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The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and the Energy Commission (EC) are developing the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2.0 2026-2035 (NEEAP 2.0) to continue the government’s efforts to achieve the targets of the National Energy Transition Plan.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government expects more job opportunities, business potential and investment to be created for the benefit of the people and the country through the implementation of NEEAP 2.0.

He said the government had previously launched the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) which outlined the country’s efforts and commitment towards achieving a sustainable and inclusive energy system.

“NETR proves the government’s determination in implementing the energy transition initiative from a traditional fossil fuel-based economy to a high-value green economy.

“It is also to ensure that this sustainable economic transformation is capable of generating new sources of growth, creating business opportunities and trade potential,“ he said on the second day of the Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB) 2024 here today.

The NETR was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in August 2023, potentially strengthening Malaysia’s commitment to achieving the aspiration of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by as early as 2050.

Fadillah who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation said the government has set a commitment to increase the mix of renewable energy (RE) capacity in the country’s electricity supply to 70 per cent by 2050 compared to 25 per cent currently.

“This effort requires cooperation and the involvement of the government, the private sector and the people to ensure the success of all RE initiatives and programmes to achieve the target,“ he said.

According to him, efforts to realise the energy transition target will be done comprehensively based on careful consideration of several capacity factors such as the grid system, demand for green electricity supply, economic spillover value and willingness to pay by consumers.

He said the energy transition aspirations will be realised through the implementation of several initiatives including the development of solar power plants to increase the supply of green electricity at a reasonable cost, utilising the roof space of buildings or water surfaces for the installation of solar systems to avoid land reclamation and exploring the development of a regional grid system under the Asean Power Grid initiative.

He said the implementation of various initiatives could open up more business opportunities and new economic potential to be utilised and enjoyed by all parties, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially bumiputera entrepreneurs.

“All these initiatives are a catalyst for the implementation of more RE programmes as well as enabling the involvement and participation of more bumiputra entrepreneurs in the energy transition agenda,“ he said.

KEB 2024 which started yesterday will draw its curtain tomorrow. The congress involved the presentation of findings from the management engagement session covering 10 groups.

Among the groups are those on Education Reform and Human Capital, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Main Career Choices, Halal Industry Strengthening, Rural Development and Indigenous Community Empowerment.

Source: Bernama

Fadillah: PETRA, EC developing NEEAP 2.0 to boost job opportunities, business potential and investments

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State investment, trade, and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han today said the Selangor government is focusing on attracting industries that will have a spillover effect in the state.

Ng, who is also the Kinrara assemblyman, was responding to a supplementary question by Hulu Kelang assemblyman Datuk Seri Azmin Ali on why Selangor has lower total investment compared to Penang and the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur last year.

“The most important thing is not to say that the amount of investment is not important, it is important, I agree. But it is not everything because the Selangor state government is focusing on industries that will enter and will give a spillover effect that can create job opportunities with higher wages, can create a more complete ecosystem chain so that we can bring SMEs and the manufacturing sector, services the other in Selangor will go with the investment that goes into Selangor. This is the main focus,” he said during the question time in the state legislative assembly sitting.

Ng said Penang could attract as much as RM71.8 billion last year because of its complete semiconductor ecosystem.

With that, Ng said the Selangor state government will announce its plan on the semiconductor industry in order to attract more investment to the state.

“Penang got a high investment as a result of their complete semiconductor industry. and the Selangor state government will announce a plan soon for the semiconductor sectors to be announced by the menteri besar and I am sure we can share this good news with all the Selangor residents” he said.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) announced that Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor recorded the most investment in the country. Kuala Lumpur recorded RM58.3 billion and Selangor recorded RM55.3 billion.

Ng said as of September last year, Selangor raked in RM47.57 billion with the manufacturing sector contributing the highest.

“Since the past three years, 2021 until September 2023, a total of RM47.57 billion in foreign investment capital has entered the state of Selangor.

“Of this amount, RM21.53 billion is for the manufacturing sector and the rest is RM26.04 billion for the service sector. Overall, the total foreign investment capital in 2021 is RM1.99 billion, RM30.17 billion in 2022 and RM15.4 billion in 2023 until September. The main contributor to the manufacturing sector was electrical and electronics,” he said.

Source: Malay Mail

Exco: Selangor chasing ‘spillover’ industries, not just investments alone

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Zhejiang Sinopont Technology Co Ltd, a China-based manufacturer of encapsulant film, has established its inaugural manufacturing facility outside China in Ipoh, Perak, through its Malaysian subsidiary, Sinopont Everthriving (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

The newly inaugurated manufacturing facility, situated in Tasek Industrial Park, Ipoh, will commence operations immediately.

It is dedicated to producing solar cell encapsulant film with an initial production capacity of 85 million square metres, sufficient to cater to about 10 gigawatts (GW) of demand, the company said in a statement.

Sinopont’s investment in Perak will be executed in phases, with projections to scale up the production capacity to 300 million square metres of encapsulants, covering an estimated demand of 30 GW.

The collaboration between Perak and Sinopont extends beyond this initial phase, with plans for potential expansion projects and the establishment of a comprehensive solar industry ecosystem in Perak.

Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Menteri Besar of Perak, lauded Sinopont’s decision to invest in the state, emphasizing its endorsement of Perak’s business environment and joint commitment to driving economic growth while preserving the environment for future generations.

Perak’s appeal to local and foreign investors has been steadily increasing, attributed to its enhanced infrastructure, skilled workforce, and government support. These developments align with the “Pelan Perak Sejahtera 2030” agenda, which prioritises initiatives aimed at attracting investment.

Recognising Perak’s strategic importance, InvestPerak will expedite approvals for strategic projects by issuing a ‘fast-track letter’, ensuring smooth implementation.

Mohamad Hashim Abdul Ghani, chief executive officer of InvestPerak, reiterated their commitment to working closely with MITI and MIDA to position Perak as Malaysia’s preferred investment destination.

Sinopont’s investment is expected to generate about 300 employment opportunities for Malaysians once the facility reaches full operational capacity. Moreover, it will bolster the solar panel manufacturing ecosystem in Malaysia, particularly in the Northern Region, fostering further economic growth and development.

