The new RM700.5 million state-of-the-art regional hub features a manufacturing plant, warehouse, distribution centre, the Vinda Innovation Centre and an office administration block.

16 December 2022, Bandar Bukit Raja: Vinda Southeast Asia (Vinda SEA), a unit of Hong Kong-listed Vinda International Holdings Ltd, officially opens the new Vinda SEA Regional Hub today; situated in Bandar Bukit Raja, Selangor’s industrial township. With an investment of RM700.5 million, the new state-of-the-art mega facility is located on a 30-acre site filled with greenery and comprises a double-storey manufacturing plant with raw material warehouse, an automated finished goods warehouse, a distribution centre, the Vinda Innovation Centre as well as a six-storey administration block.

The regional hub will not only centralise expertise and high-value activities in Malaysia, but also make the group globally competitive through the use of the latest technologies and processes with automation used where possible. The new facility will bring together the enabling technologies at every stage of the supply chain to further enhance effectiveness, increase efficiency and productivity while lowering costs.

At the same time, Vinda SEA will be upskilling its workforce and vendors to meet the requirements of the new technologies, which would also benefit the whole ecosystem of the personal-hygiene industry in the country.

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) commends Vinda Group’s commitment in strengthening their presence with the new SEA Regional Hub.  YBhg. Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer, MIDA stated, “Vinda certainly has leveraged their multiple growth enablers of product innovation, human capital upskilling, market expansion and sustainability measures, in addition to the increased support for Malaysia’s vibrant industrial ecosystem.”

“As the market leader for hygiene products in Asia, Vinda remains committed to strategic high-value circular and sustainable paper-based products to provide higher quality products and professional services for their customers. Malaysia’s paper-based products’ capacity is expected to increase exponentially with substantial exports earnings. The country’s existing paper industry players have ventured into advanced production processes and high technology automation, extending their reach even further to provide greater opportunities within the domestic supply chain. The utilisation of 4.0 technologies, features of environmentally-friendly production, as well as efficient monitoring and maintenance adoption will inevitably extend further modern techniques of production within the local industry value chain”, he added. 

Su Ting Nee, President of Vinda Group SEA said, “The investment of more than half a billion Ringgit to set up the Vinda SEA Regional Hub represents Vinda’s commitment to Malaysia and to the state of Selangor. With the new Vinda SEA Regional Hub, we anticipate the production capacity will increase by 20 per cent when another 20-acre site build up is completed and fully in operation. Local talent development is prioritised, and the new facility currently houses over 1,200 staff comprising 99 per cent of local community.”

The regional hub will develop, manufacture, and market three different product categories, namely, baby care, incontinence care, and feminine care.  The company also markets tissue products, while its personal care brands include Drypers, TENA, Libresse, Vinda Deluxe, Dr. P, Tempo, and Tork, which are currently the market leaders. This facility will serve mainly the Southeast Asian market, and support sales to more than 25 countries, with Malaysia being the strongest market.

The new Vinda Innovation Centre is the only one outside of China, equipped with full in-house capabilities with a broad set of experts for R&D, innovation, product and material development. The centre adheres a strict international standards for product development, quality and product safety requirements consistent with practices in Vinda and Essity globally. Essity, a leading global hygiene and health Company is the majority shareholder of Vinda International Holdings Limited.

Together, these components encapsulate a state-of-the art facility with the capability and efficiency of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is in line with the Government’s Industry4WRD policy.

In 2017/2018, Vinda SEA was named as one of foreign investors with the highest investment in Selangor and the investment of a new regional hub is testament to the company’s continued commitment in making Malaysia as SEA’s hub for hygiene products.

As of September 2022, a total of 28 projects were implemented with the investment value of RM2.32 billion in Malaysia for sanitary-related disposable products (diapers, baby napkins, sanitary napkins and pads). Vinda Group’s presence in Malaysia represents the portfolio of European and Chinese investment participation, which have been among the top contributors of high value-added investments in Malaysia.

The official opening of the Vinda SEA Regional Hub was attended by YBhg. Dato’ Sri Norazman Ayob, the Deputy Secretary General (Industry) of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Li Chao Wang, Chairman of Vinda Group Chairman, Magnus Groth, Chief Executive Officer of Essity, Karen Li, Chief Executive Officer of Vinda , Su Ting Nee, President of Vinda SEA, Ms. Umarani Muniandy, Executive Director of Manufacturing Development (Resource) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority MIDA and all the company’s Board members from across Europe & Asia.

For more information, visit https://vindagroupsea.com

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

About VINDA GROUP SEA
Vinda Group SEA is part of VINDA GROUP, one of the largest companies for hygiene products in Asia. The Vinda Group has more than 11,000 employees, and sales are conducted under many strong tissue and personal care brands such as Vinda, Drypers, TENA, Dr. P, Libresse, VIA, Tempo, Tork, Libero and Sealer. Vinda has its headquarters in Hong Kong and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with productions in Mainland China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Australia.

