Kuala Lumpur, October 23, 2023 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) held its distinguished “MIDA Invest Series – Perak: Unfolding Its Business Potentials” at Perdana Hall, MIDA Sentral in Kuala Lumpur. In a collaboration with the Perak State Government, facilitated through its investment promotion body, InvestPerak, this event drew an audience of over 250 participants.  It stands as a pivotal initiative for the Government’s ongoing efforts to spotlight compelling investment opportunities within Perak.

The event commenced with a welcoming address by Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA, followed by a keynote address by YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, Menteri Besar Perak. Also present at the event were YB Loh Sze Yee, State Executive Council Member of Perak Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development; YB Sivanesan Achalingam, EXCO Human Resources, Health, National Unity and Indian Community Affair; Ms. Haliza Sipun, Director of Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Perak; Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, CEO of Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNP); Mr. Yahanis Bin Yahya, CEO of Perbadanan Pembangunan Pertanian Negeri Perak (Perak SADC); Mr. Kwan Joon Hoe, Group Chief Operating Officer of Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) and Mr. Mohd Khalid Bin Yusof, Senior Director of Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV).

During the keynote address delivered by YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, the Menteri Besar Perak said, “The Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim is a major initiative expected to revitalise the Malaysian automotive industry. The project is expected to attract RM32 billion in investments over the next 10 years, creating thousands of job opportunities and position Malaysia to become a regional leader in the production of next-generation vehicles. The establishment of a new High-tech Industrial Hub in Kerian, announced by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the recent Belanjawan 2024, is foreseen to greatly support high technology and capital incentive projects which will directly nurture Perak and further spur the conducive business environment for investors, targeting especially the niche sectors.”

While Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA in his opening speech, highlighted, “Perak is a region brimming with potential, boasting manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism sectors. Hubs like the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) and Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) are driving investments and job creation, reflecting our commitment to progress.”

“In the first half of 2023, Malaysia achieved a remarkable RM132.6 billion in approved investments across the manufacturing, services and primary sectors. It is worth noting, as at 30 June 2023 this state has garnered over RM22.3 billion in realised investments from a total of 283 manufacturing projects, creating more than 22,000 jobs. For instance, esteemed companies such as Toyo Tire Malaysia, Coherent Malaysia, Murata Electronics, and Hume Cement, are among many who have made their marks in Perak,” Datuk Wira Arham added.

“The region is abundantly blessed with natural resources, and both local and federal agencies are offering enticing incentives, making it highly attractive for potential investors. Moreover, Perak boasts robust infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and a competitive cost of doing business when compared to neighbouring states. The untapped potential here is immense, presenting a promising prospect for businesses to thrive and prosper,” said YB Loh Sze Yee, Perak State Executive Council Member of Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development.

Perak’s State Government strategically prioritises key sectors like manufacturing, tourism, food security, and minerals beneficiation for sustainable growth. The focus on maximising the E&E supply chain in northern Perak, capitalising on the automotive sector and developing maritime industries in Lumut highlights the region’s dynamic potential. Additionally, Perak’s renowned eco-tourism offerings, including Royal Belum’s lush forests and the tranquil Pulau Pangkor, present enticing investment prospects. The State’s commitment to establishing a Halal Industrial Park in Lekir reflects its proactive stance in addressing food security challenges and ensuring a robust supply of Halal-certified products, bolstering regional food security amidst global complexities.

The ‘Invest Series – Perak: Unfolding Its Business Potentials’ programme was a significant success, offering in-depth insights into the available opportunities and outlining the support and facilitation provided to companies and prospective investors. Ultimately, this initiative is geared towards fostering quality employment opportunities for the local population, thus contributing to the state’s overall economic growth and prosperity. With its strategic location, thriving manufacturing sector, diverse economic clusters, and rich natural resources, Perak remains one of the promising investment destinations in the country.  MIDA is dedicated to supporting and facilitating investments in the state.

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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 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 X, Instagram and Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About InvestPerak

Perak Investment Management Centre (PIMC) or better known as InvestPerak, was established in January 2006 to serve as the ‘First Point of Contact for Investors’ in the manufacturing and 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. In order to facilitate the implementation of investment projects in Perak, COI@InvestPerak have 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

MIDA

En. Sukri Abu Bakar

Director, Domestic Investment Division

Tel:  +603-22673685

Email: [email protected]

InvestPerak

En. Mohamad Hashim bin Abdul Ghani

Chief Executive, Invest Perak    

Tel.: +605-529 2447

Email: [email protected]

Perak’s Business Potentials and Investment Opportunities, Shines In MIDA Invest Series

Bintulu, 20 October 2023 – LONGi Malaysia held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Samalaju plant, situated on a 125-acre site, today. The ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the state’s Minister for International Trade and Investment. The event was also attended by other government officials including from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), as well as Mr. Li Wenxue, Vice President of LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., and key stakeholders.

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, expressed his congratulations to LONGi for reaching another remarkable milestone in their ongoing development in Malaysia, following their recent announcement in Serendah, Selangor. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to LONGi for their commitment to advancing Malaysia’s electrical and electronics (E&E) industry. The substantial investment for the new Samalaju plant further underscores Malaysia’s position as a prime hub for comprehensive solar ecosystem manufacturing. This investment and unwavering commitment to sustainable practices align seamlessly with the objectives set forth in our nation’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030. It is also a testament to the company’s confidence in the capabilities of our local talent, including highly skilled engineers and technicians. We are hopeful that LONGi’s pioneering efforts will serve as a shining example for the entire industry, inspiring others to follow suit and contribute to our collective growth and success”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Li Wenxue, Vice President of LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd.,in his speech, said, “As global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, solar power generation has gradually become a mainstream clean energy source. Many countries have established relatively complete solar power generation systems. With the advancement of solar technology, the cost of solar power generation is gradually decreasing and becoming more and more economical. The solar industry has huge development potential and will make an important contribution to the global energy transformation.”

He pointed out that in 2016, LONGi Group inaugurated its very first overseas base in Kuching, which is also the world’s first vertically integrated monocrystalline silicon solar manufacturing base.

Owing to Kuching base’s smooth sailing operations, LONGi deployed its second major investment project in Sarawak. This project is the first solar manufacturing factory in Bintulu Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP). The Bintulu monocrystalline ingot manufacturing project covers an area of 125 acres, with a forecast investment of RM1.3 billion, equivalent to approximately RMB2 billion.

In a press release, LONGi said SIP was chosen due to its proximity to its raw materials supplier and deep-sea port, as well as for its affordable and sizeable industrial lands. It will have a capacity of 6GW and the production is expected to begin at the plant in the first quarter of 2024.

The new project will hire 1,213 new employees, of which at least 90 per cent are to be filled by locals and 20 per cent will cater for positions in science, technology and engineering. LONGi is committed to sharing science and technology achievements, providing advanced technical training and management experience and other support, and cultivating high-quality talents with an international perspective locally through joint research, talent training, and improving science and technology innovation capabilities. At present LONGi has hired 4,461 employees in Kuching.

-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 LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

LONGi Green Energy (Shanghai Stock Exchange Code: 601012.SH) is committed to becoming the world’s most valuable solar technology company. With the mission “Harnessing the brilliance of the sun to create a green energy world” and upholding the brand positioning of “stable, reliable, and technologically-driven”, the company focuses on technological innovation, targeting global customer needs. They have established five main business sectors: monocrystalline silicon wafers, cell modules, commercial and residential distributed solutions, ground photovoltaic system solutions, and hydrogen energy equipment, forming the capability to support global zero-carbon development with “green electricity” + “green hydrogen” solutions. In 2020, LONGi Green Energy took the lead in joining the international climate initiatives RE100, EP100, and EV100. By setting Science-Based Targets (SBTi), the company continually promotes its sustainable development, supports the energy revolution, and contributes to building a “green earth”. For more information, please visit: www.LONGi.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA

Ms. Noor Suziyanti binti Saad
Director, Electrical and Electronics Division, MIDA
T: +603-2267 3575
E: [email protected]

LONGi

Ms. Chong Wai Ling
Admin Manager, General Manager’s Office, LONGi Malaysia
T: +6082-530800
E: [email protected]

Longi Malaysia Breaks Ground on Its New RM1.3 Billion Bintulu Samalaju Plant

• Phase One is set to have a potential annual production capacity of 30,000 vehicles
• Generating an estimated 1,000 new jobs in Melaka and strengthen the local automotive industry, accelerating Malaysia’s vision to become regional EV and EEV hub

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 October 2023 — Main Market-listed EP Manufacturing Berhad (“EPMB” or “Group”) has announced a ground-breaking step in the automotive industry with the initiation of its pioneering automotive manufacturing facility in Melaka. This strategic move is part of EPMB’s commitment to establishing a manufacturing hub for energy-efficient vehicles (“EEVs”) and electric vehicles (“EVs”) in Malaysia, contributing significantly to the global shift towards sustainability.

The establishment of the new facility will unfold in several phases at the HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park, marked by a substantial investment of over RM100 million. This project is poised to create around 1,000 new job opportunities in the state of Melaka, bolstering the state’s growing significance within the regional and global EV industry. Upon completion, the first phase of this new facility will have the capacity to produce up to 30,000 vehicles a year.

Today’s ground-breaking ceremony was witnessed by YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh, the Chief Minister of Melaka, alongside Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Senior Executive Director, Investment Policy Advocacy, of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) representing Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer of MIDA.   

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA, applauded the company’s latest milestone and said, “Congratulations EPMB and BAIC for the strategic collaboration in shaping the future of sustainable mobility. Such collaboration with BAIC is a testament of their confidence in Malaysia’s attractiveness as an investment destination and underscores the nation’s cutting-edge automotive manufacturing capabilities, with EPMB leading the way. This new manufacturing facility, dedicated to EEVs and EVs, perfectly aligns with the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB), National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 and Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) aspirations. These policies are rooted in harnessing opportunities in ESG sensitive markets and swiftly adopting technology to enhance the technological ecosystem of our manufacturing sector and Malaysia’s commitment towards sustainable transportation.”

Mr. Ahmad Razlan Mohamed, Group Chief Executive Officer of EP Manufacturing Berhad, expressed, “We are excited to share news of the initiation of our inaugural automotive manufacturing plant. The establishment of an EV manufacturing facility is a pivotal step in realizing our comprehensive vision of developing a 360° supply chain for Malaysia’s EV market. Collaborating closely with our strategic partner, BAIC, we are poised to construct a cutting-edge EV manufacturing facility in Melaka, heralding the commencement of the next chapter in our growth trajectory. Additionally, we are keenly looking forward to collaborating with GWM, our esteemed customer, in contributing to position Malaysia as a central hub for EV and EEV in the ASEAN region.”

