Kuala Lumpur, 29 January 2021 – The United Nations Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released earlier this week its latest Global Investment Trend Monitor report. It estimated that Global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flow fell by 42 per cent to an estimated USD859 billion in 2020 compared to USD1.5 trillion recorded in 2019. Almost all regions reported lower FDI in 2020, mainly due to the impact of lockdowns and a drastic decrease in the economic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDI flows to developing economies decreased by 12 per cent. The decline was reflected across all types of investments: greenfield projects (- 4 per cent), cross-border projects finance deals (-7 per cent) and cross-border M&A (- 4 per cent). FDI into South East Asia contracted by 31 per cent due to a decline in investments to the largest recipients in the sub region; inflows in Singapore fell by 37 per cent, Indonesia by 24 per cent, Vietnam by 10 per cent, Thailand by 50 per cent and Malaysia by 68 per cent.

The Government acknowledges that the FDI landscape has been and will likely remain challenging and highly competitive. As such, accelerating investments is a key priority in securing Malaysia’s growth recovery. In the recent period, efforts have been intensified to further attract and facilitate quality investments. Under PENJANA, the Government had announced several tax incentives to spur investment activity, including a 10-15 year tax exemption for new FDI in the manufacturing sector with capital investment of RM300 million or more. Measures to further improve investor experience, in particular, to ensure seamless investor facilitation will continue to be pursued on an ongoing basis. Specific initiatives that have been implemented include, amongst others, the establishment of the Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit (PACU) and various online platforms including i-Incentive to expedite the realisation of investments. The Government is also currently formulating a national investment strategy to attract high-quality investments that can meaningfully enhance Malaysia’s productive capacity, create high-skilled jobs, promote technology transfer and foster domestic linkages.

These efforts will further augment Malaysia’s attractiveness as an investment destination. As indicated by a recent joint study by KPMG and the Manufacturing Institute in the United States entitled “Cost of Manufacturing Operations around the Globe”, Malaysia was ranked fourth amongst 17 economies, which is ahead of countries in Asia such as China, Japan, Vietnam and India. The study validates Malaysia’s aspirations to become a global supply chain hub in the region. Further, MNCs are using Malaysia as a hub for treasury management services as well as a myriad of activities of related services.

Malaysia was also ranked second in terms of ease of doing business in ASEAN (12th globally) and for protecting investors according to the World Bank Doing Business Report 2020; fourth globally in handling the COVID-19 crisis according to Blackbox Research and Toluna; fifth amongst emerging economies as a key destination for investment and businesses, on the back of potential rapid economic recovery, stable fiscal and financial position and the ability to contain and alleviate the COVID-19 pandemic according to a recent report by Bloomberg.

Investment intentions remain healthy in Malaysia. Malaysia recorded a total of RM109.8 billion worth of approved investments in the economy (manufacturing, services and primary sectors) for the first nine months of 2020. These investments involved 2,935 projects and will create 64,701 jobs opportunities. FDIs accounted for almost 40 per cent (RM42.6 billion). The realisation of these investments over the immediate to medium term will provide support to economic growth in 2021 and beyond.

The manufacturing sector attracted the largest portion of approved investments for this period, contributing more than half (59.5 per cent) or RM65.3 billion, followed by the services sector (39 per cent/RM42.8 billion), and the primary sector (1.5 per cent/RM1.7 billion). Investments approved in the manufacturing sector for the period of January to September 2020 saw an increase of 16.6 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2019. FDI in the manufacturing sector particularly saw an increase of 3.2 per cent to RM39.4 billion.

Malaysia has attracted a fair share of multinational corporations in the high-end and high- technology industries. This includes Schmidt and Nephew from the United Kingdom that produces high-tech medical device products including knee and hip implants; similarly, a new project by Dexcom, a US company and leader in continuous glucose monitoring system will be producing their niche offerings in Malaysia; LAM Research, a US global supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry that chose Malaysia to expand its global footprint by establishing its advanced technology production facility in Pulau Pinang; LEM, a Switzerland-based electrical measurement company that will set up its new production plant in Malaysia to meet the growing demand of its customers in the industrial and automotive sectors; MusicTribe, a US-based multinational leader for professional audio products and musical instruments, on the other hand, is leveraging Malaysia to set up an Industry 4.0-driven, fully robotised manufacturing facility in addition to their Principal Hub activities; and the most recently SK Nexilis, a Korean copper foil manufacturer producing electric vehicle batteries is another example.

Existing companies also continue to expand their operations in Malaysia, illustrating Malaysia’s on-going value proposition to investors. These include Eppendorf, a leading German life science company that established an integrated centre for their shared services hub, covering functions such as IT, HR as well as Finance and Controlling, for the Group’s operations in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa; Bosch, an existing German company for setting up a manufacturing facility park for testing of semiconductor components and sensors; B.Braun, an existing German company, expanded its global test centre for medical devices due to strong talent capability in Malaysia; Wistron, the Taiwan-based company engaged in the research and development, design, manufacture and sale of E&E products; Western Digital, a US company and the third largest computer Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD) and flash memory devices manufacturer in the world announced their additional investments in Malaysia to design, develop and manufacture media and substrates for HDD; Nippon Electric Glass (NEG), a leading Japanese manufacturer of specialty glass has also expanded their production capacity of glass tubing for pharmaceutical use in Malaysia given the demand for its products following the vaccine roll-out.