Essity, a leading global hygiene products company from Europe, is the major shareholder of Vinda and since 1st April 2016 has its presence in most of the Asian hygiene market exclusively through Vinda.

Vinda group has 10 key brands across 4 business segments from Tissue, Baby Care, Feminine Care, and Incontinence Care.

As a strategic regional market and key business division, the Group is present in South East Asia with leading positions including having well-loved brands in many countries. Vinda Group SEA supports the regional businesses in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The brands that are available on the region include Drypers, TENA, Libresse, Vinda Deluxe, Dr. P, Tempo, and Tork. The Group’s regional headquarters and commercial/manufacturing hub for South East Asia are located in Malaysia, Selangor, Shah Alam. These include:

• Two manufacturing facilities awarded with internationally recognized ISO14001 (Environment), ISO45001 (Health & Safety) and ISO 9001.
• An Innovation Centre Asia with state-of-the-art technology

For more information, visit https://vindagroupsea.com

For media enquiries please contact:

MIDA:
Ms. Manjit Kaur
Director, Food Technology and Resource Based Industries Division
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-22673509

VINDA GROUP:
Ms. Su Ting Nee
President of Vinda South East Asia
Email: [email protected] | DL: +6012-2043173

Vinda Sea Opens New Regional Hub In Malaysia

Malaysia Attracted RM193.7 Billion (USD41.7 Billion) Of Approved Investments In January – September 2022

• Malaysia attracted RM193.7 billion (USD41.7 billion) of approved investments in services (RM113.3 billion or USD24.4 billion), manufacturing (RM64.9 billion or USD14 billion), and primary sectors (RM15.5 billion or USD3.3 billion), an increase of 2.5 per cent as compared to the same period in 2021.
• Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) remained the major contributor to the total approved investments at 67.5 per cent or RM130.7 billion (USD 28.1 billion), an increase of 15 per cent as compared to the same period last year, while Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) contributed 32.5 per cent or RM63 billion (USD13.6 billion).
• The People’s Republic of China (PRC) dominated foreign investments totalling RM49.2 billion (USD10.6 billion).
• Five (5) states that have recorded significant investment value to the total approved investments include Johor (RM63.9 billion) (USD13.8 billion), Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (RM26.1 billion) (USD5.6 billion), Selangor (RM25.7 billion) (USD5.5 billion), Sarawak (RM17.6 billion) (USD3.8 billion) and Kedah (RM12.1 billion) (USD2.6 billion).
• The approved investments for this period will generate 98,414 new jobs in the country.
• Malaysia’s services sector secured projects worth RM113.3 billion (USD24.4 billion) for the period January – September 2022, compared to the RM70.4 billion (USD16.8 billion) it gained for the same period in 2021, a major increase of 60.9 per cent.

Kuala Lumpur, 14 December 2022 – Malaysia remains a top investment destination among global investors and a hotspot for business expansion. Investors continue to show confidence to invest in Malaysia as the new premier leadership is focused on strengthening the country’s economic growth and retain Malaysia’s reputation as a stable investment destination.

Malaysia has attracted a total of RM193.7 billion (USD41.7 billion) worth of approved investments in the services, manufacturing and primary sectors involving 2,786 projects from January to September 2022 and is expected to create 98,414 job opportunities in the country. This is a 2.5 per cent increase as compared to the RM188.9 billion (USD45.1 billion) investments approved in the same period last year.

YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), stated, “Malaysia’s success in attracting almost RM194 billion of approved investments in the first nine months of the year is a testament of its established standing as a gateway to ASEAN and an investment destination of choice in Asia. Our robust supply chain network, competitive cost structure, simplified business processes, cutting-edge innovation and technology capabilities, and good talent base are key ingredients in attracting investments and driving sustainable growth in this country. Moving forward, MITI and its agencies will ensure that new investment opportunities will also build the appropriate capacity and talent base in targeted industries to develop the nation’s economy in a sustainable manner”

FDI remained the major contributor, at 67.5 per cent or RM130.7 billion (USD28.1 billion), while DDI contributed 32.5 per cent to RM63 billion (USD13.6 billion). It is to be noted that this is a 15 per cent increase as compared to the FDI approved in the same period in 2021.

Of the total investments approved, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) dominated foreign investments totalling RM49.2 billion (USD10.6 billion). This is followed by The United States of America (RM16.9 billion) (USD3.6 billion), The Netherlands (RM16.5 billion) (USD3.6 billion), Germany (RM9.2 billion) (USD2 billion) and Singapore (RM8.7 billion) (USD1.9 billion).

