Penang, 28 June 2022 – Smith+Nephew, the global medical technology company, today opened its new high technology manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan Industrial Park in Penang, Malaysia. The 250,000 square-foot facility, worth more than USD100 million in investment, will primarily support the company’s Orthopaedics business, which is expected to grow strongly in the Asia Pacific region.

The new manufacturing facility was officiated by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB. Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, in the presence of Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Dr. Deepak Nath, CEO of Smith+Nephew.

Aligned to the company’s refreshed Strategy for Growth pillar to strengthen its foundation, this new facility will enable Smith+Nephew to serve customers and their patients sustainably through advanced manufacturing. Up to 800 new local jobs in manufacturing, engineering and supply chain will be created over the next few years with key roles already filled.

“Penang is pleased to be the choice location for Smith+Nephew, serving as an acknowledgement of the skilled talent, well-developed infrastructure and resilient environment the state holds. Dubbed as the Silicon Valley of the East, the state’s robust industrial ecosystem not only enables us to accelerate the breakthroughs in the electrical and electronics industry, but further entrenches our position as a medical devices hub in the region. Particularly, Penang has the highest concentrations of medical technology companies in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.” said YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang.

Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA congratulated Smith+Nephew on the opening of the Company’s new manufacturing facility saying, “Malaysia is very excited to host Smith+Nephew’s manufacturing production to support the company’s growing Orthopaedics franchise. This facility will be the Company’s first manufacturing venture within Southeast Asia. This demonstrates our ability in attracting renowned medical devices manufacturers into Malaysia. Smith+Nephew’s presence will also encourage growth of local companies and our medical devices industry’s ecosystem, and strengthen our reputation as an ideal med-tech manufacturing hub in ASEAN.”

Dr. Deepak Nath, CEO of Smith+Nephew said: “We are thrilled to open this new manufacturing facility in Malaysia which represents our commitment to Asia Pacific, Malaysia, our customers and their patients. It is also a critical piece of our Strategy for Growth, improving efficiency and resilience, and supports our purpose of Life Unlimited so that patients across the region and beyond can return to living life to their fullest.”

Smith+Nephew’s manufacturing facility is a frontrunner in sustainability and achieved its goal of zero waste-to-landfill four years ahead of target. In December 2021, it was recognised by the United Nations Global Compact Network for Malaysia and Brunei in the category of SDG Benchmark 4: Zero Waste to Landfill and Incineration. The American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility also presented the team with an AMCHAM CARES award for creating long term economic and social values within the community in 2021.

Smith+Nephew also provides a bursary to students from the Penang Skills Development Centre who will be employed and trained as machinists upon their graduation at the Company.

Malaysia is well-positioned to be the manufacturing hub for the medical devices industry in Asia. Presently, Malaysia is home to over 200 manufacturers, with more than 30 medical devices MNCs producing high value-added medical devices. The second and third tiers of medical device manufacturers for parts and components of medical devices have increased opportunities for local vendors to be integrated into the global supply chain of this industry.

For 2021 alone, MIDA has approved 38 medical devices-related manufacturing projects worth RM7.68 billion (USD1.84 billion), which are expected to create approximately 12,500 employment opportunities for the country. The industry shows great promise in generating high-income jobs, increasing export value, and reinforcing the domestic supply chain ecosystem.

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About MIDA

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

About Smith+Nephew

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology company focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 18,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global franchises of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.

Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in more than 100 countries, and generated annual sales of $5.2 billion in 2021. Smith+Nephew is a constituent of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN). The terms ‘Group’ and ‘Smith+Nephew’ are used to refer to Smith & Nephew plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

For more information, please contact:

MIDA

Ms. Azlina Hamdan
Director, Life Sciences & Medical Technology Division
E: [email protected]
T: +603-2267 3791

Smith+Nephew

Mr. Charles Reynolds
T: +44 (0) 1923 477314

Forward-looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements that may or may not prove accurate. For example, statements regarding expected revenue growth and trading margins, market trends and our product pipeline are forward-looking statements. Phrases such as “aim”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “well-placed”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target”, “consider” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the statements. For Smith+Nephew, these factors include: risks related to the impact of COVID-19, such as the depth and longevity of its impact, government actions and other restrictive measures taken in response, material delays and cancellations of elective procedures, reduced procedure capacity at medical facilities, restricted access for sales representatives to medical facilities, or our ability to execute business continuity plans as a result of COVID-19; economic and financial conditions in the markets we serve, especially those affecting health care providers, payers and customers (including, without limitation, as a result of COVID-19); price levels for established and innovative medical devices; developments in medical technology; regulatory approvals, reimbursement decisions or other government actions; product defects or recalls or other problems with quality management systems or failure to comply with related regulations; litigation relating to patent or other claims; legal compliance risks and related investigative, remedial or enforcement actions; disruption to our supply chain or operations or those of our suppliers (including, without limitation, as a result of COVID-19); competition for qualified personnel; strategic actions, including acquisitions and dispositions, our success in performing due diligence, valuing and integrating acquired businesses; disruption that may result from transactions or other changes we make in our business plans or organisation to adapt to market developments; and numerous other matters that affect us or our markets, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or reputational nature. Please refer to the documents that Smith+Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith+Nephew’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F, for a discussion of certain of these factors. Any forward-looking statement is based on information available to Smith+Nephew as of the date of the statement. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith+Nephew are qualified by this caution. Smith+Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in circumstances or in Smith+Nephew’s expectations. ^◊ Trademark of Smith+Nephew. Certain marks registered US Patent and Trademark Office.

Smith+Nephew Opens World-Class Manufacturing Facility In Malaysia To Support Its Orthopaedics Business

Newly launched “Productivity Through Digitalisation – AI4S Programme Proof-of-Concept Projects Compilation” Booklet features 31 successfully completed pilot projects

Penang, 22 JUNE 2022 – As part of the Artificial Intelligence for SMEs (AI4S) Programme, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and Intel Malaysia have collaborated to launch the “Productivity Through Digitalisation – AI4S Programme Proof-of-Concept Projects Compilation” booklet.