Source: NST

China manufacturer Zhejiang Sinopont Tech establishes first solar plant in Malaysia

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Facing a significant labour shortage in its booming semiconductor industry, Penang is setting ambitious goals to attract and train a new generation of highly skilled workers, Buletin Mutiara reported.

Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo expressed optimism about filling the talent gap, aiming to recruit at least 10,000 high-skilled employees by next year.

During a visit to the ASE Electronics plant in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone on Feb 26, Jagdeep highlighted the critical role that both multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises play in training the youth for future challenges. He commended the company for its efforts in evolving business practices and its dedication to nurturing young talent through internship and technical, vocational education and training (TVET) programmes.

“This initiative is crucial for preparing our future generations and addressing the workforce shortage in the semiconductor industry,” Jagdeep said.

ASE Electronics, known globally as a leading provider of semiconductor manufacturing services in assembly and testing, operates five plants and five business units across Malaysia, employing a workforce of 3,500. The company’s skill development initiatives were shown during the Deputy Chief Minister’s visit.

With many multinational companies in Penang already taking significant steps to mitigate the talent shortage, the state’s strategic initiatives aim to strengthen its position as a key player in the global semiconductor industry.

Source: NST

Penang to tackle semiconductor industry labour crunch with 10,000 skilled workers by next year

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HAVING fallen short of its target of installing 1,000 charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) by 2023, Selangor government has now extended the timeframe by two years.

Public health, environment, climate change and green technology committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said that according to records, only 681 EV charging bays (EVCB) had been built in the state so far.

This is below the target announced in July 21, 2023.

The state government had aimed to build 1,000 EV charging stations by the end of 2023 via collaboration with private companies.

Jamaliah said the state government in early 2021 had initially targeted to develop EV infrastructure with a goal of installing 10,000 EV chargers by 2025.

However, this figure was reviewed in response to increasing battery capacities.

Jamaliah said Selangor government was looking at providing more incentives to encourage EV use in the state, including a free parking scheme for users.

She was responding to a question by Dr Afif Bahardin (PN-Taman Medan), during the State Assembly sitting in Shah Alam, on incentives provided by the state government to encourage the use of EVs and encourage service providers to instal charging stations throughout the country.

Jamaliah said the state government was in the final stages of discussions on a proposal to implement a free parking scheme for EV users by local authorities to be implemented this year.

“The state government also fully supports the incentives given by the Federal Government, which comprise exemptions from import duty, excise duty and sales tax, and EV motorcycle charger cash rebate subsidy,” said Jamaliah.

Dr Afif, noting the increasing number of EVs on the road, asked if the state would compel all new developments including low-cost housing like SelangorKu and high-end condominiums to include EVCBs and EV parking.

Jamaliah said, “In September 2023, the Federal Government issued guidelines on setting up EVCBs.

“Now, the state government has a few plans on how to improve and encourage EV usage.

“Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) is doing a pilot project to streamline comprehensive guidelines for installation of such charging stations, and after carrying out focus group discussions, MBSA is preparing to implement these guidelines.”

She said this would also depend on the situation under the local council areas or areas under the state government’s jurisdiction.

“After we receive feedback and understand the complications and issues on EVCBs, then we will discuss incentives,” she added.

Source: The Star

Selangor to come up with more incentives to push EV adoption

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Malaysia is confident of achieving higher approved investments in 2024 after recording an all-time high of RM329.5 billion last year.

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the ministry is yet to finalise the target figure, adding that “we will finetune the target but (expect a) minimum of 8 to 10 per cent growth in approved investments”.

He said the investment growth positively correlated with the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), which is forecast to grow 4.0-5.0 per cent this year.

“So, it has to be double the GDP growth. Then we look at the industries and their cycles, we see that the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector is at a good upcycle.

“But other sectors are experiencing oversupply, so there will be some impact,” he said during the annual announcement of Malaysia’s investment performance in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors for 2023.

“To date, there are 1,710 projects in the pipeline, with proposed investments totalling RM87.8 billion,” he added.

Of these proposed investments, a total of 1,648 projects are from the selected services sector (RM52.7 billion), while 62 projects are from the manufacturing sector (RM35.1 billion), all of which fall under the Malaysian Investment Development Authority’s (MIDA) purview.

Additionally, a total of RM88.82 billion in high-potential investment leads is actively being negotiated by MIDA.

On the ringgit, Tengku Zafrul said the investment sector is less sensitive to its movement.

“The currency for investment is not as sensitive when it comes to capital flows.

“When we discussed with investors, the ringgit was not discussed at all, to be honest,” he noted

Nevertheless, he highlighted the importance of doubling investment contribution to the GDP from the current 20-23 per cent.

“In 1990, the investment component of GDP was double what it is today. Last time, it was close to 35 per cent. So, we need to go back to where we were before,” he said.

He said the ministry is pushing harder to attract investment and trade into the country.

“MIDA’s restructuring as the central investment promotion agency is a strategic initiative to reshape and strengthen Malaysia’s investment promotion landscape.

“The goal is to attract quality investments that complement national objectives, focus on essential industries, ensure the swift realisation of approved investments and boost investors’ contentment.

“Fundamentally, MIDA endeavours to create an inviting business climate, drive economic progress and provide investors with a smooth and rewarding experience,” Tengku Zafrul said.

Source: Bernama

Tengku Zafrul: Malaysia expects higher approved investments this year, beating last year’s record

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The Melaka government through the state Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Invest Melaka is committed to fully cooperate with the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC) in an effort to increase investments in the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said besides supporting the aspiration of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the move will make Malaysia, specifically Melaka, as an investor- and business-firendly state in line with the national investment ambition.

He said for the period from 2021 until the third quarter (3Q) of 2023, MIDA had approved new and additional investments worth RM19 billion for Melaka which included 480 projects, besides creating 10,427 job opportunities in various sectors and positions.

“When I held the post of Melaka Investment, Industry and Entrepreneur Development senior exco in 2022, we succeeded in recording the highest investments valued at RM8.574 billion, hence, (the state) was recognised among the top five states to rake in the highest investment value by MIDA.

