Kuala Lumpur, 18 January 2021 – AmBank has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to offer Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) the opportunity to be part of MIDA’s Smart Automation Grant (SAG).

This partnership between AmBank and MIDA aims to help companies refine their knowledge particularly SMEs and MTCs on matters relating to automation and digitalisation. AmBank will be undertaking a series of simulation trainings and classroom sessions that are specifically designed to help companies identify business pain points and prioritise automation and digitalisation solutions.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said that “The collaboration between MIDA and AmBank complements our goal to create awareness and financial guidance to assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) to automate and digitalise their operations and production process. This will be realised toward the co-implementation of the Smart Automation Grant and the ongoing AmBank BizRACE programme.”

He also added that “Understanding the needs of investors, SAG will not only improve Malaysia’s industrial competitiveness and capabilities but also reduce our reliance on low-skilled foreign workers while creating new job opportunities in high value-added sectors. We trust that this partnership will result in driving Malaysia’s businesses and accelerate economic growth towards continuous adoption of automation and digitalisation.”

The SAG initiative is part of the RM100 million allocation approved within the National Economic Recovery Plan or PENJANA, launched by the Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) on 2 December 2020. This grant will be awarded to eligible SMEs and MTCs on a matching basis or 50 per cent of total eligible expenditures, up to a maximum grant cap of RM1 million per company.

Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer of AmBank Group, said, “We are pleased to be the first bank to collaborate with MIDA to provide much needed assistance to SMEs and MTCs. This assistance is particularly timely given the challenging business landscape we are faced with today. Through this collaboration, we are able to share our expertise and resources with these companies to help them future-proof their businesses.”

“This initiative will be part of the AmBank BizRACE programme to develop our clients in the key areas of IR 4.0, digitalisation and the halal industry, which is in line with AmBank’s sustainability agenda. At AmBank, we believe in going beyond financing to help our customers compete better. The AmBank BizRACE programme provides a platform for SMEs to have a head start in driving new revenue streams, new products, upskilling their talent and driving efficiency by adopting digital and automation solutions. This is part of our push to help SMEs reset and revive their businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

SMEs and MTCs that have been undertaking manufacturing or services activities in the past 12 months are eligible to be considered for SAG. To qualify for the incentive, the automation machine, equipment or software purchased through this grant must be utilised directly in the company’s value chain to improve their productivity and efficiency. Improvements will be assessed on a range of criteria such as the reduction of unskilled workers, man-hours, defect rate as well as the increase in production volume. Interested stakeholders can submit their application to the various industries and services divisions in MIDA.

To find out more about the Guidelines of SAG please visit:
https://www.mida.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/GD_SAG22122020.pdf

About MIDA

MIDA is the Government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channel.

About AmBank Group

AmBank Group is a leading financial services group with over 40 years of expertise in supporting the economic development of Malaysia. We have over three million customers and employ over 9,000 people. The Group was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in 1988. It is the sixth-largest banking group by assets in Malaysia, with a market capitalisation of around RM9 billion and assets of RM169.2 billion as at 31 March 2020. AmBank Group serves over three million individual and corporate customers. It provides services in wholesale banking, retail banking, business banking, investment banking and related financial services which include Islamic banking, underwriting of general insurance, stock and share broking, futures broking, investment advisory and management services in assets, real estate investment trust and unit trusts. For more information, please visit www.ambankgroup.com

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Masni Muhammad
Director, Strategic Planning and Policy Advocacy (Manufacturing) Division
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Phone : +603 2267 3444
Email : [email protected]

Mr. Syed Anuar Syed Ali
Executive Vice President, Group Corporate Communications & Marketing, AmBank (M) Berhad
Phone : +603 2036 1703
Email : [email protected]

AmBank Inks MOU With MIDA on Smart Automation Grant for SMEs and MTCs

MEDINI, JOHOR: Japanese Conglomerate, the SANKYU Group is set to build its first Human Resources Training Centre outside of Japan in the Medini Central Business District, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. With over 30,000 employees globally and 41 overseas subsidiaries of the Sankyu Group, Medini will be among the global centres for diverse personnel worldwide, being trained in Malaysia. The centre is set to begin operations in 2022.