The launch was officiated by Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Senior Director of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) in the presence of YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang; Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA; Mr. Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI; and Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) and Champion of Electrical & Electronics Productivity Nexus (EEPN). Also in attendance were Ms. AK Chong, Vice President of Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Operations at Intel Corporation and MD of Intel Malaysia; Dr. Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam, Director of MPC and Ms. Sarojini Ganesan, Deputy Director of the Advanced Technology and R&D of MIDA.

Datuk Arham, CEO of MIDA said, “Companies that adopt and adapt Industry 4.0-related technologies such as AI can optimise productivity and grow in the face of rapid changes in technology cycles. Hence, MIDA is committed to building a resilient and sustainable Malaysian electrical and electronics (E&E) supply chain through the development and enhancement of our very own SMEs through this AI4S Programme. This perfectly aligns with our National Investment Aspirations (NIA) in encouraging the innovative transformation of our industries through proactive and guided measures. We are undoubtedly excited to witness the future success of our SMEs in the year to come through this programme.”

Last year, a total of 100 SME companies were selected to participate in the AI4S Programme, where each company was awarded with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) kit. These SMEs underwent comprehensive technology enabling process and training to empower them to implement personalised pilot projects for their businesses to jump-start their AI technology adoption journey. Upon the completion of AI4S Programme that began in the first quarter of 2021, 31 successfully completed pilot projects have been selected to be featured in the AI4S Booklet.

The AI4S Booklet is a testament of the relevance of AI applications for business processes, including SME companies. Notably, the AI4S Programme saw 63 per cent of the participants utilised the AI kit for detection for quality assurance (QA); approximately 13 per cent integrating AI into their system for detection for traffic; another 10 per cent of the participants utilised the AI kit for on-site monitoring; another 10 per cent utilised the AI kit for detection for counting, where else the remaining four (4) per cent used the kit for entry control and recognition.

Dr. Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam, Director of MPC, is confident that the Proof-of-Concept projects featured in this booklet can serve as lessons learned in charting the transformation of their own Industry 4.0 journey. As the operation partner for this AI4S programme, MPC is in-charge of the training and implementation delivery programme management for all the five (5) training batches of the 100 companies.

Ms. AK Chong, Managing Director of Intel Malaysia, remarked “Innovation in technology has never been more important to our present and our future. For our nation to advance its global competitiveness, businesses across all sectors need to embrace technology and innovate continuously. Through this partnership with MIDA and MPC, Intel is pleased to be able to equip SMEs with skills in AI and help them create solutions for their businesses. We are confident that this experience will catalyse innovation and growth for many of the participants, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next.”

MIDA is actively urging industry leaders and players to take the opportunity and leverage the numerous facilitations offered by the Government to embrace Industry 4.0. These include encouraging companies to undertake Readiness Assessment (RA) programme to assess their capabilities and readiness to adopt Industry 4.0 technology under the Industry4WRD initiative.

This augurs well with the Government’s push for the development of AI technology and ecosystem in Malaysia through relevant ministries and agencies in line with the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021-2030.

The policy is targeting to increase gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) per gross domestic product (GDP) to 3.5 per cent, with 50 per cent of the GERD to GDP to be contributed by experimental development. This is in addition to promoting development and adoption of local technology.

Towards this goal, the National Science Council was formed and mandated to discuss various government efforts including technology roadmaps to popularise the field of science, technology and innovation (STI) as an enabler for socio-economic stabilisation of the country in line with the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP).

For more information, interested stakeholders may contact the Advanced Technology and Research and Development Division of MIDA at www.mida.gov.my.

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About MIDA

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

For more information, please contact:

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Syed Kamal Muzaffa
Director, Advanced Technology and Research and Development Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603 2267 6611

MIDA, MPC & Intel Malaysia’s Collaborative Artificial Intelligence For SMEs (AI4S) Programme Proves AI Application Is Relevant For SMEs

KUALA LUMPUR – 21 June 2022 – Spotlighting critical issues including sustainability and supply chain resilience, SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022, the region’s premier gathering of the semiconductor and microelectronics industry, is opening its doors for 3-days of regional industry engagement. Returning to the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang for the first time in three years due to the pandemic, the 21-23 June event will connect semiconductor manufacturing equipment companies, private and public partners, and other key industry stakeholders to explore new collaboration and growth opportunities. The opening was officiated by YAB Mr Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister, Penang.      

Themed Forward as One – Building A Resilient and Sustainable Electronics Supply Chain in Southeast Asia, SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022 will also commemorate Malaysia’s 50^th Year of Manufacturing Excellence and celebrate Penang’s reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East, built on decades of manufacturing excellence and industrial experience.  Held physically after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, and after five years in Penang, the showcase brings together industry experts from around the world for critical insights into the semiconductor ecosystem, new business opportunities and collaboration.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ajit Manocha, CEO of SEMI said that SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022 underscores the significance of the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) industry both in Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asia region. “This is the most exciting time in the industry’s history. We witnessed unprecedented challenges with the Covid-19 pandemic, but the semiconductor industry has coped well and shown strong growth. The most important lesson from the pandemic has been how crucial semiconductors are to all facets of lives.”

“SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022 will drive conversations in this space, whilst also discussing the importance of sustainability and building stronger supply chains.”

“The accelerating digital transformation and the convergence of AI (artificial intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), AR/VR (augmented reality/virtual reality), quantum computing, autonomous machines and many other emerging technologies will touch virtually every end market, resulting in tremendous opportunities for the semiconductor industry.”

“SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022 will drive conversations in this space, whilst also discussing the importance of sustainability and building stronger supply chains.”

The Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, said: “With an all-time high export value of RM364 billion, Penang topped the nation’s list in 2021. The state’s significance in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry is well-attested as Penang accounted for over 5% of the global semiconductor sales and made up close to 60% of Malaysia’s E&E exports. Penang is also known as a regional hub for front-to-back-end equipment manufacturing, serving the needs of E&E industry along the value chain. These achievements have greatly demonstrated the state’s sustained excellence as the Silicon Valley of the East, making Penang a valuable site to host SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022.”

“2022 is also a year of celebration for Penang as we step into our 50^th anniversary of industrialisation. Holding on the tagline ‘50 Years of Excellence and Beyond’, the state strives to uphold its conducive ecosystem capable of stimulating the advancement of strategic industries for the next 50 years and beyond,” Chow added.

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022 is expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees and features two (2) themed pavilions, two (2) global pavilions, inspiring keynote presentations, and a host of technology forums to address key trends and issues in the electronics manufacturing supply chain.

Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) said, “MIDA is honoured to have worked with SEMI Southeast Asia since 2015 to promote and update our industry stakeholders on technological advancements. Digitalisation and expanding consumer demand for electronics will drive continuous change in the years ahead because the opportunities are boundless. As mapped out in the National Investment Aspirations (NIA), there is more space for us to grow. Developing new clusters and innovation in the existing areas will create highly skilled jobs, expand regional and global supply chains and increase our effort in bringing socio-economic development.

Malaysia is home to over 5,000 investors from more than 40 countries. In the first quarter of 2022, Malaysia continued to attract a total of RM42.8 billion approved investments, of which the Electrical and Electronics industry contributed RM19 billion with 13,700 new job opportunities.”

“MIDA will stay committed in 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 and trade growth. Apart from local industry players, we are expanding the benefits of our manufacturing ecosystem to global businesses and brands.” added Datuk Arham.

Attendees at SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022 will experience a robust line-up of experts and thought leaders from semiconductor organisations around the world.

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022 Highlights

• Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing Journey will focus on state-of-the-art technologies that can increase manufacturing efficiency and world-class sustainable practices.
• World of IoT Pavilion will highlight existing and emerging technologies and applications enabled by semiconductor innovation.
• Technical Forums will offer insights on industry trends whilst providing networking and other information-sharing opportunities.
• CxO Summit sessions will feature industry opinion leaders.
• Workforce and Talent Development Pavilion will feature the largest E&E career fair and career talks by industry experts to help the industry build its talent pipeline.
• SEMICON University Program will feature aspiring leaders from the E&E industry and a robust panel to engage in a discussion on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI).

For more information on SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022, visit the conference website.

About SEMI

SEMI® connects more than 2,500-member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics design and manufacturing. SEMI members are responsible for the innovations in materials, design, equipment, software, devices, and services that enable smarter, faster, more powerful, and more affordable electronic products. Electronic System Design Alliance (ESD Alliance), FlexTech, the Fab Owners Alliance (FOA), the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) and SOI Consortium are SEMI Strategic Technology Communities. Visit www.semi.org to learn more, contact one of our worldwide offices, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About MIDA

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

Media Contacts
Ryan Teo
SEMI Southeast Asia Pte Ltd
[email protected]
+65 9859 0883

Reshvinder Kaur (for SEMI Southeast Asia Pte Ltd)
[email protected]
+6017 275 7985

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

Yeoh Bit Kun / Ooi Phei Wen
InvestPenang
[email protected] / [email protected]

Sustainability and Supply Chain Resilience Take Centre Stage at SEMICON Southeast Asia 2022

Paris Baguette to invest more than RM130 million towards their first Halal certified bakery manufactory in the world

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 JUNE 2022 -Paris Baguette Singapore, owned by South Korean food and beverage giant SPC Group, announced their first Paris Baguette Halal certified bakery manufacturing and distribution centre to be built in Johor, Malaysia. 

Dubbed SPC Centre, Johor, the construction is set to begin in the third quarter of this year and will involve a total investment expected to exceed RM130 million. The facility is slated to be operational in June 2023. Johor-based SPC Centre will manufacture about 100 items such as bread, cakes, and desserts to supply to Paris Baguette outlets in Southeast Asia countries including Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. The facility will also serve as a production and distribution hub to supply to future Halal markets such as the Middle East countries. Notably, the new facility is expected to create close to 100 new job opportunities. 

SPC Group Chairman, Mr. Huh Young-in said, “The SPC Centre, Johor, will act as a cornerstone of our Southeast Asia business expansion and aid in the venture into the Middle East. SPC Group is looking forward in contributing to the huge global Halal food market potential of over USD2 trillion. The new Johor-based facility will span 16,500 square metre and will be located at Nusajaya Tech Park (NTP).  NTP is a strategic location with seamless access to international airports and seaports in both Singapore and Malaysia that connects to all major cities in Asia supporting its business expansion into the Southeast Asia and Middle East region.

In addition to the strategic location and friendly business policies, Malaysia is also an ideal investment destination for us due to its Halal landscape. We will continue to invest aggressively to accelerate our global expansion.”

SPC Group also aims to build an additional global manufacturing and distribution centre in Malaysia that will expand and support the company’s production. The company will focus on the Muslim market, which accounts for 24% of the world’s population or 1.9 billion people, through its Halal certification.

Malaysia had a head start in building a well-structured Halal regulation and ecosystem. The Federal Government’s Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) lead this dynamic industry with a vast pool of knowledgeable talent and well-established infrastructure in applying the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030.