“This showed the success of the cooperation between the government and private sector which mobilised efforts to create a stable, conducive and competitive investment ecosystem,“ he told reporters after launching the Melaka Industrial Night 2024 here, last night, which was also attended by Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Mininster Liew Chin Tong.

Elaborating further, Ab Rauf also shared Melaka’s success in attracting a total of 151 investment projects worth RM4.7 billion in 2Q 2023.

This incuded an additional investment of RM1 billion from KOA Denko Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which is also a global electronics supplier from Japan.

“Therefore, I have high hopes that we can further expand the state’s potential as a prime investment destination of choice in the region and strengthens its position to be more stable in the global value chain,“ he said.

He is also optimistc about the investors’ confidence in Melaka which has three free trade zone areas.

“On the availability of human resources, Melaka also draws attention when 23 Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institution partners in the state give the confidence to high-impact investors in terms of sufficient human resources for the industries,“ he said.

At the event, some 19 companies received appreciation awards from the Melaka State Industry Committee, including Five Star Investment Award to three companies which recorded the highest investment value in 2023, namely Malaysian Refining Company Sdn Bhd, Infineon Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Sunpower Malaysia Manufacturing Sdn Bhd.

Source: Bernama

Melaka ready to cooperate with IMFC to increase investments – Ab Rauf

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Bridge Data Centres (Bridge Data) is expanding its presence in Malaysia by acquiring new land in Selangor to build its third data centre, MY02, in Cyberjaya.

The new data centre is expected to be the largest among the three developments.

In partnership with Cyberview Sdn Bhd (Cyberview), the expansion will increase Bridge Data’s IT capacity by about 87 MW across three phases.

Each phase involves constructing a three-story data centre.

Bridge Data’s strategic investment will not only boost the growth of supporting businesses but will also have the potential to inspire innovation in various industries.

By investing in key sectors, Bridge Data aims to drive economic growth and enhance competitiveness. This investment marks a significant step towards sustainable growth, job creation, and fostering a skilled workforce.

In 2023, Cyberjaya witnessed a surge in data centre investments, solidifying its position as a global technology hub.

It is currently home to 15 commercial and captive data centres including hyperscale, as well as the location for 90 per cent of Malaysia’s co-location data centres.

In a statement today, Brudgw Data aaid the sales and purchase agreement was formalised in a ceremony at RekaScape, Cyberjaya.

It was officiated by Cyberview chief executive officer Kamarul Ariffin Abdul Samad and Bridge Data olutions vice president for Asia Pacific Patrick Png.

Bridge Data is a big player in hyperscale data centres, focusibg on making the infrastructure super reliable and essential for their customers.

It uses advanced cooling tech to keep things running smoothly while keeping costs down.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman stressed that continuous investment shows how confident Bridge Data is in Malaysia, making it even stronger as a hub for data centers in the region.

“Aligned with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, Bridge Data commitment contributes to the nation’s sustainable economic growth, creation of high-skilled jobs for locals, and propel the digital transformation journey,” he said in a statement today.

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chief executive officer Mahadhir Aziz said Bridge Data being the largest data centre development coming to Malaysia will make the country a top digital hub in Asean.

Source: NST

Bridge Data to build its largest data centre in Malaysia

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The strategic expansion of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC) into Johor reflects a progressive approach aimed at stimulating economic growth and attracting more investors to the state.

Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz stated that this initiative was approved during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, marking the establishment of the first IMFC outside of Kuala Lumpur.

He said that this expansion is part of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiative, aimed at fostering stronger business relations between Malaysia and Singapore.

“We see IMFC as a key enabler of investment that also supports the MADANI Economic Framework and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, contributing to sustainable growth initiatives while generating high-value job opportunities across Malaysia,“ Tengku Zafrul said in a statement today.

The integration of IMFC into this agenda highlights its role in fostering a business-friendly environment for mutual growth, and the JS-SEZ is expected to be a key driver of regional and national development.

“This move will create consistency in investment procedures and facilitate investment inflows into Malaysia.

“Coupled with Johor’s strategic location and natural resources, IMFC Johor will further enhance the competitiveness of this state and, consequently, Malaysia’s appeal as a preferred investment destination globally,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said IMFC Johor is committed to delivering consulting and advisory services in line with the unique challenges and opportunities in this southern state.

He said both MITI and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority will work closely with the Johor state government to foster a dynamic, competitive and innovative economic environment that will support not only Malaysian businesses but also job opportunities for the people.

Source: Bernama

IMFC expands to Johor to stimulate economic growth

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The Malaysian government and an “important” Chinese institution are in an advanced stage of negotiations to set up a two-way foreign investment (FI) promotion, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said the aim is to cement a cooperative agreement focused on investment promotion enhancement to bolster investment flows, encouraging Chinese firms to explore opportunities in Malaysia while similarly facilitating Malaysian enterprises to expand into China.

He also highlighted that the progress underscores a notable pivot by Chinese corporations towards Malaysia, due to the country’s strategic location and conducive business environment.

“This potential partnership is targeted at fostering investments in high-value sectors, meticulously chosen to reflect the strategic priorities of both nations, thereby promising to fortify economic ties and promote mutual growth,” said Tengku Zafrul.

The minister said this during the annual announcement of Malaysia’s investment performance in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors for 2023.

He said high-value sectors are important to supporting the creation of high-value jobs which will help to boost the middle-class group that was badly impacted during the pandemic.

Tengku Zafrul noted that the top five industries that created the highest numbers of managerial, technical and supervisory (MTS) employment were electrical and electronic (E&E), machinery and equipment (M&E), non-metallic mineral as well as fabricated metal and chemicals.

Last year, over 30,000 jobs were created within the MTS category, with Malaysians accounting for 91.7% of the individuals hired to fill these roles.

“Malaysia’s E&E industry is expected to become a powerhouse due to increasing domestic and regional demand, driven by the growth of industries such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, aerospace and the digital economy.

“All these will collectively improve Malaysia’s export competitiveness while providing higher-paying skilled jobs for our people,” he noted.

Source: Bernama

Malaysia-China two-way foreign investment promotion underway — Tengku Zafrul

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Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz today said that Malaysia’s electrical and electronics (E&E) sector is poised to emerge as a powerhouse.