Looking ahead, foreign investment into Malaysia is expected to be sustained at pre-COVID level as MIDA has identified 240 high-profile foreign investment projects in the manufacturing and services sectors, with a combined potential investment value of RM81.9 billion, that are being negotiated and targeted by Malaysia in 2021. Presently, MIDA has also received and evaluated RM47.7 billion worth of potential investments into the country. These projects, once approved, are expected to be implemented within the year 2021 to 2022.

Being located in the Asia Pacific rim and the centre of ASEAN, Malaysia continues to be an attractive investment destination. The availability of excellent infrastructure, telecommunication services, financial and banking services, supporting industries as well as a diverse pool of talents with skills and trainable workforce has been pull factors for investors to consider. Malaysia.

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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 and YouTube channel.

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Choo Wai Meng,
Executive Director Strategic Planning (Manufacturing), MIDA.
Email: wmchoo @mida.gov.my | DL: +603-2267 3434

Ms. Roslina Othman,
Director, Investment Statistics Division
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 6650

Malaysia Remains Steadfast To Accelerate Quality Investments

Kuala Lumpur, 27 January 2021 – In collaboration with Intel Malaysia, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has successfully organised a Virtual Artificial Intelligence for SMEs (AI4S) on 27 January 2021. This virtual event is the continuation of the first Axiomtek Artificial Intelligence Starter Kit launch on 18 August 2020; which led Intel Malaysia to award the AI Starter Kits to 100 selected companies in Malaysia. These identified SMEs will go through a comprehensive technology enabling process and training that will empower them to implement pilot projects in their settings to jump-start the Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Industry 4.0 journey.

The AI Starter Kit was co-developed with Axiomtek to bring in the right Industry 4.0 technology for the local industries to adopt and benefit its results. Axiomtek is a leading design and manufacturing company in the industrial computer and embedded field, based in Taiwan. It has successfully gained global recognition for its innovative designs and outstanding customer satisfaction. Axiomtek has successfully partnered with Intel Malaysia to develop and deliver cutting-edge solutions and technologies for its clients.

During his keynote address, Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA, said “While the country is gearing steadily into the knowledge and digital economy, Industry 4.0 adoption is deemed crucial for business survival and growth in innovation-led value creation. There are untapped opportunities available for the business community, especially SMEs. We want more SMEs to step up to embrace new technologies in their business activity. We know that there are numerous local companies out there that are capable of AI technology adoption but are not aware of how and where to start.”

The AI4S event sealed Intel Malaysia as one of the industry captains in paving the way for the adoption of Industry 4.0 and supporting SMEs to build value within the domestic industry ecosystem and preparing Malaysia to rise among the regional leaders in Industry 4.0. In this collaborative engagement, Intel Malaysia has committed to provide technology, knowledge transfer and some hardware funds. Intel Malaysia, together with Axiomtek will also provide training, supervision and mentoring of the pilot projects implementation by each participating local company. Simultaneously, the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) will assist in coordinating the entire programme.

This initiative is also part of Intel’s onboarding to Malaysia’s Lighthouse Programme which is being pursued by MIDA. It aims to back industry leaders in accelerating the Industry 4.0 adoption to a scalable and impactful stage while also influencing the domestic ecosystem providers for similar transformation by facilitating them to address implementation barriers and overcome challenges.

Dato’ Azman also suggested, “Moving forward I have proposed Intel to explore in enabling the universities in Malaysia to adapt and prepare the future workforce to embrace AI once they enter the job market. This graduate skill would reduce the colossal learning curve in work fields, while saving employers’ precious time and resources in correcting them into expected abilities.”

The AI4S Programme is hoped to inspire other MNCs to emulate Intel’s good intention in contributing back to the industrial ecosystem in Malaysia and increase the value proposition for the benefit of domestic economy. MIDA seeks industry leaders and players to take the opportunity and leverage the numerous facilitations offered by the Government to embrace Industry 4.0. These include Automation Capital Allowance (ACA), Industry4WRD Intervention Fund, as well as Smart Automation Grant (SAG) for companies undertaking automation in their manufacturing and processes.

The webinar has successfully attracted an overwhelming crowd of more than 1600 participants across different platforms through live webinar, FB page and Youtube Channel.

The details pertaining to the Automation Capital Allowance (ACA), Industry4WRD Intervention Fund and Smart Automation Grant (SAG) are available in MIDA official website 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 and YouTube channel.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Norhizam Ibrahim
Director,
Advanced Technology and Research and Development Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603 2267 6611

MIDA and Intel Malaysia continue initiative in driving Malaysia towards Industry 4.0

Kuala Lumpur, 27 January 2021 – CIMB ASEAN Research Institute (CARI) in partnership with ASEAN Business Club hosted another webinar under its flagship Invest ASEAN series on ‘Italian Industry Expertise in Malaysia’.

