Kuala Lumpur, 26 February 2021 – Cabot Corporation will continue its strategic investments to expand its manufacturing as well as research and development (R&D) capabilities at its plant in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

The global speciality chemicals and performance materials company announced the launch of its Engineered Elastomer Composites (E2C™) solutions in 2020 as part of its efforts in raising the bar within the tire and industrial rubber industry. To further expand manufacturing of its E2C solutions, Cabot is increasing its staff strength by more than 30 per cent as well as installing enhanced digital controls and automation systems. The Company is also signing a long-term extension and expansion of its land lease in Port Dickson.

Cabot’s Port Dickson site has led the industry by developing the first industrial scale, continuous liquid mixing process for natural rubber latex. With Cabot’s expanded R&D capabilities, it will continue to lead and advance rubber technology through specific innovations such as new tools for modeling and optimisation of liquid mixing, novel methods for characterising elastomer composites as well as automation of continuous rubber processing.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), welcomed the Company’s commitment and confidence in Malaysia, “This investment by Cabot, a global leader in the development and commercialisation of innovative elastomer composites, is even more recompensing in the backdrop of the current challenges surrounding the pandemic. It is a testament to Malaysia’s resilient business environment and promising returns to investors. MIDA is confident that Cabot will benefit from Malaysia’s solid chemical industry ecosystem, backed by investor-friendly business environment and policies as well as the availability of talented and skilled workers in the country.”

“Cabot has joined other industry players to choose Malaysia as their investment destination, particularly within the speciality chemicals sphere. As partners to investors, MIDA remains committed to drive high quality and knowledge-driven projects into Malaysia, in line with our national investment agenda for long term sustainable growth of the economy,” added Dato’ Azman.

David Reynolds, Vice President and General Manager at Cabot Engineered Elastomer Composites added, “Our plant in Malaysia has been a key asset for us as we have continued to develop and expand our portfolio of elastomer composites solutions. We are excited about the launch of our new E2C line of products and the sustainability benefits that they provide in a variety of customer applications. As such, we are committed to continuing to partner with MIDA to strengthen our investments in Port Dickson and support the growth of this high-performance product line.”

Cabot’s E2C solutions are a new category of performance rubber composites based on a proprietary liquid mixing process for natural rubber latex, including three commercially viable products for off-the road mining tire applications. Tires made with E2C solutions last longer and are more energy efficient, resulting in reduced raw material consumption, fewer end-of-life tires and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Furthermore, during the rubber compounding process, E2C solutions require fewer mixing stages, shorter cycles and lower temperatures, translating into additional sustainability and economic benefits. As a result, E2C solutions support more sustainable mobility, a key element of Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy, designed to enhance the country’s economic competitiveness while reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Cabot’s E2CTM solution was also named in the European Rubber Journal’s inaugural Top 10 Elastomers for Sustainability List in July 2020. Learn more about the E2CTM solution at cabotcorp.com/e2c.

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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 Cabot Corporation

Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) is a global speciality chemicals and performance materials company, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is a leading provider of rubber and speciality carbons, activated carbon, inkjet colorants, master batches and conductive compounds, fumed silica, and aerogel. For more information on Cabot, please visit the company’s website at: http://www.cabotcorp.com.

Media Contacts:

MIDA
Manjit Kaur Balkar Singh (Ms)
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 3509

Cabot Corporation
Thirunavuc Karasu (Mr)
Email: [email protected]

Cabot Corporation, Producer of Engineered Elastomer Composites, Expands Investments in Malaysia for New Sustainable Rubber Technology

Kuala Lumpur, 25 February 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) organised a virtual Domestic Investment Webinar to urge domestic stakeholders to implement digitalisation values and adopt innovation in their business to remain resilient. The session themed “Innovation and Transition to New Business Models” was supported by the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE) of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia Productivity Cooperation (MPC), SIRIM Berhad and AmBank.

Mr. Ahmad Khairuddin bin Abdul Rahim, Deputy Chief Executive Officer II, MIDA, in his opening address, highlighted that “In order to drive business growth and staying relevant in current norms, business leaders, especially the small and medium-sized enterprises/businesses (SMEs) must be able to think creatively and embrace innovation into their business models. A willingness to innovate should also go along with a solid understanding on how to cultivate the innovation into life. The focus will be on assisting Malaysian businesses to shift from old conventional growth models to build new growth through adoption of the digital system.”

He added, “Malaysia’s Industry4WRD policy is an excellent guide. The incentives of Industry4WRD Readiness Assessment and its subsequent Intervention Fund offered by the Government enable domestic companies to assess their capabilities and readiness to adopt Industry4.0 processes, understand their present capabilities and gaps, as well as prepare feasible plans to move towards effective adoption of Industry 4.0. This represents the first step for companies in Malaysia to align with the rapidly changing technological landscape while developing new growth areas by prioritising operational efficiency and resilience through digital and automation technologies.”

