Latest news with #AjaySharma
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
UK's new envoy to Malaysia to prioritise cooperation in semiconductor sector
KUALA LUMPUR: The United Kingdom's new High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, has made strengthening bilateral cooperation a key priority, with a particular focus on the fast-growing semiconductor sector and the development of integrated chip design and advanced manufacturing. He said the British government is keen to strengthen linkages and exchange ideas to increase the value chain in both countries in the semiconductor industry and the manufacture of high-end chips. This aligns with Malaysia's ambitions under the National Semiconductor Strategy to transition from outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing to high-end manufacturing and niche capabilities such as integrated circuit design. 'We have seen a Malaysian company invest in a new compound semiconductor facility in Wales,' he said, referring to SMD Semiconductor, a Sarawak state-owned firm that recently opened a research and development innovation hub in Newport, an industrial port city in Wales. 'Therefore, I really want to work with Malaysia on the semiconductor industry. Malaysia is already involved in different parts of the value chain, and we can complement and learn from each other,' he told Bernama after appearing on Bernama TV's The Nation programme recently. Sharma, who succeeded Ailsa Terry, previously served in Iran, Qatar, Turkey, Moscow and Paris. He also sees potential for a UK-Malaysia partnership in offering specialised courses on semiconductors and chip design in British universities, where a significant number of Malaysian students pursue higher education. 'We can also collaborate with local universities to bring Malaysian talent to the UK and set up courses here. Then we could see these courses develop and expand to Malaysia as well,' he said. He also highlighted clean energy as an area for increased bilateral cooperation, in which Malaysia has immense potential and where Britain could play a supporting role. 'Malaysia has huge natural resources, immense opportunities in clean energy and is working on significant development on carbon capture, green tech and energy transition. Malaysia also has creative and innovative technologies which can be used in our universities, labs and expanded into businesses. 'This interests me to try to get more investments from both countries in this sector as well,' said Sharma. Sharma said he is keen to boost two-way investments, especially Malaysian investments in the UK, citing successful ventures such as the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, YTL's Brabazon project in Bristol, and contributions in sectors ranging from water utilities like Wessex Water to power generation. At the same time, he aims to raise awareness among UK companies about business opportunities in Malaysia. 'Companies in the UK do not know much about the opportunities here in Malaysia, and we need to raise the profile to generate business interest. 'So, that is a key area that I would like to fix under my leadership,' said Sharma, who stressed this is even more important with Malaysia being a key market for economic growth in the Asean region. With UK-Malaysia trade worth £6 billion (RM34.8 billion), the potential for increased trade is huge. 'We should be doing much more in many areas, such as tech development, which affects everything from healthcare to life sciences to defence manufacturing. We need to work on these and not be limited to areas we have focused on in the past,' said Sharma. He said the UK expects vast new opportunities following its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on Dec 15 last year, becoming the first European nation to join the pact. The CPTPP now includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. With a combined population of 580 million and accounting for 15.6% of global gross domestic product, the CPTPP is the world's fourth-largest free trade bloc. Sharma noted that the global trading system is under considerable strain, with questions raised about the World Trade Organisation's ability to manage challenges, even before the protectionist measures introduced by the United States. 'We really need to find ways to ensure cooperation between our countries to support free trade flows and growth, which is the main reason we were keen to join the CPTPP. 'We must ensure the trade administration process is as simple as possible. I wouldn't want people to miss out on a great trade arrangement simply because the process for applying for exemptions, etc, is too complicated or too onerous,' he said. The UK government, he added, is working closely with businesses to help them take full advantage of the CPTPP, including through cost savings and improved market access. 'As a government, we are working with businesses to make sure they take advantage of these (CPTPP) opportunities,' he said. – Bernama
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
UK envoy eyes stronger ties with Malaysia in semiconductor sector
KUALA LUMPUR: The United Kingdom's new High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, has made strengthening bilateral cooperation a key priority, with a particular focus on the fast-growing semiconductor sector and the development of integrated chip design and advanced manufacturing. He said the British government is keen to strengthen linkages and exchange ideas to increase the value chain in both countries in the semiconductor industry and the manufacture of high-end chips. This aligns with Malaysia's ambitions under the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) to transition from outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing to high-end manufacturing and niche capabilities such as integrated circuit design. "We have seen a Malaysian company invest in a new compound semiconductor facility in Wales," he said, referring to SMD Semiconductor, a Sarawak state-owned firm that recently opened a research and development innovation hub in Newport, an industrial port city in Wales. "Therefore, I really want to work with Malaysia on the semiconductor industry. Malaysia is already involved in different parts of the value chain, and we can complement and learn from each other," he told Bernama after appearing on Bernama TV's 'The Nation' programme recently. Sharma, who succeeded Ailsa Terry CMG, previously served in Iran, Qatar, Turkey, Moscow and Paris. He also sees potential for a UK-Malaysia