Kuala Lumpur, 29 November 2023 – Malaysia Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF), in collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Bizsphere Sdn. Bhd. (Bizsphere), successfully organised the Malaysia Smart Manufacturing Award 2023 Biz Talk & Forum titled Tech Up for Smart Manufacturing. Hosted by MIDA at MIDA Sentral, the event served as a pivotal gathering for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to delve into the essence of Mission 2 of the New Industrial Master Plan 2023: “Tech Up for a Digitally Vibrant Nation”.

The distinguished panel featured Professor Dr. Ong Kian Ming, a Board Member of MIDA and Director of the Philosophy Politics and Economics Programme at Taylor’s University, along with Mr. Jacob Lee, Vice President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), and Chairman for Industry 4.0 and Digital Economy Working Committee of FMM. Moderated by Mr. Yap Keng Teck, Managing Consultant of Bizsphere, the forum extensively explored Mission 2’s core elements, emphasising technology integration to elevate Malaysia’s industrial landscape.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of MIDA, expressed in his speech, “Mission 2 aims to drive digitalisation, enhance labour productivity, support R&D for higher-value products, and bolster supply chain resilience. Recognising the dynamic nature of the future of manufacturing, strengthening partnerships within the local manufacturing ecosystem is imperative. As global companies anchor advanced manufacturing in Malaysia, local enterprises leveraging advanced technologies will become globally competitive, and creating exciting, quality jobs. Innovation, R&D, specialised technology, and high-productivity processes form the foundation, propelling industries forward. Equally vital is keeping our workforce adaptable and skilled.”

In a statement, Mr. Azizi Hj Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of MIDF, emphasised MIDF’s commitment as a development finance institution under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to support local businesses in their growth journey and adoption of technology to enhance productivity and efficiency. He said, “MIDF is dedicated to providing financial solutions that empower businesses to embrace technology at a very competitive financing rate. In an era where digital transformation is pivotal, we stand firm in our support of local enterprises venturing into smart manufacturing practices”.

He further encouraged companies that have successfully integrated technology and automation into their operations to participate in the Malaysia Smart Manufacturing Award. “These companies can serve as role models and inspire others, especially SMEs, to embark on their journey toward Industry 4.0. By recognising and celebrating these achievements, we aim to create a ripple effect, fostering a culture of innovation and technological advancement in Malaysia’s business landscape,” he added.

A significant highlight of the event was the comprehensive briefing on the Malaysia Smart Manufacturing Award by Mr. Yap Keng Teck, outlining its aim to celebrate industry leaders, innovators, and organisations contributing to smart manufacturing practices. The award aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to fostering a competitive and resilient manufacturing ecosystem, targeting the goal of transforming 3,000 smart factories in Malaysia by 2030, as outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.

Moreover, MIDA seized the opportunity to showcase the Smart Automation Grant (SAG) MADANI, aligning this initiative with the broader mission of fostering smart manufacturing practices across the country. Concurrently, MIDF offered valuable insights into government financial assistance programmes, aiding businesses in their adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

Throughout the year, MIDF and Bizsphere organised MIDF Automation and Digital Forums in six (6) regions nationwide, garnering enthusiastic responses from industry players and encouraging exploration of automation and digitalisation in business operations. As Malaysia continues its journey to become a digitally vibrant nation, events like the Malaysia Smart Manufacturing Award 2023 Biz Talk & Forum assume a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation’s industrial landscape.

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About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, 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 21 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 X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About MIDF
The MIDF group carries out investment banking, development finance and asset management. It serves entrepreneurs as well as large corporations and institutions.

Malayan Industrial Development Finance Ltd (now MIDF) was established in 1960 following the recommendations of the World Bank on how to finance the industrialisation of Malaya, and over the last 62 years, the MIDF Group has been part of the development and modernisation of Malaysia’s economy and capital markets.

MIDF is a member of Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB) Group. MBSB is also the financial holding company of MBSB Bank Berhad (MBSB Bank).

For more information, please contact:

MIDA

Mr. Sukri Abu Bakar
Director of Domestic Investment Division
Tel: +603- 2267 3685
Email: [email protected]

MIDF

Irmawati Mahamad Tahir
Head, Group Strategic Communications
Ph: (03) 2173 8752
Fax: (03) 2173 8499
HP: (012) 492 3707
Email: [email protected]

Sharifah Faten Nur Helmy Alhusaini
Head, Marketing Unit
Development Finance Division, MIDF
Ph: (03) 2272 1889
HP: (012) 392 6030
Email: [email protected]

Malaysia Smart Manufacturing Award 2023 Biz Talk & Forum: Tech Up for Smart Manufacturing

Kuala Lumpur, 28 November 2023 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has successfully organised its inaugural forum on “Accelerating Malaysia’s Industry Commitment Towards Sustainability Goals”, held at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre, Bangsar South. In partnership with the National SDG Centre and United Nations Global Compact Malaysia and Brunei (UNGCMYB), the forum aimed to ignite a sustainability revolution, particularly among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) by promoting technology adoption and embracing ESG practices.

The forum provided crucial insights into pressing industry challenges, such as financial constraints, talent shortages, and a lack of technical expertise. Importantly, it shed light on the government’s steadfast commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (Agenda 2030) and transitioning to the Net Zero 2050 aspiration.

The participants gained valuable insights from eminent personalities in sustainability, including Mr. Faroze Nadar, Executive Director at UNGCMYB, Prof. Dr. Ong Kian Ming, Director of Philosophy, Politics & Economics Programme, Taylor’s University and Mr. Asfaazam Kasbani, Director at National SDG Centre, Ministry of Economy as well as technology experts. Representatives from PETRONAS and EPF also shared their perspectives.

In his keynote address, YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), shared, “The Government’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) outlined six goals, namely to increase economic complexity, create high value job opportunities, extend domestic linkages, develop new and existing clusters, improve inclusivity and enhance ESG practices, which are aligned with the National Investment Inspirations. Corresponding to that, the NIMP 2030 also sets 12 outcome-based targets to measure the transformation of the Malaysian manufacturing industry and economy:

1. Sophisticated exports with high value added

2. Regional innovation hub

3. High-skilled jobs

4. Fair income

5. Internationally competitive SMEs

6. Deepen local supply chain integration

7. Strategic positioning of high value tech manufacturing

8. Develop new clusters in managing growth markets (eg 4IR and digital)

9. Catalysing sectoral and regional development within Malaysia

10. High manufacturing value added participation by least developed states

11. Derisking economy against ESG factors

12. Drive towards Net Zero aspirations

Our plans for sustainable development need a ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to thrive. In Malaysia, we need clearly defined and concrete targets across sectors, including manufacturing, energy, transport, and infrastructure.” the Deputy Minister of MITI informed.

He further added, “MITI has recently launched the National Industry Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework (i-ESG) to provide support for SMEs and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs), helping them build their capabilities in sustainability and capture opportunities in the green economy. i-ESG aligns with the principles of the MADANI Economy Framework, reinforcing our vision for inclusive and sustainable industrial growth”.

Highlighting the significance of technology and innovation, the Deputy Minister of MITI stated, “The Budget 2024 reflects our dedication to sustainability, featuring initiatives such as the RM2 billion National Energy Transition Facility fund and a potential RM1 billion biodiversity sukuk for carbon credits. This concerted effort aims not only to uplift SMEs and MTCs but also to stimulate a more sustainable and resilient economic landscape.”

MIDA’s Chairman, YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, enlightened the participants on MIDA’s role as the national economic front liner in pursuing investment promotion in sustainable investment projects such as e-Mobility, Renewable Energy and Circular Bio-economy.

“In recognising the undeniable importance of sustainable practices, MIDA has taken a proactive stance. Last year’s record is a testament to its success in fostering a robust investment environment. Building on this momentum, MIDA established its Sustainability Division on 1 August, 2023”.

He also added, “In this evolving landscape, sustainable practices are no longer optional; Malaysia must catch and ride the green wave. It’s a global commitment that no individual or country can afford to overlook. At MIDA, we have been engaging our partners from the people, private and public sectors to make the Green Plan a reality.” Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob emphasised the investor-friendly approach with the setup of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC) at MIDA HQ, streamlining investment-related matters and reducing bureaucracy in public service delivery at federal and state levels.

**END**

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, 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 21 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 X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channels.

For more information, please contact:

MIDA
Mr. Syed Kamal Muzaffa bin Syed Hassan Sagaff
Director, Sustainability Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] |DL: +603- 2267 3636

Technology Adoption and ESG Practices Are Key Enablers Towards Sustainability Goals

The Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry’s (MITI) Trade & Investment Mission to the USA (“TIM USA”) and one-on-one meetings between YAB Prime Minister and American companies managed to secure a total of RM63.02 billion of committed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), as well as RM2.78 billion of potential exports from Malaysia.

The one-on-one meetings with YAB PM were arranged on 15 November 2023 in San Francisco. TIM USA – comprising high-level representatives from MITI, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) – was conducted from 6 – 13 November 2023, covering the cities of Chicago, Seattle, and San Francisco. Both events prioritised high-technology, high value FDI, while TIM USA also focused on high-value exports of Malaysian goods and services.

YAB PM’s one-on-one meetings with technology giants such as Google, Microsoft, Enovix and TikTok garnered FDI totalling RM54.72 billion over 10 – 15 years. Malaysia has also been actively courting electric vehicle (EV) players, including Tesla.

TIM USA – led by YB Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz¹ – yielded RM8.3 billion of committed FDI from Abbott Laboratories, Mondelez International, Amsted Rail, Hematogenix, PerkinElmer, Ford Motor Company, Boeing, Amazon Web Services and Lam Research. These companies are in sectors such as aerospace, chemical, E&E (including semiconductors), pharmaceuticals, EV battery technology, medical equipment, life sciences, cloud services and logistics.

As for exports, Canadian Tire Corporation, Global Agri Trade Corporation and Unigen Corporation were among the companies that have committed a combined value of RM2.78 billion of exports from Malaysia.

Tengku Zafrul said, ”We are extremely pleased that our trip to the USA managed to bring home fresh FDI commitments to the tune of RM63.02 billion, and committed exports of RM2.78 billion from Malaysia. What is equally key is the knowledge and expertise these companies bring to enhance the economic complexity of Malaysia’s manufacturing landscape, as stipulated by the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. This will help generate higher-value spillover business for our small and medium enterprises, and better quality, higher-paying jobs for the rakyat.”

“MITI will also ensure that the proposed FDI projects are properly facilitated, through execution-focused platforms such as the Investment & Trade Action Coordination Committee and the National Investment Council,” continued Tengku Zafrul.