“The Automation Capital Allowance (Automation CA), introduced in the 2015 Budget is also a major initiative to motivate domestic companies to undertake automation and machine upgrading. Another critical enablers are the skilled talent and up skilling programmes to drive and sustain Malaysia’s economic growth. The availability of a skilled workforce will support the transition of all economic sectors towards knowledge-intensive activities. The Smart Automation Grant (SAG) under the RM100 million allocation approved within the National Economic Recovery Plan or PENJANA , is another initiative awarded to eligible Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) on a matching basis or 50 per cent of total eligible expenditures, up to a maximum grant cap of RM1 million per company. SAG will not only improve Malaysia’s industrial competitiveness and capabilities but also reduce our reliance on low-skilled foreign workers while creating new job opportunities in high value-added sectors.” added Mr. Ahmad Khairuddin.

In his remarks, Mr. Ahmad Khairuddin also highlighted on the ‘Lighthouse Project’ an initiative undertaken by MIDA to enable MNCs and local corporations that have successfully gained from Industry 4.0 transformation to guide and support Malaysia’s local manufacturing industries to also implement the Fourth Industrial Revolution processes in gaining business traction. “As Malaysia aims to reposition among the top Global Manufacturing Nations, MIDA continues to identify and attract foreign and local companies that have successfully adopted the Industry 4.0 key pillars to invest here” he stressed.

The webinar has successfully attracted more than 300 participants, including manufacturers, service providers and other potential investors. The session featured presentations by experts from MIDA, Ambank, DPCCE and SIRIM.

Companies interested in seizing to leverage on the various initiatives offered by MIDA, including Automation Capital Allowance (ACA), Industry4WRD Intervention Fund and Smart Automation Grant (SAG), may refer to the official website, www.mida.gov.my.

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About MIDA

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

Media contacts:

MIDA

Manjit Kaur Balkar Singh (Ms)

Email: [email protected] | Tel.: +603 2267 3509

MIDA Urges Domestic Companies to Adopt Digitalisation and Innovation in Their Business Models to Stay Competitive

BANGI, Malaysia (Feb. 24, 2021) – DENSO MALAYSIA A Sdn. Bhd. a subsidiary of DENSO Corporation, Japan, a leading global mobility systems and components supplier will be expanding its production capacity in Selangor, Malaysia . The RM160 million investment project has been approved by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and is scheduled to commence in April 2021 DENSO MALAYSIA products range from air conditioning systems, radiators, engine control units, airbag electronic control units, electric power steering and other products.

In recent years, electronic controls have been increasingly adopted in various vehicle systems . T he semiconductors ’ performance evolves continuously to enhance the safety standards of growing demand s for semi conductors to full autonomous electric vehicles.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, expressed “We are honoured ” to be selected as the country outside Japan to produce the advanced product s as a result of continuous research and development (R&D). Moreover, we acknowledge the operational expenditure of over RM20 million in the next five years would benefit the local business ecosystem, from insurance, legal, banking, information and communication technologies (ICT) as well as transportation industries”.

DENSO ’s decision to further expand their presence in Malaysia has proven that the country continues to be a competitive investment location for high value operations amidst global headwinds . This is a nother testament to MIDA’s efforts in attracting quality investment into Malaysia Dato’ Azman stressed.

DENSO has more than 40 years of experience in manufacturing in vehicle semiconductors. Established in 19 80 DENSO MALAYSIA A possesses extensive experience, skill s and knowledge in the production of electronic parts. It was selected to be the only production centre of semiconductors in ASEAN outside of Japan backed by Malaysia’s strong suppliers’ network, well developed infrastructure and a business friendly environment said Tomoya Nakamura, Managing Director of DENSO MALAYSIA.

DENSO MALAYSIA A will be venturing into the production of automotive semiconductors, ASIC named “Exposed Package (Ex PKG ))”, which is superior and competitive in term s of high functionality, efficient high heat dissipation, miniaturisation and cost reduction. This project is also in line with the Government’s National Automotive Policy ( 2020 to develop critical components within Next Generation Vehicles, mobility technology and autonomous driving.

The investment will establish fully automated machine production lines with DENSO designed manufacturing equipment and unique processing techniques that emphasize on high efficiency and high quality. The transfer of the product knowledge will also develop the local engineering skills among its workforce, through the dedicated DENSO ’s Hitozukuri (human resource development )” concept. In addition, the introduction of fully automated production lines will accelerate the moving toward Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT deployment, big data management and factory
automation in Malaysia.

DENSO MALAYSIA continues serving as the manufacturing and distribution hub that supplies to DENSO in Japan and other DENSO group companies a cross North America, China, Europe, and other regions. DENSO will help promote the exporting of automotive parts out of Malaysia and contribute to the growth of t he automotive industry in the country.

About DENSO

DENSO is a US $47.6 billion global mobility supplier that develops advance technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO ’s 200 global facilities produce thermal, powertrain, mobility, electrification, and electronic systems and create jobs that impact change s in world mobility . The company’s 170,000+ employees are paving the way to a mobility future that improves lives, eliminates traffic accidents and preserves the environment. Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO spent 9.9 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development (R& in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. For more information about global DENSO, visit https://www.DENSO.com/global

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.

