Johor-based Sun Bus Tech opens advanced manufacturing facility
22 Oct 2024
Sun Bus Tech has already laid a solid foundation for success over the past 12 months even before its official opening, firming up partnerships with industry giants like HESS Switzerland
Traditional bus maker pioneer Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd is set to up the game.
The leader in bus and bus body recently celebrated the grand opening of its advanced manufacturing facility in Senai Airport City, Johor.
Designed to produce over 500 commercial vehicles annually, the facility by the subsidiary of Sun Wah Group was expected to create over 150 jobs, driving local and regional economic development.
With the opening, Sun Bus Tech was set to lead the industry with its revolutionary electric buses, equipped with first-in-Malaysia technology imported from Europe and sustainable manufacturing practices.
The bus maker has unveiled its work on developing the Model T for electric vehicle manufacturer Foxtron, highlighting its capability to manage sophisticated projects for global leaders in the industry.
Sun Bus Tech founder/chairman Phang Sun Wah said that the company’s five decades of experience have led it to pioneer bus body manufacturing in Malaysia and beyond.
“Our partnership with global leaders like HESS and the technology transfer from Scania Sweden has enabled us to implement industry-first advancements, such as our patented Co-Bolt technology. This facility is not just about manufacturing buses, it’s about pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable transportation, setting new standards that extend beyond conventional methods.
We are excited to have already secured significant contracts from regional and neighbouring governments, positioning Sun Bus Tech as the leader in the industry,” he said in a statement.
Johor State Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh mentioned that the establishment of Sun Bus Tech’s manufacturing plant is a good example of Johor’s dedication to becoming a sustainable and eco-friendly state.
“This venture is not only about creating green jobs and significantly reducing carbon emissions but also aligns with our broader vision for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Through enhanced connectivity, modern facilities and an increased share of public transportation, we are determined to transition Johor — and Malaysia — towards a low-carbon economy, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future,” said Mohamad Fazli.
Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong said as Malaysia outlined its economic strategy for the ASEAN chairmanship, Johor was poised to play a pivotal role in fostering regional trade and investment.
“The JS-SEZ will also strengthen Malaysia’s position in regional and global supply chains,” he said.
Reflecting on the strategic partnership, Carrosserie HESS AG CEO Alex Naef said its collaboration with Sun Bus Tech allowed the company to bring top-tier European technology to the region, enabling the production of long-lasting, energy-efficient and recyclable transport solutions.
“This partnership is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and efficient future in public transportation,” he mentioned.
Sun Bus Tech has already laid a solid foundation for success over the past 12 months even before its official opening on Oct 11, firming up partnerships with industry giants like HESS Switzerland and secu- ring cutting-edge technology from Scania Sweden.
The integration of patented aluminium technology represents a significant industry breakthrough, while the facility’s focus on sustainability, including the use of solar panels, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient systems, has earned the company a Green Building Index (GBI) certification, the company said in the same statement. In addition to bus and bus body manufacturing, Sun Bus Tech has also established a joint venture with the Polish seat manufacturer STER Sp z o o, focusing on the supply of commercial vehicle seats in Asia.
Sun Bus Tech’s journey began in the 1970s when it first ventured into the bus industry by launching a coachwork fabrication business. The early experience laid the ground- work for a larger venture he co-founded in 1989, focusing on bus and bus body manufacturing in Senai, Johor.
Sun Bus Tech’s expertise lies in crafting bus bodies tailored to various chassis configurations to ensure structural integrity and value. It offers solutions for every stage of the vehicle lifecycle — from design and construction to maintenance and digital platforms for real-time fleet monitoring.
Its initiatives include advanced battery recycling programmes that support a circular economy and reduce environmental impact.
Source: The Malaysian Reserve