The session featured Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); His Excellency Cristiano Maggipinto, Ambassador of Italy in Kuala Lumpur; Luciano Pezzotta, Deputy Chairman of Eurocham Malaysia and Executive Board Member of the Italy Malaysia Business Association (IMBA); Lamberto Barbieri, Managing Director of CRIF Regional Headquarters (HQ) in Asia; Vincenzo Alaimo, Vice President of Asia Pacific, Global Sales of Leonardo Helicopters Division; and Dr Luciano Giorgi, Country Manager (Malaysia) of Maire Tecnimont and Chairman of Allied Elite Limited.

Moderated by Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid, Chairman of CARI, the discussion emphasised on the recently signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement providing an outstanding platform for multinationals to tap into the regional trading area that represents 30 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Malaysia as a vibrant RCEP member provides significant trading and investment opportunities, including for the Italian businesses operating in the region.

Italian investments in Malaysia have ventured in various sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, aerospace, and green and circular economy. Greater collaboration between Malaysia and Italy will further open Malaysia’s private sector to tap into Italy’s advanced technological expertise and expediting the momentum of Malaysia’s digital economy.

ASEAN as a growing trade and investment hub
Tan Sri Dr. Munir in his opening statement highlighted on Invest ASEAN series presenting an active forum for influential policymakers and corporate leaders to share and identify key opportunities for growth and development in the ASEAN region, apart from analysing the emerging trends on global business and markets.

“Notwithstanding the COVID-19-induced global slowdown, ASEAN remains a dynamic region. With a combined GDP of US$3.2 billion in 2019, ASEAN represented the fifth-largest economy in the world. As the central player of the RCEP Agreement, ASEAN offers global businesses to tap into the largest free trade agreement in the world. With 15 signatories, RCEP represents a market of 2.2 billion people and a combined GDP of US$26.2 billion,” said Tan Sri Dr. Munir.

He added, “On the other side of the equation, many of us may not realise that Italy is well above the EU average in the production and use of industrial robots and adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies such as the cloud, IoT and M2M (machine to machine) communications. It is the second largest manufacturer in the EU, after Germany. Its strong industrial base and awareness of digitalisation are something which ASEAN countries would want to be engaged with.”

Italy remains committed to Malaysia as a trading and investment partner
H.E. Cristiano Maggipinto stressed that Italy has pursued a strategy to strengthen relations with ASEAN. The commitment was also conveyed through the 53rd Session of the ASEAN Ministers of Foreign Affairs Summit, in which Italy’s candidacy as Development Partner of the Association was unanimously approved.

“This important outcome institutionalised our growing political, economic and social ties, giving us a prominent role in Southeast Asia. In this framework, Italy has given new depth to the relations with Malaysia, which represents one of the most relevant nation in ASEAN and offers a number of benefits that are not easily found in the region,” stated Ambassador Maggipinto.

He points out that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral trade between Italy and Malaysia in the first seven months of 2020 remained at similar level to 2019. Italian companies in Malaysia are operating in a wide range of sectors including oil and gas, defence and aerospace, construction, automotive, and chemicals.

Government undertaking major initiatives to drive investments into Malaysia
Dato’ Azman Mahmud shared that Malaysia continues to be a competitive investment destination despite the global uncertainties, with US$26.4 billion worth of approved investments in the overall economy in the first nine months of 2020. In fact Investments approved in the manufacturing sector for the period of January to September 2020 saw an increase of 16.6% in capital investments compared to the corresponding period in 2019; with FDI recording an increase of 3.2%. The Malaysian government is undertaking additional initiatives to drive foreign investments, such as easing operating of businesses through digitalising selected government services, providing new tax incentives for the pharmaceutical and services sectors, as well as implementing a One Stop Centre (OSC) to facilitate the entry of business travellers into the country.

“Malaysia’s economic structure and the solid macroeconomic management continue to support the country’s economic fundamentals as we advance into the new normal. As we move towards strategic diversification, particularly in high-value products and high-end services, the country offers vast opportunities for Italian investments in high-quality machinery and equipment, aerospace, green technology, automotive technologies, and industrial design. MIDA is optimistic that more quality investment will be coming to Malaysia in the coming years,” said Dato’ Azman Mahmud.

Dato’ Azman also urged Malaysia’s private sector to leverage upon Italian technological expertise to help facilitate Malaysia’s digital economy, which is expected to grow by 21% between 2020 and 2025, reaching an estimated US$30 billion gross merchandise value (GMV) by 2025.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid
Director of Foreign Investment Promotion Division Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected]
DL: +603 2267 6633

Mr. Jukhee Hong Executive
Director CIMB ASEAN Research Institute (CARI)
Email: [email protected]

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 and YouTube channel.

About CARI
CIMB ASEAN Research Institute (CARI) was established in 2011 by CIMB Group. CARI is the first independent, transnational research institute dedicated solely to the advancement and acceleration of ASEAN integration.

ASEAN as an Investment Hub: Italian Businesses Eye Malaysia as the Gateway to Opportunities Arising Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

SABAH, 26 JANUARY 2021 – SK Nexilis, a copper foil producer for electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer SKC, has announced its first overseas production base to be in KKIP Industrial Complex, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

With proposed investments of approximately South Korean Won (KRW) 650 billion (RM2.3 billion), the Company looks to construct a copper foil manufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons.