He said the optimistic outlook is attributed to the rising local and regional demand, fueled by the expansion of sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy (RE), aerospace, and the digital economy.

“All these will collectively improve Malaysia’s export competitiveness, while providing higher paying skilled jobs for our people,” he said during his speech during the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) annual media conference here.

He also said that the advent of Industry 4.0 and the ascent of the digital economy play pivotal roles in the increasing need for chips and semiconductors as industries are adopting technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics, and data analytics to streamline their operations, boost efficiency, and elevate productivity.

He further emphasised that sustainability serves as another significant catalyst for E&E products, particularly in transforming industries such as automotive.

“Sustainability is another major driver for E&E products as industries such as automotive continue to transform. The increased demand for the production of EVs, for example, has also increased the demand for electronics that support battery management systems (BMS),” he said.

He added that substantial investments were drawn to other industries, with machinery and equipment (M&E) securing RM22.6 billion, chemicals and chemical products receiving RM8.9 billion, non-metallic mineral products obtaining RM8.8 billion, and transport equipment attracting RM7.1 billion.

He highlighted the creation of over 30,000 jobs in the managerial, technical and supervisory category, with 91.7 per cent of these positions filled by Malaysians.

“In addition to providing employment opportunities for the people, these investments have spillover effects that can bolster and develop our domestic SME supply chain, advancing towards innovation, knowledge-intensive and higher-value-added activities and products,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said, as of now, Malaysia has garnered interest from potential investors, primarily through our flagship initiatives, accumulating to RM88.82 billion with over 1,710 projects currently in the pipeline, with projected investments reaching RM87.8 billion.

He said there are ongoing substantial discussions between the ministry and Mida with a significant Chinese institution, aiming to solidify a mutual agreement to promote two-way foreign investments (FI).

“We are in the advanced negotiations stage, aiming to cement a cooperative agreement focused on FI promotion enhancement, to bolster investment flows, encouraging Chinese firms to explore opportunities in Malaysia while similarly facilitating Malaysian enterprises to expand into China,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said that the prospective collaboration aims to encourage investments in high-value sectors, carefully selected to align with the strategic priorities of both nations.

This initiative, he said, holds the promise of strengthening economic ties and fostering mutual growth.

“We aim to conclude a comprehensive cooperative agreement focused on FI promotion enhancement, to bolster investment flows, encouraging Chinese firms to explore opportunities in Malaysia while similarly facilitating Malaysian enterprises to expand into China.

“We are targeting this potential partnership to foster investments in high-value sectors, meticulously chosen to reflect the strategic priorities of both nations, thereby promising to fortify economic ties and promote mutual growth.

He further added that Malaysia’s economy is currently at a crucial turning point, presenting an opportunity to capitalise on key factors such as the restructuring of supply chains for greater resilience and the implementation of the China Plus One strategy.

He said the goal is to effectively position the country as a contemporary regional industrial powerhouse and a gateway for those seeking access to the expanding Asean and Asian population.

Last week, Tengku Zafrul encouraged EV automakers with facilities here to consider making Malaysia their hub to supply and service the fast-growing EV market in Asean.

He said this is because the EV market in Asean is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of about 33 per cent from around US$500 million (RM2.4 billion) in 2021 to US$2.7 billion (RM11.77 billion) by 2027.

Source: Malay Mail

Tengku Zafrul: Malaysia’s E&E sector set to soar driven by demands in EVs, renewable energy, aerospace and digital economy

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THE initiatives set forth by Deputy Prime Minister and of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, in support of the large-scale solar (LSS4) players mark an epochal leap in confronting the challenges of renewable energy (RE) development in the country.

In particular, the extension of power purchase agreement (PPA) tenures by four years and the innovative proposition allowing developers to retain their projects’ green attributes for trading through renewable energy certificates (RECs) mechanisms deserve commendation.

These strategic moves not only signify a proactive governmental stance but also represent a pivotal shift towards enhancing the economic landscape of the RE sector.

Shift towards a more inclusive understanding of RE benefits

A poignant reflection on the second initiative regarding Environmental Attributes reveals a profound evolution in policy focus.

Drawing on my experience as the general manager of customer services at Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) during the enactment of the Renewable Energy Act 2011, the historical context underscores the transformation towards a more inclusive understanding of RE benefits.

FiT instrumental in facilitating economic feasibility

Globally, the adoption of State Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and Feed-in Tariff (FiT) programmes are two primary mechanisms fostering RE growth. Malaysia’s strategic selection of the FiT programme has played a pivotal role in promoting early-stage RE sources.

By facilitating economic feasibility through long-term agreements and production-cost-based pricing, this approach has significantly mitigated investment risks, encouraging the robust expansion of the RE sector.

The successful integration of various technologies such as rooftop/ground-mounted solar, hydro, biogas and biomass into Malaysia’s energy generation landscape through the FiT programme, funded by the RE fund, exemplifies its efficacy.

LSS bidding matches grid parity prices

Illustrative of the government’s forward-thinking approach are the bid prices witnessed in the LSS tenders, particularly LSS3 and LSS4.

LSS3 saw bid prices matching grid parity prices with offers ranging between 17.7 sen per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and 24 sen per kWh from 112 bidders, including international consortiums.

This trend continued in LSS4, with competitive bids reflecting the sector’s maturity and the effectiveness of policy interventions in driving down costs and fostering sustainable development.

Malaysian REC marketability internationally

To further enhance the marketability of Malaysian RECs internationally, creative strategies can be implemented.

These may include establishing single buyer as a third-party verifier to avoid double accounting, certifying under an international standard (for example, IREC), and appointing a local issuer such as the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda).

This would undoubtedly elevate Seda’s prominence as the RE Development Authority in Malaysia.

Moreover, introducing tiered incentives for projects exceeding certain environmental benchmarks could incentivise developers to pursue higher standards of sustainability, thereby accelerating the sector’s growth.

Incentives for accelerated growth in RE

A graduated, incentive-based system that encourages continuous improvement and innovation in environmental sustainability can be achieved through tiered incentives.

By offering greater rewards for higher levels of achievement, developers are motivated to invest in more advanced technologies, adopt more efficient practices and pursue more ambitious sustainability goals, ultimately leading to faster growth and development in the RE sector.