In 2022, Malaysia-US bilateral trade stood at RM267.58 billion (USD60.70 billion), representing a 23.3% increase year-on-year. [cf. RM216.97 billion (USD52.33 billion) in 2021]. The US was also Malaysia’s third largest trading partner, as well as third largest export destination. Malaysia’s E&E products make up the biggest percentage, or 57.4% of total export value to the US, which places Malaysia in good stead to expand other high value sectors that also rely heavily on chips and semiconductors.

As of 2022, Malaysia’s net value of FDI in stock from the US was RM100.84 billion, with RM77.74 billion (77.1%) of that total contributed by the manufacturing sector.

For the period of 1980 to June 2023, a total of 1,295 manufacturing projects with US companies’ participation have been approved, with total investments valued at RM123.58 billion (USD35.29 billion). These projects have generated employment for 308,310 people in Malaysia.

MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MITI) 21 NOVEMBER 2023

About MITI
MITI is the key driver in making Malaysia the preferred destination for quality investments and enhancing the nation’s rising status as a globally competitive trading nation. Its objectives and roles are oriented towards ensuring Malaysia’s rapid economic development and help achieve the country’s stated goal of becoming a developed nation.

Media enquiries: Strategic Communications Unit, MITI
Tel : +603 6200 0083
Fax : +603 6206 4293
E-mail : [email protected]

¹From 8 November 2023 onwards.

Trade & Investment Mission to USA, Meetings With US Companies Deliver RM63.02 Billion of FDI, RM2.78 Billion of Potential Exports From Malaysia

Port Klang, 3 November 2023 – CIDOLS Sdn. Bhd. (CIDOLS), a prominent player in the oleochemicals industry, takes a momentous leap forward with the successful launch of its inaugural plant today further establishing Malaysia’s role in the global oleochemical landscape. The driving force behind CIDOLS’s commitment to producing natural-based ingredients is rooted in its vision to foster innovation and sustainability. Malaysia has taken giant strides to strengthen its position in the downstream oleochemical industry, leveraging on the trades of millions of tonnes of fatty acid, fatty alcohol, fatty esters, and glycerin worldwide. Despite the friendly yet competitive landscape, neighboring countries are swiftly catching up, prompting a need for increased innovation and technological advancement.

The event was officiated by Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj Ghulam Khadir, Director General, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and also attended by Ms. Umarani Muniandy, Executive Director, Manufacturing Development (Resource), from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Mr. Eddy Chong, Managing Director of CIDOLS, Mr. Keith Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of CIDOLS, Kawan Engineering, as well as the company’s Board of Directors and key stakeholders.

CIDOLS, as a local Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), introduces an incremental yet significant transformation to Malaysia’s oleochemical sector by inaugurating a pioneering plant specialised in producing niche and tailor-made fatty esters. This strategic move signifies CIDOLS’s dedication to serving the industry with a more targeted and professional approach, positioning itself as visionary problem solvers, providing customised solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers today and tomorrow.

The newly inaugurated plant embodies CIDOLS’s commitment to innovation, focusing on the production of specialised natural-based fatty esters that drive progress towards sustainability. The extensive product range includes Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Phytostearyl Isostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate, PCA Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Heptanoate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Isoamyl Laurate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Oleyl Erucate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl Laurate, Polyglyceryl Oleate, among others. The production of these specialties necessitates profound expertise in ester molecule engineering, advanced processing techniques, and innovative research and development processes.

Malaysia now possesses the capability to manufacture these products, pioneered by CIDOLS, positioning the country as a global competitor in the field. Additionally, the plant has achieved FSSC 22000 certification and adheres to strict food processing and handling procedures. The latest milestone includes GMP+ certification awarded in October 2023, with hopes of obtaining halal certification by year-end. These certifications further strengthen CIDOLS’s capacity to meet the diverse requirements of a global clientele.

Furthermore, CIDOLS’s complies with RSPO and COSMOS standards, providing silicone-free, paraben-free, and PEG-free alternatives that align with the burgeoning demand for specialty esters in the personal care industry worldwide. At present, CIDOLS takes pride in serving customers across more than 30 countries infive continents.

Empowering Malaysian Manufacturers in High Value-Added Products: A Vision Realised

MIDA has been an essential figure of CIDOLS’s ambition to be a world leader in the specialised downstream oleochemical industry. CIDOLS received the Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF) from MIDA in 2021 for the purchase of R&D equipment and main processing equipment, providing CIDOLS with the necessary boost to enhance its research and development capability and improve its processing capability.

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA, expressed his congratulations to CIDOLS on its significant milestone. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to CIDOLS for the launch of its inaugural plant. CIDOLS has proven to us that with dedication and perseverance, an SME like CIDOLS can be a leader in its prospective industry. We, at MIDA, consistently encourage industry players to explore further downstream in their respective sectors to capture sustainable, high-value added manufacturing activities and become experts in their respective industries, which aligns with the country’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and ESG agenda. CIDOLS’s initiative sets a positive example for the chemical industry, and I urge other businesses to follow suit in adopting such proactive practices.”

The World is Moving towards Sustainability Practices

Mr. Eddy Chong, Managing Director of CIDOLS added, “Though CIDOLS operates on a smaller scale, our facilities match those of industry giants, enabling us to produce high-quality, high-performance products. We take immense pride in being a fully Malaysian-made enterprise, from the conceptualisation phase to engineering, thanks to the remarkable partnership with Kawan Engineering.” He further notes, “Today, we mark a momentous occasion by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MPOB for Project Pembangunan Teknologi Tambah Nilai Glycerol. Our shared goal is to establish a new plant dedicated to producing high-performance downstream products derived from glycerin, with the invaluable technological support from MPOB.”

Mr. Keith Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of CIDOLS, remarked, “In a world witnessing the rapid growth of sustainability awareness, the personal care industry is gravitating towards natural and sustainable solutions. Our products and solutions align perfectly with this transformative trend, empowering customers to innovate towards a more sustainable world.”

CIDOLS’s impressive and promising strides in the oleochemical sector looks to enhance Malaysia’s standing in the global market, addressing sustainability and innovation challenges head-on. The journey towards sustainability, guided by CIDOLS, is not just a reflection of their commitment but also a significant step towards a more environmentally responsible and sustainable world.

-ENDS-

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, 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 21 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 X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

About CIDOLS

CIDOLS is a specialty chemicals manufacturer providing natural-based ingredients and solution especially for Personal Care and Cosmetics. Plant located in Port Klang and exporting to over 30 countries across five continents.

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA
Ms. Siti Halimaton Mohd Rejab
Director, Chemical and Advanced Material Division
Email : [email protected]
DL: +603 2267 6714

CIDOLS Sdn. Bhd.
Mr. Eddy Chong
Managing Director
Phone: +603 3163 1679
Mobile: +60 16 339 8959

CIDOLS Launches Its Inaugural Plant, Significantly Strengthening Malaysia’s Oleochemical Downstream Capabilities

Perak, 24 November 2022 – EVE Energy Co., Ltd. (EVE), a China-based lithium battery production company, through its subsidiary EVE Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., is set to build a cylindrical battery production base in Malaysia to support the electric two-wheelers and power tools manufacturing enterprises in the country and across Southeast Asia.

The Company’s significant milestone with a projected investment amounted to USD422.3 million, will enhance its comprehensive competitiveness for the electric two-wheeled vehicle and power tool in the global market share. The project will be constructed in phases with a construction period of no more than three (3) years.

In welcoming EVE to spur the growth of cylindrical lithium battery industry in Malaysia, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), expressed, “We are delighted to have EVE setting up its manufacturing operation in Malaysia. The transition to electric vehicles (EV) will be one of the most significant shifts in our automotive sector in generations. The full-fledged cylindrical lithium battery ecosystem resonates well with the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) and National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP2020), in stimulating and synergising the country’s EV ecosystem specifically for EV battery production. Equipped with highly-skilled talents and proficient technology experts, Malaysia is certainly a conducive and an ideal location for the success of EVE’s investment.”

Currently, EVE is evaluating several sites to set up its manufacturing facility in Malaysia, including a few potential locations in the state of Perak.

Izran Abdullah, CEO of InvestPerak, highlighted, “Equipped with good infrastructure, abundant natural resources, sufficient high-skill talents, matured industrial ecosystem, and competitive cost of doing business, Perak has a huge potential to become a new focus investment destination. Strategically located between Penang and Selangor, the two economy powerhouses in Malaysia, Perak gains the advantages from the economic spill over from both states and always ready to support industrial expansion and supply chain.”

Joe Chan, the representative director of EVE Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., said, “We have long history in the field of green energy and our goal is to provide customers with high quality batteries. In the past few years of rapid development, EVE becomes the world’s leading lithium primary battery brand and is ranked No. 1 in China. Last year, EVE was ranked no. 12 in Fortune Future 50 and recognised as a top market player in the green energy ecosystem. At this moment, this is an important milestone of EVE to expand our business to Malaysia and enhance our global market share in the electric two-wheeled vehicle and power tool batteries market. The establishment of EVE Energy’s cylindrical battery production base in Malaysia will help to supply high quality batteries to companies in the country and Southeast Asia.”

EVE was established in 2001 and listed in 2009. After 21 years of rapid development, the company has now become a multinational company focusing on lithium battery powering solutions. Offering core technologies and comprehensive solutions for consumer batteries and power batteries, EVE’s products are widely used in the areas of internet of things (IoT) and the Energy Internet and its lithium-ion batteries are supplied to global first-tier brands. The company has also become one of the top 10 companies in the world in terms of power battery installed capacity, working along with international automakers such as BMW, Daimler, Hyundai and Jaguar Land Rover. Its global sales foundation footprint has expended to the United States, Germany, Malaysia as well as other regions.

MIDA has approved 25 projects totalling RM10.69 billion in the EV and its related ecosystems from 2020 to June 2022. The approved investments include the activity of EV assembly, manufacturing of EV parts and components and its charging components.

*****

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. 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 21 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, TikTok and YouTube channel. 

About InvestPerak

Perak Investment Management Centre (PIMC) also known as InvestPerak, was established in January 2006 to serve as the ‘First Point of Contact for Investors’ in the manufacturing and selected services sectors in Perak. It primarily acts as the principal investment promotion agency of the Perak State Government and reports directly to the YAB Menteri Besar Perak. Perak State Government have mandated InvestPerak as secretariat for Centre of Investment (COI), which empowered the function of InvestPerak as facilitator in assisting investors to invest in Perak. To facilitate the implementation of investment projects in Perak, COI@InvestPerak has the authority to issue ‘Fast-Track Letter’ for strategic projects, which put the investment projects as a priority for all relevant agencies in their approval process. Apart from that, InvestPerak complements the role that the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) plays at the Federal Government level, in terms of investment promotion and relevant incentives offering. InvestPerak also work closely with other related government departments and agencies, business chambers and industrial associations to ensure that the industries in Perak continue to grow and flourish.

