Far East investments in Malaysia

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Menicon to setup RM650mil manufacturing plant in Malaysia to produce disposable contact lenses
By Azanis Shahila Aman - March 1, 2022 @ 12:39pm

KUALA LUMPUR: Menicon Co Ltd aims to invest RM650 million to setup it's first Malaysian manufacturing plant to produce daily disposable contact lenses.

This strategic investment has been made through its subsidiary, Menicon Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Menicon Malaysia).

The investment will witness the setup of the building and equipment for a new production facility spanning over a site area of 200,000 square metres at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah.

According to Menicon, the plant's 45,000 square metres floor area will also be built, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Menicon will install Environmental-friendly features like solar panels to utilise renewable energy and eaves to prevent the rise in room temperature, it said.

Menicon chief executive officer Hidenari Tanaka said the company's Malaysian plant is the largest facility in the Menicon group globally.

Tanaka said this facility, combined with Menicon's existing plant in Singapore, is expected to drive its business growth in the international market.

"To meet the high level of quality control requirements in our industry, this new plant in Kedah will be designed and built as a Smart Factory.

"We have evaluated various aspects of each country such as global competitiveness, risk of natural disasters, languages, and finally selected Malaysia as the best location to realise a stable operation for the long-term.

"Our strong and long-standing ties with the government of Malaysia will help us set up smoothly in this new location and help us meet the global demand for daily disposable contact lenses and contribute to the Malaysian economy," he said.

Meanwhile, Tanaka said due to the increasing myopia population globally, the contact lens market, especially daily disposable contact lenses, has been growing in recent years.

He said to meet the growing demand, the whole supply process of contact lenses, including production, transportation and shipment, will be connected by an integrated system.

"This will enable a high level of productivity and quality control supported by the industry's high-performing machines," he said.

Senior minister and minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said Menicon's decision to establish a highly automated factory is a testament to Malaysia's ability to meet the rigorous demands of highly regulated industries.

Azmin said this investment meets the country's National Investment Aspirations (NIA), creating greater economic complexity and high-value career opportunities for Malaysians.

"Furthermore, Menicon's commitment to sustainable practices in the design and construction of their plant augurs well with Malaysia's ESG goals for greener investment undertakings," he said.

Menicon's investment project was discussed during the Trade and Investment Mission (TIM) to Tokyo in April 2021, led by Azmin.

The project's approval and subsequent start of the facility's construction in August 2022 demonstrate the government's continued effort to welcome and facilitate high-quality foreign direct investment (FDIs) for Malaysia.

Notably, the plant will employ close to 100 personnel once the scheduled production begins in 2025.

This will further position Malaysia at the forefront as a global hub for quality investments while creating high-value jobs.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022...uce-disposable




https://www.menicon.com/corporate/news/view/110

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Locally-assembled Kia Carnival to make Malaysian debut soon
By Nicholas King - July 26, 2022 @ 3:22pm

KUALA LUMPUR: The locally-assembled (CKD) Kia Carnival is set to be launched in Malaysia soon.

It is the first Kia model assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah under the new partnership between Kia Corporation and Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) via Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Kia Malaysia believes that the joint venture will boost the price competitiveness and supply of the Kia Carnival due to the significant demand for vehicles in Malaysia and export markets.

The company will continue to pursue its plan to be the hub that serves the targeted export markets with various CKD models introductions.

Export plans are said to be firmly on track and will soon make the maiden shipment.

"The rollout of the Kia Carnival in CKD form was an important milestone in the marque's renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and Asean markets.

"It marks a new beginning for the Kia brand and showcases all the hallmarks of our products, superior design, smart technology and an impressive driving experience," said Kia Asia Pacific president and chief executive officer Ted Lee.

Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd.managing director Datuk Wong Kin Foo said the consumer's response to the fully imported Kia Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January had been very encouraging.

"We are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD variant.

"We believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle," he added.

The locally-assembled Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine with a maximum power of 199 HP and 440 Nm of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Made available in seven-seater and eight-seater configurations, it comes with a range of premium features which include: front and rear heated and ventilated seats, Premium Relaxion seats in the second row that can be fully reclined, 12-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, one-touch smart power sliding doors, and smart power tailgate.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) comes as standard feature. Other safety features include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), High Beam Assist (HBA) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA).