Media contacts:
MIDA:
Manjit Kaur Balkar Singh (Ms)
Email: [email protected] | Tel.: 603 2267 3509

DENSO
DENSO CORPORATION
Email: [email protected] | Tel.: 81 566 55 9752

DENSO Embarks on RM160 Million Advanced Semiconductor Production in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 22 February 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is partnering with CETIM (the French leading Technical Centre for Mechanical Industry), through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to encourage, promote and facilitate cooperation in the niche engineering and manufacturing technology including in emerging fields such as Smart Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy.

The MOU highlights the collaboration between MIDA and CETIM to further strengthen Malaysia’s technological ecosystem by attracting quality investments. Both parties will undertake joint initiatives such as applied research activities, training and attachment programmes; exchange technical information and expertise in the research and development of industrial technology; as well as facilitate collaboration with local higher learning institutes and research organisations in the field of industrial development.

In welcoming CETIM to consider setting up its Asia Pacific office here in Malaysia as their Regional Centre, Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA, iterated that this MOU is a direct reflection of the MIDA’s on-going initiative to enhance Malaysia’s technological landscape in line with the national Industry 4.0 agenda.
“MIDA has always been a conduit between entities such as CETIM, industry players and academia to create effective new collaborations in line with Malaysia’s investment aspiration agenda to develop high value-added, capital- and knowledge-intensive industries. Especially now, given how the pandemic has changed the way we live and do business, there are unprecedented vacuum and emerging opportunities within the technological sphere for our stakeholders to tap upon. We are optimistic that this initiative with CETIM will increase technology capabilities of our industries, and lead to further investments in new and emerging fields. Innovation through strategic collaborations in R&D activities and Center of Excellence are now more crucial than ever for businesses to adapt to the new norm, while remain resilient and competitive,” said Dato’ Azman.

Mr. Daniel Richet, CEO of CETIM, is very pleased to initiate this new cooperation to support MIDA and Malaysia in its ambitious technological development programme and eager to launch, through joint industrial and R&D collaborative projects, concrete actions on 4.0 cooperation, talent development and knowledge sharing.
“As MIDA has always been looking for international cooperation with major industrial countries, and therefore looking for a prominent French technology partner, it became logic to see CETIM and MIDA being in contact since 2013, and then further explore the best ways to handle the issues and challenges in implementing Industry 4.0 in the Malaysian industrial landscape. CETIM has a long history and experience in supporting R&D, innovation and development of all companies, including SMEs in the mechanical industry, in France first, through national programmes for robotics, additive manufacturing; and then internationally. We are proud to be associated with MIDA, as Malaysia is now embarking on important priorities such as industrial automation and digitalisation,” mentioned Daniel Richet.

As the leading French player in the fields of mechanical engineering innovation and R&D, MIDA is optimistic of CETIM’s reputation and capabilities to provide comprehensive services to Malaysia’s industry and to improve companies’ competitiveness through mechanical engineering, transfer of innovations and advanced manufacturing solutions.
This will ultimately contribute to the country’s shift towards advance manufacturing, knowledge-driven, higher value-added and industry-driven research activities. It will also promote a circular economy, whereby waste and leakages are systematically phased out through careful product design and management, coupled with efficient business models. It is hoped that this will lead to a more sustainable and productive business model in line with the greater agenda of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

As the principal investment promotion and development authority in the country, MIDA has been consistently promoting investments in R&D, including undertakings within the Industry 4.0 drivers. The agency continues to step up its efforts to drive stronger R&D linkages between the industry and, tertiary and research institutions. As to date, MIDA has approved 195 R&D projects with total investments of RM3.0 billion. These comprise of approved companies of 46 In-House R&D facility, 79 Contract R&D Companies, 30 R&D Companies, 24 R&D Status Companies as well as 16 national strategic R&D projects. These R&D have spurred innovative technologies within the industries in Malaysia through enhancing of knowledge workers as well as the transfer of technologies.The Government continues to support the R&D framework in the country through various incentives and financial assistance. MIDA, in particular, offers tax incentives to manufacturers with in-house R&D facilities or research service providers. Investment Tax Allowance (ITA) incentive is offered to entities that are approved as R&D Company,

Contract R&D Company, or In-house R&D facility; where else Contract R&D companies may also opt for Pioneer Status incentives.
To further invigorate R&D activities, the firms that receive services from R&D status companies are eligible to claim for double deductions on eligible incurred expenditure to the Inland Board Revenue (IRB). This is an effective way to promote R&D services and pitch into the R&D ecosystem as a whole. MIDA hopes for more companies to leverage upon this support to build their long-term competitiveness and sustainability.