About EVE Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

EVE Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is wholly owned by EVE Energy Co., Ltd. through its subsidiary EVE Asia Co., Ltd. Relying on its domestic manufacturing advantages and operational experience, EVE will build a cylindrical battery production base in Malaysia to support the electric two wheelers and power tools manufacturing enterprises in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. This is an important milestone of EVE to expand global business, enhance its comprehensive competitiveness and global market share in the electric two wheeles vehicle and power tool market. The top management team places much focus in the project, and it will further enrich the global industrial layout of EVE.

Media Contacts

MIDA
Mr. Nazuki Abdullah
Director, Transportation Technology Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603-2267 6688

InvestPerak
Mr. Mohamad Noor Arif
Investor Relations Manager
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +6013-4475312

EVE Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Mr. Joe Chan
Director
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +852-2195 3966

EVE Energy Is Set to Build A Cylindrical Battery Production Base in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 23 November 2022 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) co-organised the MIDA-MPMA Conference on Government Assistance at MIDA’s headquarters today. The Conference was attended by 100 participants. The Conference was organised to provide an insight to participants on various government policies, facilitations and assistance for the manufacturing sector specifically the plastics industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman in his keynote address, highlighted “MIDA has proactively taken the initiative to ensure investors to have the necessary access to the right infrastructure, proper facilities and skilled talent to cater to the requirements of businesses. As the plastics industry continues to grow, it is important that companies, particularly the SMEs, focusing on innovation and raise productivity to compete and capture new opportunities. Among the initiatives and assistance provided by MIDA to manufacturers of plastics products include the Smart Automation Grant Industry4WRD Intervention Fund, Automation Capital Allowance (ACA) and Domestic Investment Coordination Platform (DICP). Besides innovation, companies have also adopted automation by leveraging on ACA to increase productivity and address challenges in a tight labour market.”

“Malaysia is committed to achieve net zero carbon by 2050 and for this, MIDA is working closely with MPMA to also drive industry collaboration and understand the demand and supply of recycled plastics resources. Companies should look for practical ways to recover resources where possible and channel them back into production” added Datuk Wira Arham.

Speaking at the opening of the Conference, Datuk Noraini Soltan, Vice-President of MPMA said that the plastics industry continues to face tremendous challenges including shortage of labour, increase in cost arising from the increase in minimum wages and rising interest rates as well as a slump in overseas demand, particularly, from the developed countries which are experiencing economic slowdown.

“Moving forward, it is unavoidable for the plastics manufacturers to shift towards high technologies and factory efficiency to reduce their dependency on foreign workers and low skilled labour. Investing in the latest technology and human skills is one of the options for companies to continue to move up the value chain. The ability of the plastics industry to produce high quality products at competitive prices will strengthen our role as a supporting industry, and in turn attract more foreign direct investments. As investing in high technology and automation is a long-term process and given the fact that 90 per cent of plastics companies are SMEs, continued assistance and support from the Government in the form of grants, incentives and financing is crucial. This will enable more plastics companies to have sufficient resources to invest in advanced machinery and new product development for sustainable growth,” said Datuk Noraini.

At the Conference, Datuk Noraini said that the industry is very fortunate to be able to learn from knowledgeable and resourceful speakers on the various types of Government assistance and facilitations. “We hope that participants would have obtained useful information which will assist employers to formulate strategies to make changes to your business models, operations and move up the value chains via this Conference,” concluded Datuk Noraini.

The MIDA-MPMA Conference on Government Assistance featured sessions by speakers from MIDA, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM), Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), United Overseas Bank Limited and TalentCorp Malaysia.

Malaysian plastics products exhibited resilience through the pandemic and continue a steady growth due to their properties and functionality as one versatile material despite the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 2022, 33 projects were approved in this sub-sector with an accumulated investment of RM503.5 million.

Moving ahead, the synergies between MIDA and MPMA would continue for years to come to help in accelerating Malaysia’s advancement in the plastic industry.

*****

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 Malaysia’s manufacturing and services sectors. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 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, TikTok and YouTube channels.

About MPMA

The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA), established in 1967, is a progressive trade association providing leadership and quality service to its members and the plastics industry.  MPMA is the official voice of the Malaysian plastics industry, representing its members and the industry in Government interaction, spearheading the plastics industry’s growth and providing the platform to assist members in being globally competitive. MPMA currently has about 750 members comprising Ordinary members, which represent about 60 per cent of plastics manufacturers in the country and account for 80 per cent of the country’s total production of plastic products, as well as Associate members who are mainly raw material and machinery suppliers.

Media contacts:

MIDA
Ms. Siti Halimaton Mohd. Rejab
Director, Chemical and Advanced Materials Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603-2267 6701

MPMA
Mr. SC Chan
Manager, MPMA
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +603 78763027

MIDA and MPMA Co-Organises Conference to Highlight The Various Government Facilitations For The Plastic Industry

Johor Bahru, 23 November 2022 – Sun Bus Tech Sdn. Bhd. (‘Sun Bus Tech’), a bus and bus body manufacturing company owned by the Sun Wah Group, has officially established its Headquarters, the first bus body manufacturing and assembly facility during a grand groundbreaking ceremony held at Senai Airport City, Johor today. The project is aimed to provide high technology, quality economical services and products in the public transportation industry in stepping up its efforts to realise sustainable and fuel-efficient vehicles.

In welcoming Sun Bus Tech to be part of Malaysia’s development in the automotive industry, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman said “The investment by Sun Bus Tech is the kind of investment that Malaysia aims to attract and anchor. This investment project will create job opportunities for more than 200 jobs ranging from manufacturing front liners to managerial positions as it is set to commence in Quarter 3 2023.”

“Malaysia is a strategic and ideal sustainable investment destination for investors of EV-related industries to enter the Southeast Asia market. Besides the Malaysian Government’s EV policies, the continuation of new model launches of electric vehicles will contribute to the EV market growth in the country, in line with the Government’s strategic policy such as the National Investment Aspirations (NIA). We also believe Sun Bus Tech will be able to realise our country’s aspiration for a cleaner and sustainable environment, which is in line with the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principle” added Datuk Wira Arham.

The manufacturing of Sun Bus Tech will involve a total of up to 4 production lines which is estimated to produce more than 300 units of commercial vehicles a year. In line with the company’s vision of building sustainable and environmentally friendly products, Sun Bus Tech will be setting up automation feature in both its production and warehouse. The office and factory buildings will be installing solar panels, solar reflective glass to reduce energy consumption and adopting rainwater recycling in efforts to protect the environment.

Focusing on bus body manufacturing, Sun Bus Tech is the new name that was carried out by the industry pioneer Mr. Phang Sun Wah, Founder and Chairman of Sun Bus Tech, who has more than 50 years of solid experience started in the 70s said “It is our goal to contribute to a better living environment by enabling high quality, sustainable, emission-free and affordable public transport. With its technological know-how, the company has accurate structural design and competency to design bus bodies that can be assembled onto various types of chassis according to customers’ specifications.”

“Our vision is simple. We want to deliver economical, reliable, and progressive solutions to the demand of sustainable public transport. We play our part to contribute to a better living environment” added Mr. Phang Sun Wah.

Sun Bus Tech has collaborated with a Swiss partner, Carrosserie Hess AG, a leading aluminium bus body solution provider and supplier. Through this joint venture, its main objective is to enhance the manufacturing processes even further by adopting the technology from Europe which will be more durable and easier to maintain.

“We strive to provide the best quality, through proper product concept research, product planning, development, testing and its aftersales maintenance services. With the latest joint-venture with our Swiss partner, a leading aluminium bus body solution provider and supplier (Carrosserie Hess AG), we are confident that our product, adopting top technology from Europe, is long-lasting, energy-efficient, recyclable, corrosion resistant and easy for maintenance” said Ms. Shyan Phang, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Bus Tech.

Malaysia is the third largest automotive market in ASEAN, making the automotive industry a strategic perk to the country’s manufacturing sector. There are currently more than 30 manufacturing and assembly plants in Malaysia for motor vehicles which consists of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and scooters; as well as a huge pool automotive parts and components manufacturers. MIDA being the prominent promotion body representing the Government, will strive to facilitate and provide end-to-end support towards the Company’s project implementation and its future expansions moving forward.

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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 Malaysia’s manufacturing and services sectors. Starting operations in 1967 with a relatively small set up of 37 staff, MIDA has grown to become a solid and dynamic organisation of over 700 employees. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 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, TikTok and YouTube channel.

Media Contact

MIDA:

Mr. Nazuki Abdullah
Director, Transportation Technology Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603- 2267 6688

Sun Bus Tech Chooses Johor To Establish Its Headquarters, The First Ever Body Manufacturing & Assembly Facility

Venture into e-mobility in line with Ni Hsin’s drive toward environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda

Kuala Lumpur, 22 November 2022 – Ni Hsin EV Tech Sdn Bhd (“NH EV TECH”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Main Market-listed Ni Hsin Group Berhad (formerly known as Ni Hsin Resources Berhad (“Ni Hsin” or the “Group”; Bursa: NIHSIN, 7215), today launched its TAILG EBIXON EV Motorcycles (“TAILG EV Motorcycles”). The Company unveiled two models of its TAILG EV Motorcycles in the personal and commercial categories: the TAILG EBIXON BOLD and TAILG EBIXON TORQ. These TAILG EV Motorcycles are imported and assembled at the Company’s manufacturing facilities in Seri Kembangan, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, commented that, “The production or assembly activities of Ni Hsin reflects the competitiveness of our local company at presenting themselves as one of the innovative leaders of electric vehicles. This is also in line with the Government’s commitment in developing the EV technology ecosystem as outlined in the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020.”

“Despite thriving to positioning Malaysia as a Regional Hub for the production of EV, the country is also heading towards the aspiration of reducing the carbon emission from vehicles. As highlighted in the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2023, the government is promoting the use of EVs and other low-carbon transportation choices to lower greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in the country and aiming to be a significant participant in the regional electric mobility market from 2030 onwards.”, added Datuk Wira Arham.

Malaysia is a strategic and ideal sustainable investment destination for investors of electric vehicles (EV) related industries to enter the Southeast Asia market. To encourage the use of EVs, the government is providing incentives in the form of direct and indirect tax relief for the assembly or manufacturing of electric vehicles, parts and the development of EV ecosystems such as charging facilities. Leading by example, the government is also expected to adopt EVs in government and government-linked company (GLC) fleets.