The groundbreaking ceremony held today in the Medini Central Business District (Medini CBD) was remotely officiated by the Mayor of Iskandar Puteri, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Salehuddin Bin Haji Hassan; SANKYU Southeast Asia Holdings’ Managing Director, Mr Junichi Matsumura; Chairman of Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MIMSB), Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ir Khairil Anwar Ahmad, and Head of MIMSB, Tuan Haji Mohamad Zamani Razali.

The event was held via a video conferencing platform whereby only essential construction and operations staff were onsite as per the recent Movement Control Order (MCO) restrictions.

This announcement comes on the heels of the Company’s statement in August 2020 to build a logistics centre at the Straits of Malacca. The Centre situated in Port Klang will be the hub for shipments from Japan and East Asia transiting to the Middle East and Northern Europe.

“Malaysia continues to be a strategic hub in the region for SANKYU; this is evident in our continuous investments and developments of critical infrastructure in the country,” said Mr Junichi Matsumura.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the government’s lead agency in overseeing and driving investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia welcomed SANKYU’s latest undertaking. He said, “SANKYU’s training centre in Malaysia will be its first in South East Asia. Our country continues to be the strategic choice selection of multinationals in the region, given our dynamic transition into high-end services to support and flourish our diversified economy.”

“MIDA is optimistic that this training centre in Malaysia will bring positive economic benefits in terms of job creation, transfer of technology and know-hows through training. This will ultimately create new opportunities for local businesses and vendors. As partners to investors, MIDA will continue pushing for strategic collaborations between foreign and local companies to propel mutually beneficial outcomes, ensuring a sustainable ecosystem for business entities in the country, not only in the present but for the future.”

Globally, the SANKYU Group practices a unique business model that organically blends plant engineering, logistics and operational support; their integration of these interrelated components is unrivalled in the world. In Malaysia, SANKYU serves a broad cross-section of businesses and industrial customers, ranging from steel plants, petroleum refineries, automotive, power plants as well as electrical and electronics manufacturers.

Attending the groundbreaking ceremony today the Mayor of Iskandar Puteri, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Salehuddin Bin Haji Hassan, conveyed: “We are pleased and excited with the groundbreaking today. It is the beginning of the many initiatives that are coming to fruition after years of perseverance by Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Iskandar Investment Berhad, the State government and its various agencies. The SANKYU Group has been a long-time investor in Malaysia since the 1960s with businesses all over Malaysia. Today we are proud and delighted to welcome SANKYU Group’s investment into Medini, Iskandar Puteri. We are sure that SANKYU Group will benefit from the state-of-the-art infrastructure and the network of business ecosystem readily available in Medini”.

The Medini CBD recently received recognition from the State government and the Chief Minister, Datuk Ir. Hasni Bin Mohammad as the Johor’s Hub for Digital Technology and Emerging Technologies. During the 2021 state budget tabling in November 2020, the CBD also obtained funds to accelerate its strategic hub’s development.

As a Digital and Emerging Technology Hub Medini CBD initiatives include a Blockchain Village and South East Asia’s first drone and robotics zone (DRZ Iskandar). Medini CBD hosts prominent companies in the games design industry. Among notable Japanese companies that have already set their footprint here to include OK Blockchain Centre, a subsidiary of OK Wave Group; Deluxe Games, and Okakichi. Their presence has created a demand for highly skilled workers both for local and foreigners, backed by the recent boost from the Johor State government to accelerate growth for the Medini CBD to welcome more companies to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Head of MIMSB, Tuan Haji Mohamad Zamani Razali said, “The groundbreaking ceremony today marks an important milestone for Medini, as we continue to attract many prominent and reputable tenants. SANKYU is the first of many developments we have been working hard on under the Iskandar NEXT initiative which focuses on the new economy, experience and talent; in addition to the recent relocation of Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn. Bhd. (KPRJ) and Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN), we are optimistic for the future vision for the Medini CBD as a strategic hub for Johor and Malaysia.”