The facility’s construction will tentatively begin in the first half of 2021 and commercial operations to kickstart by 2023. Once in operations, the new facility will increase SK Nexilis’ copper foil production capacity by three times its current global capacity to about 100,000 tons.

SK Nexilis boasts of as world No.1 technology in manufacturing copper foil for batteries. The Company has an industry reputation for building among the best copper foil factories.

YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) welcomed the Company’s announcement, “The Government is pleased that a subsidiary of a Fortune 500 company has chosen Malaysia as its first overseas investment location. This is one of the many success stories where MIDA has facilitated to bring quality investments into the country. As a global leader in thin-tech innovation for copper foil manufacturing, we believe SK Nexilis’ presence will attract more investors to complete Malaysia’s EV battery manufacturing supply chain network, making us a hub for high precision and high quality copper foil for niche applications.”

“Indeed, this investment will also boost Malaysia’s talent network and capabilities through initiatives with domestic universities and technical institutes. Despite the ongoing pandemic, MIDA continues to draw high technology investment such as these into the country to provide tangible opportunities for innovation and local supply chain development. This is value creation which will boost our local industry’s ecosystem and competitiveness,” added Dato’ Seri Azmin.

The Company has already improved productivity by enhancing its fourth (4th) factory facility in the Korea, which began its commercial operation this year, by strategically including wireless vehicles and robots. SK Nexilis looks to upgrade further its fifth (5th) and sixth (6th) factories in Korea as well. It will introduce state-of-the-art automation in its Malaysian facility, by integrating the world’s best technology and its know-how from enhancements made to its factories in South Korea; building the world’s best copper foil production facilities in Malaysia.

Notably, the proposed facility in Malaysia will also fully implement the RE100 initiative, an initiative towards committing to 100 per cent renewable electricity, for the first time in the industry. This move is part of the Company’s proactive response to requests from major global customers who want to increase the proportion of RE100 materials within their supply chain.

Six (6) of SK Group companies, including SK Nexilis’ parent company, SKC, are currently promoting RE100; the Group was the first member of RE100 initiative in Korea. Hence, this facilities’ RE100 undertaking will further strengthen its Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) Management.

In particular, Malaysia’s KKIP Industrial Complex, became the apparent choice for SK Nexilis’ investment in the region given its advantage in terms of power supply, which is key to copper foil manufacturing. Malaysia provides the most stable and competitively priced electricity supply among its Southeast Asian counterpart. The selected site also has excellent infrastructure such as gas and water and high accessibility to ports and large international airports which are required for exports.

SK Nexilis is also considering further investments in Malaysia, Europe and the United States to quickly respond to the rapidly growing EV market. According to SNE Research, the EV market will increase by 41 per cent annually and the battery market by 38 per cent by 2025.

An official from SK Nexilis shared, “We will be able to respond more quickly to customer requests by establishing a production facility in Malaysia with the best technology to produce the world’s thinnest copper foil for secondary batteries. This facility will also have the technological capabilities to produce various specialised products as per our customers’ requests.”

He added, “By entering Malaysia, SK Nexilis will secure cost competitiveness and reinforce our ESG management such as implementing RE100, while accelerating global expansion with additional investments. This will solidify our position as the global No. 1 copper foil manufacturer.”

SK Nexilis is currently in the midst of submitting their application for Manufacturing Licence to MIDA.

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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 and YouTube channel.

About SK Nexilis
SK Nexilis is a global No.1 company in producing Copper foil for batteries, a core material for lithium-ion batteries, and supplies its products to major EV and battery companies around the world. Established in Jeong-eup, South Korea in 1996, SK Nexilis is running its business as a member of SK Group after several mergers and acquisitions. For more information, please visit www.sknexilis.co.kr

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Jeyasigan Narayanan Nair
Executive Director
Machinery and Metals Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected]
DL: +603-2267 6711

Ms. Jiwon Ahn
Manager
Communication Team, SKC
Email : [email protected]

SK Nexilis Announces Its First Overseas Investment in Malaysia

26th January 2021, Kuala Lumpur – The Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) today announced impressive gains from the successful 11th International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2020), the first virtual edition held in October 2020; solidifying IGEM’s role as South East Asia’s most powerful green technology, business and innovation platform.

Themed “Energising Sustainability”, IGEM 2020 delivered beyond two-fold of target business leads of RM1.6 billion; achieving a pipeline of RM3.4 billion investment interest. These leads have been computed from the RM3.08 billion potential investments from 64 projects recorded by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and RM339 million in potential exports recorded by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), during MATRADE’s International Sourcing Program (INSP).

The IGEM 2020 Virtual platform which featured 161 exhibitors registered more than 15,000 visitations from 79 countries and clocked up to 10,000 participants engaging in the 55 conference sessions and 77 pocket talks, throughout the event from 19-23 Oct 2020.

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Minister of Environment and Water said, “It is indeed a commendable feat that IGEM 2020 has surpassed its targets, despite being held virtually for the very first time and against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty. This reinforces KASA’s commitment to expand drive and growth of the green technology sector as an important engine in developing Malaysia’s economy.”