This milestone project for the Group solidifies EPMB’s strategic partnership with BAIC International Development Co Ltd (“BAIC International”), a Fortune Global 500 company and a major player in China’s automotive industry. EPMB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with BAIC International in August, paving the way for local production of BAIC’s BJ40P and X55II sport utility vehicles (“SUVs”), right-hand drive (“RHD”) internal combustion engine (“ICE”) vehicles, and EVs. EPMB also expects to assemble vehicles for Great Wall Motor Sales Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“GWM Malaysia”), a subsidiary of Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. (“GWM”) at this plant, based on the MoU which was signed by both parties on October 18, 2023.

EPMB received approval for a Manufacturing License from Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) on July 11, 2023 allowing the manufacture and assembly of four-wheel EEVs, EVs, and electric commercial vehicles.

Malaysia has successfully secured RM26.2 billion in approved investments for the EV sector through 59 projects from 2018 to 1H2023. The Government, through MITI and MIDA, is dedicated to facilitating investment opportunities and promoting growth in the EV automotive segment.

-THE 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, Tik Tok and YouTube.

About EP Manufacturing Berhad

Listed in 1997, EP Manufacturing Berhad (“EPMB”) is an industrial group advancing the future of sustainable mobility. A trusted Tier-1 automotive supplier, EPMB operates five plants and factories strategically located across Malaysia, supplying modular assemblies, safety and critical components to carmakers including PROTON, Perodua, Honda, Mazda, Toyota & Kia.

With over 40 years of technical expertise and alliances with world-class partners, EPMB is positioned to empower the automotive industry as it navigates a new era. Aiming to be a leading automotive player, EPMB is providing a 360° supply chain for Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) market, spanning manufacturing, assembly, sales, and marketing of EVs. Under this initiative, EPMB is partnering with major automotive players to manufacture, assemble and distribute EVs, such as Blueshark electric scooters, in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian markets.

Beyond the mobility industry, EPMB is actively pursuing strategic opportunities in other sectors inclusive of property development and tourism. EPMB’s property subsidiary, Kensington Development, is expected to launch its first project in Taman Seri Pelangi, Kota Kinabalu, in Q1 2024.

For further media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA

Mr. Mohd Riduan Abd. Rahman
Director or Transportation Technology Division
Tel.: +603-2267 6634
Email: [email protected]

Sense Consultancy on behalf of EP Manufacturing Berhad 

Mr. Anthony Lee
Tel: +6012 338 3705
Email: [email protected]

EPMB Announces New Car Manufacturing Facility in Melaka

Kuala Lumpur, October 10, 2023 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) successfully hosted a seminar today at MIDA Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, aimed at bolstering local machinery and equipment (M&E) companies’ competitiveness to enhance the supply chain ecosystem for multinational corporations (MNCs) and large local companies (LLCs). The event gathered over 160 participants from the private and public sectors, including financial institutions, to provide information on government facilitation programmes for M&E companies and offer insights into financial institutions’ support for adopting emerging technologies. The seminar also aimed to integrate local companies into the supply chains of MNCs and LLCs.

The event was inaugurated by Ms. Lim Bee Vian, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), Investment Development of MIDA. It featured a panel discussion on “Sourcing and Supply Chain Opportunities” with speakers from anchor companies in the M&E industry, including Lam Research International Sdn. Bhd., Cohu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Genetec Technology Berhad, and JF Microtechnology Sdn. Bhd. These industry leaders shared insights on sourcing and supply chain opportunities in Malaysia.

Supported by the Machinery and Engineering Industries Federation (MEIF) and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), the event featured a consultation clinic that connected participants with industry experts, fostering opportunities for fresh partnerships and collaborations. With over 75 companies participating, this clinic is proven to be an invaluable inclusion. Additionally, MEIF presented on “Capacity Building Towards Global Competitiveness” while financial institutions and MIDA shed light on available financing options and government facilitation.

MIDA Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Investment Development, Ms. Lim Bee Vian, in her welcoming remarks, emphasised “Given the complex and dynamic nature of the future of manufacturing, it is important for us to strengthen the partnerships within the local manufacturing ecosystem in order to pool resources, share risks and increase adoption rates. There are many of our local companies with capabilities, from serving as contract manufacturers to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). They offer a sophisticated ecosystem with world-class R&D, design, and engineering capabilities. While we may not be present in every part of the global value chain, we aim to occupy critical segments where we can add value and remain resilient against competitors who rely solely on cost advantages.” 

She also highlighted on the Government’s latest funds amounting to RM235 million to drive automation, digitalisation, and sustainable ESG practices, namely the Domestic Investment Accelerator Fund (DIAF), Foreign Investment Accelerator Fund (FIAF), and MADANI Smart Automation Grant (SAG MADANI), stated “The Government is confident that these funding facilitations will propel our nation towards the vision of a sustainable and dynamic industrial ecosystem. With the facilitation by MIDA, these funds will empower businesses especially local SMEs and Mid-Tier Companies to innovate, expand, integrate in the technologically evolving global supply chain and actively contribute to our nation’s economic progress. As such, I urge all of you to explore these funding facilitations to elevate your business growth.”

The New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), launched on the 1st September 2023, emphasis on encouraging the industry to innovate and produce more sophisticated products to boost economic complexity. This strategic focus will lead Malaysia to transition to higher value-added activities, moving beyond traditional manufacturing models towards an innovation-driven manufacturing hub. This concept is closely related to supply chain in several ways whether it be on diversification of supply sources, global supply chain integration, and market access.”

Mr. Sebastian Butz, Supply Chain Director Asia of Cohu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., commended the seminar for encouraging local companies to enhance competitiveness, stating, “This seminar serves as an exceptional platform to elevate the competitiveness of local firms, enabling them to contribute sustainable innovations for the future of Malaysia’s industrial development. It provides an excellent platform to enhance local companies’ competitiveness in providing sustainable innovation for the future of Malaysia’s industrial development.”

Dato’ Foong Wei Kuong, Managing Director of JF Technology Berhad, stated the importance of a world-class supply chain. He explained, “Having a world-class supply chain is pivotal for industries and the nation’s continued prosperity. Malaysia assumes a crucial role in the global semiconductor value chain, attracting foreign direct investments through its established supply network including the M&E. M&E stand as the cornerstone for moving up the value chain, and investments in cutting-edge technologies and nurturing talent are essential to remain competitive.”

“For us at JF Technology Berhad, we remain focused on investing and upgrading our capabilities while fostering future talents in order to further cement Malaysia’s position in the global semiconductor industry”. He expressed sincere appreciation for the unwavering support provided by MIDA, which has allowed Malaysia’s semiconductor industry to thrive.

Mr. Chin Kem Weng, Founder and Managing Director of Genetec Technology Berhad, highlighted, “Throughout Genetec’s 25-year journey, our collaboration with MIDA has been pivotal in elevating our homegrown company onto the global stage. MIDA’s unwavering support significantly fueled our business growth. Today’s insights and fruitful event are particularly relevant to support local players strive to enhance their processes and products as well as remain competitive in emerging segments like e-Mobility and renewable energy. This includes adapting to new regulations, policy and targets such as outline in the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030 and Low Carbon Nation Aspiration 2040. Genetec is pleased to share insights on how collaborations between industries, companies, and agencies can foster growth for everyone.”

This collaborative effort, showcased through the seminar, will effectively propelled the M&E industry towards enhancing competitiveness and fostering a world-class supply chain. The Malaysian Government and relevant agencies are committed to supporting the local supply chain’s development, crucial for nurturing an innovation-driven manufacturing hub and a conducive business environment.

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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 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 X, Instagram and Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

For More Information, Please Contact:

MIDA
Puan Zakiah Sajidan
Director, Machinery & Metal Technology Division
Tel: +603- 2267 6769 | Email: [email protected]

MIDA Spearheads DDI Initiative Through Enhancing Competitiveness in the Machinery and Equipment Industry Towards Developing World Class Supply Chain Seminar

• UAE’s clean energy powerhouse signs MoU with Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) for 10GW of renewable energy projects to include ground mounted and rooftop solar, floating solar, onshore wind and battery energy storage systems.

• Ahead of the UAE hosting COP28, development demonstrates Masdar’s market expansion in Southeast Asia and commitment to supporting Malaysia’s net-zero goals.

• Masdar to invest US$8 billion to support Malaysia’s clean energy transition.

Abu Dhabi, 09 October, 2023 – Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to invest US$8 billion for up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects in a strategic partnership that will significantly contribute to Malaysia’s sustainable energy transformation.

The collaboration marks an important milestone in the pursuit of a sustainable and greener future for Malaysia. MIDA will facilitate Masdar to develop up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects by 2035, to include ground mounted, rooftop and floating solar power plants, onshore wind farms and battery energy storage systems.

The signing was witnessed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honorable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim; HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate; HE Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State; Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), HE Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz; Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; and the Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE, HE Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin.

The MoU was signed by Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, and Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA.

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate, said “This important agreement will see the UAE and Malaysia deepen our partnership in the development of renewable energy, directly supporting the nation’s National Energy Transition Roadmap. Ahead of the UAE hosting COP28, it further demonstrates Masdar’s and the UAE’s commitment to supporting countries across the world, decarbonising economies at home and abroad, for a just and inclusive energy transition.”

HE Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, the MITI Minister said, “It is imperative that we further strengthen Malaysia-UAE bilateral ties and relationship across various industries to help us navigate global uncertainties and identify opportunities that are of mutual benefit to both nations. The UAE – particularly through Masdar – has set a commendable example in its national pursuit of sustainability, with its recognised leadership in clean energy, low-carbon and nature-based solutions. As such, we welcome Masdar’s potential investment of up to USD8 billion, with a capacity of up to 10GW in Malaysia’s renewable energy sector. This MIDA-Masdar collaboration is in perfect alignment with the objectives stipulated in our New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) in achieving sustainability and energy security for Malaysia’s industrial transformation.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, added “As a global clean energy pioneer with a proven track record in the commercialisation and deployment of renewable and clean energy projects, Masdar is proud to play our part in helping Malaysia achieve its ambitious target of 70 percent renewable energy installed capacity and net-zero emissions by 2050. We will bring all our expertise in delivering robust projects, that utilise cutting-edge technologies and generate much needed energy efficiently, to advance Malaysia’s renewable energy goals.”

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, commented: “Our partnership with Masdar represents a pivotal stride in realising Malaysia’s sustainable energy aspirations. It underscores our commitment to driving positive change and embracing the transition towards a greener, more sustainable future. MIDA has proactively and enthusiastically engaged with industry partners in the country to foster innovation and cultivate solutions that are aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Our efforts are not limited to the present; they extend into the future, as we recognise the growing importance of renewable energy sources.”

Established in 2006, Masdar is active in more than 40 countries with a total electricity generation capacity of more than 20GW. It has invested, or committed to invest, in worldwide projects with a combined value of more than USD30 billion with ambitious growth plans to reach 100GW and 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

*****

About Masdar

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) is the UAE’s clean energy champion and one of the largest companies of its kind in the world, advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies to address global sustainability challenges. Established in 2006, Masdar is today active in over 40 countries, helping them to achieve their clean energy objectives and advance sustainable development. Masdar is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and under this ownership the company is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of at least 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and an annual green hydrogen production capacity of up to 1 million tonnes by the same year.