“As pioneers in the Halal industry, we have the responsibility to continue to lead and facilitate Halal-related industries. MIDA in its capacity has facilitated 15 food manufacturing projects amounting to RM1.5 billion with dedicated Halal incentives, utilising state-of-the-art machineries and processes, creating 1,749 food-tech job opportunities in ‘ready-to-eat’ (RTE) products, bakery products, frozen food products, confectionery products, instant noodles, snack foods and processed poultry products. To strengthen the Halal F&B manufacturing further, we are delighted to welcome the SPC Group through its subsidiary Paris Baguette Logistics Sdn. Bhd. into Malaysia. We hope to continue attracting high-value players like SPC Group who support our National Investment Aspirations (NIA) by injecting new knowledge, create new job opportunities for local talent and offer more collaborative options to local vendors,” shared Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). 

The brand founded in 1988 has been progressively and successfully growing its presence in Southeast Asia. Expansion to markets such as Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. In addition, Paris Baguette is engaging with potential partners to expand Paris Baguette outlets in Malaysia. The brand is also set to open its 100th store in the United States with plans to open its first flagship store in Toronto, Canada this year. The franchise is also set to further expand in China and the United Kingdom.

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About MIDA

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

About Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette, born in 1988, is a global bakery chain business and subsidiary of the SPC Group, a leading South Korean food and confectionery conglomerate. From the modest beginnings, the chain had grown steadily and grew into the No.1 bakery in Korea. From 2004, the brand started to branch out to local subsidiaries in the U.S. China, Vietnam, and Singapore and today, it owns over 4,000 units globally including 3,400 in South Korea, 440 plus outlets across the United States, China, France, Canada, and Southeast Asia becoming a truly global premium bakery brand. Its mission to satisfy cravings and taste buds of all ages and backgrounds still continous with the spirit of Sangmidang, which is to not leave a single piece of bread unchecked, is still with us 75 years later.

About SPC Group

SPC Group is a Korea-based global food company, with more than seventy years of history and experience in the Korean market with companies including SPC SAMLIP Co., LTD., Paris Croissant Co., LTD and BR Korea Co., LTD (Baskin Robbins, Dunkin’ Donuts) and 30 undisputable brands across 7,000 stores. SPC Group owns and operates brands such as Paris Baguette, Paris Croissant, Passion 5, Coffee@Works, LaGrillia, Queens Park, Vera, StrEAT and Bizeun covering the bakery, dessert, and restaurant business worldwide.

SPC Group has successfully introduced global brands to the Korean market including Baskin Robbins, Dunkin’ Donuts, Caffe Pascucci, LINA’s, Jamba Juice, Shake Shack and Eggslut. The bakery brand, Paris Baguette, has entered markets overseas including France, the US, China, Singapore, and Vietnam with over 440 stores. In addition, SPC Group is striving to pursue its mission to make the society healthier and happier by fulfilling their social responsibilities and cooperating with stakeholders to lead a healthy food culture and grow into a Great Food company loved by the globe.

Media Enquiries:

Ms. Manjit Kaur Balkar Singh
Director, Food Technology and Resource-Based Industries Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | Tel: +603-2267 3509

Ms. Hanna Yoo
Marketing and Communication, Manager
Email: [email protected] l Tel: +65 8355 9095

South Korea’s SPC Group Set To Build Halal Certified Food Manufacturing Facility In Malaysia

Penang June 14, 2022 — TF-AMD Microelectronics Sdn. Bhd. today 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.

The announcement took place at a celebratory event at TF-AMD’s Bayan Lepas facility in Penang. The officials who attended and spoke at the ceremony included YAB Chief Minister of Penang, Tuan Chow Kon Yeow; Penang State Exco Trade, Industry & Entrepreneur Development, Yang Berhormat Dato Haji Abdul Halim Bin Haji Hussain; Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), YBhg. Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of AMD, YBhg. Dato’ Devinder Kumar; Chairman of TFME, Mr. Shi Ming Da; and Managing Director, Corporate Vice President of TF-AMD, Mr. Neoh Soon Ee. The officials were also accompanied by Chief Executive Officer, InvestPenang, YBhg. Dato’ Loo Lee Lian and Chief Executive, Northern Corridor Implementation Authority, (NCIA) YBrs. Tuan Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan.

The Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow said “Penang is pleased to see TF-AMD, a prominent global player in high technology assembly and test, deepening its roots in the state. With a presence that spans half a century, TF-AMD’s expansion has greatly demonstrated the conduciveness of Penang’s business environment, buoyed by its resilient supply chain, excellent infrastructure and future-proof talent pool. With TF-AMD’s wealth of knowledge and experience in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, I’m confident that this strategic expansion plan will provide immense opportunities for local talent development in high-performance computing solutions.”

“The State, via InvestPenang and other relevant state agencies, is committed to outpace investors’ expectations by providing continuous facilitation throughout this expansion project. Penang looks forward to another 50 strong years with TF-AMD,” Chow added.

“As one of the key eight (8) investors or famously known as “Samurai 8” that drove the industrialisation of “Silicon Valley of the East in Malaysia”, TF-AMD has been instrumental in the enormous growth of the local semiconductor ecosystem. In the last five (5) decades, TF-AMD has never ceased to consider Malaysia as part of its growth opportunity, investing across different parts of the semiconductor value chain. We are excited to know that the establishment of the manufacturing plant will also create opportunities for local companies through the vendor development programmes. This includes targeting to employ more than 3,000 additional employees predominantly from the science and technical background and develop local vendors within the next five (5) years in the areas of Industry 4.0, automation and engineering services.

Malaysia continues to be the investment destination for high-value manufacturing and global services in Asia. Foreign investors’ confidence in Malaysia continues to grow because the nation is a haven for one of the most comprehensive ecosystems in the region; the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) and Machinery and Equipment (M&E) industries, making the country as the preferred single largest site for offshore semiconductor firms, like TF-AMD. We aspire to see more companies emulate TF-AMD’s success story by raising their bar in terms of best practices and capabilities in the near future.” said Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, CEO of MIDA.