“As we continue to recover and build, I urge budding green entrepreneurs and key industry leaders to explore how we can work together and further build partnerships for a greener and sustainable economy in the year 2021,” he added.

Given the success of virtual IGEM 2020, the Minister announced that IGEM 2021 will take on a virtual platform again and offers sponsors, exhibitors, participants, as well as all other stakeholders’ greater visibility, flexibility, and opportunities to work with the Ministry in catalysing growth in the national, regional and global green economy. IGEM 2021 may run over a period of 6 months to create more value and opportunities to its exhibitors and visitors.

Targeting RM2 billion in business leads with 200 exhibitor booths and over 10,000 visitors from 20 countries this year, IGEM 2021 will also see the reaffirmation of investment strategic partner, MIDA and business-matching partner, MATRADE to organise the much-in-demand business matching sessions for the twelfth consecutive year.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA said, “We are indeed proud that the targeted RM1.6 billion business leads for IGEM 2020 have been reinforced with new projection of RM3.08 billion investment in Renewable Energy (RE), Energy Efficiency (EE), Solar Leasing, Integrated Waste Management, Green Building and manufacturing sectors. The Renewable Energy segment for waste management has gained highest investment leads of RM1.75 billion (57%), followed by RM814 million (26%) interest in Renewable Energy for mini hydro.”

“Starting from 2016 until September 2020, MIDA has also approved 1,317 green technology projects with investments amounting to RM18.55 billion, as well as 63 specialised green service companies with a total proposed operational expenditure of RM318.51 million, under the incentives of Green Technology. This exuberant indicator points to potentially stronger investment flows in the areas of green technology within our country.” he added.

IGEM 2021 Virtual will be co-organised by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC), the lead agency for KASA in charge of developing and implementing new programmes on green growth, climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation; in line with the nation’s green agenda.

Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, Chief Executive Officer of MGTC added, “With another triumphant year for IGEM, we look forward to IGEM 2021, which will be held on a bigger scale through the hosting of international exhibitors, regional delegates, industry and thought leaders physically here in Malaysia, as well as reaching out globally to the larger community of international green entrepreneurs via the virtual platform.”

“From our experience in co-organising IGEMs and as demonstrated by the results announced today, the green economy continues to thrive both in Malaysia and globally. In view of the countless possibilities yet to be unearthed within the sector, I think it is truly very exciting to witness how green economy will shape a more environmentally sustainable and economically stable Malaysia in the coming years,” he concluded.

IGEM 2021 Virtual will kick-off on 1st July 2021 till 31st Dec 2021. For further details, please visit www.igem.my.

About Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC)

Formerly known as Pusat Tenaga Malaysia (PTM), Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (MGTC) was restructured in April 2010 and was under the purview of the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) until 2018. Assuming the role of the country’s lead agency, MGTC focuses on catalysing the green technology agenda in line with the aspirations of the National Green Technology Policy 2009.

MGTC was under the purview of the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC) from 2018 until early 2020. MGTC is currently helmed by the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) and now known as the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre. MGTC develops and implements programmes on green growth, climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.About Malaysian Investment Development Authority (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 and Facebook.

For more information, please contact:

MIDA
Ms. Wan Hashimah Wan Salleh
Director, Green Technology Division
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 03 – 2267 3540

MGTC
Zaid Karim Shaari
Director, Green Promotion
Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 012 – 2977625

For media enquiries:
Intan Syazwani Isa
Head, Corporate Communication
Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 012 – 7023110

Virtual IGEM 2020 Garnered RM 3.4 Billion Business Leads

Kuala Lumpur, 18 January 2021 – AmBank has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to offer Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) the opportunity to be part of MIDA’s Smart Automation Grant (SAG).

This partnership between AmBank and MIDA aims to help companies refine their knowledge particularly SMEs and MTCs on matters relating to automation and digitalisation. AmBank will be undertaking a series of simulation trainings and classroom sessions that are specifically designed to help companies identify business pain points and prioritise automation and digitalisation solutions.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said that “The collaboration between MIDA and AmBank complements our goal to create awareness and financial guidance to assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) to automate and digitalise their operations and production process. This will be realised toward the co-implementation of the Smart Automation Grant and the ongoing AmBank BizRACE programme.”

He also added that “Understanding the needs of investors, SAG will not only improve Malaysia’s industrial competitiveness and capabilities but also reduce our reliance on low-skilled foreign workers while creating new job opportunities in high value-added sectors. We trust that this partnership will result in driving Malaysia’s businesses and accelerate economic growth towards continuous adoption of automation and digitalisation.”

The SAG initiative is part of the RM100 million allocation approved within the National Economic Recovery Plan or PENJANA, launched by the Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) on 2 December 2020. This grant will be awarded to eligible SMEs and MTCs on a matching basis or 50 per cent of total eligible expenditures, up to a maximum grant cap of RM1 million per company.

Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer of AmBank Group, said, “We are pleased to be the first bank to collaborate with MIDA to provide much needed assistance to SMEs and MTCs. This assistance is particularly timely given the challenging business landscape we are faced with today. Through this collaboration, we are able to share our expertise and resources with these companies to help them future-proof their businesses.”

