Latest news with #SikhShamsulIbrahimSikhAbdulMajid
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
INV new material's RM3.2bil Penang plant boosts Malaysia's EV hub ambitions
KUALA LUMPUR: China's INV New Material Technology (M) Sdn Bhd has launched its RM3.2 billion manufacturing facility in Penang, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia's push to become Southeast Asia's leading electric vehicle (EV) hub. The plant, which produces lithium-ion battery separators, is the first commercial facility of its kind in the country, firmly positioning Malaysia as the region's largest producer of this critical EV component. The newly launched facility will produce 1.3 billion square metres of wet-processed and coated lithium-ion separators. The project has generated over 2,000 job opportunities, including over 500 high-skilled technical roles with wages exceeding RM3,000 per month. It serves as a launchpad for technology and knowledge transfer, equipping Malaysian talent with practical exposure to advanced equipment, structured training programmes and collaboration with global experts. This holistic approach significantly upskills the workforce in advanced materials and engineering plastics, cultivating a future-ready talent pipeline vital for the nation's long-term growth in the EV and high-tech sectors. The plant also sets a benchmark in Industry 4.0 adoption as it integrates advanced automation, smart manufacturing systems, and digital technologies to maximise operational efficiency, enhance precision and promote sustainable practices. Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the launch of the facility marks a transformative step in the country's electric vehicle journey. He said the investment, anchored in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the Chemical Industry Roadmap 2030, bridges a critical gap in the local EV ecosystem and embeds advanced materials into the supply chain. "It sets a new standard for high-tech manufacturing while strategically catalysing broader industrial growth and attracting more global and local players to strengthen Malaysia's position in the global EV value chain," he added. INV New Material Technology chief executive officer Liu Rui said that beyond investment, the plant is a long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation and talent development. "Malaysia offers the strategic advantages, talent pool, and government support we need to make this vision a reality, and we are proud to call it home to our first facility in the Asean region," he said.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
DHL and Mida to elevate Malaysia's logistics and supply chain ecosystem
KUALA LUMPUR: DHL has reaffirmed its longstanding partnership with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) through the signing of a new nemorandum of understanding (MOU). Under this renewed collaboration, all four DHL business divisions operating in Malaysia – DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL eCommerce – will work closely with Mida to strengthen the logistics and supply chain ecosystem, supporting Malaysia's position as a leading hub for foreign investment, Mida said in a statement. The announcement builds on a successful collaboration since 2023, where joint efforts with Mida's global and local offices have yielded significant investment outcomes. These span across key priority sectors – including electrical and electronics, pharmaceutical, digital economy, aerospace, and chemicals – diversified across eight states: Kedah, Penang, Perak, Johor, Malacca, Sabah, Sarawak and Selangor. Mida CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid remarked, 'Malaysia's logistics sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a powerhouse of innovation and technological advancement. We're witnessing developments in digital technology and smart automation, from AI-powered route optimisation and real-time tracking to advanced warehouse robotics and autonomous delivery systems. 'Through Mida's proactive assistance and facilitation, we've created an ecosystem that nurtures these technological advancements and our renewed partnership with DHL represents a strategic alliance that will accelerate Malaysia's journey towards becoming the region's premier smart logistics hub.' DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei danaging director Julian Ng said, 'As multishoring and multisourcing increase in strategic prevalence, Malaysia is well positioned to capitalise on this momentum due to its regional connectivity and conducive business ecosystem. 'With our extensive network and experience in facilitating cross-border trade, DHL Express is proud to assist Mida in appealing to global investors by enabling seamless market entry and providing end-to-end logistics solutions. Together, we can make effective progress in our shared mission to bolster the country's competitive and innovative potential.' DHL remains committed to elevating Malaysia's profile among multinational corporations seeking to diversify their manufacturing and sourcing operations. With its strong presence in Malaysia and comprehensive end-to-end logistics and supply chain capabilities, DHL is well equipped to support foreign investors in enhancing supply chain resilience by leveraging Malaysia's strategic location. Furthermore, DHL is strategically positioned to support Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and its sustainable development targets. – Bernama
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Digital investments exceed target
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has attracted RM310.7 billion in digital investments from 2021 to March 2025, more than double the national target of RM130 billion, cementing its position as a fast-emerging digital infrastructure hub in Asia Pacific. According to Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, these investments have generated over 92,000 jobs, particularly in high-demand fields such as cloud engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. The influx of capital was facilitated through the Digital Investment Office (DIO), a strategic collaboration between MIDA and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Speaking at the Bursa Malaysia-Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB) Stratum Focus Series titled "Data Centre 2.0: The Ecosystem and What's Next for Malaysia?', Sikh Shamsul said Malaysia is now leading a new wave of next-generation digital infrastructure development. The sector is evolving beyond traditional co-location services toward generative AI, quantum computing, and large-scale automation. The shift to Data Centre 2.0 reflects Malaysia's growing maturity in digital infrastructure, he said. "Recent global shifts, such