Chairman of TF-AMD, Mr. Shi Ming Da is truly pleased to be celebrating TF-AMD Penang’s 50th anniversary in the same year of this momentous expansion and investment. “Malaysia is endowed with outstanding geographic location, good business environment, diligent and sincere workforce, which strengthens our confidence for continued investment in Malaysia. TF-AMD has growth momentum in the semiconductor industry in becoming one of the world’s best assembly and test service providers for high-end processors. At this meaningful moment, TF-AMD is embarking on a new chapter and will be ready to make a giant leap forward. TF-AMD is fully committed to pioneering the advanced assembly and packaging business in the semiconductor industry and build an even more glorious future!”

Mr. Neoh Soon Ee, Managing Director, Corporate Vice President of TF-AMD commented “This is an exciting day for TF-AMD as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in our continued pursuit of providing excellent support to our customers with differentiated high-value engineering solutions. The new facility, spanning 1.5 million square feet and occupying approximately 14 acres, will manufacture advanced integrated circuit technology and is expected to be completed in 2023. Once completed, the facility will bring TF-AMD’s total manufacturing capacity to over 2.3 million square feet.”

“AMD has had outstanding growth in the last few years and TF-AMD has played a key role as a strategic supplier and partner in supporting our growth. We are pleased with the expansion plans for assembly, test and packaging services of our joint venture TF-AMD which will further increase the capacity and supply to support AMD’s future growth” said Dato’ Devinder Kumar, Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer of AMD. “Penang has played a critical role in assembly and test operations for AMD and TF-AMD for more than 50 years and we are pleased to mark another important milestone in our long-standing business presence in Penang and Malaysia.”

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

About Invest Penang
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 TF-AMD
TF-AMD Microelectronics (Penang) Sdn. Bhd. located in Penang, Malaysia is one of the state-of-art Assembly and Test service provider for high performance computing and communication solutions. As one of the pioneer companies in Penang, our mission is to enable our global customers success with leading edge and differentiated high value packaging solutions. For more information, please visit https://www.tf-amd.com.my

For media enquiries, please contact:

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

InvestPenang
Ms. Yeoh Bit Kun / Ms. Ooi Phei Wen
InvestPenang Communication and Business Intelligence E: [email protected] / [email protected]

TF-AMD
Mr. Gary Khoo Edelman Public Relations for TF-AMD
E: [email protected] T: +60 12-932 9280

Ms. Yvonne Chee
Chief of Staff to Managing Director, CVP
E: [email protected] T: +604-252 2448

AMD
Mr. Drew Prairie
AMD Communications
E: [email protected] T: +1-512-602-4425

TF-AMD Expands its Presence in Malaysia with New Manufacturing Site

Kuala Lumpur, 14 June 2022 – Malaysia has attracted a total of RM42.8 billion (USD10.2 billion) approved investments in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors, involving 910 projects in January to March 2022. The foreign direct investments (FDI) remained the major contributor, at 65 per cent or RM27.8 billion (USD6.6 billion), while investments from domestic sources contributed 35 per cent amounting to RM15 billion (USD3.6 billion). The approved investments for this period will create 24,906 new jobs in the country.

During the period, the manufacturing sector continued to assume an important role in driving the country’s economic recovery, accounting for more than half (70.1 per cent) of total approved investments of RM30 billion (USD7.1 billion), followed by the services sector at RM12.7 billion (USD3 billion) (29.7 per cent) and the primary sector at RM0.1 billion (USD40.4 million) (0.2 per cent).

FDI accounted for 65 per cent or RM27.8 billion (USD6.6 billion) of approved investments. Of the total investments approved, Germany dominated foreign investments for the period January to March 2022, with investments totaling RM8.9  billion (USD2.1 billion) (32 per cent), followed by Brunei RM 5.1 billion (USD1.2 billion) (18.3 per cent), the United States of America (USA) RM3.9 billion (USD0.9 billion) (14.0 per cent), Hong Kong RM3.3 billion (USD0.8 billion) (11.9 per cent), and Japan RM3.2 billion (USD0.8 billion) (11.5 per cent) of total approved FDI in the country.

For projects approved by state, five (5) major states, namely Kedah, Penang, Selangor, Sabah and Johor, contributed RM31.8 billion (USD7.6 billion) (74.3 per cent) of the total investments approved from January to March 2022.

YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said, “Malaysia remains an attractive investment destination for global investors with the manufacturing sector maintaining its position as a key pillar of the economy for 2022 generating significant multiplier effects on the nation’s growth. Today, we are proud to have over 5,000 companies from more than 40 countries that have made Malaysia their location for manufacturing and related services operations.”

The Senior Minister highlighted that Malaysia will continue to focus on high growth and high value-added sectors which offer Malaysians exciting job opportunities. “Aligning to the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK12), Malaysia has been securing new investments that position well with the country’s National Investment Aspirations (NIA) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. This will stand us in good stead to capture more economic opportunities. We look forward to seeing more significant growth for the second quarter of 2022,” he added.

The Malaysian Government has lined-up strategic and focused trade and investment missions (TIM) targeted to capture investments in high technology, innovation and research-driven industries that will complement the Malaysian industrial ecosystem. The recent TIM to USA in May 2022 was indeed a successful initiative that has secured RM16.52 billion (USD3.77 billion) in the committed investment for 2022. The pro-business administrative continues to be prudent and pragmatic in its policies to ensure that Malaysia’s investment climate remains attractive for businesses; not only to conduct business activities, but also expand and diversify existing operations.

Manufacturing Sector

Malaysia continues to attract high quality investments in the manufacturing sector for the period January to March 2022, reflecting the country’s competitiveness as a preferred location for investment in the region. The manufacturing sector contributed RM30 billion (USD7.1 billion), which is 70.1 per cent of the total approved investments in various sectors of the economy, compared to RM59.4 billion (USD14.3 billion) in the same period in 2021.