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.

Contacts:

For Masdar media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For more information please visit: http://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae and twitter.com/masdar

For MIDA media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Faizal Jalaludin
Director, Foreign Investment Division
E: [email protected]
T: +603-22676650

Masdar Signs MoU with Malaysia to Develop Up to 10GW of Renewable Energy Projects

This paves the way for Malaysia to become a formidable ‘Asian Digital Tiger’ by 2025 with an additional investment of RM234 million (USD 50 million)

Malaysia, 10 October 2023 – NTT Ltd. a leading IT infrastructure and services company, through NTT Global Data Centers Corporation (a subsidiary of NTT Ltd.), announced the launch of its new data center in NTT Cyberjaya campus today. This facility, an investment of over RM 234 million (USD 50 million), aligns with Malaysia’s digital growth vision, aiming for Malaysia to be an ‘Asian Digital Tiger’ by 2025.

CBJ6, the sixth data center on NTT’s campus, has a critical IT load of 7MW, 4,890m² of space, two 33kV substations with diverse power reception and advanced cooling wall technology to maintain a stable environment for high density racks up to 15kW. CBJ6 complements the Cyberjaya 5 (CBJ5) Data Center, built in 2021, the combined facility has 20,000m² of space and a facility load of 22MW.

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), extended his congratulations to NTT on the successful completion of this significant project, stating, “NTT’s continuous expansion in Malaysia is a strong testament to the company’s confidence in Malaysia’s capability as a data center hub in the region. Aligned with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), MIDA will continue to attract strategic high-tech projects that will position Malaysia as a digitally connected nation, characterised by extensive and reliable digital infrastructure. Asia’s rapid growth, amid economic uncertainty in developed economies, has led multinational companies to increase digital investments to support their expanding businesses in the region. Malaysia has garnered a strong reputation in the global data center sector, particularly in the Southeast Asia region. The country’s projected data center market size is estimated to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.15% between 2022 and 2027 and is forecast to increase by USD2,908.1 million (RM13.68 billion), according to the “Malaysia – Data Center Market 2023-2027” report published by Technavio.”

“After enduring several years of the pandemic, companies worldwide are now swiftly moving to make up for lost time. Particularly in Southeast Asia, many hyperscalers are keenly interested in establishing a robust IT platform. They recognise that by selecting NTT as their partner—a company with longstanding responsibility for managing networks, submarine cables, and data centers in Asia, they can address many challenges and drive their business effectively”, said Takeshi Kimura, Managing Director of NTT Global Data Centers Holding Asia.

Commenting on NTT’s connection with Cyberjaya, Ho Yee Chung, Managing Director of NTT Global Data Centers Malaysia, said, “Over the past two decades, NTT Cyberjaya campus has evolved in sync with Malaysia’s digital growth. NTT Global Data Centers Malaysia proudly maintains 24/7 high availability, thanks to our skilled team of 60 engineers and operators. With CBJ6’s launch, we believe we’re the prime provider of data center services, offering modern facilities and expertise that the hyperscalers in Malaysia need.”

Speaking about the launch, Doug Adams, CEO and President NTT Global Data Centers & Submarine Cable, said, “NTT’s expansion in Cyberjaya demonstrates our consistent capacity expansion in existing and new data center markets. The five Cyberjaya data centers have already empowered hyperscale enterprises, and with this new site, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering reliable infrastructure that can support the demands of our clients’ digital transformation ambitions in Southeast Asia. With their demand involving the acceleration of generative AI, our data center capacity (including planned) will soon reach 2,000 MW worldwide”.

The soon-to-commence submarine cable MIST, constructed by NTT as one of the shareholders, is poised to revolutionise connectivity at the NTT Cyberjaya Data Center, elevating Malaysia’s global network connectivity and contributing to sustainable socio-economic growth. Spanning an impressive 8,100 km, it will seamlessly connect Malaysia, India, Singapore, and Thailand, boasting a 12-fiber pair capacity capable of transmitting over 200 TBPS of data.

– 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 channel.

About NTT Ltd. 

As part of NTT DATA, a USD 30 billion IT services provider, NTT Ltd. is a leading IT infrastructure and services company serving 65% of the Fortune Global 500 and more than 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We lay the foundation for organizations’ edge-to-cloud networking ecosystem, simplify the complexity of their workloads across multicloud environments, and innovate at the edge of their IT environments where networks, cloud and applications converge. We offer tailored infrastructure and ensure consistent best practices in design and operations across all of our secure, scalable and customizable data centers. On the journey towards a software-defined future, we support organizations with our platform-delivered infrastructure services. We enable a connected future.

Visit us at services.global.ntt

Media Enquiries:

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

Redhill Communications on behalf of NTT Ltd.
[email protected] 

NTT strengthens commitment to Malaysia with the launch of Cyberjaya 6 (CBJ6) Data Center

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 October 2023 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in collaboration with the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA), UOB Malaysia and North Consult Engineering, hosted a pioneering seminar on solar energy at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) in conjunction with the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia 2023 (IGEM 2023). The seminar was a resounding success, generating RM2.3 billion in investment leads which contributes 90% to MIDA’s target for IGEM 2023. This is a testament to the country’s commitment to being at the forefront of green technology innovation, as businesses worldwide embrace the imperative of sustainability.

Themed “Elevate Your Green Profile: Smart Investment for Sustainable Business Growth,” the event drew attention as it marked the first-ever solar energy seminar at IGEM, reinforcing the exhibition’s status as Southeast Asia’s largest trade event for green technologies and eco solutions.

During the seminar, a distinguished lineup of experts in the field of solar energy provided comprehensive insights, ranging from industry trends to tax incentives, government-backed loans and specialised financing solutions. This facilitated a robust exchange of knowledge and strategies crucial for sustainable energy integration.

Ms. Lim Bee Vian, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Investment Development) of MIDA, highlighted the critical role of green technology in elevating businesses’ ESG performance, creating a pathway toward sustainable and responsible growth. She stated, “Malaysia’s Green Plan is a comprehensive, nationwide movement aimed at advancing our country’s sustainable development agenda. The recently launched National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) outline Malaysia’s path to a sustainable and inclusive energy future. These strategic moves aim to mitigate economic risks associated with ESG factors, increase Malaysia’s attractiveness as an investment destination, and ensure our exporters maintain access to ESG-sensitive markets.”

Mr. Davis Chong, President of MPIA took the stage to deliver the seminar’s closing remarks. He underscored the paramount importance of collaboration and innovation within the solar energy sector, stated “In an era where sustainable energy solutions are no longer an option but a necessity, it’s heartening to witness the vibrant discussions and shared commitment in this room. The solar energy industry is at the forefront of reshaping Malaysia’s green energy landscape, and collaboration is key. Together, we can drive positive change and create a brighter, cleaner future.”

Mr. Beh Wee Khee, Managing Director and Country Head of Commercial Banking, UOB Malaysia said that energy efficiency improvements are the low-hanging fruits that businesses can leverage to kick-start their sustainability efforts. “UOB Malaysia is proud to support IGEM 2023 as we believe stronger collaboration between banks and industry players can make a real difference. Beyond providing solutions and advisory services, we are here to be a partner for companies looking to transition to net-zero. Whether they are seasoned investors or small companies looking at capitalising on green technology to embark on a green journey, we have tailored the right solutions under our sector-focused financing frameworks to help them achieve their ambitions.”

Investors and industry enthusiasts were reminded of the critical role of consultancy services in driving progress within the electrical utilities, solar, and power plant industries. As the green technology landscape evolves, expert guidance from entities like North Consult Engineering Sdn. Bhd. continues to be a beacon for those embarking on their journey towards sustainable growth.

The collaborative spirit and shared commitment witnessed at the seminar today reinforce the pivotal role of the solar energy industry in reshaping Malaysia’s green energy landscape. Together, through continued partnership and innovation, Malaysia has the power to drive positive change and forge a brighter, cleaner future.

*****THE 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 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 X, Instagram and Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About MPIA:

The Malaysian Solar Industry Association (MPIA), established in 2007, is a non-profit organisation recognised by the Ministry of Natural Resources Energy and Climate Change (NRECC) formerly known as KeTTHA. The MPIA is dedicated to provide a credible and representative platform for the Malaysian Solar industry. We envision that in the future everyone will be able to generate their own electricity via Solar PV. MPIA expresses the industry’s interests and delivers the relevant concerns to government and policy makers that shape the landscape of the Solar industry in Malaysia. MPIA’s strong voice comes from its members consisting of the Solar supply chain. This is inclusive of manufacturers, service providers, system integrators, consultants, an insurance provider, training providers and academicians. Our goal is to ensure the strong, efficient, ethical and professional growth of the Solar industry.

MPIA encourages industries connected to the Solar Photovoltaic industry to join us as the association members, whereby more industry information will be gathered and shared. Among others, the members of the association are entitled for a training discount and exclusive invites to the event organised by MPIA.

For more information, please visit us at https://mpia.org.my/membership-2/

About UOB Malaysia:

UOB Malaysia is rated among the top banks in Malaysia with a long-term AAA rating from Ratings Agency of Malaysia. It has over seven decades of presence in the country, and operates 55 branches nationwide, offering both conventional and Islamic banking services to its customers.

UOB Malaysia is a subsidiary of UOB, a leading bank in Asia with a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to creating long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

For further information, please visit www.uob.com.my.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

MIDA
Mr. Nelson Samuel Wilson
Director, Green Technology Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603-2267 3635

MPIA
Ms. Nik Nuratisha Nik Ibrahim
Senior Administration Officer
E Tel.: +603 – 6151 7227
mail: [email protected]

UOB Malaysia
Mr. Nizam Arop
Brand, Media and Communications
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 603-2638 6304/ 6017-333 6329

Ms. Sharie Elina Ibrahim
Brand, Media and Communications
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 603-2638 6589/ 6012-682 6300

MIDA’s Pioneer Seminar on Smart Investment for Sustainable Business Growth Garners Potential Investment Leads of RM2.3 Billion during IGEM2023

Kuala Lumpur, 27 October 2022 – Thamlev USA Ltd., a US-based company headquartered in Arkansas, has announced Malaysia as its manufacturing base in Southeast Asia for the production of electric bikes outside the United States. This new site will expand upon Thamlev’s existing manufacturing capacity and will help raising the profile and development of the electric vehicle (EV) sector in Malaysia. 

With a total investment project value at RM100 million in the Light Electric Vehicle (LEV), the company’s capital investment is set to transform the country into LEV hub such as eMoped, eMotorcycle, eMicrocar, for global market and generating approximately 750 of jobs opportunities in Malaysia.

