Latest news with #FML
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Esteel's green steel investment on track, physical works underway
Phoong KOTA KINABALU (July 7): The investment by Esteel Sabah Sdn Bhd in the state is proceeding as planned, with support from the State Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE), said Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Phoong said the company's ongoing expansion efforts and increased investment volume reflect strong confidence in Sabah's economic prospects. This confidence was further demonstrated with the signing of the Land Lease Agreement for Phases 2 and 3 at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) on December 31, 2024. As part of its commitment, Esteel made an initial RM35 million deposit to ensure smooth project implementation. Following the issuance of the Foreign Manufacturing License (FML) in late January 2025, Esteel has undertaken proactive and systematic follow-up actions to maintain momentum. In February, Esteel signed a Natural Gas Supply Agreement with Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) and Petronas, securing a reliable and sufficient energy supply to support operations at its upcoming green steel plant. The company completed the redesign process to match its expanded operational scale and, in March and April 2025, conducted a transparent and competitive bidding process for the construction of a private jetty. This culminated in the signing of the Phase 1 Jetty Construction Contract with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) on May 30, 2025 — the same day as the official launch of Esteel's Phase 1 Investment Project, officiated by the Prime Minister. Several other key milestones have also been achieved, including: Approval of the Development Plan for the green steel plant by the Sipitang District Council; Review and clearance of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), confirming compliance with environmental regulations; Approval of the Earthwork Plan by the Sipitang District Council, allowing physical work to proceed; Signing of EIA conditions by Esteel as a formal commitment to environmental sustainability throughout the project. To expedite construction, Esteel has finalized a contract for site clearing and preparation, with physical work now in full swing.
The Star
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
'Ask formally instead of making noise outside': Row erupts in Sabah assembly over mega project
KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah opposition assemblyman lapsed into Hakka during a heated argument with state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe during Monday's (July 7) legislative assembly sitting. Calvin Chong (Warisan-Elopura) repeatedly asked what he had done wrong after Phoong accused him of not submitting a formal question to the assembly but resorting to press statements and police reports. "Ngai cho coi lai hang (where did I do wrong)?" he asked several times. During their back-and-forth, Chong asked why he was wrong to question the matter as an assemblyman, while Phoon said a formal question should have been submitted instead of "making noise outside". The exchange was sparked during question time when Phoong was giving his reply on the Esteel investment development, as well as to queries about why the investment capital had increased. Chong had lodged a police report on the project last month, alleging failure in the implementation of a RM31bil steel manufacturing and processing project by Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip). In his report filed in Sandakan, Chong claimed that his inspection of the site with fellow assemblyman Justin Wong (Warisan-Sri Tanjong) on June 10 found no visible construction activity. Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya then asked both assemblymen to calm down, but was ignored until he ordered that they proceed to the next question. Earlier, in giving updates on the Esteel project to Datuk Jannie Lasimbang (PH-Kapayan), Phoong said its Federal Manufacturing Licence (FML) was received at the end of January. 'In February, Esteel sealed a natural gas supply agreement with the Sabah Energy Corporation and Petronas, conducted a contractor bidding tender process in March and April, and sealed the Phase 1 Jetty construction contract with a Chinese company on May 30,' he said. Other matters, such as approval for the green steel manufacturing construction development plan, environmental impact assessment (EIA) report approval and earthworks plan, among others, were subsequently completed, he added. Phoong also said that the physical development of the project would begin either this month or in August. Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang) then asked how mega investors have the confidence to invest in multi-billion-ringgit projects in Sabah when stable infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply, as well as sufficient manpower, are lacking. He also asked why domestic investors were not given priority in these projects, with more opportunities seen to be given to foreign investors instead. Phoong said it is the state's policy to accept and welcome investors from abroad while also making sure that local investors have the same opportunity to be part of any projects as long as they are capable and qualified.