partnership in offering specialised courses on semiconductors and chip design in British universities, where a significant number of Malaysian students pursue higher education. Malaysia has huge potential in clean energy "We can also collaborate with local universities to bring Malaysian talent to the UK and set up courses here. Then we could see these courses develop and expand to Malaysia as well," he said. He also highlighted clean energy as an area for increased bilateral cooperation, in which Malaysia has immense potential and where Britain could play a supporting role. "Malaysia has huge natural resources, immense opportunities in clean energy and is working on significant development on carbon capture, green tech and energy transition. Malaysia also has creative and innovative technologies which can be used in our universities, labs and expanded into businesses. "This interests me to try to get more investments from both countries in this sector as well," said Sharma. Sharma said he is keen to boost two-way investments, especially Malaysian investments in the UK, citing successful ventures such as the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, YTL's Brabazon project in Bristol, and contributions in sectors ranging from water utilities like Wessex Water to power generation. At the same time, he aims to raise awareness among UK companies about business opportunities in Malaysia. "Companies in the UK do not know much about the opportunities here in Malaysia, and we need to raise the profile to generate business interest. "So, that is a key area that I would like to fix under my leadership," said Sharma, who stressed this is even more important with Malaysia being a key market for economic growth in the Asean region. CPTPP trade process must be as simple as possible With UK-Malaysia trade worth six billion pounds (about RM34.8billion), the potential for increased trade is huge. "We should be doing much more in many areas, such as tech development, which affects everything from healthcare to life sciences to defence manufacturing. We need to work on these and not be limited to areas we have focused on in the past," said Sharma. He said the UK expects vast new opportunities following its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on December 15 last year, becoming the first European nation to join the pact. The CPTPP now includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. With a combined population of 580 million and accounting for 15.6 per cent of global gross domestic product, the CPTPP is the world's fourth-largest free trade bloc. Sharma noted that the global trading system is under considerable strain, with questions raised about the World Trade Organisation's ability to manage challenges, even before the protectionist measures introduced by the United States. "We really need to find ways to ensure cooperation between our countries to support free trade flows and growth, which is the main reason we were keen to join the CPTPP. "We must ensure the trade administration process is as simple as possible. I wouldn't want people to miss out on a great trade arrangement simply because the process for applying for exemptions, etc, is too complicated or too onerous," he said. The UK government, he added, is working closely with businesses to help them take full advantage of the CPTPP, including through cost savings and improved market access. "As a government, we are working with businesses to make sure they take advantage of these (CPTPP) opportunities," he said.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
UK eyes chip link-up with Malaysia in high-tech trade drive, says new high commissioner
KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — The United Kingdom's new High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, has made strengthening bilateral cooperation a key priority, with a particular focus on the fast-growing semiconductor sector and the development of integrated chip design and advanced manufacturing. He said the British government is keen to strengthen linkages and exchange ideas to increase the value chain in both countries in the semiconductor industry and the manufacture of high-end chips. This aligns with Malaysia's ambitions under the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) to transition from outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing to high-end manufacturing and niche capabilities such as integrated circuit design. 'We have seen a Malaysian company invest in a new compound semiconductor facility in Wales,' he said, referring to SMD Semiconductor, a Sarawak state-owned firm that recently opened a research and development innovation hub in Newport, an industrial port city in Wales. 'Therefore, I really want to work with Malaysia on the semiconductor industry. Malaysia is already involved in different parts of the value chain, and we can complement and learn from each other,' he told Bernama after appearing on Bernama TV's 'The Nation' programme recently. Sharma, who succeeded Ailsa Terry CMG, previously served in Iran, Qatar, Turkey, Moscow and Paris. He also sees potential for a UK-Malaysia partnership in offering specialised courses on semiconductors and chip design in British universities, where a significant number of Malaysian students pursue higher education. Malaysia has huge potential in clean energy 'We can also collaborate with local universities to bring Malaysian talent to the UK and set up courses here. Then we could see these courses develop and expand to Malaysia as well,' he said. He also highlighted clean energy as an area for increased bilateral cooperation, in which Malaysia has immense potential and where Britain could play a supporting role. 'Malaysia has huge natural resources, immense opportunities in clean energy and is working on significant development on carbon capture, green tech and energy transition. Malaysia also has creative and innovative technologies which can be used in our universities, labs and expanded into businesses. 'This interests me to try to get more investments from both countries in this sector as well,' said Sharma. Sharma said he is keen to boost two-way investments, especially Malaysian investments in the UK, citing successful ventures such as the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, YTL's Brabazon project in Bristol, and contributions in sectors ranging from water utilities like Wessex Water to power generation. At the same time, he aims to raise awareness among UK companies about business opportunities in Malaysia. 