*****

About Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (“MIM”) is the master planner and master developer of the 2,230- acre urban township Medini, located in the heart of Iskandar Puteri. A Central Business District of Iskandar Puteri, Medini offers incentives uniquely available to Medini. MIM welcomes investors who are seeking investment opportunities in a prime destination strategically located near Singapore.

Established in 2007, MIM is owned by Jasmine Acres Sdn Bhd (60%), United World Infrastructure (20%) and Mitsui & Co. Ltd (20%). MIM’s largest shareholder, Jasmine Acres, is jointly owned by Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Iskandar Investment Berhad.

For more information, visit www.medinicbd.com

About SANKYU

The Sankyu Group has established a unique business model organically blending plant engineering, logistics and operational support, which stands unrivalled in the world. The Sankyu Group provide total support to customers from the planning stage for new facility project through the design, construction, transportation of heavy loads and installation to the final test run. Furthermore, the Sankyu Group has created a reliable system, by which every aspect of a client’s logistical needs are met, including operational support, facility maintenance, procurement, material handling for production and sales of finished product.

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channel.

For media inquiries, please contact:

MR. AZLAN AKIL
Strategic Communications – Iskandar Investment Berhad
Email : [email protected]
Mobile No : 019-771 3189

MR. MUHAMED SHAFIQUE MOHAMED IQBAL
Strategic Marketing – Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Email : [email protected]
Mobile No : 019-334 7622

MS. WAHIDA ABDUL RAHMAN
Healthcare, Education & Hospitality Division, MIDA
Email : [email protected]
Mobile No : 03-2267 6622

Sankyu Continues Its Expansion in Malaysia: Japanese Conglomerate Sankyu Announces Its Sankyu Technical Academy to be based in Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor

Kuala Lumpur, 14 January 2021 – Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers based in Wolfsburg, Germany, has set up its new regional Parts Distribution Centre in Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia. The strategically located facility aims to provide a robust genuine parts supply chain to 21 markets in the Asia Pacific region.

With this larger facility of 50,000 square metres, the new regional Parts Distribution Centre can now store more parts than its predecessor and thus extend the range and depth for better parts availability. There are approximately 65,000 genuine parts of the Group’s brands of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, ŠKODA, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), commented, “Volkswagen Group follows the increasing trend of the establishment of Global and Regional Distribution Hubs in Malaysia by companies in industries such as automotive, life sciences and medical devices, electrical and electronics, and machinery and equipment. These companies seek to tap on Malaysia’s strategic location as well as our efficient and reliable infrastructure such as ports, airports and financial institutions, allowing them to improve operational efficiency and optimise product and service quality and speed for their customers. Robust connectivity is paramount in enabling their investment and human capital to flow more freely across borders.”

Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales, said: “The Asia Pacific Region offers a lot of growth potential for the Volkswagen Group, especially when it comes to e-mobility. Our electric product range already consists of very attractive models like the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 as well as the Audi e-tron that is fast growing. Apart from the vehicles, a strong After Sales performance is key for customer satisfaction. Malaysia offers a central and well-connected location which perfectly suits our plans to expand our foothold in the region.”

The new site offers improved distribution and process efficiency. Located in the free trade zone with direct port connectivity, the warehouse processing is enhanced by as much as 15 per cent. Moreover, the prime location is well linked to the air hubs and roads, enabling better hub-and-logistics flow and faster cargo turnaround.

The new facility is also customised to Volkswagen Group’s requirements, where storage systems like semi-automated paternoster and vertical narrow aisle are built for better warehouse space and process optimisation. In addition, value-added service is now offered to its customers, such as repacking and relabeling at retail level for the ease of dealer distribution.