Mr. Khoo Chee Kong, Managing Director of NH EV TECH, said, “We cannot emphasise the importance of our collaboration and cooperation with Dongguan Tailing Motor Vehicle Co., Ltd, which has been instrumental in realising such a breakthrough. We envisage a significant surge in demand for EV motorcycles in Malaysia and the ASEAN region in the near term. Our target is to sell 15,000 units of TAILG EBIXON EV Motorcycles a year over the next three (3) years. We have signed a Memorandum of Agreements with several esteemed organisations to assist us in the marketing, promoting and distribution of TALG EV Motorcycles.”

In light of global warming, EV motorcycle makes perfect sense. The pandemic has brought about a spike in e-commerce and hence the demand for delivery services. EV motorcycles are more energy efficient as they convert 77 percent of electrical energy from the grid. The running cost and maintenance of EV motorcycles are 70 percent cheaper than ICE motorcycles. Environmentally beneficial businesses could expect to reap huge dividends.

The carbon markets turn CO2 emissions into a commodity by giving it a price. These emissions fall into one of two categories: carbon credits or carbon offsets, and they can be bought and sold on a carbon market. In the case of the manufacture and sale of EV motorcycles, an organisation generates a carbon offset which can be sold to other companies to reduce their carbon footprint. The country’s stock exchange marketplace, Bursa Malaysia, will open a voluntary carbon market (VCM) exchange by the end of 2022. These will help boost transparency and allow entities to buy carbon credits to offset their emissions. The new Bursa Malaysia VCM exchange will boost investments in high-quality offsetting projects such as planting trees or shifting to cleaner fuels.

From 2020 to June 2022, MIDA approved 25 projects worth RM10.69 billion to expand EV and its related ecosystems. The investments are channelled into EV parts and components manufacturing and assembly.

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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 Malaysia’s manufacturing and services sectors. Starting operations in 1967 with a relatively small set up of 37 staff, MIDA has grown to become a solid and dynamic organisation of over 700 employees. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 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, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About Ni Hsin
NI HSIN EV TECH SDN. BHD. (NH EV TECH) is wholly-owned subsidiary of NI HSIN GROUP BERHAD, a public company listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia Stock Exchange. NH EV TECH is in the business of manufacturing, assembling, promoting and marketing of all kinds of electric vehicles (EV) and accessories and development of concepts, facilities and fittings using EV battery systems for the delivery industry. The focus of NH EV TECH is in smart mobility and its applications with safer and more efficient charging in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly model.

Media Contact

MIDA:
Mr. Nazuki Abdullah
Director, Transportation Technology Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603- 2267 6688

Ni Hsin:
Ms. Jazzmin Wan
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +60 17-289 4110

Ni Hsin Launches Electric Vehicle Motorcycles in Malaysia

Penang, 14 November 2022 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI) today released the AMMI Medical Device Industry Status and Outlook 2021/2022 Report for the first time in Penang. This year’s Report highlights Malaysia’s medical device industry’s remarkable resilience in the face of COVID-19 pandemic challenges.

According to AMMI’s analysis, 10 (ten) out of the top thirty (30) global medical technology companies have established manufacturing footprints here. Along with Puerto Rico, Ireland and Costa Rica, Malaysia is now regarded as one of the world’s top offshore manufacturing hubs for medical devices. Today, close to 300 medical device manufacturing companies make up Malaysia’s vibrant medical device industry, undertaking a variety of activities ranging from regional headquarters and manufacturing to research and development (R&D).

During the press conference, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) highlighted “Since 2015, AMMI has collaborated closely with MIDA to foster the development of the country’s medical device industry, and it has made it a priority to help its members to have a positive experience operating their businesses in Malaysia. AMMI has continued to be the primary conduit for investor facilitation for its members notwithstanding the industry’s difficulties. AMMI has helped the industry’s major companies organise training programmes, which have benefitted 2,647 Malaysians and increased their chances of securing better jobs.”

“AMMI’s optimism in Malaysia’s future has led to deeper ties between the two organisations, AMMI is among MIDA’s closest strategic partners. AMMI has helped promote Malaysia as a prospective investment destination in this region and Asia, attracting the attention of major international firms in the medical device industry. MIDA also plays the role of mediator between the companies and local regulators, ensuring the quality standards and requirements match the global demand,” added Datuk Wira Arham.

AMMI Chairman, Mr Andy Lee, expressed “Malaysia will continue to attract more foreign direct investment in medical device manufacturing with the Ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) recently. AMMI believes that the industry has the potential to scale even further and capitalise on the global medical device market, which is expected to reach USD745 billion by 2030. In the pandemic era, AMMI members’ investment levels in Malaysia continued to grow, signalling their unwavering confidence in Malaysia. 63 per cent of our members indicate future development plans, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. The best is yet to come.”

Demonstrating confidence in Malaysia’s viability as a MedTech hub, AMMI members have continuously increased their investments year after year. AMMI survey respondents plan to invest a collective amount of RM1.4 billion in expansion, RM389 million in new products and RM158 million in new research and development (R&D)/centre of excellence (COE) and Industry 4.0.

According to the report, AMMI members collectively sourced RM3.92 billion of raw materials and services from local suppliers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the country. To strengthen the medical device ecosystem by achieving supply chain resilience, AMMI will organise the inaugural Malaysia MedTech Industry Summit on 1 December 2022 in Penang. The summit will serve as a platform for local suppliers to connect with medical device manufacturers.

Reflecting Malaysia’s long-term growth, MIDA will continue to work with reputable associations such as AMMI to ensure the nation remains welcoming for more investors as it pursues to roll-out game-changing measures while attracting high-quality investments that generate high-income jobs, increase export value and strengthen Malaysia’s domestic supply chain ecosystem .

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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, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI)
Persatuan Industri Perubatan Malaysia
马来西亚医疗器械行业协会

Since its establishment in 1989, the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI) has been recognised as the voice of Malaysia’s medical device industry. AMMI’s vision is to make Malaysia the preferred global manufacturing and services location for medical technology. AMMI is represented by 84 members of reputable multi-national and local companies involved in developing and manufacturing medical device products, equipment, and services in Malaysia for the healthcare industry. Collectively, AMMI’s members account for over 50% of the country’s total export revenue for medical devices, employing more than 39,000 workforces.

Sejak penubuhan pada tahun 1989, Persatuan Industri Perubatan Malaysia (AMMI) telah diiktiraf sebagai suara industri peranti perubatan Malaysia. Visi persatuan adalah membina Malaysia sebagai salah satu pusat pembuatan dan perkhidmatan sedunia bagi industri teknologi perubatan.

AMMI mewakili 84 ahli syarikat bertaraf dunia termasuk multi-nasional dan syarikat tempatan dalam aktiviti pembangunan dan pembuatan peranti perubatan di Malaysia untuk dibekalkan kepada industry kesihatan sedunia. Eksport keseluruhan ahli AMMI mewakili lebih 50% eksport peranti perubatan di Malaysia dan menggaji lebih daripada 39,000 pekerja.

马来西亚医疗器械行业协会创会于1989年，是马来西亚医疗器械行业业者的代表。协会的目标是促进马来西亚成为全球医疗科技的制造与服务基地。
马来西亚医疗器械行业协会有84名会员公司，代表国际和本地的医疗器械厂商。会员公司的医疗器械总出口量超过马来西亚医疗器械一半的总出口量。马来西亚医疗器械行业协会的会员公司也为业界提供了超过三万九千个工作机会。

For more information, please contact:

MIDA :
Puan Azlina Hamdan
Director, Life Sciences & Medical Technology Division
Tel: 03-2267 3791
Email: [email protected]

AMMI :
Mr. Andy Lee李光明
Chairman
Tel: +6019 – 3833 157

Mr. CS Ching 庄骏雄
Executive Director
Tel : +6012 – 4766 558
Email : [email protected]

MIDA and AMMI Launched Medical Device Industry Status & Outlook 2021-2022 Report – Malaysia Dazzles as a World Leader in Medical Device

PENANG, MALAYSIA (14 Nov 2022) – Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX), a global leader in medical device technology, today unveiled a new expansion of its operations in Batu Kawan, Penang. The expansion is expected to enable approximately 300 jobs in the coming years and includes a 110,000 square foot global distribution center.

In support of the company’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in all manufacturing and key distribution sites by 2030, the new facility will be partially powered by solar panels and use a power monitoring system for energy efficiency. Additionally, the new facility includes a rainwater harvesting system for indoor and outdoor use. Combined, these initiatives form part of a strategy for the facility to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification in the near future.

The global distribution center was ceremonially opened by Penang Chief Minister, the Right Honourable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow. Joining him at the event was the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, as well as Special Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang, Dato Seri Lee Kah Choon, and InvestPenang Chief Executive Officer, Dato Loo Lee Lian.

“In 2017, the first Boston Scientific manufacturing facility in Asia was opened in Penang,” said the Right Honourable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow. “Today, the state is proud to be selected as the location for the company’s first global distribution center in the region. This expansion has greatly demonstrated the dynamic and supportive ecosystem the state holds, which enables companies to deepen roots and widen portfolios in Penang and across Asia. The state, via InvestPenang and other agencies, strives to uphold our competitive edge, which is buoyed by 50 years of excellence, towards greater potential going forward.”

The new facility is the third global distribution center for the company and the first located in Asia, shipping medical devices within Malaysia and around the world. In addition to manufacturing roles, the site will employ professionals in knowledge-intensive regional supply chain roles such as planning, logistics, customer care and equipment service repair. As such, Penang will be key to the company’s global supply chain network, serving as a hub for Asia Pacific markets and supporting ongoing global business continuity and resilience.

“The unveiling of the new Boston Scientific distribution facility will strengthen the company’s position as a global services hub in this region,” said Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman. “This reaffirms Malaysia as a strategic location to support the company’s end-to-end supply chain operations, from managing procurement and sales to the worldwide distribution of highly regulated medical devices. Malaysia is an ideal location for multinational corporations such as Boston Scientific to better manage and serve their customers and global supply chain networks due to its well-developed infrastructure and availability of a dynamic and skilled workforce.”

Boston Scientific has had a strong manufacturing presence in Penang for over five years. More than 7 million medical devices have been produced at the site this year, including diagnostic and therapeutic technologies such as biopsy forceps, balloon angioplasty products and laser fibers.

“This expansion builds on our end-to-end supply chain expertise in Penang and reflects our commitment to supply life-changing technology to customers in Asia Pacific and across the globe,” said Paudie O’Connor, senior vice president, Supply Chain at Boston Scientific. “In addition to the investment in this new global distribution center, we continue to invest in fostering a workplace in Penang where all employees can find opportunities to grow in their careers.”