The Citizen
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), driven by tomorrow's leaders: Sinethemba Cobo — from graduate to business partner
You don't have to know everything, just be willing to learn, stay curious, and believe you have something valuable to contribute. Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) continues to invest in the nation's future by empowering young professionals like Sinethemba Cobo, proof that with the right support, youth can drive meaningful change in both industry and community. Sinethemba's journey: From graduate to business partner Sinethemba Cobo's story with Isuzu Motors South Africa began in February 2020, when he joined the company as a graduate in training, stepping into the automotive world without prior experience. 'I came in straight from university, not knowing what to expect, but IMSAf welcomed me with open arms,' Sinethemba recalls. The timing was challenging, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it offered him a crash course in adaptability and resilience. From the outset, Sinethemba was immersed in every aspect of automotive sales, marketing, and aftersales support. 'I quickly learned how marketing drives sales, how our dealer network operates, and how after-sales service is crucial to customer satisfaction and product reliability,' he says. This holistic exposure gave him a deep appreciation for IMSAf's core values: reliability, capability, and durability. Today, Sinethemba serves as a Business Partner in the Commercial Vehicles division, managing Full Maintenance Lease (FML) customers, a role that lets him blend strategic thinking with real impact. Growth through opportunity and education IMSAf's Graduate in Training Programme laid the foundation for Sinethemba's growth. 'One of the highlights was attending a Management Development Programme at a top business school,' he shares. Over two years, he delved into strategic management, labour relations, marketing, and leadership. 'It taught me that leadership isn't a title, it's a daily decision. I developed my own philosophy of being a TRUE leader: Trustworthy, Reliable, Understanding, and Empowering.' Education remains central to Sinethemba's journey. With IMSAf's support, he completed an honours programme and is now pursuing a master's degree. 'IMSAf doesn't just talk about development, they invest in it, financially and through encouragement,' he adds. Culture, mentorship, and innovation Sinethemba credits IMSAf's culture, rooted in Japanese values like Ikigai, or 'a reason for being', for helping him find purpose in his work. 'I realised my joy lies in creating value and supporting products that serve people,' he says. This cultural foundation, along with strong mentorship, helped him transition seamlessly from graduate to a strategic, customer-facing role. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Sinethemba's career. 'My mentor guided me through the organisation, helped me build resilience, and pushed me to always strive for excellence,' he notes. At Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAF), support comes from every level, creating an environment where young talent can thrive. Innovation is woven into IMSAf's DNA. 'We're encouraged to understand the business holistically, which makes innovation intuitive. It's about asking, 'How can we do this better than yesterday?' That mindset of continuous improvement is part of our culture,' Sinethemba explains. Overcoming challenges and giving back Sinethemba's path wasn't without obstacles. 'I applied to many automotive companies before IMSAf, but coming from a disadvantaged background and not having a driver's license was a barrier,' he shares. IMSAf saw his potential and invested in him, covering the cost of driving lessons and helping him secure his license. 'That support changed my life and unlocked my potential,' he says. Empowered by IMSAf's commitment to youth and diversity, Sinethemba now pays it forward, mentoring others, leading community projects, and representing the brand in public forums. IMSAf's support has enabled me to make an impact beyond my immediate role. I've been empowered to lead with purpose and serve with heart,' he reflects. Sinethemba's advice to aspiring youth To young people considering a future in the automotive industry, Sinethemba offers this advice: 'Give the industry a chance. Be open-minded, resilient, and think long-term. You don't have to know everything, just be willing to learn, stay curious, and believe you have something valuable to contribute.' Through stories like Sinethemba Cobo's, IMSAf demonstrates its unwavering commitment to empowering South Africa's youth, fostering innovation, driving change, and building a future that inspires pride and possibility.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
NGO urges stronger UN maritime laws at ocean conference
T'puram: Representatives from the city-based ocean conservation NGO, Friends of Marine Life (FML), attended a five-day United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. They raised concerns about the pollution faced by the Arabian Sea following two shipping disasters near the state's coast. The sinking of MSC Elsa 3 caused immense pollution along the southern coast, while MV Wan Hai, which caught fire off Kozhikode, carried several chemical cargoes onboard. In a presentation, the NGO stated that international maritime laws are inadequate to identify and penalise those responsible, as demonstrated by the situation in Kerala. They urged the UN to establish laws to penalise either the manufacturing company or the transporting company if plastic or chemical waste ends up in the ocean. "This is important because the lives of fisherfolk depend on the ocean's health. Strong regulation would help protect marine habitats, marine life and communities relying on the sea by holding responsible parties accountable. We put this message across at the conference attended by delegates and govt representatives from across the world," said Robert Panipilla of FML, who attended the conference along with research scholar Kumar Sahayaraju. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It was one of the discussions about the challenges faced by Small Scale Fishing (SSF) related to Blue Economy interventions around the world. The discussion was organised by the British Columbia University, Canada. The NGO also took part in a discussion on the challenges faced by small scale fishing and Blue Economy interventions around the world. FML represents the coastal community, comprising largely of small scale fisherfolk and conducts seabed studies and ocean conservation activities. The fisheries and environmental ministers from Costa Rica, Senegal, Madagascar and Germany attended the discussion. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Shipping disasters off Kerala coast highlighted at UN ocean meet in Nice
The two recent shipping disasters off the Kerala coast and issues related to the resultant environmental pollution were highlighted at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) by a Thiruvananthapuram-based organisation on Wednesday. UNOC-3 is under way at the French city of Nice. Kumar Sahayaraju of the Thiruvananthapuram-based Friends of Marine Life (FML) presented the issue at the Ocean Base Camp, an open space for civil society organisations. Mr. Sahayaraju said the two accidents, involving large container vessels, had caused severe pollution in the sea and on the Kerala coast. These two incidents, according to him, spotlighted the fact that the current maritime laws were inadequate to deal with the fallout of such disasters. 'Responsibility must lie either with the producers of these hazardous materials or with the shipping companies that transport them. Accountability must be enforced under stronger maritime laws, with clear legal consequences for violations,' Mr. Sahayaraju said. The FML, which is represented at the UNOC by Mr. Sahayaraju and the organisation's founder Robert Panipilla, also demanded that tracking devices for locating hazardous cargo in the event of an accident be made mandatory for all such cargo container shipments. In his presentation, Mr. Sahayaraju urged the United Nations to urgently establish and enforce international regulations governing the maritime transport of chemical and plastic pollutants. The Liberia-flagged MSC Elsa 3 sank off Kochi in May. The Singapore-flagged M.V. Wan Hai 503 caught fire after a massive explosion off Beypore in June. At the UN conference, the FML, which is involved in seabed studies and ocean conservation activities, appealed for urgent international action to protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities whose survival depends on them.