“Our new Parts Distribution Centre in Malaysia undoubtedly strengthens Volkswagen Group’s global After Sales supply chain – a key milestone in providing improved genuine parts delivery to our customers in Asia Pacific,” said Mr. Roman Havlásek, Head of Group After Sales. “The Malaysian Government, through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) greatly supported our relocation to Malaysia. We were pleased by the ease of implementing our project here and the assistance given by the team at MIDA.”

The strong fundament of the Parts Distribution Centre made it possible for Volkswagen Group to overcome the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in the region so far. Mr. Marco Beitien, Director After Sales for the Volkswagen Group Regional Office in Asia Pacific, said “Despite the unprecedented COVID situation, the Malaysian Government swiftly implemented measures to enable business continuity within the safety of workers and community, which is also our top priority. This allows us to maintain stable parts supply in the region to support vehicles of the Volkswagen Group used in the essential industries like ambulances and security vehicles, even during the critical phase.”

Global supply chains have enabled many MNCs to oversee their operations in different parts of the world with ease, infusing efficiency into business operations.

The Global Trading Centre (GTC) scheme was announced in the Budget 2021, as part of Malaysia’s strategy to further encourage companies, both MNCs and local companies alike, to establish their global and regional distribution hubs. MIDA welcomes investments such as Volkswagen Group that strengthen the linkages within the local industry, create jobs for Malaysians and enhance Malaysia’s positioning as a Global Supply Chain Hub.

The GTC scheme is an enhanced, comprehensive scheme which provides a tax incentive and facilitation to ease import and export activities and aims to support companies in key manufacturing and services sectors venturing into procurement, distribution and trade activities to further strengthen their global supply chain.

Interested stakeholders may obtain more information by contacting the Business Services and Regional Operations Division at MIDA or visiting the MIDA website at www.mida.gov.my.

*****

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channel.

About Volkswagen Group

Based in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, and the largest car maker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. The passenger car portfolio ranges from small cars all the way to luxury-class vehicles. Ducati offers motorcycles. In the light and heavy commercial vehicles sector, the products range from pick-ups to buses and heavy trucks. Every weekday, 671,205 employees around the globe produce on average 44,567 vehicles, are involved in vehicle-related services or work in other areas of business. The Volkswagen Group sells its vehicles in 153 countries.

In 2019, the total number of vehicles delivered to customers by the Group globally was 10.97 million (2018: 10.83 million). The passenger car global market share was 12.9 percent. Group sales revenue in 2019 totalled EUR 252.6 billion (2018: EUR 236 billion). Earnings after tax in the fiscal year now ended amounted to EUR 14.0 billion (2018: EUR 12.2 billion).

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Rosedalina Ramlan
Director
Business Services and Regional Operations Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] DL: +603 2267 3515

Mr. Christoph Oemisch
Volkswagen AG
Corporate Communications
Spokesperson Finance & Sales
Email: [email protected]

Volkswagen Group Strengthens Its Parts Supply in Asia Pacific through the New Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Malaysia

Chairman of MIDA receives a courtesy visit from Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany

Kuala Lumpur, 8 January 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) kick-started the year 2021 with a courtesy visit from the newly appointed Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Malaysia, His Excellency Dr. Peter Blomeyer.

Germany has been Malaysia’s largest foreign investor from the European Union. As of June 2020, a total of 461 manufacturing projects with German participation have been implemented with total investments of USD9.36 billion (RM33.31 billion). The projects have created 47,277 jobs.

Dato’ Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, Chairman of MIDA said that “His Excellency and I discussed a host of prolific issues that need attention for both countries to continue its goods-to-people mobility, despite the continuing pandemic concerns. The closely-linked business communities from both sides urgently need to commute with the acceptance of stringent SOPs in place. MIDA has been working tirelessly with the embassies and foreign chambers to ensure that investors are provided adequate assistance to the necessary approval and access to make well-informed investment and business decisions across various markets.”