Five (5) states that have recorded significant approved investments include Johor (RM63.9 billion) (USD13.8 billion), Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (RM26.1 billion) (USD5.6 billion), Selangor (RM25.7 billion) (USD5.5 billion), Sarawak (RM17.6 billion) (USD3.8 billion) and Kedah (RM12.1 billion) (USD2.6 billion).

In this period, the services sector assumed a significant role towards driving the country’s economic recovery, accounting for 58.5 per cent of total approved investments with RM113.3 billion (USD24.4 billion). The stellar service sector performance exceeded expectations for January to September 2022, an increase of 60.9 per cent from the achievement attained in the same period in 2021. The manufacturing sector follows this at RM64.9 billion (USD14 billion) or 33.5 per cent and the primary sector at RM15.5 billion (USD3.3 billion) or 8 per cent.

YBhg. Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said, “Malaysia enjoys a strong reputation internationally and investors have confidence in us. The nation has a solid foundation to provide opportunities for investors. With its favourable business climate, the country is poised to become the next major economic hub. Malaysia offers companies what they need to succeed in the international marketplace by capitalising on its strategic location of the Straits of Malacca, comprehensive industrial ecosystem, dotted with abundant natural resources, and having a young, talented and vibrant population.”

“The Government is working aggressively to attract more high-quality, high-impact, capital-intensive projects in the manufacturing and services sectors. These projects are expected to contribute to the country’s economic growth. The Government focuses on digital economy, energy and high value manufacturing activities such as transport technology which include electric vehicle and its ecosystem that will have a significant economic potential and sustainable long-term growth.”, added Datuk Wira Arham.

Services Sector Takes the Lead

Malaysia is thriving as one of the most technologically equipped economies within Asia. By way of digitalisation, the country has become a hotbed of investment for domestic and international players alike. Digital transformation is imperative for businesses of all sizes and industries. Many businesses are now going digital and equipping themselves for fast expansion. New services have been invented through the invention of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing.

For this period, the services sector accounted for the largest share of the total approved investments, amounting to RM113.3 billion (USD24.4 billion) from 2,167 projects which contributed to the growth of the country’s economy. This is a significant increase as compared to the RM70.4 billion (USD16.8 billion) investments approved for the services sector in the same period last year. A total of 39,772 new jobs are expected to be created in the services sector.

Based on the total approved investments for January to September 2022, foreign investments made up the most significant portion, recording RM69 billion (USD14.9 billion) or 60.9 per cent of the total approved investments for the services sector, while the remaining 39.1 per cent or RM44.3 billion (USD9.5 billion) were from domestic sources.

The information and communications sub-sector dominated the services sector, with approved investments valued at RM69.2 billion (USD14.9 billion) or 61.1 per cent. From the total approved investments of this sub-sector, five (5) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services which includes data centre and cloud computing services were approved with investments totalling RM60.7 billion (USD13.1 billion) or 87.7 per cent.

Among other performing sub-sectors which contributed to the significant amount of investments approved were real estate (RM16.9 billion) (USD3.6 billion), financial services (RM9 billion) (USD1.9 billion), utilities (RM7.5 billion) (USD1.6 billion) and distributive trade (RM3.7 billion) (USD0.8 billion).

Six (6) sub-sectors showed positive development in terms of percentage increment of approved investments namely information and communications, with an increase of 1,101.1 per cent. Other services follow this with an increase of 244.4 per cent, education services (175 per cent), utilities (15.5 per cent), distributive trade (9.7 per cent) and financial services (3.2 per cent).

Among notable projects approved in the services sector include, data centre projects by Bridge Data Centres Malaysia III Sdn. Bhd., ByteDance System Sdn. Bhd., and YTL Power International Berhad. Such digital infrastructure projects would ignite Malaysia’s growth towards the digital-first economy. Apart from digital investments, other key projects in the services sector include Mamee Double Decker Distribution (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Mamee) which set up their Regional Headquarter Hub to manage supply chain activities across the company’s manufacturing facilities in the region and consolidate distribution of products to countries globally.

Investments by homegrown companies such as Mamee, demonstrates how DDI plays a pertinent role in helping to build the ecosystem of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and empowering Malaysia’s position of developing capabilities to integrate into a vertically integrated global supply chain.

Manufacturing Sector Remains Competitive

Malaysia continues to attract high-quality investments in the manufacturing sector from January to September 2022, reflecting the country’s competitiveness as a preferred location for investment in the region. The manufacturing sector accounted for RM64.9 billion (USD14 billion) (33.5 per cent) from the total approved investments in various economic sectors, as compared to RM103.9 billion (USD24.8 billion) for the same period in 2021. The approval of a few lumpy projects was cited as the reason for the high total approved investments in the manufacturing sector for same period in 2021.

Of the total approved investments in January to September 2022 for the manufacturing sector, FDI amounted to RM50.2 billion (USD10.8 billion) (77.3 per cent), while domestic investments contributed to the remaining RM14.7 billion (USD3.2 billion) (22.7 per cent).