'Companies in the UK do not know much about the opportunities here in Malaysia, and we need to raise the profile to generate business interest. 'So, that is a key area that I would like to fix under my leadership,' said Sharma, who stressed this is even more important with Malaysia being a key market for economic growth in the ASEAN region. CPTPP trade process must be as simple as possible With UK-Malaysia trade worth six billion pounds (about RM34.8billion), the potential for increased trade is huge. 'We should be doing much more in many areas, such as tech development, which affects everything from healthcare to life sciences to defence manufacturing. We need to work on these and not be limited to areas we have focused on in the past,' said Sharma. He said the UK expects vast new opportunities following its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on December 15 last year, becoming the first European nation to join the pact. The CPTPP now includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. With a combined population of 580 million and accounting for 15.6 per cent of global gross domestic product, the CPTPP is the world's fourth-largest free trade bloc. Sharma noted that the global trading system is under considerable strain, with questions raised about the World Trade Organisation's ability to manage challenges, even before the protectionist measures introduced by the United States. 'We really need to find ways to ensure cooperation between our countries to support free trade flows and growth, which is the main reason we were keen to join the CPTPP. 'We must ensure the trade administration process is as simple as possible. I wouldn't want people to miss out on a great trade arrangement simply because the process for applying for exemptions, etc, is too complicated or too onerous,' he said. The UK government, he added, is working closely with businesses to help them take full advantage of the CPTPP, including through cost savings and improved market access. 'As a government, we are working with businesses to make sure they take advantage of these (CPTPP) opportunities,' he said. — Bernama
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
UK strengthens ASEAN ties via FPDA, security cooperation in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The United Kingdom has reinforced its dedication to regional security and economic stability by deepening ties with ASEAN, particularly under Malaysia's leadership, through established defence agreements and international legal frameworks. UK High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma highlighted the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) as a cornerstone of this cooperation. The FPDA, involving Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, was established in 1971 to ensure regional defence post-Britain's military withdrawal. Today, it addresses modern challenges like maritime security and counter-terrorism through joint exercises. Sharma emphasised the UK's adherence to global norms such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which supports maritime stability. 'Through agreements like UNCLOS and collaboration with Malaysia and regional partners, we aim to resolve differences diplomatically,' he said during an interview on Bernama TV's *The Diplomatic Dispatch*. ASEAN's role in fostering inclusive dialogue was also praised. 'ASEAN's centrality allows the UK to engage on critical issues, ensuring peaceful resolutions through strong international institutions,' Sharma noted. With Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year, the UK seeks to expand its partnership, focusing on ASEAN-led initiatives. 'Asia is the future, and we want to be part of it. Strengthening ties with ASEAN, especially under Malaysia's leadership, is a priority,' he added. The UK became ASEAN's Dialogue Partner in 2021, its first new partner in 25 years. The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related sessions will take place in Kuala Lumpur from July 8 to 11, offering further opportunities for collaboration.
Malaysian Reserve
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Envoy: UK opens doors to more Malaysian students amid US policy shift
KUALA LUMPUR — The United Kingdom (UK) is widening its doors to Malaysian students by expanding its university footprint and tailoring academic opportunities to meet their evolving needs. British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma said the UK is ready to welcome more Malaysian students amid shifting global study trends, as the United States (US) tightens its visa policies. 'We want to have more Malaysian students in the UK. We want to have more UK universities here in Malaysia. 'We want to make sure that the educational links get stronger and stronger, but most importantly, that they respond to the needs of people here,' he told Bernama after appearing on Bernama TV's programme The Diplomatic Dispatch here on Thursday. Sharma said that the UK, known for its academic excellence and globally recognised qualifications, remains an attractive destination for higher education and is ready to accommodate students who may be reconsidering the US or other countries due to recent developments. 'We're very happy to welcome more Malaysian students if they choose to come because of what's happening in the US or elsewhere in the world,' he said. According to data from the UK Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for the 2023/24 academic year, a total of 12,760 Malaysian students were enrolled in UK higher education institutions, placing Malaysia among the top ten non-EU source countries. Recalling his recent discussion with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Sharma disclosed that they were exploring deeper collaboration and facilitating greater access for Malaysian students to UK institutions. 'We talked about how we can cooperate more on ensuring that Malaysian students are able to take advantage of the opportunities in the UK,' he said. MARA has temporarily suspended the placement of its sponsored students to the US this year following recent changes to student visa policies introduced by the US administration. Asyraf Wajdi said the agency is offering alternative placements in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China and local institutions to ensure students are not affected by the policy shift. The move follows recent directives by US President Donald Trump's administration to tighten international student visa procedures. — BERNAMA
