Feytech: From Malaysian Automotive Supplier to Regional Player

Feytech Holdings Berhad (“Feytech”) is a Malaysian homegrown automotive manufacturer specialising in automotive parts solutions. The Group began as a seat-cover manufacturer and progressively expanded through vertical integration, technology partnerships and investment in manufacturing capabilities. Today, Feytech has evolved into a Tier-1 automotive supplier that provides complete automotive seats and modules to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Feytech continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities across Malaysia, with operations in Johor, Kedah and Selangor, covering seat covers, complete seats, door and axle modules and related assembly activities. Its current and upcoming projects are expected to create approximately 230 additional employment opportunities by the end of 2026 — around 40 in Selangor, 70 in Kedah and 120 in Johor, subject to the commencement of the respective projects. This will be in addition to its existing workforce of approximately 580 employees.

These investments are not only about increasing capacity, but also about strengthening Feytech’s manufacturing, engineering and assembly capabilities in Malaysia to support international automotive programmes across the region.

Feytech is also investing in the next generation of automotive talent. Through its collaboration with the Centre for Automotive Industry Excellence (CAuto), the Group is strengthening industry-academia linkages and supporting talent development for Malaysia’s evolving automotive and electric vehicle (EV) industry. These efforts complement its investments in manufacturing capabilities by helping to build the skills needed to support the sector’s continued transformation.

Malaysia has always been the foundation of Feytech’s manufacturing journey. As the company grew, however, there was a clear ambition to look beyond Malaysia. Feytech began its internationalisation by expanding into Singapore in 2007, followed by Australia and New Zealand in 2008, and subsequently expanded its business reach to the United States and the Middle East.

For Connie Go, CEO of Feytech, this international ambition also carries personal significance.

As Feytech progressed from a seat-cover manufacturer to a Tier-1 supplier of complete seats and modules, its products became part of OEM programmes serving regional markets including Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, South Africa, among others.

For Feytech, going global has never been only about selling products overseas. Over the years, the Group has entered into Technical Licensing Agreements with seat manufacturers from Japan, Korea, France and China. These partnerships provide access to international technology, engineering know-how and manufacturing practices, which Feytech could adapt and develop in Malaysia.

This two-way exchange has been an important part of Feytech’s growth — taking Malaysian capabilities to international markets while bringing global knowledge and expertise back into Malaysia.

A significant milestone in this journey was Feytech’s strategic partnership with Wuhu Ruitai Automotive Industry Co., Ltd., a seat manufacturer within the Chery Group in China. Through FTRT Autoparts Sdn Bhd, the partnership brings together international automotive technology and Feytech’s local manufacturing capabilities, creating opportunities to develop and manufacture automotive seat components for domestic and international markets.

Working with international partners has required Feytech to adapt to different technical standards, business cultures, quality expectations and operating practices. These experiences have strengthened the Group’s ability to work across borders and have reinforced the importance of continuously investing in people, technology and manufacturing capabilities.

Government support has been an important part of Feytech’s internationalisation journey. We are particularly grateful to MIDA, especially its Transport Technology Division, for the guidance, facilitation and close engagement provided over the years.

MIDA’s support has been valuable as Feytech navigated various international projects and partnerships, including the Ruitai collaboration, projects involving international automotive customers such as Hyundai, and other initiatives to strengthen our manufacturing and technology capabilities. We have also benefited from government support and initiatives under the New Investment Policy.

At a time when the automotive industry is undergoing significant change, policies encouraging deeper localisation, technology transfer and stronger domestic supply chains are more important than ever. The rapid emergence of Chinese automotive brands and changes in vehicle volumes and sourcing patterns are creating challenges for established Malaysian suppliers. We sincerely appreciate MITI, MIDA and the relevant government agencies for continuing to engage closely with industry.

Looking back, we can see MIDA’s footprint in many of the paths Feytech has taken. Sometimes it has been through direct facilitation, sometimes through guidance, and sometimes simply through having someone willing to listen and help us find a way forward. Indeed, MIDA has been part of many important steps along the way.

For Malaysian companies considering global expansion, building strong capabilities at home provides an important foundation for growth. Expanding beyond domestic markets also creates opportunities to learn from international partners, adopt new technologies, understand different markets and continuously improve their competitiveness.

Companies should also be prepared to take calculated risks. Feytech’s journey has been shaped by partnerships, technology transfers and opportunities that required us to step outside our comfort zone.

With the right partnerships and continued support from the Government and agencies such as MIDA, I believe more Malaysian companies can take their capabilities beyond our shores while bringing global knowledge and investment back into Malaysia.