The approval of a megaproject was cited as the reason for the high total investment in the manufacturing sector in the first quarter 2021. The approved investment performance in the manufacturing sector in the first quarters of 2020 and 2022 followed a similar pattern if excluding the megaproject, with RM25.9 billion (USD6 billion) and RM30 billion (USD7.1 billion), respectively.

Of the total approved investments in first quarter 2022, FDI amounted RM26.8 billion (USD6.4 billion) or 89.3 per cent, while the remaining RM3.2 billion (USD0.7 billion) or 10.7 per cent were from domestic sources.

Expansion/diversification projects in the manufacturing sector showed positive developments, with a 106.8 per cent increase in total investments approved of RM19.2 billion (USD4.6 billion). Of the total approved investments, 90.6 per cent or RM17.4 billion (USD4.1 billion) was from foreign investment sources. This testifies investors’ confidence in Malaysia as a choice of location and to continue reinvestment in high-tech industries and benefit from the vibrant business environment and diversified domestic supply chain ecosystem that contributes significantly to Malaysia’s economy. In addition, these investments will increase management, technical and professional employment opportunities by 36.9 per cent compared to 28.9 per cent for the same period in 2021.

The ratio of employment opportunities for Malaysians to foreigners is 88:12, meeting the investment criteria set by MITI/MIDA to create more employment opportunities for Malaysians and reduce the dependency on foreign workers.

In terms of top-performing industries in January to March 2022, the electrical and electronics (E&E) took the lead (RM18.6 billion (USD4.4 billion), followed by petroleum products (including petrochemical) (RM5.1 billion (USD1.2 billion), non-metallic mineral products (RM1.9 billion (USD0.5 billion), chemicals and chemical products (RM1.1 billion (USD0.3 billion), machinery and equipment (RM0.7 billion (USD0.2 billion), food manufacturing (RM0.7 billion (USD0.2 billion) and paper, printing and publishing (RM0.3 billion (USD0.1 billion) and textiles and textile products (RM 0.3 billion (USD0.1 billion). These industries made up RM 28.9 billion (USD6.9 billion) (96.3 per cent) of total approved investments for the manufacturing sector.

The capital investment per employee (CIPE) ratio of the projects approved during the period was RM1,382,764 (USD329,229) compared to RM2,089,348 (USD503,457) during the same period last year.

A total of 21,666 job opportunities are expected to be created in the manufacturing sector, includes 1,086 managerial positions and 2,562 technical professionals such as engineers in the fields of E&E, mechanical, chemical, and other disciplines, reflecting the manufacturing sector’s higher value chain transition. Plant maintenance supervisors, tool and die makers, machinists, IT personnel, quality controllers, electricians, and welders are also among the 4,343 skilled craftsmen needed for the approved manufacturing projects.

Notable projects approved during the period include:

• TTM Technologies Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. a leading U.S. based global manufacturer of printed circuit boards (PCBs), radio frequency (RF) components and RF microwave/microelectronic assemblies is investing RM550 million (USD130 million) to manufacture PCB and printed circuit boards assembly (PCBA) in Pulau Pinang. This project will further boost Malaysia’s domestic E&E ecosystem by creating high-tech jobs for Malaysians and opportunities for local vendors.

• Petroventure Energy Sdn. Bhd. (PESB), a foreign majority owned company from Brunei will be manufacturing petroleum products in Sabah, including gasoline, kerosene, benzene, liquefied petroleum gas, acrylic, sulphur, slurry, fuel oil and diesel. This project will help Sabah’s economy to spur as the products from the refinery will create a new supply chain that will benefit many businesses. Also, the project is anticipated to create 500 potential job opportunities in the state.  

Services Sector

In the first three months of 2022, a total of 720 services projects were approved with investment valued RM12.7 billion (USD3 billion), or 29.7 per cent in the services sector compared to RM33.1 billion (USD8 billion) approved for the same period in 2021. Once implemented, these projects are expected to generate 3,219 jobs.

Based on the total approved investments for the period January to March 2022, domestic investments made up the largest portion, recording RM11.7 billion (USD2.8 billion) or 92.1 per cent of the total approved investments for the services sector, while the remaining 7.9 per cent or RM1 billion (USD0.2 billion) were from foreign sources.

The real estate sub-sector with a total approved investment of RM5.9 billion (USD1.4 billion) (46.5 per cent) leads the services sector, followed by the utilities sub-sector        RM2 billion (USD0.5 billion) (15.7 per cent), hotel sub-sector and tourism RM1.5 billion (USD0.4 billion) (11.8 per cent), financial services sub-sector RM0.9 billion (USD0.2 billion) (7.5 per cent), and global establishments sub-sector RM0.9 billion (USD0.2 billion) (7.4 per cent).

A total of two sub-sectors saw an increase in investment, namely the hotel and tourism sub-sector (581.7 per cent) and other services (70.4 per cent); and one project was approved in the health services sub-sector compared to the same period in 2021, when no approvals were recorded. This is in line with the Government’s strategy in implementing the domestic travel bubble, which aids in the growth of the hotel and tourism industries.

Primary Sector

The primary sector contributed RM169.5 million (USD40.4 million) or 0.2 per cent, of total investments approved in various sectors of the economy for the period January to March 2022 compared to RM6.2 billion (USD1.5 billion) approved for the same period last year.

Domestic investment dominated the primary sector with RM151.6 million (USD36.1 million) (89.5 per cent), while foreign investments totalled RM17.8 million (USD4.2 million) (10.5 per cent).

The agriculture sub-sector has shown a significant growth in total approved investments (RM164.2 million (USD39.1 million), up 1,327.8 per cent from RM11.5 million (USD2.8 million) for the same period in 2021. This is in line with the Securities Policy Action Plan Food 2021-2025, which was developed to strengthen the country’s supply chain and food security.