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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. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 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, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About InvestPenang
InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realize its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention) and i4.0 seed fund (a catalyst for the startup ecosystem). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook ; LinkedIn.

About Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world. As a global medical technology leader for more than 40 years, we advance science for life by providing a broad range of high performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare. For more information, visit www.bostonscientific.com and connect on Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contacts

Boston Scientific Expands Operations In Penang

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 November 2022 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) hosted the 3rd Journalist Programme, which featured an expert panel discussion titled “Shifting the Paradigm: Enhancing Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) For Sustainable Economic Growth”. The session aimed to highlight the importance of DDI in contributing towards the country’s economic growth and to dispel the widespread misconception that the Government prioritises promotion to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In reality, the Government places equal importance on attracting both FDI and DDI.

MIDA Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman in delivering his welcoming remarks emphasised the importance of DDI to the local economy. “For the past 10 years (2012-2021), FDI contributed 35.8 per cent or RM761.7 billion, while domestic sources accounted for 64.2 per cent or RM1,364.6 billion in all sectors of the economy. In absolute terms, the services sector saw the highest level of approved investments (RM1.2 trillion), followed by manufacturing sector (RM818.4 billion) and primary sector (RM103.7 billion). We must understand that FDI is only one part of the equation, and a strong domestic industry and ecosystem are also important. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) complement one another. They arise from the same market conditions: a competitive, equitable, stable business and regulatory climate. Strong domestic demand results in more DDI and a healthy DDI is essential for successful FDI.”

The interactive session was moderated by Group Chief Economist/Head of AmBank Research, Dr. Anthony Dass, with panellists comprising, Senior Executive Director of Investment Policy Advocacy of MIDA, Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Director and Head of Research of MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd, Mr. Imran Yassin Md. Yusof, Founder and Managing Director of CG Global Profastex Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., Ms. Siti Padillah Abdul Wahab, and Strategic Advisor of ViTrox, Mr. Lim Wei Yee.

In kicking-off the panel discussion, moderator Dr. Anthony Dass stated his confidence that Malaysia will enjoy a thriving economy in 2023 despite the backdrop of a challenging global economic outlook. “The country is experiencing growth with more jobs, higher wages, stable inflation, and sound public finances and anticipates steady growth in DDI as borders reopen, healthy consumer spending, and more inflow of FDI.” he added. Panellist Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim highlighted “MIDA has formulated and executed strategic programmes to continue facilitating the establishment and expansion of multinational corporations (MNCs) and local large companies (LLCs) as well as mid-tier companies in Malaysia. Equipped with a structured and completed ecosystem in various industries, we promote strategic collaborations between domestic companies with MNCs and LLCs to become part of local supply chains with technological capabilities. To date, MIDA has managed to engage with over 30 MNCs and LLCs which involved more than 150 potential local suppliers.”

MIDA has been proactive in creating opportunities for domestic companies and mitigating gaps in the supply chain. Such initiatives have helped develop and upgrade domestic companies and encouraged them to adopt new technologies, smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 practices. The new Digital Transformation Ecosystem (DTE) has enabled to realise such aspiration to integrate such an advantage into the production processes. Investors should see disruptive technology as an opportunity rather than a threat, and the results speak for themselves. For instance, the MIDA-PERODUA DTE programme is indeed a success story to train and upgrade the carmaker’s vendors through modern technology.

Another panellist Mr. Imran Yassin, Director and Head of MIDF Research asserted “Reviving DDI was crucial in raising the economy’s productive capacity, accelerating technological progress, creating employment opportunities and expanding exports with the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). As Malaysia becomes the ninth country to ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), businesses will benefit to further contribute to the Malaysia’s recovery.”

Ms. Siti Padillah, the Founder and Managing Director of CG Global Profastex Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. shared that her company, a contract manufacturer in the electronics industry, has propelled itself as a key player in the E&E sector with MIDA’s assistance over the years. She also expressed her hope that MIDA could help to facilitate local companies as well as CG Global to align with the country’s principles of
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and National Investment Aspirations (NIA), which in turn ensure the country’s long-term growth. “Now, we are able to collaborate with universities and technical schools to develop dedicated programmes for future hybrid talents.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Lim Wei Yee, the Strategic Advisor of ViTrox Corp Bhd said “Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing and manufacturing-related services sectors play major roles in building the nation’s industry ecosystem and the incentives provided by the Government have helped to turn some local companies into global players. MIDA’s dedicated unit named Domestic Investment Coordination Platform (DICP) had provided the needed support to bridge the link between businesses and funding, technologies and research capability.”

Moving forward, MIDA will continue to intensify efforts to increase DDI to strengthen the country’s economic recovery with the country transitioning to the endemic phase. Amidst global economic headwinds, MIDA will continue to create a conducive business ecosystem to ensure the sustainability of business and overall economic growth.

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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 Malaysia’s manufacturing and services sectors. 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, TikTok and YouTube channels.

Media Enquiries:

Ms. Fatmah Ahmad
Director, Corporate Communications Division, MIDA
Email : [email protected] | T: +603 2267 2428

MIDA Emphasised the Importance of DDI and Its Aggressive Facilitation to The Domestic Players to Create A Sustainable Economic Growth

Kuala Lumpur, 29 November 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in collaboration with Intel Malaysia and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), successfully organised a virtual launching of the Intel Artificial Intelligence for Universities (AI4U) Programme today. The event is a continuation of Intel’s pilot Artificial Intelligence for SMEs (AI4S) Programme, launched earlier in January 2021.

The AI4U Programme is an initiative that is set out to introduce an ‘AI-based machine vision’ to the university community. Parallel to the Malaysian Government’s aspirations of preparing the country and its youths for the future, the programme supports the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) to advance digital economy, normalise digitalisation for inclusive development, accelerate Research, Development, Commercialisation and Innovation, as well as to capitalise on emerging technologies.

As a commitment under the recently tabled Budget 2022 to improve the quality of education, the AI4U Programme is a testament to Intel Malaysia’s continuous commitment in bridging the gap between the needs of the industry and the supply of young local talents. This is expected to benefit young graduates and the underprivileged further through technical and vocational education and training.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Investment Promotion and Facilitation, MIDA, emphasised the importance of cultivating an ‘AI mindset’ among university graduates, especially those without a background in computer science. Effectively, the programme is expected to shatter the traditional notion that AI is only for ‘techies’.

“I am confident that this initiative developed by MIDA, Intel and MPC will serve as a catalyst to the local universities and education centres in proactively creating a new generation of AI-savvy Malaysians who are primed to propel the nation towards achieving Industry 4.0,” he said.

Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy further expressed his hopes that the AI4U Programme will also inspire other MNCs in Malaysia to emulate Intel’s goodwill in contributing back to the talent ecosystem in Malaysia, not only on the prospects of increasing talent capabilities overall but the enhancing of their own value proposition as well.

MIDA has stepped up its efforts in preparing local talents for future jobs, sharpening the country’s competitive edge to become the preferred investment destination. Being the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency, MIDA has been collaborating with academic institutions, policymakers, and industry players to undertake initiatives that will drive the right skilling and continuous technology grading of the local talents.

To drive this is Intel, a leader in artificial intelligence solutions, specialising in both software and hardware. The renowned company has a well-documented passion towards connecting its partners together in technology and knowledge exchanges, thus aiding in the development of the local manufacturing ecosystem in Malaysia. Intel will be supporting the programme by laying the groundwork for these modules to be executed, including training to the lecturers.

“The AI4U programme is yet another collaborative initiative between Intel, MIDA and MPC to prepare our future workforce for the AI world, after the launch of the AI for SMEs (A14S) and AI for Youth (AI4Y) programs. It has been inspiring to work together with MIDA and MPC to address the AI gap in Malaysia, and through programs such as AI4U, we hope to bring AI technology and knowledge to all students regardless of their specialisation, as part of our overall goal of equipping a wider segment of the population with AI skills”, Aik Kean (AK) Chong, the Managing Director of Intel Malaysia commented.

At the enterprise, sectoral and national levels, the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) has organised programmes aimed at catering to the country’s needs for highly-skilled and well-trained human capital. This is to steer a new workforce generation towards higher-value and knowledge-based activities, subsequently fulfilling the nation’s aspiration to become an advanced economy.

YBhg. Dato’ Abdul Latif Hj. Abu Seman, Director General of MPC, said along with MIDA & Intel, this AI4U program is a follow-up program from the success of our AI Machine Vision for SMEs, also known as AI4S. As the Operational Partner of this AI4U Project, MPC will be managing the entire training process with technical support from Intel.

“With the introduction of AI4U program, MPC is confident that the academic community will gain as much knowledge as possible on AI-based machine vision technologies and its applications. MPC is delighted to be a part of this program together with MIDA and Intel Malaysia,” added Dato’ Latif.

This launch featured a line-up of 5 public and private universities namely, Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU). These institutions were awarded with Intel’s AI Kits needed to establish their respective AI Labs and will serve to empower students of all faculties to learn and adopt AI-based machine vision systems.

The representatives of each university, from chancellors to presidents and deans, welcomed the programme, citing not only how it will benefit their respective institutions but the prospects of raising an AI-conscious generation. Considering the normalisation of AI across multiple industries, the universiti representatives expressed their confidence that the AI4U programme is the way forward for Malaysian youths and their gratitude for being the institutions chosen to partake in the programme.

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About Intel

Intel Malaysia was the first offshore site for Intel Corporation, with more than RM22 billion invested since 1972. Today, Intel Malaysia employs more than 12,000 employees including the country’s largest design and development centre and one of only two Intel shared services hubs supporting HR, Finance, Procurement, IT, and Supply Chain operations to Intel sites globally. Intel Malaysia is also Intel’s largest assembly and test manufacturing site that produces Intel’s latest products utilizing smart manufacturing techniques.

© Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

About Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)

Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). MPC promotes productivity, quality and competitiveness to the industries and organisations in Malaysia. MPC’s vision is to be the leading organisation in productivity enhancement for global competitiveness and innovation.

About Malaysian Investment Development Authority (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 or media queries, please contact:

Intel
Tripti Dahiya (Ms.)
PR Manager – Southeast Asia
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +65 84366612

MIDA
Aizah Abdullah (Ms.)
Industry Talent Management and Expatriate MIDA
Email: [email protected] Tel: 03-2267 3529

Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)
Lee Wan Wei (Ms.)
Productivity & Competitiveness Development
Email: [email protected] Tel: 03-7955 7266

Intel Artificial Intelligence For Universities (AI4U) Programme Empowers Tertiary Students With Future-Ready AI Capabilities

Kuala Lumpur 24 November 2021 — Turkish Aerospace opened its new office at the Cyberview Futurise campus in Selangor, Malaysia today. This is the company’s first engineering and design office in Southeast Asia.