At the meeting, His Excellency Dr. Peter Blomeyer highlighted that existing German companies operating here find Malaysia as an attractive hub in Asia Pacific. In addition, the German business communities also welcome the decision to exempt advertising requirement for positions namely investors, company owners, C-suites, expatriates for Regional Offices as well as for intra-company transfers.

His Excellency also wished to explore collaboration with local training institutions in boosting their training capabilities and facilities in human capital development by offering German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) programmes in Malaysia.

Furthermore, His Excellency reiterated his team’s support for the business continuity of existing German companies as well as to encourage more German companies to expand their overseas operation as Malaysia is one of the most developed and matured manufacturing and related services countries in the region. This ecosystem provides a competitive advantage for the German companies’ to locate their projects in Malaysia.

Dato’ Abdul Majid also briefed on MIDA’s plans to organise a Trade and Investment Mission and working visit to Europe including Germany once the border controls are streamlined and opened for business travellers.

The Chairman of MIDA expressed the Government’s commitment to facilitate smooth business operations, including German investment in Malaysia. Strong commitment from both institutions is essential in attracting quality investments for high value-add, capital-intensive and knowledge-intensive projects.

*****

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channel.

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid
Director, Foreign Investment Promotion Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603 2267 6633

Malaysia Remains a Competitive Investment Location for German Companies

Kuala Lumpur, 12 January 2021 – Following the Movement Control Order (MCO) announced by YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Prime Minister of Malaysia effective 13 January 2021 to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) will continue its operations with reduced headcount at MIDA Sentral, to assist businesses in their operations.

In prioritising all staff’s safety while also minimising disruptions to services and operations of businesses, MIDA officials will be working from home on a rotation basis. Stakeholders are encouraged to leverage on various technology tools available for remote communications or virtual meetings such as video conferencing and conference calls.

Online engagement for business enquiries can be arranged through https://appointment.mida.gov.my/appointment/ where else general enquiries may be submitted at https://investmalaysia.mida.gov.my/eTRANS_TH/LoginCS.aspx. MIDA officials, particularly the Directors and Deputy Directors, can also be easily contacted through their respective emails at https://www.mida.gov.my/contact-us/.

Delivery of documents by mail or courier service is encouraged to reduce physical contact at MIDA.

For further updates, please visit www.mida.gov.my or follow MIDA on social media platforms, namely Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

– END –

ABOUT MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era.

For more information, please contact:
Ms Manjit Kaur
Director, Corporate Communications Division, MIDA
Tel.: 03-2267 3509 | Email: [email protected]

MIDA to Continue Facilitating Investors and Businesses during Movement Control Order (MCO)

Indian Entrepreneurs Urged to Leverage on Programmes & Facilities Provided by the Government

22 January 2018, Kuala Lumpur – “Notwithstanding our presence of more than 50 years in charting the industrial development of the country, there is still a lack of awareness on MIDA’s function in assisting and facilitating domestic companies as well as SMEs, especially among the Indian businessmen. Through today’s engagement, we hope to deepen our engagement with the Indian business community, which forms an integral part of local companies in the country,” said YBhg. Datuk N. Rajendran, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of MIDA during the exclusive media session with the Indian press held today.

“The Government has long recognised the capabilities and prospects of local companies in driving the economic growth of the country. For the first nine months of 2017, Malaysia recorded a total of RM113.5 billion worth of approved investments from 3,886 projects in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors. More than 73.5% of the approved investments were from local sources. Thus, we would like to urge more local companies, including those owned/managed by Indian entrepreneurs to come on board by leveraging on the programmes and facilities provided by the Government. Among them include the Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF) that aims to accelerate the shift of Malaysian-owned companies in targeted industries to high value-added, high technology, knowledge-intensive and innovation-based industries. As at December 2017, a total of 270 projects with investments amounting to RM13 billion have been approved grants totaling RM1.3 billion under this fund,” added Datuk N. Rajendran.

