Sun Bus Tech: Driving the Future of Public Transport

Headquartered in Senai, Johor, Sun Bus Tech Sdn. Bhd., has grown from the legacy of Sun Wah Group’s coachwork expertise since the 1970s into one of Malaysia’s leading manufacturers of aluminium bus bodies. Today, the company blends decades of craftsmanship with modern engineering to deliver high-quality solutions for both conventional and electric vehicles (EVs). As part of Sun Wah Group’s manufacturing pillar, its mission extends beyond bus manufacturing. It focuses on creating sustainable mobility solutions that enhance focuses on quality of life across Asia.

Johor was chosen as Sun Bus Tech’s base not only for its strategic location at the heart of ASEAN trade routes but also for its well-established infrastructure and strong government support. From its hub in Senai Airport City, the company operates a manufacturing facility dedicated to lightweight aluminium bus bodies, supporting the entire lifecycle of commercial vehicles, from design and construction to maintenance, repair, and even digital fleet optimisation.

With an annual capacity of 500 Completely Built-up (CBU) and 600–800 Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) body structures, Sun Bus Tech not only serves the Malaysian market but also positions itself as a regional hub. From here, the company has expanded steadily into Singapore, China, and Taiwan, while forging international partnerships with leading players such as Hess AG (Switzerland) and STER (Poland).

Looking ahead, Sun Bus Tech aims to become Asia’s leading provider of lightweight aluminium bus bodies, setting new standards in green mobility and sustainable public transportation.

This commitment to innovation and sustainability has brought Sun Bus Tech international recognition. In 2024, the company was shortlisted as a finalist at the Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Awards, organised by The Business Times and OCBC in Singapore, making it the only bus manufacturer to reach this milestone.

Collaboration has also been central to its success. Among its notable achievements was a landmark partnership with a Mainland China company to produce 300 units of electric city buses for Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA). In 2025, during its Grand Opening, the company unveiled another breakthrough, the first aluminium-bodied Model T for Foxtron, a Foxconn brand. Together, these projects not only showcase its technical capability but also reflect the trust placed in Malaysia’s manufacturing ecosystem by global industry leaders.

Behind these achievements is a workforce of more than 150 employees supported by strategic partnership with both federal and state agencies. With MIDA’s guidance, the company has been able to strengthen its capabilities and accelerate its journey towards internationalisation.

The journey of Sun Bus Tech offers valuable insights for other Malaysian manufacturers seeking to expand globally:

1. Commit to innovation – invest in technology and sustainability to stay ahead.
2. Collaborate widely – build strong partnerships locally and internationally to enhance capabilities.
3. People-first approach – develop local talent and ensure they grow alongside the business.

Malaysia offers an excellent springboard for companies aspiring to expand globally. With the right ecosystem of government support, strategic location, and strong talent pool, opportunities for growth are abundant.