Latest news with #all-Malaysian
The Star
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
A rare retreat
Stellar feat: Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (in blue) denied Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik the Malaysian Masters title. PETALING JAYA: National men's doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun had a unique way of celebrating their recent title wins by treating the entire men's doubles squad to a short retreat in Genting Highlands. The initiative was a show of appreciation from the two top pairs, who acknowledged the contributions of their teammates in the men's doubles camp as an important part of their success. It was confirmed by national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky, who said the retreat was aimed at strengthening team spirit, providing a chance for the players to relax, and to motivate each other ahead of upcoming tournaments. Last month proved to be a memorable one for the national badminton camp. Aaron-Wooi Yik, fresh from being crowned Asian champions, carried their momentum into the Thailand Open, where they captured the title. A week later in Kuala Lumpur, the pair reached the final of the Malaysian Masters, only to be denied by Wei Chong-Kai Wun in an all-Malaysian showdown, with the world No. 7 pair emerging victorious. Aaron-Wooi Yik continued their impressive form by lifting the Singapore Open crown the following week in the Lion City. Earlier in January, Wei Chong-Kai Wun had already made their mark with a title win at the Indonesian Masters at Istora Senayan. 'Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun actually expressed their appreciation to the back-up men's doubles players for their support in helping them win their recent titles,' said Rexy. 'Instead of treating them to lunch or dinner, the men's doubles group decided to go for a relaxing retreat together for some team-building and to motivate one another.' However, Rexy did not join the retreat this time as he was unwell. The session was instead overseen and managed by head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi. The players are expected to return to a packed schedule starting next month, with the focus on the Japan Open from July 15–20, followed by the China Open from July 22–27.
The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
Successful doubles players treat teammates to a retreat in Genting
Standing tall: Men's doubles champions Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (in dark blue attire) and runners-up Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik posing with their coaches Herry and Miftakh after the final at the Malaysian Masters this year. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: National men's doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun had a unique way of celebrating their recent title wins by treating the entire men's doubles squad to a short retreat in Genting Highlands. The initiative was a show of appreciation from the two top pairs, who acknowledged the contributions of their teammates in the men's doubles camp as an important part of their success. It was confirmed by national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky, who said the retreat was aimed at strengthening team spirit, providing a chance for the players to relax, and motivating each other ahead of upcoming tournaments. Last month proved to be a memorable one for the national badminton camp. Aaron-Wooi Yik, fresh from being crowned Asian champions, carried their momentum into the Thailand Open, where they captured the title. A week later in Kuala Lumpur, the pair reached the final of the Malaysian Masters, only to be denied by Wei Chong-Kai Wun in an all-Malaysian showdown, with the world No. 7 pair emerging victorious. Aaron-Wooi Yik continued their impressive form by lifting the Singapore Open crown the following week in the Lion City. Earlier in January, Wei Chong-Kai Wun had already made their mark with a title win at the Indonesian Masters at Istora Senayan. "Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun actually expressed their appreciation to the back-up men's doubles players for their support in helping them win their recent titles. "Instead of treating them to lunch or dinner, the men's doubles group decided to go for a relaxing retreat together for some team-building and to motivate one another," said Rexy when contacted. However, Rexy did not join the retreat this time as he was unwell. The session was instead overseen and managed by head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi. The players are expected to return to a packed schedule starting next month, with the focus on the Japan Open from July 15–20, followed by the China Open from July 22–27.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Malaysian squash pairs could bag two titles at Asian Doubles C'ship
Third seed mixed doubles pair C. Ameeshenraj-Rachel Arnold stormed into the final after shocking second seed S. Velavan-Joshana Chinappa of India with an 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 win at the Sarawak Squash Centre in Petra Jaya yesterday. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have a good chance to bag double wins at the Asian Doubles Championships in Kuching tomorrow (June 26). Third seed mixed doubles pair C. Ameeshenraj-Rachel Arnold stormed into the final after shocking second seed S. Velavan-Joshana Chinappa of India with an 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 win at the Sarawak Squash Centre in Petra Jaya today (June 25). Rachel believes her partnership with Ameeshenraj can bag them the title. "I believe it's possible (to win). It's our first time being paired up so I don't think there's much pressure on us," she said. It could have been an all-Malaysian final but compatriots Syafiq Kamal-Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi fell to India's Abhay Singh-Anahat Singh, who won 11-8, 10-11, 11-5 in the other semi-final match. In the women's doubles category, top seed pair Ainaa-Yee Xin Ying took down Hong Kong's Ho Tze Lok-Fung Ching Hei 11-2, 11-5 in just 22 minutes to book their spot in the final. The Malaysians will be meeting another Indian pair Anahat-Joshana, who defeated Hong Kong's Kirstie Wong-Toby Tse 11-7, 11-6. National head coach Ajaz Azmat said: 'Our pairs put in a good performance to enter the finals. "It won't be easy but we have a good chance against the players from India," he said. It could have been a Malaysian pair in the men's doubles category, but Syafiq-Duncan Lee endured another long-winded game only to fall short against Pakistan's Noor Zaman-Nasir Iqbal. The home duo fought for an hour and nine minutes before falling to the Pakistani pair 11-10, 9-11, 9-11. Syafiq-Duncan had previously played for an hour and six minutes against compatriots Ameeshenraj-Sanjay Jeeva in the quarter-finals.
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.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia sharpens its focus on becoming regional aerospace
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.