The DCEO of MIDA also commented that Indian entrepreneurs should align their operations with Industry 4.0 by adopting automation and smart manufacturing that will increase productivity and competitiveness as well as reduce dependency on foreign labour. “Throughout 2017, MIDA organised several programmes to create awareness on the Industry 4.0. We will continue to undertake such programmes this year to disseminate information on available facilities to assist local companies in undertaking this venture such as the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) for automation expenditure. For ACA, a total of 71 applications for automated spending allowance incentives have been approved until October 2017.”

MIDA has also established a dedicated SME Investment Desk in its headquarters and all its state offices throughout Malaysia. Malaysian businesses and SMEs should take advantage on this single contact point in MIDA HQ and all its State Offices, to obtain guidance and advice on the Government’s initiatives and facilities in building sustainable business collaborations through supply chain development on the local, regional and global levels.

More than 15 media representatives attended the exclusive media session from various Indian publication companies and online newspapers. The programme is part of MIDA’s continuous efforts to update the Indian entrepreneurs especially on the latest policies and facilities that are available. They are encouraged to follow MIDA’s official website and social media for the latest announcements and updates of facilitation and programmes related to business opportunities at www.mida.gov.my or @OfficialMIDA on Facebook and /OfficialMIDA on Twitter.

*****

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Ahmad Tajudin Omar

Director, Domestic Investment Division, MIDA

Tel.: 03-2267 3627 | Email: [email protected]

Mr. Sashirao Appanah

Assistant Director, Domestic Investment Division, MIDA

Tel.: 03-2267 3664 | Email: [email protected]

Download:

DISC Presentation_22Jan2018

Posted on : 22 January 2018

MIDA Deepens Its Engagement With The Indian Business Community

Kedah is one of the oldest states in Malaysia and has captivating history behind it. In fact, there is more to this ‘Rice Bowl State’ than just paddy fields. In term of investments, there are 1,142 manufacturing projects implemented in Kedah with total investments of RM51.28 billion as at December 2016. These projects have created over 150,000 job opportunities for the state.

Over 150,000 Jobs Created from 1,142 Manufacturing Projects Implemented in Kedah

The Seminar on the New Era of Manufacturing for Furniture & Wood-Based Industry by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) held on 23 January 2019 in Kota Kinabalu received encouraging interest from industry players. The immediate response came from three companies based in Peninsular Malaysia that would like to leverage resources available in Sabah and expand their business operations in the State. To facilitate these companies’ interests, MIDA arranged discussions with Yayasan Sabah, POIC Lahad Datu and Sabah Softwood Berhad towards strategic collaborations

25 January 2019, Kuala Lumpur – The Seminar on the New Era of Manufacturing for Furniture & Wood-Based Industry by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) held on 23 January 2019 in Kota Kinabalu received encouraging interest from industry players. The immediate response came from three companies based in Peninsular Malaysia that would like to leverage resources available in Sabah and expand their business operations in the State. To facilitate these companies’ interests, MIDA arranged discussions with Yayasan Sabah, POIC Lahad Datu and Sabah Softwood Berhad towards strategic collaborations.

The event, which focused on automation and smart manufacturing to promote the adoption of industry 4.0 among the wood-based industry players, was officiated by Datuk Madiyem Layapan, Permanent Secretary of Sabah Ministry of Trade & Industry. It attracted nearly 150 participants including those from outside of Sabah and featured presentations by Department of Industrial Development & Research (DIDR), Sabah State Forestry Department, ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB). They shared on the current status of the infrastructure and the availability of resources in Sabah as well as product innovation and potential in downstream activities.

Datuk N. Rajendran, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MIDA during his welcoming remarks said, “With abundant natural resources, Sabah is poised for more investments in the wood and wood-based industry. The recent announcement made by Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd Shafie Bin Haji Apdal to make Sandakan as a furniture centre in Sabah is certainly a step in the right direction for the State. MIDA acknowledges the importance that furniture and wood-based industry plays as one of the key industries to be developed in the State.”