The introduction of RECs represents a pivotal development in the market-based promotion of RE. These certificates embody the environmental, social and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation, providing a versatile mechanism for trading and supporting the RE market.

The decision to allow RE developers to retain their projects’ green attributes enhances the economic viability of future solar projects and contributes positively to the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

Paradigm shift fosters free market activities

For the NETR to realise its ambitious goals, a paradigm shift towards encouraging free-market activities through adaptive policies and guidelines is crucial. This strategy will facilitate the rapid maturation of Malaysia’s electricity market, stimulate innovative growth in the sector and position Malaysia as a frontrunner in the Asean RE transition.

The announcement of the fifth competitive bidding round for the LSS programme (LSS5) with an impressive quota of 2000 megawatt (MW) is a further testament to the government’s commitment to advancing the RE agenda.

Additionally, the NETR’s vision to enable RE export to Singapore signifies a strategic move to position Malaysia as a leader in the Asean RE transition. This initiative should promote broader market participation and leverage deregulated markets to maximise economic benefits.

The current retailing of RECs at US$65 per megawatt hour in Singapore highlights the potential for significant financial returns and underscores the importance of innovative marketing strategies in reducing project costs and supporting green financing.

Malaysia: Frontrunner in Asean RE transition

The proactive and visionary approach of the Deputy Prime Minister in addressing green energy attributes, as evidenced during the LSS4 and anticipated in future initiatives, positions Malaysia as a frontrunner in the Asean RE transition.

This forward-looking strategy emphasises the role of the government as a policymaker and the regulator and utility for effective deployment of policy rather than an active market participant.

It ensures that the utility sector is focused on enhancing grid resilience and facilitating market entry for the increasing RE participants.

In conclusion, the recent measures by Malaysia’s government, particularly the extension of PPA tenures and the innovative approach to Environmental Attributes, signify a progressive shift towards a sustainable and economically viable RE sector.

Coupled with the encouragement of free-market dynamics and visionary leadership in RE policy formulation, these strategies are critical in achieving the objectives of the NETR and positioning Malaysia as a leader in the regional RE transition.

Nirinder Singh Johl is the founder and CEO Asia Carbonx Change Plt. He was formerly the managing director of TNBX, a subsidiary of TNB. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.

Source: The Star

Revisiting the strategy for effective NETR

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The government is committed to growing the digital economy in Malaysia as it plays a pivotal role in boosting the economy, proactively anticipating and facilitating investors’ needs by creating strategic intersections between government initiatives and tech investments, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

He said that Malaysia has a unique blend of factors that position it as a premier investment hub in Southeast Asia and is poised to be a digital frontrunner in Asean, fuelled by a young and skilled workforce, dynamic tech ecosystem, and regulatory environment conducive to business growth.

“With a sustained and robust gross domestic product growth and a strategic location at the heart of Asean, Malaysia offers access to a young, tech-savvy consumer market comprising over 400 million digital consumers in the region.

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the global playing field has been transformed, presenting fresh opportunities for innovation, investment in emerging technologies, and the development of solutions in high-growth markets.

“Indeed, Malaysia is strategically positioned to capitalise on these opportunities, with its vibrant tech ecosystem, skilled workforce, and supportive regulatory environment,” he said in his keynote address at Tech Nexus 2024 here, today.

He also said that the government aimed to ascend Kuala Lumpur to be among the 20 cities globally that offer the best ecosystem to incubate startup businesses through KL20, a sectoral blueprint set to be launched this year.

In line with the Madani government’s ambition, the ministry intends to foster an enabling technology ecosystem that empowers players to innovate and drive transformative solutions for society.

Additionally, he highlighted three initiatives under the ministry’s purview for investors, such as regulatory certainty through the Bill of Guarantees which entitles qualified companies to a set of incentives, rights, and privileges from the government under Malaysia Digital.

“The others are the special visa programmes, such as the Foreign Knowledge Worker pass and DE Rantau Programme; and the Premier Digital Tech Institutions, which establishes a pipeline of skilled talent by bringing together key industry players and institutions of higher learning,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the Tech Nexus event hosted by Endeavor Malaysia, Gobind said he believed the discussions among the panellists and technocrats would yield productive insights on breakthrough innovations, challenges, and opportunities in deep tech areas, as they relate to the government’s policy and regulatory environment and Malaysia’s digital future.

The one-day Tech Nexus event is aimed at fostering connections and embracing innovation among visionary founders and key industry players.

The gathering was also extended to 42Geeks, a prestigious organisation boasting more than 50 esteemed technocrats and founders hailing from the US, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Japan and Singapore.

Source: Bernama

Digital minister: Govt committed to boosting digital economy, facilitate investors’ needs

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Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), has affirmed the strength of economic relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia, noting that the two countries are close to finalising their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Tengku Zafrul said the agreement is to be signed by the end of June this year, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported Tuesday.

He said this on the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi.

The Malaysian minister pointed to his three visits to the UAE in three months, highlighting the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two countries during the past period to advance their bilateral relations in all fields.

In this regard, he pointed out that an MoU was signed in January to establish a framework for investment cooperation in the digital infrastructure sector. This is alongside other MoUs signed by several Malaysian companies with Masdar, a renewable energy company during COP28 in Dubai in December.

Regarding the MC13, he said: “This crucial global event serves as a vital platform for communication, particularly amidst the challenges confronting international trade.”

Source: Bernama

Malaysia, UAE CEPA on track for June signing: Minister

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Malaysia’s medical devices industry registered approved investments totalling RM807.6 million for the first nine months of 2023 (9M 2023), said the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

Chief executive officer Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman said domestic investments contributed over two-thirds at 73.7 per cent of the sum, while the remaining 26.3 per cent originated from foreign sources.

“This considerable investment not only accelerated the industry’s growth expansion but also laid the groundwork for the generation of 1,363 new employment opportunities for Malaysians,” he said in his speech at the exclusive distributorship agreement signing ceremony between Duopharma Biotech Bhd and Owen Mumford Sdn Bhd.

