We expect a stronger 2H24, boosted by higher contributions from VMware, along with
new revenue from Google Pixel and AWS cloud services, as well as shipments of AI
related DC equipment. The stock will also benefit from Budget 2025, which allocates
significant funds to promote digitalisation in Malaysia. A key inflection point may occur
with the government’s rollout of new DC incentives, which could potentially
supercharge VSTECS’ growth by unlocking its TAM. Maintain BUY. Target price:
RM5.02.
WHAT’S NEW
 Expect a stronger 2H24. Recall that VSTECS reported a core net profit of RM29.4m (-4%
yoy), accounting for only 40% of our full-year estimate due to the slower rollout of public
sector projects in 1H24. Despite this, there was notable growth in the ICT distribution
segment (+19% yoy) in 1H24, driven by the strong uptake of Starlink (thousands of units
monthly) and a resurgence in PC demand indicating the start of the replacement cycle for
devices bought during the pandemic. We expect earnings to catch up in 2H24, supported by:
a) the rollout of Google Pixel in Aug 24, with thousands of units delivered since Sep 24, b)
new AWS cloud service contributions following its data centre (DC) launch in Aug 24, c)
increased contribution from VMWARE under a new agreement (doubling effect), d)
shipments of AI-related DC equipment in 3Q24, e) steady adoption of Starlink with the
potential rollout of Starlink Mini in 4Q24, and f) seasonally stronger consumer and enterprise
spending in 2H24.
 New DC incentives: A strategic inflection point. The Malaysian government is currently
restructuring its incentive packages for DC investments to prioritise high-value activities that
bring broader economic benefits. Treasury Secretary General Datuk Johan Mahmood
Merican highlighted concerns that while DCs involve significant capex, they often do not
create enough high-skilled jobs and can strain electricity and water resources. To address
this, the government will introduce a new investment incentive framework by mid-25, using a
“scorecard” approach to assess projects based on factors like job creation, local business
linkages, sustainability, and alignment with strategic economic sectors. These incentives will
be backed by a RM1b strategic fund designed to cultivate local talent and promote high-value
activities in the E&E and AI sectors, ensuring long-term economic benefits. We believe this
could be an inflection point for VSTECS, as it will further accelerate its DC equipment and
GPU server deals by multiple folds, growing from the current tens of millions of ringgit.
 Beneficiary of Budget 2025. While details remain sketchy, VSTECS stands to benefit
significantly from Budget 2025, which allocates substantial funds from both the Ministry of
Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Digital to enhance digitalisation and internet coverage
across Malaysia. The MoE's record allocation of RM64.1b includes RM635m for
infrastructure upgrades and expanded internet access in public universities, as well as
RM270m for improving internet coverage in higher education institutes, rural schools, and AI
education initiatives. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Digital is set to receive RM1.3b to promote
the digital economy, alongside capital allowances for e-invoicing implementation that
encompass ICT equipment and software purchases.

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all he cares about is the number of votes

everything needs AI
if a war breaks out, need to apply AI on military
if a pandemic breaks out, spend more time on your phones, computers, need more AI
if financial crisis, tech companies have lowest debt, high profit, its the safe haven. also people have no money to travel. they will spend more money tech related devices

2024 until 2035 will be the best for tech particularly AI, semi con and cloud related companies. Ignore the fluctuations. Mark my words
short term traders can never make big money. I mean big money

is this applicable to foreigners investing in KLSE?

yamate