The country’s economic growth prospects for 2022 are expected to improve further, as the country transitions to the endemic phase of COVID-19 beginning April 1, 2022. According to Bank Negara, Malaysia’s economy is expected to grow between 5.3 to 6.3 per cent in 2022. Reopening international borders and the relaxation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) are expected to have a more positive impact in the country’s economic recovery.

In addition, various policies led by the Ministry, such as National Investment Aspirations (NIA), National Trade Blueprint (NTBp), New Industrial Masterplan (NIMP) and the Malaysian Digital Economy Blueprint will continue to promote investment momentum, ensuring Malaysia’s competitiveness as an investment destination of choice.

Malaysia continues to offer comparative advantages to potential investors. This is proven by the Global Opportunity Index 2022 by Milken Institute which ranked Malaysia first in emerging Southeast Asia as the country with the most potential to attract foreign investors.      

Malaysia has experienced new economic growth in 2021, with RM309.4 billion (USD74.2 billion) in approved investments in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors. Despite the unique global calamities, total FDI and DDI numbers have exceeded expectations, with stellar performance increased to 84.8 per cent from the achievement attained in 2020.

“Our efforts to keep our borders open, maintain external connectivity and ensure business continuity have given global companies the confidence to continue to site their projects in Malaysia. MITI and MIDA will continue in our efforts to identify more quality projects to be implemented in the coming years. This is something which we must strive to maintain in the years to come as the world becomes more tumultuous” added the Senior Minister.

As of 7 June 2022, there are 268 projects with proposed investments of RM14.4 billion (USD3.3 billion) in the manufacturing and services sectors that are within MIDA’s pipeline.

Moving forward, MIDA has identified 446 high-profile investment prospects including Fortune 500 companies in the manufacturing and services sectors with a combined potential investment value of RM150.4 billion (USD34.3 billion) as of 1 June 2022.     

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About MIDA

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

For media enquiries, please contact:

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

Malaysia Records RM42.8 billion Approved Investments For The First Quarter 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 JUNE 2022 – Nextgreen Global Berhad (NGGB) held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase 1B of its facility at the Green Technology Park (GTP) in Pekan, Pahang today. The ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail, Chief Minister of Pahang. The Phase 1B facility will involve the construction of three (3) buildings that will manufacture tissue paper, animal feed and fertilisers. In terms of production, the tissue paper plant is expected to produce 10,000 metric tonnes, while the other two (2) other factories are expected to produce 30,000 metric tonness of animal feed and organic fertilisers, respectively.

The total proposed new investment for the construction of these three (3) plants is approximately RM162 million, with the breakdown as follows: –

YAB. Dato’ Sri Haji Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail remarked, “The State Government hopes that the investment from NGGB will attract more potential investors towards environment, social and governance (ESG) centric projects in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the sustainability development of Pahang state. The State Government will always provide our support and assistance in facilitating these investments for the success of the state. Through this investment, the State Government hopes to create more job opportunities and further improve the livelihood of the community and the economy of the State.”

Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) congratulated NGGB’s Management and staff, saying “In Malaysia, the pulp and paper industries are driving towards the usage of empty fruit bunches (EFB) from palm oil as it provides abundant raw materials for the production of pulp and paper. Over the last five (5) years (2017– 2021), MIDA has approved 48 biomass-related projects amounting to RM1.24 billion. MIDA will continue to facilitate our industry players and provide the necessary support to our investors, such as NGGB in realising their sustainable and inclusive investments, that will create new industry networks, positive spill-over and creation of high-value jobs aligned with our National Investment Aspirations (NIA). MIDA hopes for more industry players to participate in producing higher value bio-based products, beyond solely exporting raw materials. This provides a solution in addressing climate change while encouraging local socio-economic development.”

YH. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) said, “The three new investments in Phase 1B at the GTP reflects investors’ confidence to explore investments in the ECER Region in general and Pahang in particular. The emphasis on green technology ventures in GTP is in line with the SDGs, and this has been a value-add that enhances the attractiveness of the GTP to potential investors. ECERDC, MIDA, and the State Government will facilitate and support these investors’ to efficiently execute their projects for the benefit of the local community, including their applications for the ECER Incentive Package.”

In conjunction with the groundbreaking event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also inked between NGGB and the National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) with the aim of developing an agriculture industry that is green, sustainable and environmentally-friendly. The MOU was signed by Dato’ Lim Thiam Huat, Managing Director, NGGB and Dato’ Haji Zamri Yaakob, Chairman of NAFAS. The MOU outline several areas of strategic collaboration, including the production of organic fertilisers, eco-friendly animal feed and viable strategic investments.

According to Dato’ Lim Thiam Huat, Phase 1B of the construction reflects the company’s continuous commitment in solidifying green technology within the country and to complete part of the GTP development plan across 410 acres in Pekan, Pahang. The strategic collaboration between NGGB and NAFAS is a vital step towards aligning our agriculture industry with the national green technology agenda that is based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and further contribute towards a competitively priced national food supply.

Furthermore, the efforts initiated through the concept of ‘zero waste’ development in the GTP will support the growth of the circular economy, which is based on the concept of production and recycling waste from factories to be converted into products such as organic fertilisers and animal feed. The GTP’s waste-to-money initiative will certainly create a sustainable corporate ecosystem for the country, particularly in light of the current global economic challenges.

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About MIDA

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

About Nextgreen Global Berhad

Nextgreen Global Berhad is a Malaysia-based investment holding company. The company is dedicated to creating a sustainable green economy by integrating the production of non-wood sustainable pulp and paper with renewable energy and zero waste technology.

The company started its operations in 1982 as a printing company, offering pre-press, press and post-press services, and currently is the first magazine and book printing company listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. In 2015, Nextgreen diversified its business activities to the manufacturing of renewable pulp and paper products. Nextgreen is revolutionising the pulp and paper industry by integrating the production of non-wood green pulp and paper with renewable energy and zero waste technology.