He said the alliance between Duopharma Biotech and Owen Mumford integrates two pivotal sectors of healthcare, namely pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Meanwhile, Duopharma Biotech group managing director and executive director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar said Duopharma Biotech, via its subsidiary Duopharma Marketing Sdn Bhd, has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with Owen Mumford Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of UK-based medical device company, for the distribution of medical devices in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.

“The total market for needles itself is between RM20 million and RM25 million.

“We hope to ramp up as fast as possible as we have the largest number of medical detailers in the country, and our penetration rate at pharmacies and hospitals is the highest in the industry,” he said at the press conference.

Duopharma Biotech expects to generate a 25 per cent increase in its earnings from the current total market value for needles.

In addition, he said the collaboration is also in line with the group’s environment, social, and governance focus on improving access to healthcare in terms of affordability.

On the impact of fluctuation in the exchange rate, Leonard Ariff said the depreciation of the ringgit would have an impact on Duopharma Biotech as 70 per cent to 75 per cent of its raw material is imported.

Source: Bernama

Medical devices industry nets approved investments of RM807.6 mln in 2023

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The Greater Klang Valley administrative area is expected to commence this year and substantially impact the state’s economic activities, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.

Upon completing the Greater Klang Valley’s establishment, the state government anticipates more well-governed cities in the region.

“In 2024, the state government will unveil efforts which will impact economic activities by introducing the Greater Klang Valley.

“We are delighted that Klang has recently been officially recognised as a royal city. As a result, the immediate combination of the four cities (Klang, Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, and Petaling Jaya) will take place.

“And InsyaAllah, by this year, a well-governed and smart administration for the four cities soon,” he said.

Amirudin was responding to a query from Port Klang state assemblyman Azmizam Zaman Huri during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today on the state government’s planning to boost economic development in the state for this year.

The establishment of the Greater Klang Valley is crucial to, among other things, streamlining the administrative processes for businesses and residents, rejuvenating mature cities, implementing a digital twin system for government administration, and promoting public transportation.

Under the 2024 Selangor Budget tabled on November 10 last year, the Menteri Besar said the state administration will allocate RM2 million for the initiative.

Meanwhile, the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) and Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated), or MBI, have been directed to reassess expired lease locations, with a particular emphasis on the service sector for data centres, notably in Section 50 and Section 51 of Petaling Jaya.

He said the move is crucial for data centres to have robust and high-speed connectivity, as the state needs to catch up to Johor.

Besides developing Ijok, the state government is looking for more new locations to be developed to generate more economic activities.

“Data centres require strong and fast connectivity and sufficient power supply and distribution to prevent data loss.

“This is among the actions we are taking because we are slightly lagging behind Johor as it has taken the opportunity to transition data centres from Singapore due to proximity to localities and various other reasons, including costs,” Amirudin added.

Source: Selangor Journal

Greater Klang Valley to drive economic boom with anticipated introduction this year — MB

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The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has presented a proposal for a one-time subsidy for electric vehicle (EV) ownership to boost the growth of the industry in the country.

Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said the proposal was presented to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) during the National EV Steering Committee (NEVSC) meeting.

“It has been observed that this one-time subsidy can encourage people to switch from using internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs and further help the country reduce petrol subsidies for the long term.

“This suggestion is being fine-tuned by the MoF,” he said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, today.

Liew was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain bin Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar) who asked whether there would be incentives to attract the M40 group who can afford to own EVs.

The Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030 announced by the government in 2020 outlines a target to have 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025 whereby 9,000 units are AC (alternating current) chargers and 1,000 units are DC (direct current) chargers.

In 2023, the annual sales volume of new Battery EVs (BEVs) in the country increased by over 400 per cent to 13,257 units compared to 3,127 units in 2022.

As at Dec 31, 2023, 2,020 charging stations have been installed in 750 locations across the country, of which 1,591 units are AC type, and the remaining 429 units are DC type.

Liew said the proposal to review the target of 10,000 EV charging stations was also raised in the NEVSC Meeting No. 1/2024 and MITI together with related agencies, namely the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute and Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation are studying and fine-tuning the need to increase the DC charging stations target.

“The outcome of the study will be debated in the NEVSC Meeting which will be held in the second quarter of this year,” he said.

Meanwhile, in response to an additional question from Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) who asked if the government plans to consolidate EV charging system service fees in one application, Liew said the government has the intention to merge all applications for EV charging payments.

“But it requires the cooperation from charging point operators (CPOs) and the government is planning to hold discussions with the CPOs to create ‘interoperability’ with all companies,” he added.

Source: Bernama

MITI proposes one-time subsidy for EV ownership

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received a courtesy visit from the co-founder and chief executive officer of Grab Holdings Inc., Anthony Tan today.

Tan was accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

In a post on Facebook, Anwar said he was briefed on Grab’s potential investment in Malaysia during the meeting.

“This is related to businesses such as Grab and Jaya Grocer. In addition, the operation of GX Bank is expected to involve an investment of RM1.5 billion for the next five years,” said the Prime Minister.

GX Bank Bhd is a digital bank in Malaysia through a joint venture between Grab Holdings Ltd and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel).

Commenting further, he said they had also discussed how Grab can grow with a business model that also helps Malaysian communities and businesses in increasing opportunities to generate income.

“Hopefully, Anthony’s tenacity will be an inspiration to other Malaysians, especially those who are interested in venturing into the field of technology entrepreneurship,” he added.

Tan is a Malaysian-born entrepreneur who successfully founded a technology company listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange in the United States.

Grab now has a market capitalisation of US$12.34 billion.

Source: Bernama

PM meets with Grab founder, briefed on RM1.5 bln investment plan

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Malaysia and Uzbekistan have expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation, specifically focusing on expanding trade, investment and strategic relationships.

In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that this was among the topics discussed during the courtesy call by Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, this morning.

“In the meeting, that was also attended by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, we discussed efforts to enhance Malaysia-Uzbekistan bilateral cooperation and on regional issues as well.

“At the same time, we also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including cooperation within the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), the situation in Gaza, and developments in Afghanistan.

“I believe the meeting will strengthen and further enhance cooperation between Malaysia and Uzbekistan,“ he said.

Saidov is currently on a three-day official working visit to Malaysia starting Tuesday, marking his first visit to the country as Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan.

In 2023, Uzbekistan became Malaysia’s second largest trading partner in the Central Asian region.

