Tech Minister Chang joins PM’s China visit to explore investment opportunities

28 Mar 2023

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, who will join Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to China starting tomorrow to April 1, hopes to meet with his counterpart there to discuss issues related to science, technology and innovation as well as explore investment opportunities.

He said the discussion topics included developments in the field of electric vehicles, space technology and investment by technology-related companies.

“We hope this visit will result in cooperation to upgrade investments in technology. In fact, many Chinese investors are keen to invest in Malaysia but at different levels, some are at the beginning stages, some at the final stages,” he told a media conference after officiating the new Subplace office here, today.

Chang said discussions with the Chinese tech companies will also involve the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti), particularly the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida).

Even though the visit is not Malaysia’s trade mission, he said the ministry would capitalise on the opportunity to discuss further with his counterpart and the republic’s tech-related companies that are interested to invest in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, on the appeal by Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd to drop licensing conditions for some of its operations in Malaysia, Chang said the appeal will be heard at the end of April.

Previously, the Atomic Energy Licensing Board rejected Lynas’ appeal to drop four licensing conditions related to water leach purification residue after July 2023, cracking and leaching activities at Lynas Advanced Materials Plant, and the importation of lanthanide concentrates from Australia.

“In February, the government made a decision to extend Lynas’ operations but maintain the four conditions, and it had 30 days to make an appeal, which it has sent.

“I will chair the appeal hearing session and a decision will be made after that, but there is no deadline to it,” he said.

Source: Bernama