From the RM64.9 billion (USD14 billion) approved investments in the manufacturing sector, investments for expansion/diversification projects showed positive development with an increase of 51 per cent, totalling RM40.2 billion (USD8.7 billion) in January to September 2022, as compared to the same period in 2021. The remaining RM24.7 billion (USD5.3 billion) were recorded from new projects.

In terms of top-performing industries for this period, electrical and electronics (E&E) leads the manufacturing sector (RM22.6 billion) (USD4.9 billion), followed by transport equipment (RM7.5 billion) (USD1.6 billion), petroleum products (including petrochemicals) (RM5.5 billion) (USD1.2 billion), non-metallic mineral products (RM5.4 billion)(USD1.2 billion), machinery and equipment (RM4 billion) (USD0.9 billion), scientific and measuring equipment (RM3.6 billion) (USD0.8 billion), food manufacturing (RM3.2 billion) (USD0.7 billion) and rubber products (RM3.2 billion) (USD0.7 billion). These industries made up RM54.9 billion (USD11.8 billion) (84.6 per cent) of total approved investments in this sector.

A total of 58,141 potential job opportunities are expected to be created in the manufacturing sector, where it will require 2,631 (4.5 per cent) managerial positions, 6,277 (10.8 per cent) professional/technical and supervisory roles, reflecting the higher value chain transition of the manufacturing sector. The approved manufacturing projects will also require 12,040 (20.7 per cent) skilled employment.

Notable projects approved in the manufacturing sector for this period include:

• Samsung SDI Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. marked a new milestone when it opened a Phase Two EV battery cell manufacturing facility in Malaysia. The Korean semiconductor giant has invested a cumulative RM7 billion investment with Phase One: RM1 billion and Phase Two: RM6 billion as it chooses Malaysia as its first production location in Southeast Asia.

• TF-AMD Microelectronics Sdn. Bhd. announced plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Penang with the construction of a second site at Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Penang. With nearly RM2 billion of capital investment, the new manufacturing facility is expected to create more than 3,000 new jobs in advanced semiconductor engineering, design, and process technologies for high-performance computing solutions. The strategic expansion builds on the significant investments TF-AMD has made in Malaysia over the past 50 years that will support the company’s continued growth.

• Ferrotec Holdings Corporation, a global supplier of materials, components, and precision system solutions, has announced its establishment of the new manufacturing facility at Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah. The plant which will be undertaking electromechanical assembly and advanced material fabrication for semiconductor equipment is designed to meet customer needs while also expanding the Group’s business globally.

• Smart Glove Holdings Berhad, one of Malaysia’s leading innovative glove manufacturers has expanded their manufacturing capacity with an investment of RM2 billion. Their wide range of medical gloves sourced from nitrile, natural rubber, polychloroprene and other synthetic rubber ensures that the native industry of glove manufacturing in Malaysia remains competitive in the global market.

Primary Sector

The primary sector recorded a total of RM15.5 billion (USD3.3 billion) approved investments (8 per cent) of the total approved investments in the various economic sectors from January to September 2022, as compared to RM14.7 billion (USD3.5 billion) approved investments for the same period in 2021. FDI dominated the primary sector with investments valued at RM11.5 billion (USD2.5 billion) (74.2 per cent), while the remaining RM4 billion (USD0.9 billion) (25.8 per cent) is contributed from domestic sources.

The agricultural sub-sector amounted to RM142.9 million (USD30.8 million) in total approved investments, which is a 760.9 per cent increment from the previous RM16.6 million (USD4 million) investments for the same period in 2021. Meanwhile, the plantation and commodities sub-sector recorded RM109.1 million (USD23.5 million) of approved investments, an increase of 28.7 per cent from the previous RM84.8 million (USD20.2 million) investments for the same period in 2021.

As of November 2022, there are 285 projects with proposed investments of RM19.9 billion (USD4.4 billion) within MIDA’s pipeline; 247 projects are from the services sector (RM13.7 billion) (USD3 billion), while 38 projects are from the manufacturing sector (RM6.2 billion) (USD1.4 billion), all of which fall under MIDA’s purview.

Malaysia’s economy has grown rapidly. Due to ongoing reforms and recent digitalisation efforts, the country is experiencing its strongest recovery since the two-year pandemic that shut down the global economy. In collaboration with MITI, MIDA is actively working to attract investments in targeted industries from all over the globe to upgrade Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem and trade landscape. These initiatives include giving necessary business facilitation and value network to foreign, local, and start-up companies to ensure they can optimise operations in this dynamic market. The Government is eager to help businesses succeed and make Malaysia the ideal place for them to reach their full potential.