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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 CETIM
Since 1965, CETIM, the French Technical Centre for Mechanical Industry, has been supporting innovation and competitiveness of companies thanks to its multidisciplinary skills, digital expertise and unique R&D capacity. With its international subsidiaries, its 8,000 customers in more than 50 countries, CETIM has become a world leading player to overcome environmental and Industry 4.0 main challenges with innovative solutions and services. In addition, CETIM is part of the Carnot Institute Network, under the aegis of the French government to enlarge the scope of R&D and promote partnership research with SMEs. For more information, please visit www.cetim.fr and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channel.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Manjit Kaur
E-mail: [email protected] | Phone: +603-2267 3509

Mr. Jean-Francois Atgé
E-mail : [email protected] | Phone: 012 285 7088

MIDA and CETIM Inks MOU to Strengthen Malaysia’s Manufacturing Sector Towards Advance Engineering and Technology in line with Malaysia’s Investment Aspirations

Kuala Lumpur, 22 February 2021 – Leuze electronic GmbH + Co. KG, short: Leuze, one of the world class optical sensor producers, has identified Malaysia for its first production plant in Southeast Asia. During a virtual press conference held recently in January 2021, while presenting the company’s 2020 performance and its outlook for 2021, Leuze made the official announcement of the new manufacturing plant’s opening in Malaysia. The plant is currently under rapid construction phase.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) congratulates Leuze on their significant move to Malaysia for the business expansion. This decision speaks volumes of the confidence Leuze has in Malaysia. MIDA initiated the first contact with Leuze in December 2018. Since then the Malaysian Government through MIDA has been engaging with Leuze‘s team to facilitate the project’s provisions, especially in obtaining the necessary licence approval.

Dato’ Azman reiterates, “Malaysia has a mature and diverse ecosystem for the rapid development of sensor applications in the electronics industry. The milestone of Leuze’s activities in Malaysia is definitely in line with the Government’s aspirations to transform Malaysia into a high technology and knowledge-based economy. New era of electronics is emerging globally and MIDA is in the forefront of the technologies, as Leuze will bring in frontier sensor products and new technology into the country.”

Leuze, known as the specialists in the optical sensors, will be establishing its first production facility in the ASEAN region and second in Asia, after the opening of their factory in Shenzhen, China in 2006. To cater to the high demand in Asian market, Leuze decided to expand its international production locations, also to support the company’s multi-location production strategy. The company offers an extensive line of optical electronic sensor products for electrical automation. It is active in intralogistics, packaging, tooling, automotive and lab automation. Its group has more than 1,200 employees in 21 subsidiaries in the development, production, sales and services segmentations worldwide. In addition, more than 40 distributors are actively servicing Leuze’s five (5) existing production plants and soon, the upcoming plant in Melaka, Malaysia.

According to Sebastian Raible, Director of Global Projects Operations and Project Manager of Leuze’s construction project in Malaysia, “Melaka plant will primarily produce sensors for the lucrative market in Asia. The new production site will operate as Leuze Electronic Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and will be a 100 per cent subsidiary of Leuze Electronic GmbH + Co. KG, Germany. The plant is being constructed on a site area spanning over 17,000 square meters and the first building stage of the plant is estimated to be completed by the first quarter of 2022. Besides some minor impacts in the construction works due to the MCO, the project runs as planned and the pilings as well as the groundwork are in process at the moment. With the great support of the local authorities in Melaka, Leuze expects no further impacts on the construction project.”

He added “One reason for selecting Melaka for the new Leuze production site was because of the excellent talent pool in the region. The well-established universities in Melaka as well as the thriving electronic industry played an important role in the site selection process.”

“With a total usable floor space just below 7,000 square meters in the first expansion phase, the new Leuze plant targets a demand of 150 to 200 qualified employees”, said Jochen Wimmer, Chief Operating Officer of the Leuze Group.

“In the medium-term, Leuze is also targeting for future partnerships with the local universities. With the support of MIDA, Leuze has successfully started hiring local graduates in engineering positions, in line to provide adequate training to the young talents prior to starting the production”, explains Jochen Wimmer.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Azman also emphasised “The Government will ensure Malaysia remains as the preferred investment location with a favourable environment for quality investments. Investors from Germany such as Leuze, acknowledge and benefit from the competitive advantages the nation has despite the unprecedented pandemic. We are at the vanguard to entice more new investments in the areas of technology and innovation to position Malaysia as a manufacturing powerhouse of Asia.”

Over the past 50 years, Leuze has evolved into a high-tech company and an innovation leader in industrial automation. The family-owned company was founded in 1963 in Owen, a small town in the state of Baden-Württemberg in Southern Germany, initially developing electronic sensors for textile sector, but soon after, expanding its product portfolio into various other industries. In 2020, during the global pandemic, Leuze achieved sales of 210 million euros, compared to 222 million euros in the previous year, which records only a five (5) per cent decline. “For a corona year we can be very satisfied with this result. That is why we rate 2020 as a successful business year, despite the small minus. Moving forward, Leuze is fully committed to its growth plans for 2021 and intends to double its sales again in the next few years.” said Ulrich Balbach, the CEO of Leuze.