“This initiative will be part of the AmBank BizRACE programme to develop our clients in the key areas of IR 4.0, digitalisation and the halal industry, which is in line with AmBank’s sustainability agenda. At AmBank, we believe in going beyond financing to help our customers compete better. The AmBank BizRACE programme provides a platform for SMEs to have a head start in driving new revenue streams, new products, upskilling their talent and driving efficiency by adopting digital and automation solutions. This is part of our push to help SMEs reset and revive their businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

SMEs and MTCs that have been undertaking manufacturing or services activities in the past 12 months are eligible to be considered for SAG. To qualify for the incentive, the automation machine, equipment or software purchased through this grant must be utilised directly in the company’s value chain to improve their productivity and efficiency. Improvements will be assessed on a range of criteria such as the reduction of unskilled workers, man-hours, defect rate as well as the increase in production volume. Interested stakeholders can submit their application to the various industries and services divisions in MIDA.

To find out more about the Guidelines of SAG please visit:
https://www.mida.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/GD_SAG22122020.pdf

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 and Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube channel.

About AmBank Group

AmBank Group is a leading financial services group with over 40 years of expertise in supporting the economic development of Malaysia. We have over three million customers and employ over 9,000 people. The Group was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in 1988. It is the sixth-largest banking group by assets in Malaysia, with a market capitalisation of around RM9 billion and assets of RM169.2 billion as at 31 March 2020. AmBank Group serves over three million individual and corporate customers. It provides services in wholesale banking, retail banking, business banking, investment banking and related financial services which include Islamic banking, underwriting of general insurance, stock and share broking, futures broking, investment advisory and management services in assets, real estate investment trust and unit trusts. For more information, please visit www.ambankgroup.com

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Masni Muhammad
Director, Strategic Planning and Policy Advocacy (Manufacturing) Division
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Phone : +603 2267 3444
Email : [email protected]

Mr. Syed Anuar Syed Ali
Executive Vice President, Group Corporate Communications & Marketing, AmBank (M) Berhad
Phone : +603 2036 1703
Email : [email protected]

AmBank Inks MOU With MIDA on Smart Automation Grant for SMEs and MTCs

MEDINI, JOHOR: Japanese Conglomerate, the SANKYU Group is set to build its first Human Resources Training Centre outside of Japan in the Medini Central Business District, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. With over 30,000 employees globally and 41 overseas subsidiaries of the Sankyu Group, Medini will be among the global centres for diverse personnel worldwide, being trained in Malaysia. The centre is set to begin operations in 2022.

The groundbreaking ceremony held today in the Medini Central Business District (Medini CBD) was remotely officiated by the Mayor of Iskandar Puteri, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Salehuddin Bin Haji Hassan; SANKYU Southeast Asia Holdings’ Managing Director, Mr Junichi Matsumura; Chairman of Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MIMSB), Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ir Khairil Anwar Ahmad, and Head of MIMSB, Tuan Haji Mohamad Zamani Razali.

The event was held via a video conferencing platform whereby only essential construction and operations staff were onsite as per the recent Movement Control Order (MCO) restrictions.

This announcement comes on the heels of the Company’s statement in August 2020 to build a logistics centre at the Straits of Malacca. The Centre situated in Port Klang will be the hub for shipments from Japan and East Asia transiting to the Middle East and Northern Europe.

“Malaysia continues to be a strategic hub in the region for SANKYU; this is evident in our continuous investments and developments of critical infrastructure in the country,” said Mr Junichi Matsumura.

Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the government’s lead agency in overseeing and driving investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia welcomed SANKYU’s latest undertaking. He said, “SANKYU’s training centre in Malaysia will be its first in South East Asia. Our country continues to be the strategic choice selection of multinationals in the region, given our dynamic transition into high-end services to support and flourish our diversified economy.”

“MIDA is optimistic that this training centre in Malaysia will bring positive economic benefits in terms of job creation, transfer of technology and know-hows through training. This will ultimately create new opportunities for local businesses and vendors. As partners to investors, MIDA will continue pushing for strategic collaborations between foreign and local companies to propel mutually beneficial outcomes, ensuring a sustainable ecosystem for business entities in the country, not only in the present but for the future.”

Globally, the SANKYU Group practices a unique business model that organically blends plant engineering, logistics and operational support; their integration of these interrelated components is unrivalled in the world. In Malaysia, SANKYU serves a broad cross-section of businesses and industrial customers, ranging from steel plants, petroleum refineries, automotive, power plants as well as electrical and electronics manufacturers.

Attending the groundbreaking ceremony today the Mayor of Iskandar Puteri, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Salehuddin Bin Haji Hassan, conveyed: “We are pleased and excited with the groundbreaking today. It is the beginning of the many initiatives that are coming to fruition after years of perseverance by Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Iskandar Investment Berhad, the State government and its various agencies. The SANKYU Group has been a long-time investor in Malaysia since the 1960s with businesses all over Malaysia. Today we are proud and delighted to welcome SANKYU Group’s investment into Medini, Iskandar Puteri. We are sure that SANKYU Group will benefit from the state-of-the-art infrastructure and the network of business ecosystem readily available in Medini”.