The Government remains resilient to discover new growth areas and empower businesses and local communities while upholding the principles of integrity, good governance, and the rule of law, in addition to promoting inclusivity and sustainable development through principles of SDGs and the New Investment Policy (NIP), under the umbrella of the National Investment Aspirations (NIA).

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

For media enquiries please contact:

Ms. Fatmah Ahmad
Director, Corporate Communications Division
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 2428

Investors Show Growing Confidence In Malaysia

Penang, 12 December 2022 – SUSTIO Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysia-based subsidiary of the semiconductor packaging substrate and HDI Printed Circuit Board (PCB) global leading manufacturer, SIMMTECH, is set to expand its production line in Penang. The second phase of investment, valued at USD50 million, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2023. The expansion project will double the HDI PCB production capacity while creating an additional of 400 full-time jobs for Malaysians. Simultaneously, SUSTIO will also be working with local companies to enhance its localisation programme which will further thrive the country’s semiconductor ecosystem.

The Chief Minister of Penang, the Right Honourable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow said, “It is heartening to witness a growing number of investors deepening their roots in Penang. Having announced its presence in mid-2021 and today, an expansion plan, the continued confidence of SUSTIO reaffirms the competent platform in Penang for industry players to thrive. SUSTIO’s expansion not only brings positive spillovers in building local capacities in the PCB and substrate industry, but also plays a pivotal role in stimulating the competitiveness of the semiconductor material cluster in Penang, all of which will strengthen the state’s position in the semiconductor sector.”

Commenting on SIMMTECH’s momentous milestone, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said, “SIMMTECH’s fast-tracked expansion of their subsidiary’s operation in Malaysia proves that the country continues to be a preferred destination for high-value investments, due to our industry’s strategic position in the global E&E value chain, as well as the availability of skilled Malaysian talent in this sector. This expansion project also supports the country’s New Investment Policy (NIP), whose aims include nurturing innovative, high impact and high-tech investments that help create more higher-paying jobs, which is key to the country’s long-term socio-economic upliftment and sustainable growth.”

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “This expansion project is a testament to SUSTIO’s strong confidence in Malaysia, as a preferred investment hub, manifesting the rising trajectory of our economic recovery and the bright prospects for even more robust growth. Leveraging on the country’s comprehensive electrical and electronics (E&E) ecosystem, the capability of our local talent, as well as our matured semiconductor supply chain will definitely support SUSTIO’s long-term growth and provide vital building blocks for the company to expand in the region. We anticipate that SUSTIO’s project will have a ripple effect on job creation as well as the development of our local supply chain capabilities to meet the rapidly changing requirements of our E&E industry segments while encouraging innovation in emerging fields. Thus, MIDA remains committed to growing our E&E and semiconductor industries, working hand-in-hand with our strategic investors such as SUSTIO.”

Mr. Jeffery Chun, Managing Director of SIMMTECH SE ASIA, expressed, “This decision on SUSTIO expansion shows SIMMTECH management team’s strong and determined pledge to invest in Malaysia. The successful opening of the first Malaysia factory in Batu Kawan, which is the rising global semiconductor hub, gave SUSTIO a clear mandate to continue its expansion.”

As outlined in SIMMTECH’s initial business plan, the company’s second phase of expansion is to be carried out over a period of five years. However, acknowledging Malaysia’s business and manufacturing ecosystem’s competitive edge and reputation as the ideal destination for global and regional business expansions, SIMMTECH has decided to advance its future investment plan to 2023.

Earlier this year, SIMMTECH invested USD150 million to complete the SUSTIO’s 18-acre manufacturing site, currently hiring over 1,200 full-time local talents. The company has already started mass production after successfully achieving the major customers’ new site qualification programme.

MIDA and the state of Penang have been supportive of SUSTIO’s investment, providing the best possible facilitation services on administrative guidance and support to strengthen the strategic collaboration with the company. The governments welcomed SUSTIO’s expansion and its continued trust in leveraging Penang’s established foothold as the Silicon Valley of the East

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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. Starting operations in 1967 with a relatively small set up of 37 staff, MIDA has grown to become a strong and dynamic organisation of over 700 employees. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA today has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel. 

About InvestPenang

InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realize its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention) and i4.0 seed fund (a catalyst for the startup ecosystem). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook; LinkedIn.

About SIMMTECH 

SIMMTECH is a business group from Korea, focusing on developing and manufacturing semiconductor packaging substrates and high value printed circuit boards. SIMMTECH was found in Korea 1987, currently listed 2 companies in KOSDAQ. SIMMTECH’s sales revenue recorded more than MYR 4 billion last year with around 5,000 employees around the world. SIMMTECH is the largest semiconductor packaging substrate and module/SSD PCB supplier in the memory chip industry and is the only manufacturer that supplies its products to all top 5 memory companies in the industry with its global manufacturing footprints in Korea, Japan, China and Malaysia.