In welcoming Thamlev to be part of the Malaysia’s EV ecosystem, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, said, “We are excited to know that Thamlev is currently expanding and proposing Malaysia as a production hub for its light electric vehicle to be exported to the United States. Thamlev’s expansion into Malaysia is in line with our National Automotive Policy (NAP) with the aim to position Malaysia as a regional leader in EV manufacturing, engineering, technology and sustainable development. Identified as one of the key sectors under the National Investment Aspirations (NIA), Malaysia is committed to driving the growth of EVs and its entire ecosystem which in turn helps to elevate the EV landscape in Malaysia to become more competitive in the South East Asia.

“The Malaysian Government will strive to build a conducive environment for foreign and domestic industry players to do business in Malaysia, given the nation’s readiness to provide highly-skilled talents and capable technology partners.” Added Datuk Wira Arham.

Kelvin Tham, CEO of Thamlev Mobility Sdn. Bhd., said,” We aim at providing the most compelling LEV of the 21st century. Thamlev is dedicated to producing innovative, sustainable and attractive design of LEV. With our advanced research and development (R&D) department, we continue to pledge our commitment in sticking to the highest-quality LEV and focusing on driving the growth of Malaysia’s manufacturing sector, particularly in the LEV sector.”

“Aspired to be a hub of the LEV creation and innovation pioneer, we believe that a great organisation should equipped with the best talents, unique capabilities, creative thinking and technical skills in order to succeed in the competitive environment and constant development. Today, we make it happen; Thamlev is ranked no.5 with the annual sales of 4000 units in the United States, in 2022. We look forward to expand our footprint across the United States, Europe and ASEAN region in the near future.”

In December 2021, Thamlev has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with NanoMalaysia, the commercialisation agency under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) and Hyundai Kefico Corp. on EV Micro Mobility Ecosystem amounted to USD30 million. The adoption of EV micro mobility ecosystem will be the catalyst for the company to advance into LEV, in line with the global technological revolution.

Thamlev has also teaming up with Curo Co.,Ltd, Hyundai Electric and Energy Systems Co.,Ltd Daegu Mechatronics and Materials Institute and Signet EV to form a Battery Swap Station (BSS) consortium in Malaysia. Through this new technological adoption, Thamlev is anticipating to increase its annual production target up to 100,000 unit per year by 2025.

Thamlev’s new manufacturing base in Malaysia will serve as a central hub for the company’s research and development (R&D) process department, including the development of its full vehicle system design and integration, Gallium Nitride (GaN) based Power Train R&D and BSS equipment. It will also become the main manufacturing hub to export the LEV to the high-potential export market such as the US and the European markets beginning January 2023. Meanwhile, China will supply a wide range of general parts and bike frames. Adding on to this, Thamlev is also committed to empowering the graduates by working closely with prestigious universities in enhancing research collaboration and technology transfer such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in autonomous driving and big data analysis.

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 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channel. 

About Thamlev 

Thamlev USA Ltd was founded in 2020 in USA. In 2022, Thamlev has relocated its production base from China to Malaysia. Thamlev strives to provide the best quality of Light Electric Vehicle, designed in USA, made in Malaysia, using high quality materials, inspected and tested in our factory, ship and distribute to our dealers in USA.

Thamlev’s R&D and technical team are striving toward making the high-quality Light Electric Vehicle through our continuous investment in R&D activities, by the continuous growth and update of know-how in order to keep abreast with the latest technological revolution and industrial transformation. the resources of advanced research and development facility, Thamlev is moving forward to be a leading manufacturer in the Light Electric Vehicle industry. 

Media contact:

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

Thamlev Mobility Sdn Bhd
Mr. Owen Soh
General Manager
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +6012-26299071

Thamlev Chooses Malaysia As Its Manufacturing Base Outside USA For the Production of Light Electric Vehicle (LEV)

Kuala Lumpur, 26 October 2022 – Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, has today announced the expansion of its global manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur, elevating Malaysia as one of the global powerhouses in the manufacture and maintenance of hearing implant sound processors.

The new expansion involves an investment of more than RM30 million to support the company’s growing demand for cochlear and acoustic hearing implants in Malaysia as well as more than 180 other countries around the world. For the last six years, Cochlear’s site in the country has created more than 270 new job opportunities.

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), stated in his welcome address, “Cochlear’s decision to expand its global manufacturing footprint in Malaysia will reaffirm our position not only as an ASEAN destination for innovative and advanced manufacturing, but also as a world-leading medical devices investment destination. Cochlear has also provided a flexible approach to training local talent from the diploma level and beyond with an attractive pay system above the national minimum wage. The local talents are given the knowledge and skills that are not confined to medical devices but could also be applied in various industries.”

Dig Howitt, CEO and President of Cochlear said, “This expansion is key to our mission to help hundreds of thousands of people around the world to hear. In addition to increasing our ability to make more sound processors, the new Global Distribution Centre supports efficiencies in transporting goods, and sustainability benefits by reducing the air miles travelled between us and our suppliers. We’re very grateful for the strong support and partnership from MIDA, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI) that has allowed us to grow in Malaysia, making Kuala Lumpur our third largest site in the Cochlear network.”

The event was also attended by a 10-year-old, Olyvia Kuan Yu Qin, from Tawau, Sabah, who was born with profound hearing loss. Olyvia’s hearing loss was diagnosed at 20 months old, and she received cochlear implants at the age of 2 years old. Olyvia said, “I was born deaf. It was a big surprise for my parents. Now I can hear and speak with the help of my cochlear implants. I had to work hard to catch up on learning to hear, but now, I love reading, drama, acting, singing, and dancing.”

The new expanded site will manufacture and maintain Cochlear’s latest and most advanced cochlear and acoustic implant sound processers. With over 300 employees, the facility which spanning the area of 50,000 square feet will include the company’s global logistics, supply chain, and information technology services. As part of Cochlear’s global target to achieve net zero carbon emissions in its operations by 2030, the manufacturing site is also powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. The initiative is aligned with the country’s vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Adding on to this, the Malaysia’s site is one of company’s eight global operations to oversee the design, development, manufacture and supply for the Australian-headquartered company.

In the 2021-22 fiscal year, Cochlear provided more than 40,000 hearing implants to adults and children around the world. The number of children in Malaysia who could benefit from a hearing implant may be set to rise. By 2024, the Government of Malaysia aims to implement universal newborn hearing screening in 95 per cent of public and private hospitals to identify children and determine who could benefit from an assistive hearing device. Currently, only 65 per cent of hospitals in Malaysia offer this service. In Malaysia, approximately 1,500 children are born with hearing loss every year on average.^1-3 By expanding the newborn hearing screening programme, thousands more children in Malaysia could gain the opportunity to hear and reach their full potential and enables the parents to receive the necessary support and advice needed right from the start.⁴

*****

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 central, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas office. 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 Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)

People have always been Cochlear’s inspiration, ever since Professor Graeme Clark set out to create the first multi-channel cochlear implant after seeing his father struggle with hearing loss.  Since 1981, Cochlear has provided more than 700,000 devices in more than 180 countries, helping people of all ages around the world to hear.  As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear connects people with life’s opportunities, and welcomes them to the world’s largest hearing implant community.

Cochlear has a global workforce of close to 4,500 people, with a passion for progress, who strive to meet the needs of people living with hearing loss. The company continually innovates to anticipate future needs, investing more than AUD$2 billion to date in research and development to push the boundaries of technology and help more people hear.

www.cochlear.com

Media contacts:

MIDA
Ms. Azlina Hamdan
Director of Life Sciences & Medical Technology Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603-2267 3791

Cochlear Limited
Theveena Chahil
Edelman Public Relations Worldwide Sdn Bhd
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +6012-5077220

References

1. World Health Organization. WHO statement on hearing loss prevalence accessed on March 1, 2020 Available from: https://www.who.int.
2. Pourarian S, Khademi B, Pishva N, Jamali A. Prevalence of hearing loss in newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care unit. Iran J Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;24:129–34.
3. Vital Statistics, Malaysia. 2021. https://www.dosm.gov.my
4. World report on hearing. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.

Cochlear, Hear now. And always, Nucleus, and the elliptical logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Cochlear group of companies.

© Cochlear Limited 2022. All rights reserved.

D1983280 ISS1 10 22

Cochlear Expands Global Operations And Manufacturing In Malaysia Helping Thousands To Hear Better

Enabling the next generation of green-tech and e-mobility products

Penang, 22 October 2022 – Indium Corporation, a US-based global materials supplier to the electronics assembly and semiconductor packaging industries, organised a grand opening for its new 37,500-square-foot manufacturing facility with a special ceremony in Penang today.

The ceremony celebrated the new facility with a ribbon cutting, lion dance, and comments from company officials, as well as community and industry leaders including the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Datuk Wira Arham bin Abdul Rahman; Chairman of Penang State Trade Industry and Entrepreneur Development Committee, YB Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim Bin Haji Hussain; and Chief Executive Officer of InvestPenang, Dato’ Loo Lee Lian. The ceremony closed with a cultural performance and site tour of the new facility.

Officiating the grand opening, the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow said, “Penang is pleased to be the choice location for Indium Corporation’s new manufacturing facility. The company’s investment decision serves as an acknowledgement of the skilled talent, well-developed infrastructure and resilient environment the state holds. Being widely regarded as one of the major players in the global semiconductor industry, Penang’s robust electrical and electronics (E&E) ecosystem is believed to have paved the way for sustainable industry development, offering a competent platform for the players along the supply chain to participate and thrive.”

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA, expressed “We welcome Indium Corporation’s presence in Malaysia as it marks the confidence in the continuous sustainable growth of the nation’s economy. Indium Corporation’s footprint in the country will positively provide avenue for the company to explore more high value-added activities with domestic players for mutual benefit outcomes and become an important industry partner to Malaysia in the advanced soldering material industry.”

“The establishment of the company’s new manufacturing facility will further solidify Malaysia’s ecosystem and nurture the country’s local supply chain that will contribute to opening new opportunities not only for the metals industry but also for the machinery and equipment (M&E), automotive, E&E and semiconductor industries.” added Datuk Wira Arham.

Indium Corporation’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ross Berntson commented, “Indium Corporation is proud to continue its more than 40-year history of doing business in Malaysia with the grand opening of our new manufacturing facility in Penang. This new facility will enable us to further support our customers in automotive, semiconductor, power electronics, e-mobility, industrial and computing and other markets.”

Indium Corporation produces a diverse range of solders and solder paste products including materials for the electronics assembly, e-mobility, power electronics, and advanced packaging for semiconductor markets.

Earlier this year, the company announced its investment of RM250 million for its expansion in Malaysia with this new manufacturing facility for its advanced solder paste, high-performance thermal materials, and innovative engineered solder products. The new facility has begun its manufacturing activities and will continue to expand the production capacity to better serve the company’s customers in Malaysia and the surrounding region, including Thailand and Vietnam.