The Medini CBD recently received recognition from the State government and the Chief Minister, Datuk Ir. Hasni Bin Mohammad as the Johor’s Hub for Digital Technology and Emerging Technologies. During the 2021 state budget tabling in November 2020, the CBD also obtained funds to accelerate its strategic hub’s development.

As a Digital and Emerging Technology Hub Medini CBD initiatives include a Blockchain Village and South East Asia’s first drone and robotics zone (DRZ Iskandar). Medini CBD hosts prominent companies in the games design industry. Among notable Japanese companies that have already set their footprint here to include OK Blockchain Centre, a subsidiary of OK Wave Group; Deluxe Games, and Okakichi. Their presence has created a demand for highly skilled workers both for local and foreigners, backed by the recent boost from the Johor State government to accelerate growth for the Medini CBD to welcome more companies to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Head of MIMSB, Tuan Haji Mohamad Zamani Razali said, “The groundbreaking ceremony today marks an important milestone for Medini, as we continue to attract many prominent and reputable tenants. SANKYU is the first of many developments we have been working hard on under the Iskandar NEXT initiative which focuses on the new economy, experience and talent; in addition to the recent relocation of Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn. Bhd. (KPRJ) and Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN), we are optimistic for the future vision for the Medini CBD as a strategic hub for Johor and Malaysia.”

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About Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (“MIM”) is the master planner and master developer of the 2,230- acre urban township Medini, located in the heart of Iskandar Puteri. A Central Business District of Iskandar Puteri, Medini offers incentives uniquely available to Medini. MIM welcomes investors who are seeking investment opportunities in a prime destination strategically located near Singapore.

Established in 2007, MIM is owned by Jasmine Acres Sdn Bhd (60%), United World Infrastructure (20%) and Mitsui & Co. Ltd (20%). MIM’s largest shareholder, Jasmine Acres, is jointly owned by Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Iskandar Investment Berhad.

For more information, visit www.medinicbd.com

About SANKYU

The Sankyu Group has established a unique business model organically blending plant engineering, logistics and operational support, which stands unrivalled in the world. The Sankyu Group provide total support to customers from the planning stage for new facility project through the design, construction, transportation of heavy loads and installation to the final test run. Furthermore, the Sankyu Group has created a reliable system, by which every aspect of a client’s logistical needs are met, including operational support, facility maintenance, procurement, material handling for production and sales of finished product.

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 and YouTube channel.

For media inquiries, please contact:

MR. AZLAN AKIL
Strategic Communications – Iskandar Investment Berhad
Email : [email protected]
Mobile No : 019-771 3189

MR. MUHAMED SHAFIQUE MOHAMED IQBAL
Strategic Marketing – Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Email : [email protected]
Mobile No : 019-334 7622

MS. WAHIDA ABDUL RAHMAN
Healthcare, Education & Hospitality Division, MIDA
Email : [email protected]
Mobile No : 03-2267 6622

Sankyu Continues Its Expansion in Malaysia: Japanese Conglomerate Sankyu Announces Its Sankyu Technical Academy to be based in Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor

Kuala Lumpur, 14 January 2021 – Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers based in Wolfsburg, Germany, has set up its new regional Parts Distribution Centre in Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia. The strategically located facility aims to provide a robust genuine parts supply chain to 21 markets in the Asia Pacific region.

With this larger facility of 50,000 square metres, the new regional Parts Distribution Centre can now store more parts than its predecessor and thus extend the range and depth for better parts availability. There are approximately 65,000 genuine parts of the Group’s brands of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, ŠKODA, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), commented, “Volkswagen Group follows the increasing trend of the establishment of Global and Regional Distribution Hubs in Malaysia by companies in industries such as automotive, life sciences and medical devices, electrical and electronics, and machinery and equipment. These companies seek to tap on Malaysia’s strategic location as well as our efficient and reliable infrastructure such as ports, airports and financial institutions, allowing them to improve operational efficiency and optimise product and service quality and speed for their customers. Robust connectivity is paramount in enabling their investment and human capital to flow more freely across borders.”

Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Head of Volkswagen Group Sales, said: “The Asia Pacific Region offers a lot of growth potential for the Volkswagen Group, especially when it comes to e-mobility. Our electric product range already consists of very attractive models like the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 as well as the Audi e-tron that is fast growing. Apart from the vehicles, a strong After Sales performance is key for customer satisfaction. Malaysia offers a central and well-connected location which perfectly suits our plans to expand our foothold in the region.”

The new site offers improved distribution and process efficiency. Located in the free trade zone with direct port connectivity, the warehouse processing is enhanced by as much as 15 per cent. Moreover, the prime location is well linked to the air hubs and roads, enabling better hub-and-logistics flow and faster cargo turnaround.

The new facility is also customised to Volkswagen Group’s requirements, where storage systems like semi-automated paternoster and vertical narrow aisle are built for better warehouse space and process optimisation. In addition, value-added service is now offered to its customers, such as repacking and relabeling at retail level for the ease of dealer distribution.