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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 Leuze Electronics

With curiosity and determination, the sensor people from Leuze have been forerunners for innovations and technological milestones in industrial automation for more than 50 years. They are driven by the success of their customers. The technology leader’s high-tech product range includes a number of different sensors for the field of automation technology. Among these are switching and measuring sensors, identification systems, and data transmission and image processing solutions. As a Safety Expert, Leuze is also focused on components, services and solutions for safety at work. Leuze concentrates on its core industries, in which the Sensor People have extensive, specific application know-how and many years of experience. These include intra logistics and the packaging industry, machine tools, the automotive industry as well as laboratory automation. Leuze was founded in 1963, headquartered in Owen/Teck in Southern Germany. Today there are more than 1,200 sensor people around the world who are working with determination and passion for progress and transformation to make their customers successful in a constantly changing industry. Regardless of whether in the technological competence centers or in one of the 21 sales companies, supported by more than 40 international distributors. www.leuze.com

Media contacts:

MIDA:
Manjit Kaur Balkar Singh (Ms)
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603 2267 3509

Leuze:
Ms. Martina Schili (Ms)
Email : [email protected]
DL: +49 7021 573-116

Malaysia is the Preferred Location for German Based Leuze Electronic to Establish Its First Optical Sensor Production Plant in Southeast Asia

Kuala Lumpur, 8 February 2021 – The recent report by The Straits Times of Singapore on 5 February 2021 regarding foreign investors fleeing Malaysia is incorrect. The piece falsely indicates that the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report confirmed what has been spoken of anecdotally.

The UNCTAD report estimated that Global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flow fell by 42 per cent to an estimated USD859 billion in 2020 compared to USD1.5 trillion recorded in 2019. Almost all regions reported lower FDI in 2020 which were mainly due to the impact of lockdowns and a drastic decrease in the economic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FDI flows to developing economies decreased by 12 per cent. FDI into South East Asia contracted by 31 per cent due to a decline in investments to the largest recipients in the sub-region; inflows in Singapore fell by 37 per cent, Thailand by 50 per cent, Indonesia by 24 per cent, Vietnam by 10 per cent, and followed by Malaysia by 68 per cent. Notably, the computation of FDI flows by UNCTAD is based on Balance of Payment (BOP) statistics, published by respective countries in the context of net FDI flows.

Lower net FDI inflow is not an unfavorable signal. Malaysia continues to attract high levels of gross FDI

According to the data by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) for the period of January-September 2020, the total Gross FDI inflow into Malaysia was valued at RM108.2 billion compared to RM102.3 billion in the same period in 2019, an increase of 5.8 per cent. This is a considerable achievement given the Movement Control Order (MCO) and Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) in Q2 and Q3 of last year, respectively. The Gross FDI inflow is also reflective of the high levels of FDI projects approved and implemented in the economy (manufacturing, services and primary sectors) over the last few years. It is noted that the total FDI approved throughout 2018 to September 2020 was valued at RM206.02 billion.

The UNCTAD report estimated the net FDI flow into Malaysia for the whole year of 2020 totalled USD2.5 billion (approximately RM10.1 billion), a decrease of 68 per cent from the previous year’s performance. Based on the data from DOSM, Malaysia registered net FDI outflows in Q3, driven by the outflows from debt instruments amounting to RM9.35 billion in the stipulated period. This was reflected in inter-company loan extensions and scheduled loan repayments, which are typical for multinational corporations’ (MNCs) operations; as well as the trade credits granted to manufacturing firms, in line with substantial exports, especially in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. Notably, Q3 2020 is an exceptional period for the first time since Q4 2009. Meanwhile, equities moderated to RM13.40 billion from RM17.33 billion in January to September 2019, a decrease of 23 per cent compared to the estimated global FDI drop of 42 per cent in 2020.

The net FDI flows are determined by many factors including abnormal disruptions in the global economy which could result in larger repatriations due to loan repayments and borrowings from their HQ and affiliates overseas for the particular year. The decline in 2020 mirrors the situation Malaysia experienced in 2009 after the subprime crisis in the US. MNCs in Malaysia were repatriating higher amounts of their profits for loans repayments and retaining earnings to help their HQ and affiliates faced with financial difficulties. The same can be said for 2020 when the world was hit by the pandemic.

Net FDI flows also indicates the maturity of Malaysia’s monetary policy which allows for the repatriation of capital, interest, dividends and profits, which is a prerequisite for a trading nation such as Malaysia. This business-friendly investment policy has also strengthened Malaysia’s position as a regional and global supply chain hub. A lower net FDI is not necessarily an unfavourable sign. For example, the E&E Industry which is one of the largest FDI recipients in Malaysia recorded a trade surplus of RM134 billion or 74 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade surplus of RM185 billion in 2020. It is the backbone of the manufacturing sector in Malaysia, contributing 39 per cent to total exports and 48 per cent to total manufacturing exports, not to mention the diverse ecosystem and supply chain the industry has created. The FDI stock in Malaysia is prominently high, totalled to RM689.1 billion as at end of September 2020.