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022...ian-debut-soon

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Maersk to sell Russian terminal investment and grow in Malaysia — report
Surin Murugiah September 05, 2022 12:46 pm +08

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 5): A.P. Moller-Maersk has entered into an agreement to divest its investment in Russia’s largest container terminal operator, five months after announcing its planned withdrawal from the business after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a report recently, industry magazine The Maritime Executive said Maersk had previously ended container operations in and out of Russia while reporting that it was seeking to divest its minority interest in Global Ports Investments, which runs seven container terminals, cargo, bulk, and roll-on/roll-off operations primarily in the Baltic.

The report added that Maersk had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to drive investments into the country to establish it as one of the logistics hubs of Southeast Asia.

It cited MIDA deputy CEO Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja as saying that logistics is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy.

“By connecting suppliers to manufacturers, and consumers to businesses, we support the growth of various industries.

“By leveraging Maersk’s capabilities in integrated logistics, we can transform Malaysia into a regional logistics hub in Asean, further boosting infrastructure development and free trade,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maersk said it will work with MIDA to attract high-tech and high-impact investments in sectors including automotive, electrical and electronics, machinery and equipment, medical devices, aerospace, renewable energy, and consumer technology in Malaysia.

By enhancing its logistics strength in Malaysia, where it has operated since 1975, Maersk said it will contribute to the growth and development of the Malaysian supply chain sector.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/artic...2%80%94-report

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Canon aims for greater heights as it celebrates its 35th year in Malaysia
September 12, 2022 07:00 am +08

Canon Inc., global market leader in the digital imaging sector, is celebrating more than three decades in Malaysia, after making its debut in 1987. The company’s history stretches back to 1937, when it first started its camera business in Japan.

Today, Canon is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange and had a market capitalisation of ¥4.53 trillion and US$32.97 billion on both exchanges, respectively, as of August 29, according to Bloomberg. According to its official website, it conducts business in more than 220 countries and regions, manufacturing and selling products and servicing its clients worldwide.

Kazutada Kobayashi, president and COO of Canon Marketing Asia, says the company is proud of its history and achievements, and is currently on track to achieve a target of at least ¥4.5 trillion (RM150 billion) in sales in 2025.

Canon’s global net sales in 2021 hit ¥3.51 trillion, up 11.2% from a year earlier. “We are very confident that we can achieve our target by 2025,” he says.

To do that, Kobayashi says it is important for the company to look not just ahead, but back at its history to understand how it has flourished in over eight decades.

For one, the company will continue leveraging its core digital imaging technology — a technology that dictates how light passes through lenses and present itself as images — to expand its businesses. “This technology [has] supported our older products for such a long time and will remain a main competitive edge that supports our future business,” says Kobayashi.

Diversifying its products is another crucial element Canon has learnt to do from the past. After cameras, the company ventured into other products during its earlier days and, in recent times, has included copiers, printers, calculators and computed tomography (CT) systems.

“We have diversified our products to such a variety in different domains. And we are extending our operations through these sound and quality businesses that will contribute to our sales and profit,” says Kobayashi.

In line with product diversification, he says, Canon also continues to embark on its internationalisation journey to increase its global market share, which is another lesson the company learnt from the past.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/conte...-year-malaysia

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MITI confident Malaysia-China bilateral trade will cross US$190 bil in 2022
Bernama September 13, 2022 17:26 pm +08

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 13): The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is confident that bilateral trade between Malaysia and China could surpass US$190 billion (US$1=RM4.50) this year based on current trends, and would move towards US$200 billion.

MITI deputy minister Datuk Lim Ban Hong said the industry players and relevant authorities will have to work hard on the target and keep the momentum going.

He said trade with China in the first seven months of this year had expanded by 16.9%, compared to the same period of 2021.

Exports grew by 13.2%, boosted by higher exports of electrical and electronic products (E&E), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and scrap metal.