as the United States (US) Department of Commerce's recalibration on AI division rules, signal a deeper understanding that digital leadership cannot be siloed or reactive. It must be strategic, collaborative and bold. "For Malaysia, this is a call to action. We must continue to lead with agility, vision and policy for data centre development," he said. In the first quarter of 2025, Malaysia approved RM89.8 billion in digital investments, marking a 3.7 per cent year-on-year increase. Of that, RM35.1 billion was directed into the information and communication technology sub-sector, underscoring continued investor confidence in the local digital economy. Menawhile, HLIB chief executive officer Lee Jim Leng said Malaysia must reinforce its position as a neutral, stable, and indispensable hub for data and AI development to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving digital economy. Lee said this goal demands bold, future-ready policies that not only catalyse homegrown AI innovation and uphold data sovereignty but also accelerate the development of energy-efficient, sustainable data centre infrastructure, critical components of any advanced digital ecosystem. He added that deeper collaboration between the government, industry players and academia will be crucial to ensuring Malaysia builds long-term competitiveness in high-performance digital infrastructure. "Malaysia is entering the era of Data Centre 2.0, a phase where the focus moves beyond basic co-location services to advanced, high-performance computing infrastructure that supports AI workloads, green innovation, and data sovereignty. "With RM6.7 billion in approved investments and another RM3.9 billion currently in advanced hyperscale discussions, Malaysia is no longer a peripheral player in the region. "Malaysia should now be positioning itself as a key digital infrastructure hub," she added. Lee noted that the global AI revolution is transforming every industry, and data centres are the backbone of this new digital era. However, she cautioned that this transformation is unfolding amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly the recent US restrictions on exports of advanced AI chips, which have sent shockwaves through the global technology supply chain. "While Malaysia is not a direct target of these restrictions, we remain a vital node in an interconnected global economy. Any disruption to the supply of high-performance chips from giants like NVIDIA and AMD will directly affect the cloud providers, hyperscalers, and enterprises that are powering our digital future," she said. Despite these global challenges, Lee believes Malaysia has a real opportunity to solidify its position. She said this shift is backed by data reflecting rising investor confidence and market interest. She pointed out that MIDA had approved RM6.7 billion in data centre investments. While that figure is impressive, she said the additional RM3.9 billion currently under advanced discussion signals the massive opportunities still ahead. "This domestic boom is also further validated by our growing presence on the regional stage. According to global real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Malaysia now attracts 38 per cent of all new data centre investments across the Asean region. "Even more notably, JLL projects that our market share could surpass 40 per cent by next year. This isn't just growth. It marks a consolidation of our role as the destination of choice for digital infrastructure investment. "The momentum is clear, with RM2 billion worth of data centre construction contracts already awarded this year, proving that these multi-billion-ringgit commitments are moving quickly from blueprints to physical infrastructure," she said. Lee said global tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and AWS are not only investing in Malaysia; they are doubling down, recognising the country's immense potential as a regional data powerhouse. She noted that demand for data centres continues to rise, fuelled by the rapid expansion of AI and cloud computing. Overall, Lee said the transition to Data Centre 2.0 presents both a challenge and an opportunity, but with the right strategies, Malaysia can turn global uncertainty into a national advantage and cement its leadership as Asean's digital infrastructure hub.
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Data centre 2.0 transition key towards sustainable digital sector: MIDA
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's shift towards Data Centre 2.0 is a crucial step in building a strong foundation for the country's digital sector growth, said Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid He said data centres are going through a generational shift, transitioning towards generative artificial intelligence (AI), quantum breakthroughs and large-scale automation. "Recent global shifts – such as the United States (US) Department of Commerce's recalibration on AI division rules – signal a deeper understanding that digital leadership cannot be siloed or reactive. It must be strategic, collaborative and bold. "For Malaysia, this is a call to action. We must continue to lead with agility, vision and policy for data centre development," he said in his keynote address at the Bursa Malaysia-Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB) Stratum Focus Series titled 'Data Centre 2.0: The Ecosystem and What's Next for Malaysia?', here today. Sikh Shamsul also said Malaysia's digital ecosystem recorded RM89.8 billion in total approved investments in the first quarter of this year, a 3.7 per cent increase year-on-year, with RM35.1 billion channelled into the information and communication sub-sector. "From 2021 to March this year, the Digital Investment Office (DIO), a joint initiative by MIDA and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), has facilitated RM310.7 billion in digital investments. "We have surpassed our national target of RM130 billion, well ahead of schedule, and generated more than 92,000 new jobs, many in frontier domains like cloud engineering, AI operations and cybersecurity," he said. Meanwhile, HLIB group managing director and CEO Lee Jim Leng said the global AI revolution is transforming every industry, and data centres are the very backbone of this new era. However, she noted that the transformation is unfolding against a backdrop of geopolitical tension, especially with the recently imposed restrictions by the US on advanced AI chip exports, which have sent shockwaves through the global technology supply chain. "While Malaysia is not a direct target of these chip restrictions, we are a key node in a deeply interconnected global economy. But, against this global challenge lies Malaysia's defining moment and opportunities. "The transition to Data Centre 2.0 is both a test and a tremendous opportunity. By leveraging our strategic advantages, fostering innovation, and strengthening our partnerships, we will be able to navigate global uncertainties and firmly establish Malaysia as ASEAN's leading data centre hub," she said.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia sharpens its focus on becoming regional aerospace and shipbuilding hub