Nextgreen is currently positioning Green Technology Park (GTP) located in Pekan, Pahang, to be the largest pulp and paper producer hub in Asia.

Media Enquiries:
Ms. Manjit Kaur Balkar Singh
Director, Food Technology and Resource-Based Industries Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | Tel: +603-2267 3509

Mr. Mohd Syarul Razi Mohd Hazmi
Special Officer to the Director of Nextgreen Global Berhad
Email: [email protected] | Tel: +6014-537 2306

Nextgreen Global Berhad Breaks Ground For its Manufacturing Plant at Green Technology Park, Pahang

Senai, Johor, 2 June 2022 – Insulet Corporation (Nasdaq: PODD), a US-based medical devices company headquartered in Acton, Massachusetts, has selected Gelang Patah in Johor, Malaysia for one of its manufacturing locations to produce its Omnipod® Insulin Management System. The company held the groundbreaking of its new site that will expand upon Insulet’s existing manufacturing capacity in the USA and China.

The groundbreaking event was attended by YAB Datuk Onn Hafiz Dato’ Ghazi, Chief Minister of Johor; YB Tuan Lee Ting Han, Johor State Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs; YBhg. Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); Mr. Charles Alpuche, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Insulet Corporation; and representatives from other stakeholders.

Insulet’s investment was discussed during the recent Trade and Investment Mission (TIM) to the USA led by YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), which included a meeting with Insulet Corporation’s representatives in Washington DC.

In welcoming Insulet into Malaysia’s medical devices ecosystem, YB. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali remarked, “Insulet’s proposed investment project of approximately USD200 million in Malaysia is very much aligned with our Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), which champions the medical devices industry as one of the key industries that will help propel Malaysia into the high technology trajectory, and the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) that focuses on attracting quality foreign investments into Malaysia with intensification on research and development (R&D) and new technologies. The Government recognises that companies place a high value on talent. Thus, we anticipate positive spillovers from Insulet’s endeavor, including the creation of high-income jobs for our Malaysian talents in high-tech fields, strategic local vendor development programmes particularly within our vibrant engineering support industry segment, university collaborations, as well as training and upskilling programmes for the local workforce. We will continue to strengthen the infrastructure required for Malaysia to be a “Home for Talent,” driving businesses and innovation in Asia and the world.”

Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) echoed the Senior Minister, saying, “Insulet’s entry into Malaysia is a testament of our attractiveness in bringing premium and high-tech medical devices product manufacturers into the country, consistent with our aspiration in making the country as the regional medical devices manufacturing hub to serve ASEAN as well as the rest of the world. We welcome Insulet’s global expansion and their addition to Malaysia’s ever-growing medical devices industry ecosystem. We look forward to having Insulet open up new business opportunities for technology transfer and integrating of our local vendors into its global supply chain network.”

Dato’ Dr. Badrul Hisham Kassim, Chief Executive of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) further highlighted, “Insulet Corporation’s new manufacturing facility not only reflects investors’ continuing confidence in Iskandar Malaysia, but their presence also emphasise our strength as a centre for manufacturing and healthcare services, which are two (2) of the nine (9) promoted sectors here. We will continue to develop and enhance local talents to support the need of our new and existing investors in Iskandar Malaysia.”

Charles Alpuche, Insulet’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer shared, “At Insulet, we are driven by our mission to improve the lives of people with diabetes globally. That is why our top priority is to ensure our customers have continued access to our Omnipod products. Johor Bahru, Malaysia offers a strategic location in the ASEAN region with excellent accessibility to ports and a qualified workforce to staff our next manufacturing facility.”

Malaysia is well-positioned to be the manufacturing hub for the medical devices industry in Asia. Presently, Malaysia is home to over 200 manufacturers, with more than 30 medical devices MNCs producing high value-added medical devices. The second and third tiers of medical device manufacturers for parts and components of medical devices have increased opportunities for local vendors to be integrated into the global supply chain of this industry.

For 2021 alone, MIDA has approved 38 manufacturing projects worth RM7.68 billion (USD1.84 billion), which are expected to create 12,498 employment opportunities for the country. The industry shows great promise in generating high-income jobs, increasing export value, and reinforcing the domestic supply chain ecosystem.

This announcement with Insulet Corporation is yet another example of how global companies in the USA base their decisions on fundamentals. This is an exciting opportunity for Malaysia, which has evolved itself as a manufacturing hub for medical devices in Southeast Asia. Supported by the nation’s strong and matured local engineering support industry, well-connected infrastructure and talented and skilled workforce, Malaysia offers vast business and investment opportunities for global medical device companies to strategically position their presence in ASEAN.

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

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Azlina Hamdan
Director, Life Sciences & Medical Technology Division, MIDA
E: [email protected]
T.: +03-2267 3791

About Insulet Corporation:
Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ: PODD), headquartered in Massachusetts, is an innovative medical device company dedicated to simplifying life for people with diabetes and other conditions through its Omnipod product platform. The Omnipod Insulin Management System provides a unique alternative to traditional insulin delivery methods. With its simple, wearable design, the disposable Pod provides up to three days of non-stop insulin delivery, without the need to see or handle a needle. Insulet’s latest innovation, the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System, is a tubeless automated insulin delivery system, integrated with a continuous glucose monitor to manage blood sugar with no multiple daily injections, zero fingersticks, and is fully controlled by a compatible personal smartphone. Insulet also leverages the unique design of its Pod by tailoring its Omnipod technology platform for the delivery of non-insulin subcutaneous drugs across other therapeutic areas. For more information, please visit: insulet.com and omnipod.com.

Insulet Corporation Selects Malaysia As One Of Its Manufacturing Sites For The Production Of The Omnipod Insulin Management System