Turkish Aerospace will continue its investments and collaborations in Malaysia for the development of new generation technologies, particularly in the field of defense industry and aviation. As one of the leading companies in the global aviation industry, it has expanded its reach further by establishing more than 10 technology offices around the world.

In this collaboration, Turkish and Malaysian engineers will work in the new office to carry out joint studies in a variety of areas which includes unmanned aerial vehicles, jet trainers, helicopter projects, and modernisation programmes for the global aviation ecosystem.

Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who officiated the opening, said: “The opening of Turkish Aerospace’s first engineering and design office in Malaysia is opportune for us to look at how we can synergise our joint expertise to secure workflow for the benefit of the Turkish and Malaysian aerospace industry. Turkey has one of the fastest developing defence and aerospace sectors in the world and has achieved many firsts for the Muslim world.”

The Senior Minister also said that the bilateral linkages between Malaysia and Turkey have continued to grow from strength to strength, noting that talks between Malaysia and Turkey on the expansion of FTA have made substantial progress.

Echoing the Senior Minister, Dato’ Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) shared, “Turkish Aerospace’s footprint in Malaysia will enhance Malaysia’s aerospace ecosystem, which has the right value proposition for the company to expand its presence in ASEAN and beyond, particularly in the manufacturing and high-end services sector. The competitive cost of doing business in Malaysia will undoubtedly be beneficial for both parties to raise the nation’s local expertise as well as certification status.”

Expressing his views on the newly opened office, Turkish Aerospace’s CEO and President, Prof. Temel Kotil said, “With the engineers we will employ, we will strengthen the ties between the two countries and host important studies for Malaysia and Turkey to develop joint projects in the field of aviation, space and defense. We aim to expand our experience in these fields within the scope of joint projects with Malaysia and to strengthen the global aviation industry, especially in our regions. I hope our newly opened office in Malaysia will be beneficial in raising the relations between the two countries, and I would like to thank my friends for their efforts.”

Dr. Merve Kavakcı, Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia, said: “I hope that the physical presence of the Turkish Aerospace, one of the leading companies in our country in aerospace and defence will be mutually beneficial for the relations between our two countries. We are pleased to see that Turkish defense industry companies are engaged in many solid cooperation projects in different parts of the world. In fact, today’s opening is a good  example of this. We have strong political and commercial relations with Malaysia. We are resolutely seeking for further progress through new collaborations in the field of defense industry. Malaysia is our largest trading and strategic partner in Southeast Asia. Just like our country, it is located in a very strategic position. Today’s opening demonstrates that Turkish companies are confident  about  strong, stable and prosperous Malaysia.”

The Malaysian Government will continue to focus on attracting high-quality investments within the aerospace industry. As per the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), being the leading aerospace nation in Southeast Asia is one of the country’s focuses, serving a broader objective of achieving Malaysia’s National Investment Aspirations (NIA) and Sustainable Development Goals.

As of June 2021, a total of 13 manufacturing projects with Turkish participation have been approved with total investments of RM510.4 million.

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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.

About Turkısh Aerospace

Turkish Aerospace is the center of technology in design, development, manufacturing, integration of aerospace systems, modernisation and after sales support in Turkey.  Located in Ankara, Turkish Aerospace production plant covers an area of 4 million square meters with an industrial facility of 640,000 square meters under its roof. The company has a modern aircraft facility furnished with high technology machinery and equipment that provide extensive manufacturing capabilities ranging from parts manufacturing to aircraft assembly, flight tests and delivery.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Zahirul Ishak (Mr)
Director of Transport Technology Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 6621

Gokhan Timurhan (Mr)
Chief of Digital and Media Relations
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Turkish Aerospace Opens New Office In Malaysia, Further Strengthening Investments And Collaborations In The Nation’s Aviation Industry

Kuala Lumpur, 11 November 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which both parties will collaborate to promote technology adoption and global best practices among Malaysian construction industry players in order to raise the standards and competitiveness of the sector.

The MoU signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA, Dato’ Arham Abdul Rahman, and the Chief Executive (CE) of CIDB, Datuk Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid commits for cooperative engagement for the next 5 years. It aims to strengthen the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan, in-line with the Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama (WKB) 2030 and the National Policy on Industry 4.0 (Industry4WRD). The MoU will also see both parties cooperating to enhance the areas of policy development and advocacy; research and development, training, and promotion of Industrialised Building Systems (IBS); Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) and Construction Revolution 4.0 (CR4.0) technologies; green initiatives and building materials quality; as well as investment promotion in relevant sectors.

Dato’ Arham remarked, “Both MIDA and CIDB have entered a new cooperative partnership with the signing of an additional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to maximise production output, increase investments, improve quality, and practise sustainability in the manufacturing, services and construction sectors.”

“We aim to assist the construction industry to increase the use of IBS through digitisation and adopt industry 4.0 technology, apart from adhering to construction material standards compliance in Malaysia. Industries are encouraged to work on sustainable practices of environmental, social and governance (ESG) towards enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness. We are here to advise on IBS incentives, green initiatives and building materials compliance, research and development, training, and promotion efforts.” added Dato’ Arham.

“CIDB is looking forward to collaborating with MIDA as our strategic partner to enhance the adoption of IBS, IR4.0, CR4.0, and sustainability including ESG, as we have a common purpose of raising the Malaysian construction industry’s quality and competitiveness to be on par globally,” said Datuk Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid, CE of CIDB.

The MOU was signed during the ‘CR4.0 Conference 2021’ with the theme “Building Construction Landscape through Big Data Supply Chain”, held virtually in conjunction with the annual International Construction Week (ICW2021) and ASEAN Super 8 from 9 to 11 November 2021. The conference, launched by YB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadilah Bin Haji Yusof, Senior Minister of Works, was attended by 300 participants with 15 speakers, panellists and moderators from industry players, academicians, researchers, and students throughout the Southeast Asia region.

In the recent 5 years, MIDA has approved a total of 56 IBS projects for manufacturing license valuing at RM4.5 billion in investments with 4,521 in employment opportunities including skilled positions for engineers, specialised quality controllers and highly skilled technicians.

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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 an active 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.

About CIDB Malaysia

The Construction Industry Development Board was established under the Construction Industry Development Act (Act 520) to develop the capacity and capability of the construction industry through enhancement of quality and productivity by placing great emphasis on professionalism, innovation and knowledge in the endeavor to improve the quality of life.

Media contact:

MIDA
Ms. Najihah Abas
Director of Building Technology and Lifestyle Division, MIDA
Tel.: 03- 2267 6717
Email: [email protected]

CIDB Malaysia
Ms. Noryani Ismail
General Manager
Corporate Communication Division
CIDB Malaysia
Tel.: 03-4047 7027
Email: [email protected]

MIDA and CIDB Renew Collaboration with New MOU to Promote Investments in The Industrialised Building System (IBS)

Kuala Lumpur, 30 November 2020 – The volatile global economy, afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has impelled most countries to implement assertive strategies to remain sturdy in economic well-being. Malaysia, as an open trading nation is not spared from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, more so on industrial productivity, supply chains and growth plans of many businesses. Bank Negara Malaysia predicts the 2020 GDP to be in the range of -3.5% and -5.5%. However, with the anticipated improvement in global growth and trade, given the gradual normalisation in economic activities, Malaysia projects a rebound of over 6% in 2021 with resilient fundamentals and well-diversified economy.

As the country steers to weather the on-going pandemic while capturing technical bounces in the economic recovery, the Government has undertaken several proactive measures to enable high potential investors and business travellers, whose numbers are relatively not large, and existing investors to enter the country to secure investments and build investor confidence. Hence, to attract more investments into Malaysia and sustain its position as the preferred investment destination in the region, the Government has established a One Stop Centre (OSC) for Business Travellers on 2 October 2020 to ease the movement of business travellers by expediting the approval of their entry to do business in Malaysia.

MIDA manages the OSC for Business Travellers with support from the Immigration Department of Malaysia (IMI), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and other relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the legitimacy and health status of business travellers before they enter into Malaysia. This Centre assumes a critical role in ensuring that Malaysia remains steady on the path of economic recovery and growth, by enabling business travellers’ movement to do their business/work in Malaysia.

The OSC Committee evaluates and approves two (2) types of business travellers, namely Long Term Business Travellers where their stay in the country is more than 14 days and Short Term Business Travellers for a stay of 14 days or less. The meeting is held daily on five (5) working days every week, while a decision for each applicant is made within three (3) working days upon receiving complete information.

As at 27 November 2020, the OSC Committee has received a total of 2,564 applications and 2,448 applications were recommended for approval. These Business Travellers include businessmen and technical experts providing technical advisory services and installation commissioning of the machinery and equipment.

MIDA is working closely with the Immigration Department of Malaysia and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad to enhance the MyEntry System to further facilitate the Entry Permission applications of Business Travellers. This includes the establishment of a Business Traveller Centre (BTC) at KLIA which will provide the services of Duty Officers/ Liaison Officers and a COVID-19 testing laboratory; and a dedicated website containing information and advisory services to facilitate the entry of business travellers into Malaysia. An announcement will be issued soon upon the completion of Business Travellers Centre.

Currently, MIDA is in consultation with Business Travellers from 136 potential multinational companies that will require the assistance of the OSC in the near future.

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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:

Ms. Aizah Abdullah 

Director, Industry Talent Management and Expatriate Division 

Tel: 03-2267 3529 | E-mail: [email protected]

One Stop Centre for Business Travellers “Welcoming Investors, Keeping You Safe”

Kuala Lumpur, 25 November 2020 – GD Express Carrier Bhd (GDEX), through its wholly-owned subsidiary GD Express Sdn. Bhd. (GDSB), announced the expansion of its warehouses, distribution centres and transportation fleet to cater to the tremendous increase in order volumes following to the booming of Malaysia’s e-commerce market. The project is scheduled to commence on 1 November 2020 and is expected to create more than 1,000 employment opportunities for Malaysians.

Further expanding the existing capacity, GDEX Group also intends to diversify its information technology (IT) infrastructure systems to efficiently support its operation in the regions for the next five (5) years. This novel system will include the future use of DeKAT (Social Commerce Supply Chain) to extend the logistics services and create a seamless supply chain facility to the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), social entrepreneurs and fulfilment houses; KITA (Last Mile Delivery Platform) an efficient hybrid model to provide 5,000 sustainable gig economy opportunities; and R’MADA (Fleet Operation as well as Maintenance Platform and System) to increase productivity and efficiency of fleet management.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said “E-commerce has been the fastest growing sector in the global trade landscape and assumed to be an integral component in enabling the growth of supply chain industry. While Malaysia continues to create a pro-business environment, GDEX expansion and diversification will complement the logistical infrastructure in providing seamless and reliable services to e-commerce and e-fulfilment activities.”