As at September 2018, a total of 2,919 projects on furniture and wood-based products projects have been approved by MIDA with investment worth RM33.02 billion. Majority of these investment or 67% (RM22.14 billion) were from domestic sources, while the rest (33% or RM10.88 billion) were from foreign investments. For Sabah, MIDA has approved a total of 466 furniture and wood-based projects with total investments of RM5.36 billion.

One of the participants, Mr. Jason Lee, Manager of Forest Avenue International Sdn Bhd said, “Going downstream has proven to be very profitable for West Malaysia. In Sabah’s perspective, this direction can never be wrong. The future of Sabahans depends on their willingness to move out of their comfort zone and be ready to embrace the real world market.”

According to Mr. Tan Peng Juan, Chairman of Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA), “To address on the issue of export ban of logs, STIA has suggested on establishment of a working committee that consist of Sabah-based industry representatives and Government agencies. The aim is to assist the government in facilitating the new forestry policy, to ensure that the correct form of investment is brought into Sabah, and to monitor the progress of industrial development. It is essential for the state government to have a permanent collaboration with industry players to ensure that there is a consistency in short-, mid- and long-term plans under the new forestry masterplan. STIA also insisted that Sabah state government should give clear direction on the permanent ban of export of timber logs from Sabah.”

Due to the good feedback received, MIDA will continue to organise similar engagements in Sabah to promote more investments in the wood-based industry. It will feature bankers to facilitate financial assistance.

***

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Mohd Rasli Muda

Director, Food Technology & Resource-Based, MIDA

Tel.: 03-2267 3643| Email: [email protected]

More Investors Expressed Interest in Sabah’s Furniture And Wood-Based Industry

Four IHLs Receive Automation Equipment Worth RM200,000 from Muehlbauer

Kuala Lumpur, 22 January, 2019 – Muehlbauer Technologies announced at the headquarters of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) today that the company is donating RM200,000 worth of automation integrated systems known as the Beckhoff mock-up units from its Melaka operations to the Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Universiti Technical Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and the German Malaysian Institute (GMI).

In addition, all four higher learning institutions will be getting approximately 40 hours of training as well as support expansion of the equipment which includes image/vision processing technology or other advancements according to the institutions’ requirements, from Muehlbauer.

“We are pleased that more and more companies are responding positively to our call in narrowing the gap between the latest practical know-how of the industry and university syllabus. We continue to encourage companies to invest in talent and technology to improve productivity and capability, and become future-proof. We also place great importance in engaging with potential investors – particularly large MNCs as they come equipped with the technology and processes required for our industries to grow and diversify,” Dato’Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA.

“This initiative will contribute in many ways, especially in enabling lecturers and students to be familiar with the latest technologies in the industry. It will also provide hands-on experience for students in Mechatronics Engineering or those interested in joining the high-tech industry related to mechanical, electrical and electronics, programming and vision technologies. I would like to encourage other global companies to emulate these practices and bring the industry to the next level,” added Dato’ Azman.

“Already for several years we are supporting the local communities by having a fruitful collaboration with the Malaysian Universities; Colleges and Institutes,” said Mr Sekar Ramasamy, the CEO of Muehlbauer Technologies. “With this donation and by enhancing the practical education at the Universities we want to lift this partnership to the next level and help the students to get ready for the challenges of digitalization and Industry 4.0,” he added.

Muehlbauer is also part of the German Dual Vocational Training (DVT) programme, a skill training programme by the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) ) in cooperation with the Department of Skills Development of the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) and GMI. Last year, 19 students were granted internship placement with Muehlbauer Technologies. The company also provides industrial visitation to universities and institutions.