The total trade between Malaysia and Uzbekistan amounted to RM451.9 million (US$94.03 million), representing an increase of 30.9 percent compared to 2022.

Source: Bernama

PM: Malaysia, Uzbekistan state commitment to enhance cooperation

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Cenergi SEA Berhad (Cenergi), a subsidiary of UEM Group Berhad, and Kwantas Corporation Berhad (Kwantas), a Sabah-based integrated palm oil producer involved in the entire palm oil supply chain business with presence in Malaysia and China, have entered into a joint venture (JV) partnership to undertake the development, construction and operations of a Bio Compressed Natural Gas (BioCNG) plant in Lahad Datu.

Cenergi and Kwantas will jointly undertake the development, construction, operations and maintenance of the BioCNG plant which is located at Kwantas’ Pintasan Palm Oil Mill in Lahad Datu, expected to be operational by second quarter of 2025.

The plant will generate biogas through anaerobic digestion of POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) and through a process of purification and compression of the biogas, convert the biogas into BioCNG.

BioCNG has gas composition similar to that of natural gas, enabling it to be used in the same way for heating and power.

The BioCNG produced by this facility will be compressed into cylinder tubes and supplied to industrial off-takers in Lahad Datu via trailers that transport the cylinder tubes.

BioCNG is considered an environmentally friendly renewable gas derived from wastes of palm oil mills, and it will enable users to reduce their carbon emissions towards their Net Zero goals.

This development enables the start of an ecosystem which further supports the greening of the palm oil industry.

Cenergi Group CEO, Hairol Azizi Tajudin said Cenergi has a portfolio of a total of 33 biogas to electricity plants in West Malaysia, including those under construction, which harness biogas from Palm Oil Mill Effluent and convert it to electricity for injection into the grid through Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA)’s Feed-in-Tariff programme.

“This partnership marks Cenergi’s inaugural venture into biogas development in Sabah, and we are excited to play a part in enhancing the renewable energy options available to the industry.

“Our goal is to deliver sustainable BioCNG for industrial players in Sabah, meeting the rising energy demand, particularly in the East Coast region.

“This investment will contribute to a new path for the harnessing of wastes from the palm oil industry into environmentally friendly products,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kwantas Group CEO, Alvin Kwan said Kwantas is excited to announce the partnership with Cenergi to launch the BioCNG plant as it marks Kwantas’ first biogas renewable energy project in Sabah.

“Our ultimate goal is to reduce carbon footprint and tackle climate change issue by capturing gas emissions from the POME and converting into sustainable BioCNG to fulfil gas and energy demands in the East Coast region of Sabah.

“With the availability of BioCNG, the wide applications of BioCNG could potentially expand to applications in the transportation and manufacturing sector,” he said.

Source: Borneo Post

Biogas renewable energy plant to be built in Lahad Datu

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Prompt and disciplined implementation of approved investments is important to generate positive economic spillovers to domestic small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the creation of 127,000 job opportunities for the people, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

MITI and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) are working hard to fully realise the approved investments for 2023, which was RM329.5 billion, a 23 per cent increase compared to 2022.

“Of that amount, foreign investment (FDI) was the main contributor at 57.2 per cent compared to domestic investment (DDI) at 42.8 per cent.

“The 35.1 per cent increase in DDI also reflected the encouraging confidence of local investors in the MADANI Government’s economic policies,“ said the ministry in a written reply to Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim’s (pix) question at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.

He wanted to know the latest status of the investment of RM170 billion that was promised as a result of the official working visit to China in April 2023 and what is the actual amount of money invested to date.

Commenting further, MITI said the total investment approved involved 5,101 projects and has the potential to create more than 127,000 new job opportunities in the country.

MITI, through its agencies such as the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), is also striving to train as many local workers as possible through programmes such as the Academy in Industry (AiI) to meet the demand for quality and trained talent from high-tech and high-impact industries.

“Until February 2024, MPC has successfully placed and improved the skills of 2,665 youths who did not have the opportunity to go to higher education institutions to get a job or improve their ability to benefit from the investment realised in Malaysia,“ it said.

Through the trade and investment mission to China from March 29 until April 3, 2023, MITI said the investment potential from conferences, roundtable meetings and the Malaysia-China Business Forum was estimated to be worth RM170 billion.

Disciplined implementation is one of MITI’s main focuses this year. “Thus, MITI and MIDA are always committed to providing advice, support and facilitation services to potential investors to ensure the implementation of approved projects can be realised as soon as possible,“ said the ministry.

Furthermore, in terms of implementation, MITI has established, among others, the Investment and Trade Implementation Action Committee (JTPPP) which is chaired by the MITI Minister to immediately solve implementation issues and obstacles related to investment and trade, especially high-quality and high-impact investments, including a focus on accelerating the implementation of projects.

The establishment of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre and the Project Implementation and Facilitation Office at MIDA has also helped speed up the process of approval and implementation of investment projects.

Various manufacturing projects that would generally take 18-24 months to complete were successfully implemented in less than 18 months.

Among the projects that were successfully implemented quickly was Enovix Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which developed a silicon carbide battery manufacturing facility involving an investment of RM5.8 billion (US$1.2 billion) over 15 years.

Source: Bernama

MITI committed to expediting investment implementation to generate economic spillovers, create 127,000 jobs: MITI

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Air filter and sokution provider Camfil Malaysia Sdn Bhd celebrates its manufacturing plant expansion in Bemban Industrial Park, here today.

Camfil Malaysia head of plant and vice president of Camfil supply chain in Asia Pacific Karunagaran Krishnan said the strategic move emphasises the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, growth, innovation, and addresses the increasing demands of the Asia Pacific market.

The facility costs about RM60 milion and boasts a new showroom and an auditorium specifically designed to facilitate customer visits, product showcases, product launches, training and industry events.

“The plant also incorporates advanced laboratories dedicated to research and development. These labs are crucial in driving continuous innovation, ensuring that Camfil remains at the forefront of technological advancements in air filtration.

“The new plant’s initiatives prioritise sustainability. With a dedicated commitment to ecofriendly practices, the facility focuses on producing energy-efficient products, aligning seamlessly with Camfil’s dedication to a greener future,” said Karunagaran.