“Our new Parts Distribution Centre in Malaysia undoubtedly strengthens Volkswagen Group’s global After Sales supply chain – a key milestone in providing improved genuine parts delivery to our customers in Asia Pacific,” said Mr. Roman Havlásek, Head of Group After Sales. “The Malaysian Government, through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) greatly supported our relocation to Malaysia. We were pleased by the ease of implementing our project here and the assistance given by the team at MIDA.”

The strong fundament of the Parts Distribution Centre made it possible for Volkswagen Group to overcome the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in the region so far. Mr. Marco Beitien, Director After Sales for the Volkswagen Group Regional Office in Asia Pacific, said “Despite the unprecedented COVID situation, the Malaysian Government swiftly implemented measures to enable business continuity within the safety of workers and community, which is also our top priority. This allows us to maintain stable parts supply in the region to support vehicles of the Volkswagen Group used in the essential industries like ambulances and security vehicles, even during the critical phase.”

Global supply chains have enabled many MNCs to oversee their operations in different parts of the world with ease, infusing efficiency into business operations.

The Global Trading Centre (GTC) scheme was announced in the Budget 2021, as part of Malaysia’s strategy to further encourage companies, both MNCs and local companies alike, to establish their global and regional distribution hubs. MIDA welcomes investments such as Volkswagen Group that strengthen the linkages within the local industry, create jobs for Malaysians and enhance Malaysia’s positioning as a Global Supply Chain Hub.

The GTC scheme is an enhanced, comprehensive scheme which provides a tax incentive and facilitation to ease import and export activities and aims to support companies in key manufacturing and services sectors venturing into procurement, distribution and trade activities to further strengthen their global supply chain.

Interested stakeholders may obtain more information by contacting the Business Services and Regional Operations Division at MIDA or visiting the MIDA website 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 and YouTube channel.

About Volkswagen Group

Based in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, and the largest car maker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. The passenger car portfolio ranges from small cars all the way to luxury-class vehicles. Ducati offers motorcycles. In the light and heavy commercial vehicles sector, the products range from pick-ups to buses and heavy trucks. Every weekday, 671,205 employees around the globe produce on average 44,567 vehicles, are involved in vehicle-related services or work in other areas of business. The Volkswagen Group sells its vehicles in 153 countries.

In 2019, the total number of vehicles delivered to customers by the Group globally was 10.97 million (2018: 10.83 million). The passenger car global market share was 12.9 percent. Group sales revenue in 2019 totalled EUR 252.6 billion (2018: EUR 236 billion). Earnings after tax in the fiscal year now ended amounted to EUR 14.0 billion (2018: EUR 12.2 billion).

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Rosedalina Ramlan
Director
Business Services and Regional Operations Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] DL: +603 2267 3515

Mr. Christoph Oemisch
Volkswagen AG
Corporate Communications
Spokesperson Finance & Sales
Email: [email protected]

Volkswagen Group Strengthens Its Parts Supply in Asia Pacific through the New Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Malaysia

Chairman of MIDA receives a courtesy visit from Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany

Kuala Lumpur, 8 January 2021 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) kick-started the year 2021 with a courtesy visit from the newly appointed Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Malaysia, His Excellency Dr. Peter Blomeyer.

Germany has been Malaysia’s largest foreign investor from the European Union. As of June 2020, a total of 461 manufacturing projects with German participation have been implemented with total investments of USD9.36 billion (RM33.31 billion). The projects have created 47,277 jobs.

Dato’ Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, Chairman of MIDA said that “His Excellency and I discussed a host of prolific issues that need attention for both countries to continue its goods-to-people mobility, despite the continuing pandemic concerns. The closely-linked business communities from both sides urgently need to commute with the acceptance of stringent SOPs in place. MIDA has been working tirelessly with the embassies and foreign chambers to ensure that investors are provided adequate assistance to the necessary approval and access to make well-informed investment and business decisions across various markets.”

At the meeting, His Excellency Dr. Peter Blomeyer highlighted that existing German companies operating here find Malaysia as an attractive hub in Asia Pacific. In addition, the German business communities also welcome the decision to exempt advertising requirement for positions namely investors, company owners, C-suites, expatriates for Regional Offices as well as for intra-company transfers.

His Excellency also wished to explore collaboration with local training institutions in boosting their training capabilities and facilities in human capital development by offering German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) programmes in Malaysia.

Furthermore, His Excellency reiterated his team’s support for the business continuity of existing German companies as well as to encourage more German companies to expand their overseas operation as Malaysia is one of the most developed and matured manufacturing and related services countries in the region. This ecosystem provides a competitive advantage for the German companies’ to locate their projects in Malaysia.

Dato’ Abdul Majid also briefed on MIDA’s plans to organise a Trade and Investment Mission and working visit to Europe including Germany once the border controls are streamlined and opened for business travellers.

The Chairman of MIDA expressed the Government’s commitment to facilitate smooth business operations, including German investment in Malaysia. Strong commitment from both institutions is essential in attracting quality investments for high value-add, capital-intensive and knowledge-intensive projects.

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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 and YouTube channel.

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid
Director, Foreign Investment Promotion Division, MIDA
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603 2267 6633

Malaysia Remains a Competitive Investment Location for German Companies