For media enquiries, please contact:

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

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

SIMMTECH
Ms. Michelle Chun
SIMMTECH SE ASIA
Email: [email protected]

Simmtech to Fast Track USD50 Million Expansion of Subsidiary’s Production Line In Penang to 2023

• MoU to drive Malaysian SME Industry 4.0 readiness
• MoU aims to enhance adoption of cloud-based collaboration for SMEs
• Partnership to help Malaysian enterprises gain access to global marketplaces

Kuala Lumpur, 6 December 2022 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Collaborative Research in Engineering and Science and Technology Centre (CREST) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dassault Systèmes Singapore Pte. Ltd today. The partnership aims to create a steering committee to discuss the scope, requirements, roles and plans in supporting Malaysia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their transformation journey to Industry 4.0 as well as enhancing cloud-based collaboration through adopting world-class Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions.

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA, expressed, “This timely initiative aims to elevate our local SMEs, and equip them with the latest technology to enhance their business efficiency through adopting world-class Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions. We take great pride in MIDA’s involvement in this initiative to empower Malaysian firms and SMEs to fortify their technical capabilities and embrace modern technology, thus enabling them to progress and flourish. This day marks the momentous occasion of the Government’s drive to propel industry players, especially domestic players and SMEs, to embrace the new technology and realise its potential by taking on the technological solutions of ERP.”

The ERP solutions will leverage on Dassault Systèmes’ virtual twin technologies via its 3DEXPERIENCE platform, specifically in its computer-aided design software and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, which are used in various industries including manufacturing, engineering and life sciences.

Mr. Jaffri Ibrahim, CEO of CREST, said, “The MoU aims to provide a platform that allows Malaysian businesses to thrive in a competitive business environment, post-pandemic. We constantly seek opportunities to collaborate with the Malaysian Government, industry leaders and academia to advance scientific knowledge in the country. In turn, we aim to strengthen homegrown innovation and research while we help local businesses navigate their challenges and opportunities in the new normal.”

“At Dassault Systèmes, we have worked with many successful businesses across the globe to build connected ecosystems that allow them to tap on data to create actionable insights and be competitive and efficient in the digital economy. With enhanced connectivity, Malaysian SMEs can benefit from data-driven decision making, build closer relationships with customers and partners, and continuously improve their operations and processes as they compete in the global business arena,” said Josephine Ong, Managing Director, Asia Pacific South, Dassault Systèmes.

As the manufacturing sector is undergoing a significant transformation with a push to adopt and adapt value-added processes and digitalisation, this partnership will tap on the collective expertise of the parties to help local businesses via a three-pronged approach, namely enabling Industry 4.0 readiness, providing access to the global marketplace and adopting true cloud-based collaboration. The intent is to develop a programme to enhance the efficiency and operations of SMEs in Malaysia with the state-of-the-art Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, aimed at integrating business processes and applications.

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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. Starting operations in 1967 with a relatively small set up of 37 staff, MIDA has grown to become a strong and dynamic organisation of over 700 employees. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA today has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my  and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel. 

About CREST

CREST (Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology) is a catalyst and change agent that drives the growth of Malaysia’s Electrical & Electronics (E&E) industry through market-driven research and talent development. While CREST is industry led, its member representation is the triple helix of Government, Industry and Academia. CREST focuses on creating a vibrant Research, Development and Commercialisation (R&D&C) ecosystem by promoting collaboration between the Industry and Academia, with support from variousGovernment organizations. Since its incorporation in 2012, CREST has to date 110 registered members and has supported over 165 R&D projects between industry and academia. For more information, please visit www.crest.my

About Dassault Systèmes Singapore Pte. Ltd

Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative 3D virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers push the boundaries of innovation, learning and production to achieve a more sustainable world for patients, citizens, and consumers.  Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 300,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries.  For more information, visit www.3ds.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA
Mr. Syed Kamal Muzaffa Syed Hassan Sagaff
Director, Advanced Technology and Research & Development Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603 2267 3636

CREST
Ms. Geraldine Wong
Tel.: +6011 1166 5086

MIDA and CREST Ink MoU With Dassault Systèmes To Build Malaysia’s SME Industry 4.0 Readiness

Kuala Lumpur, 6 December 2022 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) co-organised the Private Sector Dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Investor Map, themed “Sustainability Does Matter: Investing for a Better Future” today. The event aimed to engage with industry players in identifying new investment opportunities with potential contribution to SDGs, while generating attractive market returns.

The dialogue, which was officiated by Ms. Usha Rao-Monari, UN Under Secretary-General and UNDP Associate Administrator, has successfully received the crowd from the corporate sector. In her remarks, she stressed on the business case of redirecting funds to climate-sensitive investments. “By venturing into new production and services that contribute to climate solutions, businesses can gain good market returns and be a leader in their respective industries. Now is the time for private businesses and investors to place their bets on climate-sensitive investments – not just to hedge their climate risks but to make real business value from green products and services, and climate mitigation and adaptation solutions.” said Rao-Monari.