Since its inception in March 1996, GDEX Group through GDSB has been developing feasible IT solutions to support e-commerce activities such as myGDEX. It is an online shipping platform to enhance customer’s delivery experience; cloud-based call centre and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) support to allow companies deploying call centre at any strategic area within Malaysia. It also includes the GDEX mobile apps for courier which will enable couriers to update the status of pick-up and delivery on a real-time basis; e-wallet payment acceptance and GDEX e-commerce integration which provides seamless integration with online stores such as WOO Commerce, Magento, opencart, NET SHOP, payex and unicart.

GDSB has been granted with tax incentive by MIDA to carry out Integrated Logistics Services (ILS) activities as an expansion project and e-commerce/e-fulfillment diversity project. The Government through MIDA provides incentive to encourage logistics companies to undertake logistics operation in an integrated manner, to adopt technology in their operations and to position themselves as regional e-Fulfilment hub providers in Malaysia. For the period of January to September 2020, MIDA has approved a total of seven (7) ILS projects worth RM708.9 million, including two related to the e-commerce/e-fulfillment projects.

“The ILS incentive came in timely as a catalyst for the Group to embark on the programmes in improving, expanding and innovate its operations and products offerings. It enables us to strengthen our logistical support facilities and capabilities,” said Tan Sri Muhammad bin Ibrahim, Chairman of GDEX. “This incentive will motivate us to continue with our vision to become an ASEAN courier and e-logistic company. The ILS incentive would also contribute positively to our effort to tighten up our operations and improve service quality. MIDA’s support and facilitation to the business community will go a long way in promoting a strong, resilient and reliable courier and logistics industry for the country.”

MIDA will continue to facilitate companies in their project implementations which subsequently help to chart the growth and development of the e-commerce sector; in result, positioning Malaysia as the Regional e-Fulfillment Hub.

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For more information, please contact:

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 GDEX

Established in 1996, GDEX provides integrated logistics services for both domestic and international B2B, B2C and C2C markets in Malaysia. Supported by more than 600 network points, 1,300 vehicles and 4,400 employees, the company provides, among others, next day express courier service, customised delivery solution, international shipping, digitized shipping platform and warehouse fulfillment to a diversified customer base. After many years of continuous growth in Malaysia, GDEX diversified into South East Asia (SEA) region with first investment in Singapore in 2005, Indonesia in 2016 and Vietnam in 2019. The Group now employs almost 9,000 workforces across the region to build up its regional network. The strong partnership with Yamato Holdings Co, Ltd (GDEX’s 2nd largest shareholder) will enable both parties to capitalise on each other’s strengths to tap into the most lucrative ASEAN markets.

To accelerate growth on the regional front, the Group embarks on aggressive digitalization initiatives to make itself a digital company. Currently, GDEX Malaysia employs approximately 50 IT personnel and 100 IT engineers in its associate company Web Bytes Sdn Bhd which provides cloud-based point of sale system and solution. 

GDEX Expansion and Diversification Accelerates Malaysia’s E-Commerce Logistics Growth

Malaysia-China Business Forum: “New Normal, New Opportunities”

Kuala Lumpur, 20 November 2020 — The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) successfully organised the ‘Malaysia-China Business Forum: New Normal, New Opportunities’ on 18 November 2020, in collaboration with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) and China Construction Bank (CCB). The guests of honour for the event included YB Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Deputy Minister of MITI; Hon. Mr. Li Chenggang, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Commerce, China; H.E. Raja Dato’ Nurshirwan Zainal Abidin, Ambassador of Malaysia to the People’s Republic of China; YBhg. Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA and Mr. Felix Feng, CEO of China Construction Bank, Malaysia.

The event was conducted in a hybrid format by combining online broadcast and on-site panel discussion in the three first-tier cities in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. It was successfully attended by 75 China companies on-site in China and received more than 2,600 online participation and viewers from the China and Malaysia business communities.

The event was a timely platform to update China stakeholders on Malaysia’s business environment and opportunities. Representatives from existing Chinese companies in Malaysia also shared their success stories and experiences in leveraging Malaysia as their global operations hub.

YB Datuk Lim Ban Hong, in his keynote address, commented on the need for mutually beneficial and sustainable growth partnerships. It is not only between China and Malaysia but also beyond to enable dynamic economic development, “The signing of the historic Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement is significant toward realising a free and open international economic order. It reflects our strong commitment to international trade, connectivity, rule-based multilateral trading systems and enhancing the free flow of trade and investments. Malaysia is also optimistic that RCEP can be used as one of the economic recovery tools against COVID-19. The implementation of this agreement will help to ensure the opening of markets as well as an uninterrupted supply chain, including the establishment of greater trade integration and diversifying of production networks with China.”

Malaysia continues to be a competitive location for manufacturing projects with participation from China. In the first nine months of 2020, a total of 740 manufacturing projects with investments valued at RM65.3 billion were approved. Of these, China recorded a total of RM16.8 billion (25.7%) in 58 projects.

Speaking on the investment opportunities in Malaysia, YBhg. Dato’ Azman Mahmud remarked, “The Government is strengthening Malaysia’s investment environment by introducing multiple economic stimulus plans and incentive measures to withstand the challenges brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic. We welcome Chinese companies to invest in Malaysia and expand our bilateral trade and investment, particularly high technology, knowledge and capital intensive, high value-added companies from China with a speciality in automated machines and robotics; aerospace and aeronautical; biopharma and medical devices; advanced information technology; new materials; and new energy vehicles and equipment. It will undoubtedly be instrumental in pushing our economic reformation despite the pandemic.”

China has remained among Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 11 continuous years, also representing the country’s top foreign direct investment source for four (4) consecutive years. Going forward, Malaysia, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, looks to strengthen regional connectivity with China to complement each other’s advantages and expand bilateral trade and investment. China-Malaysia trade relation will have a further step in the post-COVID era.

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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: shamsul @mida.gov.my 

Tel: +603 – 2267 6633

Malaysia Welcomes China Investments from High Technology, Knowledge and Capital Intensive Ventures

Kuala Lumpur, 19 November 2020 – BiON Group of Companies (BiON)has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SIRIM Tech Venture Sdn. Bhd. (STV) today as witnessed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in strengthening and promoting the growth of bio-energy ecosystem. The MOU aims to develop potentials in commercialisation of “Waste to Energy” (WTE) activities in ensuring sustainable waste management in the country. The MOU is a testament to MIDA’s efforts in promoting investment activities which are supportive to the sustainable development goals in Malaysia.

MIDA through its Domestic Investment Coordination Platform (DICP) unit has coordinated with BiON and STV in business to business (B2B) meetings to realise the establishment of a technical cooperation between the two companies. This collaboration includes the distribution of gas energy through a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) and the establishment of a bio-energy hub to monetise agricultural and industrial waste. Pilot tests will also be conducted on the production of Bio Natural Gas (BioNG) from existing biogas power plants and on other projects related to WTE in Malaysia and abroad.

The DICP unit in MIDA assists companies in bridging their technology and/or financial gaps, offers direct facilitation and engagement with technology providers and/or financial institutions, including private equity and venture capital firms.

“The collaboration brings together key local and international players from the bio-energy value chain to explore the opportunities and challenges as well as to chart the way forward for this industry. MIDA continues to provide the impetus for domestic and foreign direct investors in expanding their business portfolios and accelerate investments despites the challenging time due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dato’ Azman Mahmud, CEO of MIDA.

BiON has positioned itself as one of Malaysia’s most established waste-to-energy solutions providers and independent power producer (IPP) through the construction, operation and ownership of four biogas power plants which provide electricity to the Malaysian National Grid under the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) system. While it is the only company with biogas power plants operating two different systems in generating power through the treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME), BiON is also one of the only few fully-integrated service providers and operators in the country. Over the last 40 years, the principal operating company of the Group, BiON Sdn. Bhd. (BSB) has delivered numerous projects throughout Asia, including a World Bank funded project and a series of biogas capture facilities for FGV Palm Industries Sdn Bhd (FPI), a subsidiary of FGV Holdings Bhd (FGV) which is the world’s largest crude palm oil producer.

In supporting the biogas industry in Malaysia, SIRIM Tech Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (STV), a wholly owned commercialisation arm of SIRIM Berhad assumes a significant role in accelerating business commercialisation. SIRIM has developed innovative solutions for the production of biogas in upgrading its quality to become natural gas-like fuel or Bio-Natural Gas (BioNG) in complementing the bio-energy ecosystem.

STV has recently launched an integrated commercialisation platform known as TECH Ecosystem to encapsulate an effective ecosystem given the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), a methodology to determine technology maturity during the product development cycle. STV also offers potential investors to access technologies evaluation in its virtual database known as ‘Technology Docket” which is readily available for commercialization. Realising the importance of digitalisation in materialising a healthy ecosystem, STV will soon be releasing a new iVenture Apps for best customer experience.

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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.

For more information, please contact:

Nazuki Abdullah

Director, Domestic Investment & Supply Chain Coordination Division, MIDA

Tel.: 03- 2267 3744| Email: [email protected]

MIDA Bridging Collaboration on Waste-To-Energy Investment Ecosystem between BiON and SIRIM Tech Ventures Sdn Bhd (STV)

Kuala Lumpur, 9 November 2020 – Malaysia continues to be a competitive location for manufacturing projects. In the first nine months of 2020, a total of 740 projects worth RM65.3 billion were approved compared with RM56.0 billion in 669 projects in the corresponding period of 2019, representing an increase of 16.6 per cent in capital investments.

These newly approved investments are expected to create 51,172 jobs for the country. The jobs created include 1,040 electrical and electronic engineers, 963 mechanical engineers and 331 chemical engineers. In addition, the approved manufacturing projects will also require about 5,499 skilled craftsmen such as plant maintenance supervisors, tools and die makers, machinists, IT personnel, quality controllers, electricians and welders.

The total investments approved in the manufacturing sector were mainly in the petroleum products including petrochemicals (RM15.0 billion), basic metal products (RM14.5 billion), electrical and electronics (RM7.7 billion), machinery and equipment (RM5.8 billion), chemicals and chemical products (RM4.5 billion), food manufacturing (RM3.0 billion), transport equipment (RM3.0 billion) as well as scientific and measuring equipment (RM2.1 billion). These industries make up 85 per cent of total approved investments for the sector.

Compared to the corresponding period last year, domestic direct investment (DDI) in the manufacturing sector saw a leap of 45.5 per cent to RM25.9 billion during this period while the value of approved foreign direct investments (FDI) increased by 3.2 per cent to RM39.4 billion.