Various factors affect business decisions of foreign investors

The Straits Times article highlighted news of Korean automaker Hyundai relocating its Asia-Pacific headquarters from Malaysia to Indonesia and the closure of Panasonic solar panel plants in Malaysia, hence insinuating that Malaysia is no longer an attractive investment location for MNCs. Taking a closer look at the reasons behind these business decisions will illustrate a different truth.

The ASEAN market has been targeted by Hyundai as an alternative market to China. As such, the roles of Hyundai’s Asia Pacific regional headquarters (HQ) in Malaysia have expanded and are classified as an incomplete form of HQ due to the absence of a production plant in Malaysia. However, with Hyundai’s new manufacturing plant in Indonesia, the new Hyundai HQ is expected to be a fully-formed space with increased production and sales. The lower demand for Hyundai cars in Malaysia also contributed strongly to their relocation decision.

As for Panasonic, the Group has been established in Malaysia for more than 30 years with 22 subsidiaries operating in the country. They are engaged in various activities ranging from manufacturing, research and development (R&D), sales and marketing. The recent announcement is on the closure of one of its subsidiaries in Malaysia producing photovoltaic (PV) or solar panels. This is due to Panasonic Corporation, Japan’s decision to discontinue the production of wafers, solar cells and solar modules at its factory, both in Japan and Malaysia. This corporate decision was driven by the declining price of global solar cell market and the increase of raw material costs arising from global expansion by Chinese companies, which would require higher capital investment for Panasonic to remain resilient in the solar business. Malaysia remains the third largest manufacturer of PV-cells and modules in the world, after China and Taiwan. Malaysia currently hosts a comprehensive photovoltaic ecosystem consisting over 250 companies in upstream (wafers and cells) and downstream (inverters and system integrators) activities. Among notable companies in Malaysia include First Solar and SunPower (USA), Hanwha Q Cells (Korea), Longi, Jinko Solar and JA Solar (China). MIDA has also recently approved a major integrated solar project that will further solidify Malaysia’s role in the global PV industry. An announcement on this project will be made soon.

For the whole of 2020, nine existing foreign-owned manufacturing companies with total investments of RM394.3 million in Malaysia had implemented business rationalisation measures. These companies have either closed their business operations in Malaysia or relocated to other countries due to technology disruption that transformed their business landscape and reduction in demand for their products. This investment is a fraction of the total approved investment in the economy for the period January-September 2020.

Growth through complementarity among ASEAN countries

In addition, the recent announcement of tech companies moving into competing countries in the region does not deter Malaysia. There are various factors underlying business decisions to choose an investment destination. This includes low labour costs, large size of the domestic market as well as the availability of mineral resources. While potential investors in the automotive industry are considering setting up their assembly plants in neighbouring countries, Malaysia remains a major producer of semiconductors and sensors for cars. In fact, Malaysia is still at the forefront of the new ICE age (Internal Computed Engine – ICE) that requires semiconductors as the driver of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Industry.

Malaysia being a major supply chain hub in the region would further encourage Malaysian companies and industries to undertake investments to supply technology, products and services to this MNCs investing in ASEAN countries. The FDI inflows into neighbouring countries should not be viewed negatively as Malaysia stand to benefits from the spillover effects of these investments. Malaysia has one of the most comprehensive ecosystem in the region in the electric and electronics (E&E), Machinery and Equipment (M&E), aerospace, automotive, and medical devices industries, to name a few.

Foreign Investors Confidence in Malaysia remains high

The Straits Times also quoted the viewpoint of the head of the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUROCHAM) on investors’ confidence in Malaysia. It is pertinent to note that the views of the CEO of EUROCHAM may not necessarily reflect the views of all its members. The Chamber also does not represent all foreign MNCs operating in Malaysia. As part of our on-going engagements, MIDA has been working very closely with all the International Chambers in Malaysia to assist and facilitate the concerns of their members.

The total approved investment for January to September 2020 and the announcement of major projects in the year signifies the foreign and domestic investors’ confidence in Malaysia. Despite the challenging global investment environment due to COVID-19, Malaysia recorded a total of RM109.8 billion worth of approved investments in the economy (manufacturing, services and primary sectors) for the first nine months of 2020. These investments involved 2,935 projects and will create 64,701 jobs opportunities. FDIs accounted for almost 40 per cent (RM42.6 billion). The manufacturing sector attracted the largest portion of approved investments for this period, contributing more than half (59.5 per cent) or RM65.3 billion, followed by the services sector (39 per cent/RM42.8 billion), and the primary sector (1.5 per cent/RM1.7 billion). Investments approved in the manufacturing sector for the period of January to September 2020 saw an increase of 16.6 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2019. FDI in the manufacturing sector particularly saw an increase of 3.2 per cent to RM39.4 billion. The realisation of these investments over the immediate to medium-term will provide support to economic growth in 2021 and beyond.