The new facility will be manufacturing the following products:

• Solder Pastes: Indium Corporation is the Avoid the Void^® leader in the market, providing proven and innovative products that eliminate defects and deliver high reliability. The most recent innovation, patented Durafuse™ LT technology, delivers exceptional reliability while reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.
• Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs): Indium Corporation is an industry leader in high-performance solder- and metal-based TIMs for a variety of applications.
• Solder preforms: Indium Corporation’s proven, innovative material solutions for die-attach and power semiconductor applications are designed to increase productivity, performance, and efficiencies. The patented InFORMS^® and other preforms products meet the highest standards in power electronics applications.

Penang also houses the company’s Malaysia Tech Hub, a regional centre for the development of electronics assembly expertise and customer service, as well as a logistics and manufacturing support centre.

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 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 InvestPenang
InvestPenang is a non-profit entity of the Penang State Government with the primary purpose of promoting investments within Penang. As the principal investment promotion agency of the State, its objectives are to sustain and rejuvenate Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously injecting business activities in the State through the promotion of foreign and local investments, including the spawning of viable new growth centres. For more information, please visit www.investpenang.gov.my.

About Indium Corporation
Indium Corporation^® is a premier materials refiner, smelter, manufacturer, and supplier to the global electronics, semiconductor, thin-film, and thermal management markets. Products include solders and fluxes; brazes; thermal interface materials; sputtering targets; indium, gallium, germanium, and tin metals and inorganic compounds; and NanoFoil^®. Founded in 1934, the company has global technical support and factories located in China, Germany, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. For more information about Indium Corporation, visit www.indium.com or email [email protected]. You can also follow our experts, From One Engineer To Another^® (#FOETA), at www.linkedin.com/company/indium-corporation/ or @IndiumCorp.

Media Contacts:

MIDA
Ms. Zakiah Sajidan
Director, Machinery & Metal Technology Division
Email: [email protected] Tel.: +603-2267-6769

InvestPenang
Ms. Yeoh Bit Kun / Ms. Ooi Phei Wen
E: [email protected] / [email protected]

Indium Corporation
Ms. Jingya Huang
Marketing Communications Manager
Indium Corporation
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +1 (315) 381-4900

Indium Corporation Celebrates Grand Opening of Its New Manufacturing Facility In Malaysia

Johor, 20 October 2022 – Bridge Data Centres (BDC) (Chindata Group- NASDAQ: CD), a leading data centre provider across Malaysia, India and Thailand together with ByteDance, celebrate a significant milestone today with the grand opening of BDC’s first phase hyperscale data centre (MY06) in Sedenak, Johor. Phase 1 covers the first of the three buildings in the 110MW hyperscale data centre project which spans across 38 acres of land area. Leveraging on innovative construction and design methodologies, the construction of the data centre is being completed in record time of approximately 2,200,000 working hours (314 days) since breaking ground in November 2021. The project received full support and facilitation from the federal and state governments including the Digital Investment Office (DIO), a fully-digital collaborative platform between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

The grand opening was graced by the Chief Minister of Johor and other dignitaries to mark the success of Malaysia as a competitive nation in attracting data centre investment. It also aligns with the country’s aim to attract RM70 billion investments in digitalisation under the MyDIGITAL initiative.

Also present to witness the event was Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, who expressed, “We are excited and honoured to have been chosen by Bridge Data Centres and ByteDance as their choice of location for the establishment of this hyperscale data centre venture. MIDA through Digital Investment Office (DIO) and Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit (PACU) have been very supportive of this project since its pre-investment stage right up to the implementation phase. I remember chairing several meetings to facilitate this project with various stakeholders including electricity requirements from TNB, land matters, as well as water requirements.”

“Today’s event demonstrates that Malaysia is still the most desirable location in the region for data centre hubs. Supported by the country’s vast resources, favourable environment and advancement in digital infrastructure, Malaysia has developed into a mature market for data centres. This illustrates the country’s readiness to serve as a regional data centre hub.” added Datuk Wira Arham.

BDC is also the first company with Malaysia Digital status to complete the construction and handover the business-ready hyperscale data centre in 2022.

“On behalf of MDEC, I would like to congratulate BDC on the opening of Phase 1 of the hyperscale data centre. This facility will increase not only latency and efficiency, but also will help attract other global businesses and investments into the country. It adds to the momentum that we have built with the launch of Malaysia Digital, a new national strategic initiative, which seeks to catalyse the growth of our digital economy,” said Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC.

With the rapid growth of the cloud service providers and digital media, BDC has the full support from the US-based Bain Capital to expand its hyperscale data centre business in the Southeast Asia region. The company will be building another 100 MW of data centre in the next five years across Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.  

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Digital Investment Office (DIO), Invest Johor, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for their tremendous assistance and support for this project. We look forward to a long-term partnership with the Malaysian government as we expand our business in Malaysia to support our clients.” said Mr. Lim DZ Shing, President of Bridge Data Centres.

ByteDance System Sdn. Bhd, will be the anchor tenant of BDC’s hyperscale data centre with long-term investment commitment in the country.

“We are excited to partner with BDC in our data centre operations. The commitments we are making today reflect our continued investment into the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy. As we continue to provide interconnected online experiences to people across the globe while offering them world-class privacy and security protections, we look forward to working closely with the Malaysia government to expand its data governance leadership globally,” said Teresa Tan, Director of Public Policy, Southeast Asia, ByteDance.

The grand opening ceremony was held at Sedenak Tech Park (STeP) following the Malay Traditional Kompang performance and blessing from honourable guests for future success and prosperity.

******

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 Bridge Data Centres

A subsidiary of NASDAQ-listed Chindata Group, Bridge Data Centres is one of the largest Data Centre companies in the region, providing hyperscale and wholesale data centre solutions. Headquartered in Singapore, Bridge Data Centres will be operating 150+ MW of IT capacity across India and Malaysia. Bridge Data Centres offers a full range of innovative and transformative solutions for businesses looking to grow their reach and revenue in emerging markets and are committed to attaining carbon neutrality by 2030 as announced by Chindata Group. For more details, please visit bridgedatacentres.com.

Media Contacts

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

MDEC
Mr. Simon Yap/Mr. Lewis
Email: [email protected]/[email protected]
Tel.: +603-8315 3000

Bridge Data Centres
Ms. Evelyn Ang
Director Marketing and Comms
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +65 97651376

Tel.: +65 97651376

Bridge Data Centres And Bytedance Celebrate Grand Opening Of The First Phase Hyperscale Data Centre (My06) In Johor, Malaysia

Pulau Pinang, 8 October 2022 – Swift Bridge Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Swift Bridge Technologies), a Malaysian-based company focusing on designing, developing and manufacturing of High Precision Radio Frequency (RF) Coaxial Test Cable Solutions and electric vehicle (EV) automotive wire harness, announced the establishment of its new Centre of Excellence (CoE) in conjunction with the company’s 10^th Anniversary this year.

With a total investment of RM10 million capital expenditure, the new facility of 10,000 square feet is equipped with design, research and development, and test lab facilities; and features the new 125GHz vector network analyser (VNA) test machine for design, research and development (R&D) activities. The establishment of the new CoE also aims to expand the company’s existing business to other potential new markets such as Germany and is expected to recruit an additional of 20 RF Engineers within the state.

Swift Bridge Technologies’ CoE was inaugurated by Y.A.B. Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang. The ceremony was also attended by Mr SK Chong, Group Managing Director, Swift Bridge Technologies, Y.B. Dato Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Hussain, EXCO for Trade and Industry, Entrepreneur Development, Dato Abdul Latif Hj Abu Seman, Director General Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), Encik Muhd Ghaddaffi, Director MIDA Penang, Puan Saudah Mat Isa, Director Matrade Penang, Puan Nurul Zahirah Ayob, Director SME Corp Penang, Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai, President MSIA, and Dato Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock, Chairman 88Captains.

Y.A.B. Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang congratulated Swift Bridge Technologies on their great efforts and remarked, “The state government will continue to play its role in empowering the growth of our local SMEs, through various initiatives such as the SME Village, Smart Centre, Seed Capital Fund, Penang SME Go Digital campaign and more.”

“It is envisaged that such initiatives will catapult SMEs such as Swift Bridge Technologies to greater heights while also contributing significantly to Penang’s economic growth, in line with the state’s Penang2030 vision of becoming “A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.”, he added.

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA responded positively, “Swift Bridge Technologies’ expansion from the manufacturing activity to CoE, exhibits the capability of Malaysian company towards producing high value-added and complex products. As the company thrives in making its way to the wider industrial ecosystem, other local companies are encouraged to leverage on Swift Bridge Technologies’ expertise through knowledge and technology transfer which in turn, will assist in developing market-ready talent and contributing to the employability of the country.” 

“The establishment of this CoE is not only crucial for Malaysia’s economic growth but will also stimulate innovation and increase productivity in the country’s development of advanced technologies in the RF industry. It further affirms the Malaysian home-grown capabilities and talent in design, development and research activities while also aligning with the nation’s sustainable investment agenda by focusing on intensifying its research and development (R&D) which is an integral ingredient of Malaysia’s overall development strategy,” he added.

During the launching, Swift Bridge Technologies has also exchanged a Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) with two companies namely Angkasa-X Innovation Sdn. Bhd., and Eclimo Sdn. Bhd. The formalised partnerships are anticipated to potentially generate a revenue of RM25 million to the company over the next five years.

Pledging their commitment to the growth of Malaysian electrical and electronics (E&E) industry by continuously creating innovative solutions for the advancement in connectivity technology, the company’s strategic plan focusing on R&D enables them to improve the sustainability of its business operations in the long run. Swift Bridge Technologies will continue providing a complete solution from concept to production to their customers. This includes the customised assembly that supports test and measurements, automotive, energy, industrial automation, and cuts across the E&E industry in different countries such as the United States of America, Canada, India and South-East Asia.

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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.

About Swift Bridge Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Swift Bridge Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. was established in 2012 with the goal of being a majority Malaysian-owned company that designed, developed, and manufactured Precision High Radio Frequency (RF) Test Cable Solutions in Malaysia. Swift Bridge Technologies is managed by individuals from both technical and marketing business segments of the electrical & electronics industry who is specializing in high performance cable interconnect solutions, DC thru 110GHz cable interconnect solutions for Oscilloscopes (real time, digital storage, TDR, and BERT), Network Analyzers, and Custom Probe Assemblies.

Swift Bridge Technologies provides a complete solution from concept to production whether customers require a customized assembly from 45 GHz to 110 GHz Precision High Radio Frequency Test Cable.  Swift Bridge Technologies utilizes Solidworks in the mechanical design of enclosures and injection molded components.  Ansoft HFSS and Polar modeling software are utilized in the design of RF connectors and controlled-impedance PCBs.  Swift Bridge Technologies enjoys working with customers and the work environment fosters collaborative participation throughout the design process with seamless transition into production. 

There are two facilities in Swift Bridge Technologies, (1) Malaysian Center of Excellence & Manufacturing Center and (2) the branch office in the USA work together throughout the development process to optimize the product characteristics and utilize local suppliers, effectively creating the greatest value for our customer.  Swift Bridge Technologies’ technical staff comprises engineers, project managers and supply chain management, it then reduces and expedites the development timeline from concept to production.  Swift Bridge Technologies meets with customers to review technical requirements, challenges, cost constraints and propose an optimized product solution that can be successfully marketed within the selected business segment.