He said the company is targeting a return on investment within the next five to seven years.

The operation of the Swedish company’s factory provides as many as 200 new job opportunities for locals, with the total number now approaching 600 people.

“I’m proud to say 100 per cent of workers here including the staff engineer are Malaysians,” he said.

The launch were attended by Swedish ambassador to Malaysia Dr Joachim Bergström; Camfil president of Asia Pacific Alan O’ Connel and Perak Customs director Datuk Abdul Ghafar Mohd.

Source: NST

Camfil Malaysia expand manufacturing plant

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The Sarawak government is looking forward to tap into the latest technological advancements showcased in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2024 as preparation to become a major digital economy powerhouse in the region as outlined in the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.

State Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said these latest technological advancements would help to create dynamic digital economy, which requires a strong digital foundation including digital infrastructure, talents, innovation and cyber security.

“Of course, our presence in the MWC 2024 is one of the efforts to update and keep ourselves abreast with latest developments and technologies showcased here. So, we hope we would able to tap the latest technologies in order to update ourserves,” he told reporters during a media rountdtable on the sidelines of the MWC 2024 in Fira Gran Via here on Monday.

Besides that, he said, technological advancements also would help the state to expand the coverage and provide connectivity especially for rural communities.

He said in hard-to-reach areas, the state government has equipped 773 sites with very small aperture terminals (VSATs) as an interim solution to give Internet access to the underserved community.

Julaihi shared that 1,472 towers have been implemented throughout Sarawak through the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (SALURAN) and National Fibersation and Connectivity Plan (JENDELA) initiatives.

He also noted that the 4G coverage in Sarawak is at 66 per cent and is expected to reach 93 per cent upon the towers’ completion by end of this year.

Julaihi pointed out that as one of the first states to roll out the 5G network, Sarawak currently has 514 sites that have been commissioned and 585 sites planned to be on air by 2024 with a 64.8 per cent coverage.

He said with Sarawak’s vast landscape, it is estimated the state will need 7,000 telecommunication structures to achieve 99.9 per cent Internet penetration throughout Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Julaihi also said Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is working closely with the state government in providing digital infrastructure and solutions.

Key projects through the partnership include Sarawak Network and Cloud, Kuching Smart City Master Plan and Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) to extend the 4G network and connectivity throughout the state and Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART).

Earlier, Julaihi officiated the Sarawak Pavilion before visiting the Malaysia Pavilion together with his delegation at the MWC 2024, the largest annual gathering in the telecommunications industry hosted by the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA).

Source: Bernama

MWC 2023: Sarawak eyes latest technologies to become digital economy powerhouse

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Empowering cities, electrifying mobility, decarbonising energy, accelerating circularity and conserving biodiversity will be some themes in the spotlight at the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (Igem) 2024, which will be happening from Oct 9 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

“We all realise the issue of climate urgency and the challenges that are in front of us. Often people are looking for solutions, what technologies are out there, and what is already scalable. When you have trade events such as [Igem], there’s an opportunity for people to look at the products and the services that are available in the market for people to utilise, whether it’s governments or corporations,” said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad at the soft launch of Igem 2024 on Monday.

Themed “Race Towards Net Zero: Regional Leadership for Climate Urgency”, Igem 2024 will target RM4.8 billion in business leads, 480 exhibitors, and 48,000 visitors from over 48 countries.

“We are also pushing the boundaries of our influence to develop Igem’s footprint in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa through industry-curated leadership roundtables, summits and congresses,” said Nik Nazmi.

Igem 2024 will have dedicated industry zones for hydrogen and other carbon technologies, a central zone showcasing integrated partner innovations from global corporations, and a multi-venue future of electric mobility exhibition.

Organised by the ministry and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) as a strategic partner, Igem 2024 will include the launch of the Malaysia Pavilion at the United Nations’ 29th Conference of the Parties.

“With the vast opportunities at Igem 2024, we strongly encourage industry associations and corporations to sign up as participants today. On behalf of the ministry, I hope for cooperation from the ministries and state governments to participate and showcase the green initiatives to a broader audience,” added Nik Nazmi.

Over the past 14 years, Igem has had a track record of RM53.1 billion in business leads, more than 4,000 exhibitors, and over 600,000 visitors from 122 countries.

Furthermore, Mida has received six green investment projects with an accumulative proposed investment of RM1.4 billion from the leads at Igem 2023. Mida has also been instrumental in highlighting the investment opportunities within the green technology sector, contributing to potential investment leads worth RM5.8 billion, according to the agency.

Source: The Edge Malaysia

Spurring the green economy and sustainable development

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Sarawak aims to start exporting renewable energy, particularly hydrogen, by the end of 2027, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the state was working with industry players, as well as Japanese and South Korean investors, to explore the potential for developing hydrogen in Sarawak.

“The infrastructure will be completed by 2027, when we will have a plant to produce hydrogen.

“At the moment we have confirmed off-takers from South Korea and Japan.

“If we were to scale up our production, there is a possibility to export to other countries.

“Sarawak may one day become a green energy supplier for the whole region,” he told reporters after opening the Borneo Energy Transition Conference yesterday.

In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said Sarawak planned to set up a hydrogen hub in collaboration with Gentari Sdn Bhd.

He said the hub would be the sole supplier of green hydrogen for downstream facilities in the state.

“This hydrogen hub concept is separated between upstream or hydrogen production, and downstream hydrogen derivatives to illustrate that it can cater to multiple investors,” he said.

Abang Johari said the hub would be managed and operated by SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd (SEDCE), a subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, and Gentari subsidiary Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd.

“I hope this understanding between the players will send a signal that we are serious in producing clean energy for the world,” he added.

Abang Johari also witnessed a document exchange between Gentari Hydrogen and SEDCE for the joint development of a centralised hydrogen production hub in Bintulu, to be known as the Sarawak H2 Hub.

SEDCE also exchanged documents for a joint development agreement with Samsung Engineering, Lotte Chemical and Korea National Oil Corporation as well as an initiative with Sarawak Metro to develop the Rembus hydrogen plant in support of the Kuching urban transportation system project.

Source: The Star

Sarawak aiming to be hydrogen hub

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