In 2020, Malaysia attracted a fair share of multinational corporations including Fortune 500 companies in the high-end and high-technology industries. This includes LAM Research, a US global Fortune 500 supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry that has chosen Malaysia to expand its global footprint by establishing its advanced technology production facility; a new project by Dexcom, a US company and leader in continuous glucose monitoring system will be producing their niche offerings in Malaysia; UCT (Ultra Clean Holdings Inc), a US-based Fortune 500 company, a leading developer and supplier of critical subsystems, ultra-high purity cleaning and analytical services, will be setting up their operations primarily for the semiconductor industry; Smith+Nephew from the United Kingdom that produces high-tech medical device products including knee and hip implants; LEM, a Switzerland-based electrical measurement company that will set up its new production plant in Malaysia to meet the growing demand of its customers in the industrial and automotive sectors; MusicTribe, a US-based multinational leader for professional audio products and musical instruments, on the other hand, is leveraging Malaysia to set up an Industry 4.0-driven, fully robotised manufacturing facility in addition to their Principal Hub activities; and the most recent announcement by SK Nexilis, a Korean copper foil manufacturer producing electric vehicle batteries.

Existing MNCs also continue to undertake major reinvestments into high-end products and activities in Malaysia, illustrating Malaysia’s on-going value proposition to investors. These include Western Digital, a US Fortune 500 company and the third largest computer Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD) and flash memory devices manufacturer in the world, announced their additional investments in Malaysia to design, develop and manufacture media and substrates for HDD; Intel, a US Fortune 500 company will bring the latest Advanced Assembly and Test technology to Malaysia, marking a new milestone in the company’s 48-year history of investing and partnering in Malaysia; Wistron, the Taiwan-based Fortune 500 company engaged in the R&D, design, manufacture of E&E products has acquired Western Digital’s Petaling Jaya factory to undertake new business activities; Bosch, an existing German Fortune 500 company is setting up a manufacturing facility park for testing of semiconductor components and sensors; B.Braun, a German based company, expanded its global test centre for medical devices due to strong talent capability in Malaysia; Nippon Electric Glass (NEG), a leading Japanese manufacturer of specialty glass has also expanded their production capacity of glass tubing for pharmaceutical use in Malaysia given the demand for its products following the vaccine roll-out; Eppendorf, a leading German life science company that established an integrated centre for their shared services hub, covering functions such as IT, HR as well as Finance and Controlling, for the Group’s operations in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa; TF AMD, a joint venture between Advanced Micro Devices (AMD USA) and Nantong Fujitsu Microelectronics Co Ltd (Nantong Fujitsu) is expanding and offers Outsource Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) services and servicing front-end semiconductor manufacturing, namely Wafer Level Chip Scale Packaging; and NTT, a Japanese Fortune 500 and world’s 4th largest Telekom Company recently announced the launch of its fifth data centre in Malaysia. These reinvestments by existing companies are testaments of Malaysia’s continued success to retain and encourage high-value operations by MNCs in Malaysia.

MIDA adopts a cautiously optimistic outlook

Being located in the Asia Pacific rim and the centre of ASEAN, Malaysia remains an attractive investment destination, particularly with a favourable investment environment, including the availability of excellent infrastructure, telecommunication services, financial and banking services, supporting industries, skills and trainable workforce, as well market opportunities offered through the 16 Free Trade Agreements that Malaysia has signed. Malaysia maintained its strong position globally, ranking the second-highest in Southeast Asia and twelve (12th) out of 169 countries for trade connectivity in the DHL Global Connectedness Index (GCI) report in 2019. According to a recent joint study by KPMG and The Manufacturing Institute in the US entitled “Cost of Manufacturing Operations around the Globe”, Malaysia is ranked fourth among 17 economies in an assessment comparing the economy’s competitiveness as a manufacturing hub, which is ahead of countries in Asia such as China, Japan, Vietnam and India. Malaysia is also ranked high at 12th in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 and 27th in the IMD World Competitiveness 2020. The above rankings by various agencies further reinforce Malaysia’s position as a competitive and an attractive investment location.

Looking ahead, MIDA has identified 240 high-profile foreign investment projects including Fortune 500 companies in the manufacturing and services sectors, with a combined potential investment value of RM81.9 billion. These include on-going negotiations with a number of world-renowned companies from various sectors such as automotive, chemical, and advanced electronics and deep-tech to make Malaysia as high-value manufacturing and Global Supply Chain Hub as well as Services and Regional Operations hub. Supported by the rapid growth of adoption of digitisation, there are enormous opportunities for investors to explore emerging technologies such as Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) to embrace new ways of doing business and create more technology collaborations. In this regard, MIDA is in negotiation with multinational companies for the establishment of Data Services. The investment on Data Services will accelerate Malaysia into the digital space that will move the country up the value chain in key economic segments, including the services sectors such as ICT, data analytics, design and development. Most of these projects are subject to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), hence announcements will be made once negotiations are concluded.

Presently, MIDA has also received RM47.7 billion worth of potential investments into the country. These projects, once approved, are expected to be implemented within the year 2021 to 2022.