Media contacts:

MIDA
Ms. Noor Suziyanti Saad
Director of Electrical and Electronics Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603 2267 3575

Swift Bridge Technologies
Mr. SK Chong
Managing Director of Swift Bridge Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +6012-4832186

Swift Bridge Technologies Launches Its New Centre of Excellence In Conjunction With 10th Anniversary

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 October 2022 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) have  signed a Memorandum  of Understanding (MOU) to form a partnership in boosting the Malaysia’s Halal industry. This strategic collaboration will allow HDC in leveraging the end-to-end  facilitation  by MIDA, to further assist and enhance the industry’s capability and capacity; subsequently propelling our economic growth.

The MOU was signed  by  the  Executive  Director  of  Investment  Facilitation, MIDA, Ms. Jasbir Kaur and HDC Chief Commercial Officer, Tuan Haji Adly Mohamed; and witnessed by MIDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman and HDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Hairol Ariffein Sahari.

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA, expressed his appreciation for the partnership in stimulating Malaysia’s business environment particularly in  the  development of the halal industry. He stated, “The signing of today’s MOU further strengthens the successful partnership between  MIDA and  HDC  and  enhances Malaysia’s position as the centre of Halal ecosystem development. This collaboration foresees the broader scope of economic cooperation between the MIDA and HDC, where we have expanded our networks to enhance investment facilitation and at the same time, provides opportunities in new and innovative business and strategic areas that will include projects to increase investment, including Halal parks and co-organising Halal related events.”

“Given the growing role of technology and the increasing importance of its adoption, especially since the global pandemic struck, it is apt to prioritise technology development now and post Covid-19. This  would also be beneficial  to enhance  innovation and technology application in the Halal industry that Malaysia already has succeeded,” he added.

Mr. Hairol Ariffein Sahari, CEO of HDC, said, “To date, Malaysia’s halal parks have attracted a cumulative total of RM16.28 billion in investments since 2011. In 2021, domestic direct investments into Halal Parks has recorded an increase of RM95  million (or 45.7%), signaling that the local halal industry is still growing, despite the many ongoing challenges.”

“We are seeing trend amongst the local players particularly the halal Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) whom are proven to be resilient throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges,  they strived and  are going for business expansion and diversification to meet the growing demand. Hence, these SMEs are scaling up and looking for suitable  and sizable industrial spaces with a better  infrastructure and ecosystem support which are provided by HDC’s Halal Parks,” he shared.

The collaboration will synchronise the process flow of investment facilitation during pre and post investments between HDC and MIDA. For the year 2021, HDC managed to engage 130 domestic companies with a total of 17 Letter of Intent (LoI) issued into Malaysian Halal Parks with the potential investment of RM133 million. It  is believed  with this two (2) years partnership, 60 per cent of the potential investment will be realised.

The MOU with HDC demonstrates MIDA’s ongoing commitment in pursuing high technology, high value-added and innovative investment projects from both domestic and foreign companies. The partnership is seen as being timely to provide adequate and financial support to industry players, particularly domestic investors, in expanding the Government’s efforts to facilitate investments in Malaysia, which is consistent with the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) framework in driving 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 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 Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC)
Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) spearheads  the development  of Malaysia’s integrated and comprehensive halal ecosystem and infrastructure to position Malaysia as the most competitive country leading the global halal  industry.  Established on 18 September 2006, HDC is also known as the central coordinator that promotes participation and facilitates growth of industry players in the development of Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem. An agency under the Ministry of International  Trade  and  Industry (MITI); it is the world’s first Government-backed halal industry development corporation. For more information, please visit HDC at – www.hdcglobal.com 

For more information, please contact:

MIDA:
Ms. Zabidah Daud
Director of Post Investment Division
Tel: +603 2267 6719 | Email: [email protected]

HDC:
Norsida Ahmad
Corporate Communication Division
Tel: +603 7965 5530 | Email: [email protected]

MIDA and HDC Ink MoU To Woo Foreign and Domestic Investments Into Halmas Halal Parks

Malaysia, Kedah, 30 October 2021 – AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is pleased to announce the start of construction of its new Integrated Circuit (IC) Substrates manufacturing facility here in Kulim Hi-Technology Park, Kedah

The groundbreaking ceremony was jointly officiated by YAB Tuan Haji Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, Chief Minister of Kedah and YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

During his speech, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali remarked “Despite the pandemic, companies like AT&S are continuing to expand and grow. I am happy that AT&S has chosen Malaysia to establish its first production plant in Southeast Asia. This is by far the largest investment in the history of AT&S with the total investment of €1.7 billion Euros which is expected to create high skilled job opportunities for over 6,000 Malaysians. This investment is timely because the market environment is bullish with the dynamics of global demand.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate MIDA for the expeditious effort since November 2020 to realise this investment. It is with great pride for me to note that it took only about 12 months for this investment to come to fruition from inception to groundbreaking. Indeed, this groundbreaking ceremony is a much-awaited event for Malaysia, and we are delighted to have one of the key global electrical and electronics (E&E) players here in Kedah.”

Echoing the Senior Minister, Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) remarked, “We are proud that AT&S will join Malaysia’s E&E industry cluster. Our strategic position within ASEAN, our robust pool of talent and our established local supply chains that are well-integrated into the global value chain are undeniable pull factors for investors such as AT&S to choose Malaysia as their springboard into the region. Being the country’s principal investment promotion agency under MITI, MIDA looks forward to working closely with AT&S to support the growth of their operations here in Malaysia.” Despite the global pandemic, MIDA has worked closely with AT&S since November 2020 to realise AT&S’ investment. The One-Stop Centre for Business Travellers, managed by MIDA enables investors to travel to Malaysia with a strict Standard of Procedure (SOP) and make business decisions, which also helped AT&S to set up their manufacturing plant in Kulim, Kedah.

The electrical and electronics (E&E) industry contributes to a significant part of Malaysia’s economy. Malaysia’s E&E manufacturing sector is rapidly evolving, with companies shifting their focus to high-tech, knowledge-intensive and higher-value activities. With the E&E ecosystem in place, MIDA is continuously working towards attracting high-value MNCs to Malaysia.

This AT&S project in Malaysia looks to enhance the development of Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem while opening opportunities for local vendors in advanced electronics through industry and training partnerships.

AT&S CEO, Mr. Andreas Gerstenmayer assured, “This step marks a true milestone for AT&S. With our new state-of-the-art factory for IC substrates, we are able to establish a completely new technology sector in Malaysia, one of the future global microelectronics hotspots. We will not only manufacture high-end IC substrates for high-performance processors at our new facility, but also conduct R&D activities at this location. This creates a win-win situation for both, AT&S as well as the Malaysian society as an investment in R&D is an investment in the future of a country.”

“With the AT&S investment in Malaysia, we are creating 6,000 high-tech jobs in the region and will help to set-up the framework for future growth in Malaysia”, says AT&S Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Ingolf Schröeder. “We see it as our natural responsibility as an international company, to truly live our social commitment and our positioning as an inclusive, diverse and responsible employer at any new location.”

MIDA and AT&S had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on long-term research and development partnerships and upskilling programmes with Malaysian universities, training and research institutions, to create highly skilled and high-value-added employment opportunities.  The MOU will see both parties collaborate to uplift Malaysia’s talent competence, especially in high end printed circuit boards (PCB) and IC substrates.

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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 AT&S

AT&S is a leading manufacturer of high-end printed circuit boards and IC substrates. AT&S industrialises leading-edge technologies for its core business segments Mobile Devices & Substrates, Automotive, Industrial and Medical. AT&S has a global presence with production sites in Austria (Leoben, Fehring) and plants in India (Nanjangud), China (Shanghai, Chongqing) and Korea (Ansan near Seoul). The company employs roughly 12,000 people. For further information please visit www.ats.net.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Gerald Reischl, Director Communications & PR – AT&S AG
Tel.: +43 664 88592452 | Email: [email protected]  

 Ms. WaiQuan Wong, Junzi Communications On behalf of AT&S AG
Tel.: 03+6012-456 0308 | Email: [email protected]  

Ms. Azlina Hamdan, Director, E&E Division, MIDA
Tel.: +603-2267 3791| Email: [email protected]

AT&S ‘Breaks Ground’ On High Technology Manufacturing Facility In Kulim Hi-Technology Park, Malaysia

MIDA Encourages Batik Manufacturers to Automate During the Batik Week 2021

Kuala Lumpur, 29 October 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in collaboration with the Malaysian Batik Association, Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia (PENYAYANG), Federation of Malaysian Fashion Textiles and Apparels (FMFTA), and Kraftangan Malaysia, hassuccessfullyorganised a Batik Week from 25 to 29 October 2021. The five-day virtual programme with the theme mooted on “Revitalising Malaysian Batik Industry”, aimed to elevate the Malaysian Batik through adoption of new technology and developing green business models. The Malaysian Government recognises the importance of the cottage industry as the national heritage and the nation’s pride, while the expertise of local craftsmen should be preserved and further enhanced.

YBhg. Dato’ Lokman Hakim, the Secretary General of Ministry of International Trade and Industry said, “The batik industry must be transformed through the adoption of green practices for it to stand out globally. This is critical as it aligns with the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles stipulated in various Government’s policies such as the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, National Investment Aspirations and National Trade Blueprint.”

He added, “Batik designers must strive to marry their creativity with innovation, to ensure our Malaysian batik is more marketable worldwide. Sustainability including technology adoption are strong value propositions that appeal to the international audiences.”

Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, highlighted in his welcoming remarks, “Companies should automate and modernise in their bid to reduce overall costs and improve efficiency to compete better, while diversifying their operations into new market”. In line with Malaysia’s IR4.0 initiative, the event explored pathways for local manufacturers, especially the SMEs to embrace technology into the processes of batik making.

He explained, “The Twelfth Malaysian Plan outlines measures to reset the nation’s economy and to build a more resilient nation. In this context, industries’ growth depends upon stronger and comprehensive ecosystem with the right talent, skills and innovation. Moving forward, the Industry 4.0 technologies will be a rudimentary necessity for both the front-end as well as the back-end operations.”

The event showcased pioneer batik entrepreneurs through ‘Batik Showcase’ and Virtual Factory Tours to display their products and brand identity. The sessions created a platform for participants to understand the manufacturing process flow of the Malaysian Batik and its profound opportunities.

“The Batik Industry in Malaysia has set its evolution in place; the industry has matured and has inspired the production of new motifs and has established more new research methods in the batik production. Over the years, it has propagated and promoted the green principles in the batik technology and has diversify in terms of producing more innovative products”, reiterates Ms. Nori Abdullah, Chairman of PENYAYANG.

