the US. Group managing director Dr Goh Kar Chun said the company expects export sales to also be boosted by its joint venture in India, which is expected to generate additional business. — MCE eyes 30% of revenue from exports as new auto hub boosts capacity

Reservoir Link Energy Bhd (KL:RL) has secured a five-year contract from Petroliam Nasional Bhd to provide remedial sand control equipment and services. Awarded to its wholly-owned unit Reservoir Link Sdn Bhd on May 21, the contract runs until May 2031 unless extended or terminated earlier. — Reservoir Link gets five-year sand control contract from PETRONAS

Rhong Khen International Bhd (KL:RKI) is acquiring three industrial properties in Kapar, Selangor, for a cash consideration of RM47 million. The furniture manufacturer said the properties, located about 1.5km from its existing factories and headquarters, will improve operational synergies, logistics and coordination. — Rhong Khen to acquire three factory properties in Kapar for RM47 mil

Waja Konsortium Bhd (KL:WAJA) will exit Guidance Note 3 (GN3) status on Wednesday (July 8), more than two years after being classified as a financially distressed company, following the completion of its regularisation plan comprising an RM85 million share capital reduction. — Waja Konsortium to exit GN3 status after over two years

Theta Edge Bhd (KL:THETA) said its joint venture with Nova MSC Bhd (KL:NOVAMSC) to provide e-government and technology solutions has been terminated after the venture failed to commence any material business operations and achieve its intended commercial objectives. The two companies formed the JV in September 2023 and incorporated Digital EG Sdn Bhd two months later to provide e-government technology solutions, including system integration and consultancy services. — Theta Edge says JV with Nova MSC terminated after tech venture fails to take off