This call to action was echoed by Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, the Chairman of MIDA, who expressed, “From the Government’s point of view, the SDG Investor Map will assist in unveiling untapped opportunities that have the potential to spur rapid development. This will provide the Government with a clear direction to focus on new areas that could benefit from policy implementation and provision of resources, such as human capital and capacity-building initiatives.” 

Tan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid, a former Science Advisor to the Prime Minister and the founding chair of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), who delivered the Keynote Speech at the Dialogue’s plenary session also emphasised the urgency of bold climate actions from the private sector to transform themselves from “business as usual”, while shedding light on business opportunities arising from the net zero goal target that Malaysia has set for itself. “In the face of such gloom and doom, there is not only hope but opportunity.” he said. He highlighted that every USD1 invested in the green economy yields USD4 in benefits, which can be interpreted as another future growth potential for Malaysia. 

As reported by the Global Commission on Adaptation in 2019, it is estimated that a USD1.8 trillion investment in a climate-change adaptation measures are expected to bring a return of USD7.1 trillion in avoided costs and other benefits.

The second half of the event featured three parallel cluster discussions between the private sector stakeholders on renewable energy, green financing, and tech-based climate solutions respectively. The inputs gathered will be fed into the draft inaugural Malaysian SDG Investor Map, a market intelligence tool that guides investors by identifying investment opportunities areas and business models that advance the SDGs. The Map provides insights and tools needed by the private sector to increase their investments towards the SDGs, which inadvertently and significantly contributes to help to fill the financing gap faced by governments to meet the country’s SDGs targets including its climate ambitions. MIDA and UNDP are planning to launch the Malaysian SDG Investor Map in 2023 for a sustainable future in Malaysia for reference by both domestic and international investors.

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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 Malaysia’s manufacturing and services sectors. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channels.

About UNDP

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP’s work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. In line with Malaysia’s position as an upper middle-income country, the Country Office is focused on upstream policies in supporting the design and implementation of Malaysia’s national development priorities as well as sectoral development policies and strategies.

For media enquiries, please contacts:

MIDA
Ms. Surayu Binti Susah
Director, Strategic Planning & Policy Advocacy (Manufacturing) Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603-2267 6773

UNDP
Ms. Heesu Jeon
SDG Impact Finance Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603 8689 6049

MIDA and UNDP Malaysia Preparing the Malaysia SDG Investor Map to Launch In 2023

Penang, 6 December, 2022 — Mattel Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (MMSB) commemorated its 40^th anniversary in Malaysia today with the announcement of a plant expansion, expected to be completed in January 2023. Located in Penang, Malaysia, MMSB is the world’s largest Hot Wheels manufacturing plant, with a current average output capacity of approximately 9.0M cars per week. According to Mattel, it expects this targeted, strategic investment to increase manufacturing capacity, improve productivity, and leverage technological capabilities, while reducing cost and enhancing operational efficiencies. The plant expansion will support Hot Wheels growth, and MMSB expects a 20% increase in production capacity by 2025.  

Established in 1981 in Perai, Penang, MMSB was Mattel Inc.’s (NASDAQ: MAT) first manufacturing plant in Malaysia. Malaysia plays an important role in Mattel’s supply chain for the company’s manufacturing, tooling, and commercial operations. According to Mattel, MMSB currently employs almost 3,900 workers and has consistently invested in and upskilled its workers, while hiring talent with technical backgrounds. The plant expansion is estimated to increase the total workforce by approximately 10% to nearly 4,300 employees at MMSB. This expansion will also benefit Mattel Development and Tooling Sdn. Bhd. (MDT). MDT, established in 1985, is Mattel’s second manufacturing plant in Malaysia and a state-of-the-art facility for product development, digital model making, mould design, and manufacturing.  

Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, stated, “We are proud that Mattel continues to invest in Penang as a key destination within its global supply chain. This is a strong indication of the state’s efforts and commitment to developing a welcoming environment for industry players and positioning the state at the forefront of industrialisation.” He added: “Throughout the years, Mattel has also succeeded in developing a thriving ecosystem for the toy industry in the Perai Free Trade Zone, across industries. It is heartening to see the positive spillover effects that Mattel has brought to the homegrown companies.”

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), stated: “I want to extend my heartiest congratulations to Mattel Malaysia on their latest corporate milestone. Malaysia has a vibrant ecosystem that supports companies in their innovation journey. We look forward to Mattel Malaysia’s continued growth and contributions to the nation’s economy.”

He added, “Malaysia aims to distinguish itself as the country of choice for manufacturing location in Southeast Asia based on a variety of intangible factors, including our established pro-investment policies, reliable supply chain and industrial ecosystem, and conducive business environment. Our highly skilled workforce also provides a pipeline of talent to support the front, middle and backend operations.”