The event successfully brought together prominent industry stakeholders and more than 500 registered participants including the textile and apparels industry players over the 5 days of Batik Week. In the recent 5 years, MIDA has approved 122 textile and apparels projects with total investments of RM3,174 million, generating 7,538 careers, including skilled positions for engineers, specialised quality controllers and skilled technicians.

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

Modernising The Batik Industry In Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 27 October 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) with Intel Malaysia and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) successfully organised the Virtual Artificial Intelligence for SMEs (AI4S) Enhanced Programme for the second time today. The event is a continuation of the first AI4S event held in January this year, where Intel Malaysia awarded AI Starter Kits to 100 selected Malaysian companies. These identified SMEs are currently going through a comprehensive technology enabling process and training to empower them in implementing pilot projects in their business or operation setting to jump-start the Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Industry 4.0 journey.

Today’s AI4S Enhanced Programme saw Intel Malaysia committed to hand out a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) card to the participant companies. The FPGA card is a powerful tool that enables the AI kit to be five times more powerful than the existing kit.

Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, reiterates McKinsey’s findings that 50 per cent of the production work time in Malaysia is spent on repetitive activities that are highly automatable. “The AI features can assist to automate routine tasks, augment employees’ capabilities, and allow time to focus on more stimulating and higher value-adding work. If automation is widely adopted, AI could potentially create 6 million new jobs by 2030 in Malaysia with new skills and long-term workforce training will be high in demand. Therefore, it is important for the Government to intervene in overcoming challenges faced by the local companies in adopting AI especially in getting the right expertise and manage financing needs.” he added.

Mr. Ruban Kanagaratnam, Vice President of Intel Programmable Solutions Group (PSG), acknowledged, “Intel Malaysia believes that a major paradigm shift is needed in our attitude towards having a mind set to see technology as an industry; moving from rushing into creation of technology to balance it with the adoption of the new technology because it is the primary reason technology creates value in the nation’s development. The company trust that the domestic players especially SMEs has an equal opportunity to participate in this revolution if the technology is more user friendly, cost competitive and accessible to the local businesses.”

Intel is a leader in artificial intelligence solutions covering both software and hardware and is very passionate about bridging its partners, knowledge and technologies together to help build the local ecosystem in Malaysia. To date, five training sessions involving 93 companies have been successfully carried out by MPC and Intel.

Mr. Arham encourages other MNCs to also follow Intel’s footsteps in contributing back to the nation’s industrial ecosystem and increase the capabilities of domestic companies; while at the same time enhancing the MNC’s value proposition. According to him, MIDA is partnering up with Intel Malaysia to emulate a similar AI4S programme for selected local universities to prepare the future ready workforce in AI for entry level careers, while saving employers’ time and resources for basic AI training and skilling.

In line with the Government’s commitment, MIDA seeks industry leaders and players to leverage on the facilitation by the Government under the Industry4WRD initiative. This includes company undertaking Readiness Assessment (RA) programme to assess its capabilities and readiness to adopt Industry 4.0 technology. For more details, please get in touch with the officials or visit the official website at www.mida.gov.my.

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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. Norhizam Ibrahim
Director, Advanced Technology and Research and Development Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603 2267 6611

The Second Virtual Artificial Intelligence for SMEs (AI4S) Programme, Reaffirms Intel Malaysia’s Support for Domestic Players to Adopt AI

Kuala Lumpur, 22 October 2021 – Mercedes-Benz AG, one of the world’s largest manufacturer of luxury passenger cars has decided to make Malaysia as their Regional Parts Logistics Centre for APAC to manage and distribute an assortment of replacement spare parts and accessories, serving 22 countries.

The company’s new facility in Malaysia will feature a storage capacity of one (1) million square feet and equipped with advanced storage and materials-handling systems to better serve its regional supply chain network.

This move was discussed during the Trade and Investment Mission (TIM) to Germany, led by YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), on 14 October 2021.

YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali remarked, “Mercedes-Benz AG’s decision in choosing Malaysia as their regional parts logistics centre for APAC not only signals the company’s continual pursuit for growth but also is an embodiment of the company’s confidence in Malaysia’s conducive ecosystem and our strength to support their long-term growth. It also acknowledges the capability of our local talent of highly skilled engineers, technicians and as the key global supply chain and distribution hub in the region. In line with the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), the Government will continue to enhance our ease of doing business, logistics and ports networks as well as promote strategic collaboration and industry linkages to increase Malaysia’s competitiveness in the region.”

Mercedes-Benz joins the increasing trend of establishment of global and regional distribution hubs in Malaysia by companies in industries such as automotive, life sciences and medical devices, electrical and electronics (E&E)as well as machinery and equipment (M&E). These companies seek to tap on Malaysia’s strategic location, talent availability as well as our efficient and reliable logistics network and infrastructure such as ports, airports and financial institutions, allowing them to improve operational efficiency as well as optimise quality and speed for their products and services for their customers.

Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) welcomed Mercedes-Benz AG’s decision to make Malaysia as their Regional Parts Logistics Centre for APAC, saying, “The Government acknowledges the positive spill-overs of quality investments to the development of Malaysia’s business ecosystem. As such, MIDA has been consistent in our efforts to scout and attract quality investments from around the world. This latest investment by Mercedes-Benz AG will assume a critical role to further strengthen the linkages within our local industry, create high value jobs for Malaysians and enhance our country’s positioning as a global supply chain and distribution hub.”

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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.

For further information, please contact:
Rosedalina Ramlan (Ms.)
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 3515

Mercedes-Benz AG Chooses Malaysia as Their Regional Parts Logistics Centre for APAC

Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali underscored Malaysia’s commitment in pursuing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda through the recently unveiled Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMKe12) and National Investment Aspirations (NIA), to the Government of France during his bilateral meeting with Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, His Excellency Franck Riester in Paris.

The session with his counterpart in Paris kick started the Trade and Investment Mission (TIM) to France from 15th to 17th October 2021. During the meeting, Dato’ Seri Azmin highlighted opportunities in Malaysia’s growing green technology sector and Malaysian industry players’ capabilities in this high-value sector.

The Senior Minister further emphasised Malaysia’s firm commitment to support an ecosystem built on the sustainable agenda and shared that Malaysia aims to achieve carbon net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the earliest by 2050, which was warmly welcomed by the French Minister.

Both Ministers had an engaging discussion on topics of mutual interest ranging from economic recovery strategies in the endemic phase, advancing reforms at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), leveraging Malaysia’s position in the mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement to investment and commercial opportunities in renewable energy. The Malaysian delegation also commended France’s renewed interest in the South East Asian region, including Malaysia, and saw this new development as a pathway to further strengthen the ties
between both nations. France’s growing interest in this region was greatly welcomed as France is set to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2022.

The Senior Minister held a Roundtable Meeting with Mouvement des Enterprises de France (MEDEF) International which saw the participation of 17 prominent companies including industry captains for aerospace, defence, transportation, chemical & chemical industry, machinery & equipment, Information Technology, inspection & certification and banking sectors. The key takeaway was the reassurances by the Senior Minister that Malaysia will continue to be a strategic business partner with clear and predictable policies, and the Government remains steadfast in further developing the industrial ecosystems in Malaysia. It is truly encouraging that French companies valued Malaysia as their chosen destination to establish or to expand their footprint in South East Asia and the Asia Pacific, leveraging on the business-friendly policies of the Malaysian Government.

Dato’ Seri Azmin also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and MEDEF International. The strategic partnership between MIDA and MEDEF International will complement Malaysia’s NIA through expanded cooperation aiming to facilitate the nation’s industrial ecosystem with the catalytic infrastructure and new technologies.

The Malaysian delegation also had a series of one-to-one sessions with French companies notably Airbus, Saint-Gobain, Adisseo Group, Prolaser and Innovafeed, where the delegation expressed a strong interest to strengthen the footprints of Malaysian products in Europe through France, During these sessions, the French enterprises showed great interest to continue making Malaysia their business partner in the aerospace, biotechnology, advanced chemical, medical devices, halal products and the construction sectors. Malaysia’s strong focus on the green agenda in charting
the country’s economic development also provided the French businesses assurance that Malaysia is moving in tandem with world megatrends.

The TIM to France had successfully generated a total of RM2.6 billion potential investment and RM300 million worth of potential exports, validating the success of Malaysia’s continuous efforts in attracting quality investment and in enhancing participation of local companies in high value global supply chain. The strong interest shown by French companies garnered during the Mission serves as a major catalyst in expanding the bilateral trade and investment relations, most notably in areas that support the sustainable and green agenda advocated by both nations.

MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MITI)
18 OCTOBER 2021

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 62000083
Fax : + 603 62064293
Email : [email protected]

Malaysia And France Move Forward Together In Strengthening Bilateral Ties With Investment Opportunities In The Sustainable Economy

Paris, 18 October 2021 – Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali witnessed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and MEDEF International, the French private business network abroad. The MOU formalises the continuous partnership between both organisations to further encourage, promote and facilitate potential investments and business cooperation for mutually beneficial outcomes.

The MOU was signed by Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA and Mr. Philippe Gautier, CEO of MEDEF International, during the roundtable meeting with MEDEF International’s France – Malaysia Business Council members.

Also present at the signing ceremony were His Excellency Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid, the Ambassador of Malaysia to France; Mr. Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Deputy Secretary General (Trade) of MITI; and Mr. Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, CEO of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Economic ties between Malaysia and France have flourished over the years driven by solid diplomatic foundations laid by leaders of both countries. This is evident through the increasing number of French companies investing in Malaysia. As of December 2020, a total of 126 manufacturing projects with French participation have been implemented in Malaysia, with total investments worth RM4.36 billion (USD1.31 billion), creating more than 10,900 jobs.

Underscoring the significance of the MOU, Dato’ Seri Azmin remarked, “France has had a long presence in Malaysia’s manufacturing and services sectors. Recognising the synergies between the French innovative capabilities and Malaysia’s value proposition, we are confident that there will be more French investors, investing particularly within high value and high technology fields such as transport equipment (aerospace), ICT, pharmaceutical, scientific and measuring equipment, electrical and electronics, food, chemical and chemical products as well as machinery and equipment. Concurrently, we hope that these investments will spur more talent development programmes to future proof our workforce, building upon our National Investment Aspirations (NIA) and the Twelfth Malaysian Plan (12MP) towards 2025.”

Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman elaborated, “Given MEDEF International’s invaluable global network in more than 120 markets, this partnership will enable more Malaysian businesses and technology providers to better connect with the global supply chain. The Government of Malaysia, through MIDA will continue to work closely with MEDEF International to further boost and realise French investments in Malaysia.”

Mr. Philippe Gautier also expressed his pleasure to further deepen the partnership between both organisations, saying “MIDA and MEDEF International have established a long and close relationship over many years. MEDEF International’s France-Malaysia Business Council, in particular, has been actively meeting and engaging with Malaysian public authorities and private sector decision-makers for three (3) decades through a number of business missions to Kuala Lumpur. We have also continued to work virtually with MIDA over the past two (2) years since the pandemic to foster opportunities and connect more French companies with Malaysian businesses. We look forward to more future collaborations in building dynamic bilateral relations.”