Despite the on-going international border closures and strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) in many countries to contain the spread of COVID-19, MIDA continues to be responsive in undertaking innovative and aggressive investment promotion initiatives to entice FDI through its established footprint of 20 overseas and 12 regional offices. MIDA actively organises various digital investment promotion programmes such as virtual webinars on local and international platforms.

The establishment of a One Stop Centre (OSC) in MIDA effective 2nd October 2020 to ease the movement of business travellers by expediting the approval of their entry into Malaysia, is a major initiative by the Malaysian Government. This Centre assumes a critical role in ensuring that Malaysia remains steady on the path of economic recovery and growth by enabling business travellers’ movement to do their business in Malaysia during the pandemic. As at 5 February 2021, a total of 5,861 Long Term and Short Term Business Travellers have been recommended for approval by the OSC. These business travellers include businessmen and technical experts who provide technical advisory services and installation commissioning of the machinery and equipment.

While inflows of FDI are crucial for the continued development of the economy, the role of domestic direct investments (DDI) is not to be underplayed, as outlined in the 11th Malaysia Plan. Domestic investments will continue to assume a leading role in the growth of the economy. Among the major strategies include creating Malaysian conglomerates by identifying potential companies to provide the necessary support; harnessing on outsourcing opportunities created by MNCs operating in Malaysia; enhancing the current incentive schemes to assist Malaysian companies to scale-up; and intensifying technology acquisition by Malaysian-owned companies. Notably, in the total investments approved for the period Jan-September 2020, DDI accounted for 61.2 per cent, or RM67.2 billion, while foreign direct investments (FDI) made up the rest.

Over the last five decades, MIDA has assumed the critical and pivotal roles in contributing significantly to Malaysia’s rapid industrial development particularly in the manufacturing and services sectors by promoting investments, both FDI and DDI. MIDA’s strategies have gone through various transformations, in-line with the changing dynamics of the global and domestic economic landscapes. Moving forward, the Government will continue to be at the forefront to entice more high-value investments in the areas of technology and innovation to position Malaysia as an alternative supply chain hub in Asia. The latest international ranking by KPMG has cemented Malaysia’s position as a competitive investment location for investors. Through policy reviews and targeted approaches, the Government will ensure that Malaysia remains as the preferred investment location with a favourable environment for quality investments in 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.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Manjit Kaur Balkar Singh
Director, Corporate Communications Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 3509

Malaysia Continues to be The Investment Destination for High-Value Manufacturing And Global Services in Asia

Kuala Lumpur, 4 February 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) congratulates CIMB on their recent launching of CIMB GreenBizReady, a one-stop sustainability solution for Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This is a contemporary platform to catalyse the transition of Malaysian SMEs towards the green economy. With an allocation of RM250 million, SMEs will be empowered through financial solutions and incentives such as sustainability-linked financing benefits, access to sustainability service providers, training and capacity building, certification and advisory services, and business matching with the support of industry leaders and related Government agencies.

Being the principal investment promotional partner to the business community in Malaysia, MIDA is eager to support this newly launched initiative in facilitating CIMB to bring in more investments in the green technology projects by providing the necessary assistance to the business stakeholders.

Starting from 2016 to September 2020, MIDA has approved 1,317 green technology projects of investments amounting to RM18.55 billion, apart from 63 green services companies with a total proposed operational expenditure of RM318.51 million, under the Green Technology incentives. These commendable figures indicate the potential of more substantial investment flows in green technology areas within the country.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA said “The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled economies to revisit their business strategies and operations to hold business revenues while building a more sustainable future. The CIMB GreenBizReady, reflects the commitment to assume a vital role in boosting the socio-economic development and growth of the green technology sector in Malaysia. The SMEs especially, will be equipped with practical knowledge and tools to incorporate economic, environmental and social (“EES”) considerations into their businesses in helping them becoming sustainability-ready for long-term business resilience.”

“More importantly, this platform is timely launched to assist green industry players to contribute in economic recovery whilst advancing Malaysia’s green agenda and aspiration for sustainable growth, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)” said Dato’ Azman.

The Government continues to prioritise green adoption to spur economic multiplier effects by extending the incentives of Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) for the purchase of green technology assets and Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE) for the use of green technology services and systems until 2023. These incentives which were introduced in Budget 2014, cover green technology activities in green energy, green building, green data centre, integrated waste management and supporting services activities. The GITE is also extended for companies undertaking solar leasing activity under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme.

MIDA is optimistic that by encouraging more investments in green projects and services, there will be increasing demands for the overall green technology industry; spurring a more vibrant domestic economy.

The details on tax incentives for Green Industry are available in MIDA official website at https://www.mida.gov.my/forms-and-guidelines/tax-incentives-for-green-industry/. For more information about CIMB GreenBizReady, please visit https://cimb.com.my/greenbizready or email at [email protected].

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About MIDA

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

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Wan Hashimah Wan Salleh
Director, Green Technology Division
Email: [email protected] | DL: 603 2267 3540

MIDA and CIMB Cooperate in CIMB GreenBizReady – Sustainability Solution Platform for Malaysian SMEs