*************

PRESS CONTACTS

ABOUT MUEHLBAUER

Mühlbauer Group is the only one-stop-shop technology partner for Smart Card, passport/ePassport, Semiconductor and RFID industry. With more than 2,000 employees, technology centers in Germany, Malaysia, the U.S. and Slovakia, and a worldwide sales and service network, the Mühlbauer Group is the world’s market leader in innovative systems and software solutions for the production and personalization of cards, passports and RFID applications. For more information, please visit www.muehlbauer.com.my and like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dvtmbt/

ABOUT MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal promotion agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Starting operations in 1967 with a relatively small set up of 37 staff, MIDA has grown to become a strong and dynamic organisation of over 700 employees. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA today has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

For further information, please contact:-

Download:

Speech by CEO of MIDA_MIDA Muehlbauer collaboration with 4 IHLs

More Companies Responding to MIDA’s Call to Narrow Skills Gap

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has approved a total of 1,120 manufacturing projects with investments worth RM137.3 billion in Sarawak as at September 2018. These projects have created over 175,000 job opportunities, mainly in the natural gas, chemical and chemical products, basic metal products, petroleum products (including petrochemicals) and electronics and electrical products sectors

29 January 2019, Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has approved a total of 1,120 manufacturing projects with investments worth RM137.3 billion in Sarawak as at September 2018. These projects have created over 175,000 job opportunities, mainly in the natural gas, chemical and chemical products, basic metal products, petroleum products (including petrochemicals) and electronics and electrical products sectors.

“Being the largest of all 13 states in Malaysia, there are certainly many reasons for companies to base their operations in Sarawak. There is already a strong presence of MNCs and large Local Corporations (LLCs) in the state. These companies, such as Petronas, OCIM, Longi, X-Fab and Press Metal, hold much promise for business collaborations and opportunities,” said Mr Zabidi Mahbar, Senior Executive Director of MIDA’s Strategic Planning and Development Division during the MIDA Invest Series: Unfolding States’ Business Potential held today at the MIDA Headquarters.

“MIDA has set-up a dedicated team namely the Investment Coordination Platform (ICP) to facilitate companies to grow their businesses and investment portfolio since last year. The unit works closely with equity and corporate advisory firms as well as local regulators and technology providers in assisting companies to conduct business-to-business matching, capital raising exercise through debt & equity, M&A, divestment and initial public listing or IPO. We urge all interested parties to discuss with MIDA on how they can be facilitated in these areas,” added Mr Zabidi.

Another initiative introduced by MIDA is the i-Services Portal, which is a single market place to link investors and companies interested to source for domestic services from local service providers. Local service providers are encouraged to register their business in the portal as it will help them to expand their markets and further boost business activities.

The Invest Series featured a briefing by Datu Liaw Soon Eng, Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Industrial & Entrepreneur Development of Sarawak. The event attracted over 250 participants ranging from embassies, business chambers and associations as well as industry players from the services and manufacturing sector.

******

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal promotion agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Starting operations in 1967 with a relatively small set up of 37 staff, MIDA has grown to become a strong and dynamic organisation of over 700 employees. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA today has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, @OfficialMIDA.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Abdul Fatah Mohamed Rafaie

Deputy Director

Domestic Investment & Supply Chain Division, MIDA

Tel.: 03 2267 3766

Email: [email protected]

Download:

Speech by Senior Executive Director of MIDA_Invest Series_Sarawak

MIED Slides_MIDA Invest Series_Sarawak

Sarawak Attracts RM137.3 Billion Worth Approved Manufacturing Projects as at September 2018

United Overseas Bank Malaysia Bhd (UOB Malaysia) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to attract more foreign direct investments (FDI) into high value-added sectors. These sectors, which include electrical and electronics, machinery and equipment, medical devices, aerospace, renewable energy and consumer technology, are among MIDA’s key priority sectors in promoting investments for industry development

UOB Malaysia signs MoU with MIDA to attract foreign direct investments into Malaysia’s high value-added sectors

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) kick-started the year 2020 with a networking event with the European (EU) chambers, associations and embassies on 14 January 2020. Forty representatives from the Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Norway, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland and Spain offices in Malaysia attended the event. The event was graced by Dato’ Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, Chairman of MIDA and participated by the organisation’s management team members

MIDA Approved 34 Manufacturing Projects with EU Participation Worth RM3.1 Billion In Jan-Sept 2019