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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 MEDEF International
MEDEF International is the French private business network abroad; chaired by Mr. Frederic Sanchez, CEO of FIVES GROUP. MEDEF International aims at promoting the French companies’ know-how abroad through collective actions. MEDEF International supports trade, technologic cooperation and investments, long-term partnerships, especially on emerging and developing markets as well as reconstruction markets.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Faizal Jalaludin
Director, Foreign Investment Promotion Division, MIDA
Phone: +603 2267 6633
Email: [email protected]

Ms. Priyanka Ramatchandirane
Project Officer – South-East Asia & Oceania
MEDEF International
Phone: +331 5359 1632
Email: [email protected]

MIDA and MEDEF International Ink Strategic Partnership to Support Investment Opportunities and Business Cooperation

Kuala Lumpur, 18 October 2021 – H&R GmbH & Co. KGaA announced that it will be investing RM200 million in a speciality manufacturing plant in Lumut, Perak. The leading global sustainable refiner and marketer of speciality plasticisers, extender oils, softeners and waxes, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany has more than 100 years of experience operating speciality refineries in manufacturing plants around the world.

H&R announced its investment plan during the meeting between H&R and the Trade and Investment Mission (TIM) to Germany delegation led by YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

The Group will be establishing a new entity, H&R Chempharm Asia Sdn. Bhd., which will focus on the production of environmentally friendly plasticisers for tyre and rubber applications as well as technical and medicinal white oils for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and polymer applications with the new introductory of bio-based products. This investment is anticipated to create 70 new jobs in Malaysia.

H&R plans to kickstart the construction of their facility by March 2022, followed by commencement of production in early 2024. The project will tentatively be carried out in three (3) phases, with a designed capacity of 150,000 tons per annum. Phase I and Phase II will be dedicated to the production of speciality plasticisers, white oils and wax emulsions from mineral, synthetic and renewable resources; Phase III will focus on the production of renewables through uniquely designed synthesising technologies.

Apart from H&R Chempharm Asia Sdn. Bhd., H&R has two (2) existing facilities in Malaysia, namely H&R Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and H&R Malaysia Wax Sdn. Bhd. in Port Klang and Batu Caves, respectively. These facilities have been in operations since 1990, producing wax speciality emulsions as well as undertaking marketing and distribution activities of various specialty oils and waxes.

YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali remarked, “H&R’s investment announcement reflects foreign investors’ confidence in Malaysia’s business environment that remains conducive. The Group has indicated clear goals to reduce its dependency on fossil-based feedstock towards renewable or hybrid feedstock for more sustainable products and speciality applications; eventually to reach carbon neutral in its operation by 2035. This is in line with Malaysia’s commitment to drive reforms in achieving carbon net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. This strategic investment will further support and drive Malaysia’s commitment towards Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) values and advancing green growth as outlined in the Twelfth Malaysian Plan (12MP).”

Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) echoed the Senior Minister, saying, “It is encouraging to see H&R further enhance their venture towards bio-based products in Malaysia. This is a testament to our well-established chemical industry ecosystem that has been an important catalyst to other industries such as automotive, food, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. MIDA, through our Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit (PACU) will work closely with H&R to provide end-to-end facilitation in ensuring the smooth implementation of their project in Malaysia.”

Mr. Niels H. Hansen, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of H&R, shared, “The strategic direction and vision of the Malaysian Government for a carbon neutral economy definitely strengthens our determination to further invest in the country. Our investment in Lumut, Perak aims to contribute to a more sustainable growth, focusing on de-fossilisation.”

He further added, “Malaysia, centrally positioned in Southeast Asia, is a sustainable manufacturing hub with rich resources, in both mineral and renewable feedstock, to serve the ASEAN community. As an industry leader in the manufacture and marketing of speciality niche products, we intend to develop a hybrid business model in our project in Lumut to transition production of mineral-based products to renewable specialties with locally sourced feedstock to supply to our global customers who are producing in the region.”

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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 H&R Malaysia

H&R GmbH & Co. KGaA, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is a leading global sustainable refiner and marketer of speciality plasticisers, extender oils, softeners and waxes. H&R operates speciality refineries in manufacturing plants around the world and owns as a shareholder a bio speciality refinery in the USA.

For further information, please contact:

Surayu Susah (Ms.)
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 6773

Sritharen Kittappa (Mr.)
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603 31768314 / +60 0193216894

Hansen & Rosenthal (H&R) Group Renews Commitment To Malaysia With Additional RM200 million Investment

The Expansion Plan was announced duringTrade and Investment Mission (TIM) to Germany led by Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry

Kuala Lumpur, 15 October 2021 – BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. (“BPC”), a joint venture between BASF and PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (“PCG”), plans to expand its annual production capacity of 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid (2-EHA) at its Verbund site in Gebeng Industrial Area, Kuantan, Pahang. This milestone looks to not only strengthen the Company’s presence in Asia but to also meet the demands of their customers worldwide.

BPC’s announcement was one of the key discussion points during the meeting between BASF, represented by Dr. Markus Kamieth, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASE SE and the Trade and Investment Mission’s (TIM) delegation to Germany, led by YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), on 13 October 2021.

YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali commended the BPC project and expansion plan in Malaysia, saying: “BPC, as a fully integrated oil and gas multinational has been instrumental in propelling the growth and further value-adding to the Malaysia’s speciality chemical ecosystem. The Government, through MITI and MIDA will continue to provide the requisite assistance to the Company to realise their future plans, reinforcing our commitment to attract and sustain quality investments in the country. This is crucial as our industries manufacture for a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future in line with the Environment, Social and Governance values (ESG) under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).”

Apart from the production site in Kuantan, Malaysia, BASF produces 2-EHA at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. BPC proposes to increase its annual production capacity of 2-EHA from 30,000 to 60,000 metric tons by 2024.

Mr. Vasilios Galanos, Senior Vice President, Intermediates Asia Pacific of BASF commented, “We are committed to supporting our customers’ growing demand in various 2-EHA downstream applications such as synthetic lubricants for the white goods industry and PVB plasticisers for safety glass production in the construction and automotive segments. With the increased capacity, we continue to ensure persistent supply capability in Asia Pacific with the highest standard of product quality.”

Datuk Sazali Hamzah, Managing Director and CEO of PCG further elaborated, “2-EHA has been an integral part of BPC’s growth and it is timely that the expansion is planned to capture the growing market. The expansion is also in line with PCG’s sustainable growth strategy to expand our portfolio with higher value products. By leveraging the existing integration between BPC and other PCG plants in the Kuantan Verbund site, we are able to maximise our value chain by improving the quality and cost competitiveness of our products and continue delivering innovative solutions to our customers.”

Mr. Marko Murtonen, Managing Director of BPC also mentioned, “This expansion marks another milestone of the well-established partnership between BASF and PCG. It reinforces our commitment to expand local production to meet our growing customer demand competitively. Additionally, it caters to a rising trend on high quality products combined with production efficiency that is well integrated into the sustainability targets of our parent companies.”

Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) remarked, “The strategic venture between BASF and PCG since 1997 is among the commendable success stories in shaping the development of the chemical industry in Malaysia. BPC expansion plan is timely to strengthen the country’s chemical industry towards producing higher value-added offerings such as speciality chemicals and market-driven chemical products, which will drive the growth and development of the entire value chain.”

“Towards this, MIDA will continuously strive to improve the business landscape in Malaysia and be ever-ready to facilitate our stakeholders to spearhead the investment agenda of the country in line with the Twelfth Malaysian Plan (12MP) and our National Investment Aspirations (NIA),” he added. 

2-EHA is a chemical intermediate used as a compound in the production of synthetic lubricants as well as oil additives. It is also used in functional fluids such as automotive coolants, metal salts for paint dryers, plasticisers, stabilisers and catalysts in various industries.

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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.

For further enquiries, please contact:
Surayu Susah (Ms)
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 6773

About BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.

BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysia-based joint venture between BASF and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia’s fully integrated oil and gas multinational, under its subsidiary PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG). Incorporated in 1997, the company operates an integrated ‘Verbund’ site situated in the Gebeng Industrial Zone, Pahang. The company’s share capital is 60% held by BASF and 40% held by PCG. Key products include acrylic monomers, oxo products, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, highly reactive polyisobutene and aroma ingredients.

For more information, visit our website www.basf-petronas.com.my

BASF Petronas Chemicals to Ramp-Up Production In Kuantan, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 8 October 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for the implementation of the MIDA Assessment Development Center (MADC) HyTalent Programme. The signing ceremony was witnessed by YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI). 

“The MADC HyTalent Programme embodies the Twelfth Malaysian Plan (12MP) roadmap to develop and equip future talent with Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skill sets that are important for them to keep pace with the rapid changes in technological advancement and meet industry demands. Through this strategic partnership, the Government anticipates a more skilled and diverse Malaysian workforce, particularly in the manufacturing sector as the Programme is uniquely structured to provide trainees with intensive leadership and technical training in the field of Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT),” said YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

The MADC HyTalent Programme syllabus is established in collaboration with local universities together with international and local industry players to bridge the gap between the supply of local engineers and the demand of the industry, especially in the field of IoT and IIOT. It comprises a 6-month live-in pilot programme combined with a 6-month internship duration to develop fresh graduates in a structured leadership and technical training to meet the needs of Malaysia’s industries. 

YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali further added, “The MADC HyTalent Programme anticipates to train 500 trainees in the field of IoT and IIOT to be employed at participating Malaysian companies with a higher than average compensation or salary after graduation.  This is a testament to the Government’s continuous focus on creating high-value jobs to ensure Malaysians reap the long-term benefits of investments in the country, in tandem to enhancing the overall industry’s ecosystem to drive sustainable economic growth on the road to recovery post COVID-19.”

The Programme is approved under the special COVID-19 Fund (Kumpulan Wang Covid19 (2021 – 2022)) by the Government to stimulate Malaysia’s current economy amidst the pandemic, with special emphasis towards addressing unemployment.  

MIDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman iterated, “At MIDA, we have always highly valued public-private partnerships. Hence, we are excited to partner with UKM, UTM and UPM for the implementation of the MADC HyTalent Programme, whereby these reputable universities will provide the much-needed personnel equipped suitably with the relevant qualifications and experience to support our fresh graduates. This is to groom future leaders with the essential talents of technical and soft skills as required by the industry.”

“MIDA, under the stewardship of MITI will also continue in our mandate to facilitate high-technology, knowledge-based and capital-intensive investments that generate multiplier effects on Malaysia’s economy, including generating quality jobs. We hope that this will ultimately contribute towards increasing the country’s productivity, efficiency and global competitiveness as an investment destination regardless of the global economic sentiments,” he added.

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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.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Aizah Abdullah (Ms)
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 3529

MIDA Partners with Local Universities to Drive Industry 4.0 Readiness Among Fresh Graduates