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is sharpening its focus on becoming a regional aerospace and shipbuilding hub, banking on high value investment, technical capability and geostrategic positioning to elevate its industrial profile over the next decade. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said the country is well positioned to serve as a competitive ASEAN aerospace base, driven by its strength in engineering, maintenance services and systems integration. 'At MIDA, our strategy hinges on high-quality investments, fostering local global partnerships and advancing key enablers such as industrial digitalisation and sustainability,' he said in an interview with Bernama. To date, Malaysia's aerospace sector has secured RM26 billion in approved investments, with more than 18,000 jobs generated, affirming the nation's growing significance in the regional aerospace value chain. In 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted RM1.5 billion spproved investments, of which 71.3 per cent was from foreign sources, with the remainder driven by domestic capital. These projects are expected to create more than 550 skilled jobs, primarily in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, particularly among Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Malaysia already hosts Boeing's only wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, Boeing Composites Malaysia (BCM), which produces composite parts for all Boeing commercial aircraft. President of Boeing Southeast Asia, Penny Burtt regards Malaysia as a valued partner across Boeing's commercial aviation, defence and services businesses. She said Boeing's efforts in Malaysia include advancing aviation safety, supporting sustainability initiatives, strengthening the supply chain, engaging the community and nurturing the aerospace workforce of the future. 'Boeing's 78-year presence in Malaysia is a testimony to our longstanding commitment to the country and the broader Southeast Asia region. BCM in Kedah, Boeing's first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, taps the country's growing capabilities and talented workforce. 'Today, with all-Malaysian employees, BCM supplies composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplanes,' she said. Strategic Shift to Maritime While aerospace remains the headline, Sikh Shamsul said Malaysia's ambitions extend offshore, while pointing to the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector as an emerging pillar, underpinned by targeted investment and sustainability mandates. 'Malaysia should always remain vigilant of rising competition from lower cost yards in neighbouring economies such as Vietnam and Indonesia,' he said, adding that cost competitiveness alone will not secure the country's long-term standing. Instead, he said, Malaysia should start focusing on reducing reliance on foreign automation tools, by approaching local robotic manufacturing in Malaysia that could build a whole new automated system integration to improve productivity in the SBSR manufacturing landscape. Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd group managing director Mac Ngan Boon said Malaysia's geography gives the company a natural edge - over 4,600 kilometres of coastline and the domestic needs for various vessel and strategies. 'Innovation is central to our operations. We have adopted advanced technologies such as computer numerical control (CNC) laser cutting, virtual ship prototyping, and real-time simulations. These tools improve design precision, reduce production costs and enhance overall efficiency. 'We are also taking proactive steps towards sustainability, including exploring green vessel designs powered by solar and electric energy. These initiatives reflect our long-term commitment to building vessels that meet both market and environmental demands,' he said. Looking ahead, he said the group's upcoming Kuantan Maritime Hub will be a game-changer — featuring a larger shipyard, defence and training facilities, as well as maritime partners and vendors. 'This is part of our long-term strategy to strengthen the maritime ecosystem and position Malaysia as a future leader in the sector. 'We also aspire for Malaysia to place strong emphasis on developing the entire maritime industry — from establishing dedicated maritime institutes to cultivating the necessary talent and building a robust vendor and supply chain network' he said. Flagship Maritime Developments Taking Shape Malaysia is developing flagship projects such as Lumut Maritime Industrial City, Kuala Linggi International Port and Kuantan Maritime Hub to transition its maritime sector from traditional shipbuilding to advanced technologically integrated manufacturing and logistics, aiming to boost competitiveness, create jobs and foster sustainable practices. To date, MIDA has approved RM1 billion in investments for the SBSR sector. In the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted an additional RM574.8 million, signalling sustained investor confidence. Industry growth has been driven largely by demand in the leisure and security vessel segments, with Malaysian yards now producing high specification yachts and defence-related boats. Exports have reached markets as diverse as Australia, Europe, Nigeria and Brazil. Charting a Dual-Engine Future With its twin ambitions in aerospace and maritime manufacturing, Malaysia is signalling a shift from cost-driven industrialisation to value-based engineering and strategic export leadership. As global supply chains recalibrate in response to geopolitical shocks and regional fragmentation, Malaysia must reframe its role as a high-trust systems integrator. This means anchoring local firms in design, integration, and value-added services — particularly for MRO, naval systems and advanced composite manufacturing. On the aerospace front, the country must accelerate its ambition to build sovereign capabilities in composite structures, avionics and sustainable aviation technologies. This requires stronger integration between SMEs and OEMs, not just as contract manufacturers but as co-development and IP-owning partners. Malaysia's strategy for these industries must adapt to global geopolitical changes, including; reconfiguring trade alliances, the emergence of dual-use technologies, and the trend of nearshoring, to define its desired strategic autonomy.
