In 1997, General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) started a successful joint venture in Malaysia by having a strategic partnership with an airline here. We have managed to harness the capability of our skilled workforce and the technological support of a large multi-national to make the aircraft engine overhaul shop here one of the most competitive in the world. Malaysia’s good transportation and communication infrastructure has enabled us to conduct business easily and provide timely service to all our customers.

In operating the business, we found our workforce to be very willing to improve and they are always open to new ideas. This attitude complemented the high level of education, experience and training that our workforce possessed.

We are also proud that the leadership team consists of all Malaysians with the necessary management skills required to run this highly regulated unique business.

GEAE is very pleased with the performance and progress made by the world-class business it has established in Malaysia.

In order to build a full range of feeder networks in South East Asia, the China Shipping Group Company decided to move its South East Asian Regional Headquarters from Singapore to Malaysia. The dual purpose of this relocation is to link Westport, Port Kelang with ASEAN countries and also to be more involved in marketing activities in Malaysia. China Shipping was ranked second among the main line operators in Westport, Port Kelang in 2005.

“We believe that this move will increase trade not only between China and Malaysia but also between China and ASEAN countries”, says Li Zuoming, Vice President, China Regional Shipping Holdings Sdn Bhd. “We also hope that with the focus on shipping activities in Malaysia, we will be able to support the development of Port Klang into a competitive shipping hub in the region.”

China Shipping has total assets of RMB 40 billion, (US$5 billion) with 400 vessels and an aggregate deadweight of 11.5 million tonnes. The five shipping arms under the Group’s umbrella are tankers, tramps, cruises, container and special cargo vessels.

The company is a diversified concern, being involved in logistics, terminal management, financing and investment, engineering and human resource, supply and trading, information and technology.

Over the last few years, China Shipping has made strides in container traffic and, currently has a fleet of more than 100 vessels, with a total capacity of 350,000 TEUS, catering for China’s domestic and international trade.

Official sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles began in 1951 with Cycle & carriage as the franchise distributor. Today, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class and S-Class passenger cars are locally assembled, as are commercial vehicle bus chassis and prime movers. Other niche models like the A-Class, M-Class, C-Class Sport Coupe, CLK and SL are fully imported.

As one of the world’s leading automotive companies, Daimler Chrysler AG (DCAG) has identified the huge potential in the Malaysian market for its products and services. We are confident that the pro-business policies of the Malaysian government and Malaysian’s strong macroeconomic framework, robust GDP growth and cost competitiveness will continue to offer attractive investment opportunities and high returns for foreign investors.

Daimler Chrysler Malaysia Sdn Bhd was incorporated in January 2003 as a joint venture between DCAG and Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd with an investment of approximately RM134 million and DCAG as the majority shareholder. The newly-established DaimlerChrysler Malaysia Sdn Bhd manages the wholesale distribution of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, commercial vehicles and spare parts in Malaysia as well as provides software development services for global sales solutions and automotive apprentice training. We have expanded our brand portfolio to include the wholesale distribution of smart passenger cars, Maybach passenger cars and Mitsubishi Fuso Commercial Vehicles. DaimlerChrysler Malaysia’s 250 employees with their unique skills and creativity provide the high-quality workmanship expected by our customers. With a well-developed infrastructure and an educated and productive workforce in place, the company is set to take the Mercedes-Benz brand and heritage to newer heights.

Another significant project for a joint assembly operation with DRB-Hicom has resulted in an investment of approximately RM100 million to set up the new Benchmark assembly facility in Pekan, Kuantan. Being the number one assembly location in Malaysia this operation aims to produce vehicles of the highest quality and the biggest range of locally-assembled models.

Malaysia offers numerous advantages to investors. The Malaysian government is committed to improving the investment environment in the country especially its continuous support and efforts in developing the country as one of the automotive hubs in the ASEAN region. We have made the right decision to invest in Malaysia and we look forward to further expanding our investments to complement the growth of Malaysia’s automotive industry.

Since entering Malaysia, BMW has developed a strong platform, complemented by the professional support and commitment shown by our partners here in Malaysia. With a strong and stable political climate, some of the best infrastructure in the region and a large talent pool, Malaysia serves as a firm base for the BMW Group’s growth plans in Asia.

The establishment of the Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Johor Darul Takzim in August 2004 represents the introduction of a key regional role for BMW Group Malaysia. The Regional Parts Distribution Centre supports the BMW Group by the speedy distribution of parts and accessories throughout the Asia-Pacific markets, providing premium customer service.

Another significant asset that is set to fast-track BMW Group’s regional growth is the establishment of the Group Data Centre, a critical component of the company’s Information Technology (IT) strategy. Apart from the basic IT services such as e-Mail management, web hosting, telephony, network operations management, the Group Data Centre also operates various department-specific application functions including the BMW Group’s global logistics systems, sales and marketing, production (assembly and manufacturing) and financial services to countries in the Asia Pacific region, Russia ,South Africa and other countries worldwide.

BMW is committed to providing customers with the ultimate experience of owning a luxury automobile; from purchasing a BMW, to enjoying its sheer driving pleasure, to premium after-sales service. With the support and facilitation from the government, BMW has been able to establish a strong base that will serve as a pivot for our growth both locally and on a regional basis.