Ching Chiau Lee, General Manager, MMSB, stated, “Today, we celebrate and reaffirm our long-term presence in Malaysia. Over the last 40 years, we have succeeded in developing a thriving ecosystem for the local industry in the Perai Free Industrial Zone across industries such as packaging, paint, material supplies, and machine design.”

Ms. Ching continued, “MMSB plays an important role in our global supply chain operations, providing a strategic footprint in the region and supporting our transformation strategy for growth as an IP-driven, high-performing toy company. We are excited for our future as we continue to exemplify progress in the technology-driven Malaysian manufacturing sector.” 

In conjunction with Mattel’s continued investment and commitment to its Malaysian operations, Steve Totzke, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Mattel, announced that Hot Wheels will be collaborating with PROTON, Malaysia’s iconic national automotive brand, to produce a 1:64 scale model of a Proton SAGA, the first model manufactured by PROTON. 

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

For more information, please contact: 

MIDA
Ms. Rozita Binti Ibrahim
Director, Building Technology and Lifestyle, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | DL: + 603- 2267 3479

Mattel Malaysia Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary and Announces Plant Expansion to Be Completed In January 2023

Powering Semiconductor Growth During These Challenging Times

Kuala Lumpur, 6 December 2022 – The Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) with support from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Electrical and Electronics Productivity Nexus, the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and SEMI hosted a forum today on ‘Malaysia National Electrical and Electronics (E&E) Forum 2022’. The forum, going by the theme of “Powering Semiconductor Growth During These Challenging Times”, was held physically at MIDA Sentral and broadcasted online and successfully gained over 300 participants, represented by manufacturers, service providers and potential investors.

Officially inaugurated by Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Deputy CEO) of Investment Promotion and Facilitation, MIDA, the forum was also attended by Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of MSIA and Mr. Bertrand Stoltz, Executive Vice-President Asia Public Affairs and Managing Director Singapore STMicroelectronics Asia-Pacific Pte. Ltd.

During his opening remark, Mr. Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, Deputy CEO of Investment Promotion and Facilitation, MIDA expressed, “MIDA is committed to building resilient and sustainable electronics supply chain in Malaysia and the ASEAN region. We pursue high-quality and technology-driven investments to boost socio-economic development. Apart from local industry players, we are expanding the benefits of our manufacturing ecosystem to global businesses and brands. With the prospect of a mutually advantageous partnership with MSIA, MIDA is assured that its endeavours to advance Malaysia’s E&E industry will be a resounding success.”

Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of MSIA is confident that the E&E sector will be one of the key beneficiaries of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In his welcoming remarks, he emphasised that Malaysia also must seize the opportunities arising from CPTPP which come into effect on 29 November 2022.

Mr. Bertrand Stoltz, Executive Vice-President Asia Public Affairs and Managing Director Singapore of STMicroelectronics Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd was the Keynote Speaker and showcased how ST is leading the industry in sustainability with creating technology for a sustainable world in a sustainable way.

The Forum was divided into two panel discussions.  The first panel discussion was on ‘CHIPS and Science Act and US Restrictions’ with panelists including Mr. Jimmy Goodrich, Vice President of Global Policy, Semiconductor Industry Association; Mr. Randy Abrams, Managing Director, Head of Taiwan Research and Asia Semiconductors, Credit Suisse and Mr. Jan Thomas Nicholas, Executive Director, Consulting – Semiconductors, Deloitte Consulting (SEA) Sdn. Bhd.

The second panel discussion revolved on the topic of ‘Sustainability in the E&E Industry’ with panelists including Mr. Vishwanath Ramaswamy, Vice President, General Manager of Western Digital Batu Kawan Manufacturing Operations; Mr.     

Ibrahim Ariffin, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn. Bhd.; Dr. Mousumi Bhat, Vice President of Sustainability Programs, SEMI and Mr. Chan Kim Beng, Senior Advisor, Delivery Centre of Excellence, Global Sales Learning & Development, Dell Technologies. Both the sessions were moderated by Ms. Wong Shou Ning, Business Radio Presenter.

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

About MSIA

Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) is an industry association which cover individuals and companies incorporated in Malaysia who are involved directly or related to Semiconductor Industry (Electronics and Systems), Semiconductor Industry supply chain, institutions providing significant related services to semiconductor industry such as engineering, finance, legal and those societies, associations, chambers and government – linked agencies. For more information, please visit http://www.msia.org.my.

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA
Ms. Noor Suziyanti Saad
Director, Electrical and Electronics Division
DL: +603-2267 3575 | Email: [email protected]

MSIA
Ms. Nur Aliah Manshor
Email: [email protected]

Malaysia National E&E Forum 2022