The states that recorded the highest total approved investments in the manufacturing sector for the period are Sarawak, Sabah, Pulau Pinang, Selangor and Johor. These states have collectively contributed RM51.3 billion.

Meanwhile, the leading sources of FDI for the period of January to September 2020 were China, Singapore, Switzerland, the USA, Netherlands, Thailand, Japan and Republic of Korea. These eight countries jointly accounted for 91.4 per cent or RM36.0 billion of the total FDI approved in the manufacturing sector.

A recent joint study by KPMG and The Manufacturing Institute in the USA entitled “Cost of Manufacturing Operations around the Globe” ranked Malaysia fourth among seventeen economies in an assessment comparing the economy’s competitiveness as a manufacturing hub. Evaluating a total of 23 cost factors that impact the cost of doing business (CoDB), the study validates Malaysia’s aspirations to become a global supply chain hub in the region.

In efforts to increase the ease of doing business for investors in Malaysia, the Government, through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has been intensifying its efforts to re-engineer its business processes to raise the efficiency of the organisation’s various functions. Among the initiatives that have been implemented include the PACU@MIDA or the Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit to provide end-to-end facilitation for all projects approved to enable the timely implementation of investments in the country; as well as online modules namely e-Manufacturing Licence (e-ML), e-Incentive and JPC Online Application to accelerate the necessary approvals for manufacturing licences, incentives and exemption of customs duties to expedite the execution of projects.

Despite the on-going international border closures and strict governmental standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place worldwide to contain the spread of COVID-19, MIDA continues to be responsive in providing advice and support to existing and potential investors, through its established footprint of 20 overseas and 12 regional offices. It has been at the forefront to entice investments through innovative and aggressive investment promotion activities. Most recently, a One-Stop-Centre (OSC) has been established at MIDA to evaluate applications of eligible business travellers to enter Malaysia for trade and investment purposes.

As the principal investment promotion and development agency of the country, MIDA prioritises the push for strategic collaborations between foreign and local companies to propel mutually beneficial outcomes such as the transfer of knowledge and expertise across industries as well as the development of resilient supply chains and support network. These are stepping stones to nurture Malaysian companies to become truly global champions.

Notable projects approved in the manufacturing sector for the first nine months of 2020 include LEM (Switzerland), Dexcom and Ultra Clean (USA) as well as Nippon Electric Glass (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (NEGM). NEGM is to increase its production capacity of glass tubing for pharmaceutical use by approximately 1,000 tons per month at its Shah Alam, Selangor facility. To date, NEG has invested more than RM6 billion in Malaysia on various products. Its latest RM200 million investment project reinforces Malaysia’s reputation as a sustainable and profitable investment destination for companies looking to do business in ASEAN and beyond.

MIDA has also been focused on attracting quality investments in capital-intensive, high-value added and high technology projects. This is reflected in the increase of the capital investment per employee (CIPE) ratio to RM1,276,774 in the first nine months of 2020 from RM1,039,769 during the same period last year.

Malaysia is committed to working hand in hand with investors, both local and foreign alike, to accelerate the transformation of Malaysia as an advanced nation with inclusive growth and development despite the economic climate. Through deliberate and targeted approaches, the Government will ensure that the Malaysian economy remains steady on a recover trajectory amidst this pandemic by providing a conducive and favourable environment to attract businesses.

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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:

Ms. Manjit Kaur 

Director, Corporate Communications Division, MIDA 

Email: [email protected] | DL: +603 2267 3509

Malaysia Continues to be a Vibrant Manufacturing Hub, Recording RM65.3 Billion of Approved Investments in the Manufacturing Sector for Jan – Sept 2020

Kuala Lumpur, 5 November 2020 – The Eppendorf Group, a leading German life science company, marked its 20 years footprint in Malaysia this year, moving into its new facility in Symphony Square, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Home to the Asia Pacific Headquarters of Eppendorf, Malaysia was selected as the first Asian country in 2008 to serve the Group’s operation in this part of the region. This shift speaks volumes of the confidence Eppendorf has in Malaysia.

“We are excited that Malaysia continues to be our base to serve Eppendorf’s clients in Southeast Asia and beyond. Therefore, and in order to continue further growing, we are very happy that we were able to move into the new facility at the Symphony Square,” said Eva van Pelt, Co-CEO of Eppendorf AG. “This newly integrated centre will be home to our shared services hub, covering functions such as IT, HR as well as Finance and Controlling, for the Group’s operations in the Asia Pacific (excluding China), Middle East and Africa. It is also home to the Southeast Asian sales and marketing operations of Eppendorf, and will enable us to support our customers in the region even better in the future.”

Further expanding the existing capacity, Eppendorf’s new office features a fully equipped demonstration area for Eppendorf products, a comprehensive on-site service and repair department as well as application laboratories and training areas. This centre is set up not only to host a broad group of the Eppendorf staff across the globe for annual training sessions on products and laboratory techniques, but it will also be open for customers to see and try out products in real laboratory settings, enhancing their overall customer experience.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) congratulated Eppendorf on their significant milestone in Malaysia, “The evolution of the Eppendorf’s activities in Malaysia is in line with our aspirations to transition into a knowledge-based economy. We are proud that this new hub will employ more than 50 life scientists, engineers and other specialists providing technical and scientific application support, business intelligence, sales and marketing support and shared services. MIDA is constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate with commendable companies such as Eppendorf that bring frontier products and technology to our country. With this new venture, we look forward to Eppendorf taking this strategic partnership with Malaysia to the next level, further leveraging on the existing investment ecosystem and facilities to grow your business in the region.”

Currently, Eppendorf products are in particularly high demand in COVID-19 testing laboratories and test kit manufacturing facilities. Research facilities working on vaccines also utilise a wide range of Eppendorf products such as pipettes, centrifuges, automated liquid handling, CO2 incubators, consumables, freezers, shakers and dispensers.

For the period of January to June 2020, MIDA has approved 17 medical devices manufacturing projects worth RM2.0 billion (USD 0.5 billion). As of 2019, a total of 402 medical devices projects with investments worth RM20.5 billion (USD 5.6 billion) have been implemented in Malaysia, creating more than 76,500 jobs for the country.

Dato’ Azman highlighted that Malaysia continues to be the choice investment location, despite the current global uncertainty, “As a diversified economy with world-class infrastructure, Malaysia provides tremendous business opportunities, especially for global companies seeking to access the wider market in the Asia Pacific region. Investors, such as Eppendorf, are increasingly taking note of our competitive advantages given the unprecedented supply chain re-calibrations due to the current pandemic. MIDA looks to be at the forefront to entice more quality investments in the areas of technology and innovation to position Malaysia as an alternative supply chain hub in Asia.”

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For more information, please contact:

Ms. Rosedalina Ramlan 

Director, Business Services and Regional Operations (BRO) Division, MIDA

Email: [email protected] DL: +603 2267 3515

Ms. Shim Yok Lam 

Zone Director, Eppendorf Southeast Asia 

Email: [email protected] DL: +603 7610 5200

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 Eppendorf

Eppendorf is a leading life science company that develops and sells instruments, consumables, and services for liquid, sample, and cell handling in laboratories worldwide. Its product range includes pipettes and automated pipetting systems, dispensers, centrifuges, mixers, spectrometers, and DNA amplification equipment as well as ultra-low temperature freezers, fermentors, bioreactors, CO2 incubators, shakers, and cell manipulation systems. Consumables such as pipette tips, test tubes, microtiter plates, and single-use bioreactors complement the range of highest-quality premium products.

Eppendorf products are most broadly used in academic and commercial research laboratories, e.g., in companies from the pharmaceutical and biotechnological as well as the chemical and food industries. They are also used in laboratories that perform clinical or environmental analysis, in forensic laboratories, and in industrial laboratories where process analysis, production and quality assurance are performed.

Eppendorf was founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1945 and currently has more than 4,000 employees worldwide. The company has subsidiaries in 26 countries and is represented in all its other important markets by distributors.

Malaysia Continues to be the Preferred Location for Eppendorf’s Asia Pacific Headquarters

Kuala Lumpur, 3 November 2020 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in collaboration with Majlis Rekabentuk Malaysia (MRM) and the Federation of Fashion Textile & Apparel (FMFTA) organised the ‘Design Development & Innovation 2020’, a one-day virtual conference themed ‘Creating a Sustainable Fashion Brand’ today.

The event which was streamed live from the MIDA Headquarters brought together prominent industry stakeholders and garnered over 600 registered participants. It is part of MIDA’s on-going efforts to emphasise the importance of merging design and development with innovation to revolutionise the fashion and design industry in Malaysia.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, the Chief Executive Officer of MIDA remarked “We are not solely seeking to build our fashion, textile and apparel industry’s manufacturing capabilities, but also our design potential given our large and growing local talent pool in the field. This is essential to ensure the industry’s long term sustainability and to attract higher quality investments, particularly in the industry’s upstream sub-sector.”

As of June 2020, more than 1,800 textiles and apparels projects have been implemented and are in production in Malaysia, with investments of RM22 billion. These projects have created over 240,000 jobs.

He added, “The Government, through MIDA, is intensifying our efforts to spur stakeholders to adopt higher value-added processes and technologies. There are various support and facilitation for local companies to make a move towards Industry 4.0 through initiatives such as Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF), Industry4wrd Intervention Fund and Automation Capital Allowance. But to truly achieve tangible outcomes, more needs to be done collectively as an active industry to increase focus on automation, talent, skills and innovation.”

The Forum provided opportunities for participants to engage and learn from the esteemed panellists, including representatives from Ben Sherman & Diesel, Burberry, Bonia, Anakku, Audrey and Foundationals; academic scientists as well as research scholars. The panellists shared on brand sustainability in the fashion industry, particularly formulation of efficient processes, creation of environmentally friendly products as well as the importance of innovations in the fashion, textile and apparel industry.

The event also showcased local young creative talents through the ‘Creative Design Competition’ for new creations in Design, Development & Innovation categories. The winners were awarded cash prizes and accredited by MRM under the MRM Standard 01:2020 as a Certified Industrial Designer (CID).

The event closed with a Biz-Consult programme, participated by MIDA, MATRADE, MRM, MIDF, SME Corp and SME Bank. The platform enabled industry players to directly engage and consult with relevant stakeholders on their business concerns and available support.

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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.

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Najihah Abas
Director of Building Technology and Lifestyle Division, MIDA
Tel.: 03-2267 6717 | Email: [email protected]

MIDA, MRM and FMFTA Host ‘Design Development & Innovation 2020’ Virtual Conference