“Meanwhile, imports from China climbed by 19.8%,” he said in his keynote remarks at the 4th Malaysia-China B2B Business Matching Session in conjunction with the 19th China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) 2022 on Tuesday (Sept 13).

He said the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) would create a more transparent, specific, rules-based framework for trade and investment among the signatories, while strengthening the integration of companies in the global value and regional supply chain, notably between Malaysia and China as well.

Lim noted that the RCEP provides a strategic platform for businesses to collaborate and forge closer economic integration and will thus be built by leveraging on lower tariffs, stronger logistics connectivity, as well as intensifying the trade of goods and services through a more robust trade ecosystem in the region.

“I hope Chinese business leaders will continue to leverage on Malaysia’s conducive business and investment climate and a strong regional business network to forge a win-win partnership with Malaysian companies,” he said.

These collaborations could easily be facilitated with the smart partnerships exemplified by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and China Construction Bank (CCB), he noted.

Meanwhile, MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz has encouraged Malaysian companies to be proactive and leverage on CAEXPO and CCB’s Matchplus programme for business expansion.

“We have more than 30 Malaysian companies looking for Chinese investments or business collaboration opportunities, and over 300 business meeting sessions had been pre-arranged by CCB for Malaysian participants from Sept 13 to 15,” he said.

The 19th CAEXPO is scheduled to be held on Sept 16 to 19 in Nanning, China.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/artic...us190-bil-2022

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MITI: Malaysia secures RM9.3 bil investments from Japan
Bernama September 06, 2022 21:50 pm +08

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 6): Malaysia has secured investments worth RM9.3 billion via the latest Trade and Investment Mission (TIM) to Japan led by Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

In a statement, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said the investments involve the strategic and high potential sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), research and development (R&D), biomass, information technology and communication, chemical industry and food.

Among them are new investment projects by Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd and Euglena Co Ltd, as well as investment expansion and diversification projects by Tosoh Corporation, NTT Corporation and KOA Corporation.

“These investments are expected to generate employment opportunities, skills training opportunities for local workers, as well as contribute to the development of local vendors.

“Additionally, RM300 million worth of potential trade was garnered from this TIM specifically for palm oil and palm oil related products, halal and food and beverages products from Sumitomo Corporation and ADEKA Corporation,” it said.

Japan is one of Malaysia’s top sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) in terms of implemented manufacturing projects, with a total investment value of US$688 million (RM3.03 billion) recorded from January to June this year.

According to MITI, Mohamed Azmin had a highly engaging bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Nishimura Yasutoshi, the newly appointed Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Japan, where they discussed a wide spectrum of areas.

“In this vein, both ministers exchanged views on the spins-offs and strategic multiplier effects to be derived from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

“Regarding the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Aircraft Industry Cooperation inked between Malaysia and Japan, both sides have outlined cooperation for information exchange for the aerospace supply chain, business networking, as well as forming a dedicated Technical Working Group,” it added.

Mohamed Azmin also outlined Malaysia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and expressed commitment to work together with Japanese companies and industries to ensure a stable energy supply and renewable energy by working closely with major Japanese companies for R&D and hydrogen energy.

“In line with the National Investment Aspiration (NIA), this mission marked a greater emphasis accorded to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda, while intensifying Malaysia’s focus towards the digital economy, E&E, pharmaceutical, chemical and aerospace sectors.

“In this regard, the Senior Minister met with representatives of prominent Japanese companies, which have expressed interest to invest or expand their businesses in Malaysia in these priority sectors, as well as with potential importers,” said MITI.

Malaysia and Japan will participate in greater engagement for cooperation for the presentation showcase at the Engine Forum Kobe 2022 on Oct 25 and 26.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/artic...estments-japan

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Paris Baguette to invest RM130 mil in halal manufacturing food hub in Johor
Bernama October 21, 2022 01:27 am +08

ISKANDAR PUTERI (Oct 20): Paris Baguette, a global bakery chain owned by the SPC Group of South Korea, will invest RM130 million to develop its first global halal manufacturing food hub here.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the food hub, which would be named SPC Centre, is able to produce up to 11 tonnes of frozen dough a day with seven production lines.

He said the SPC Centre would also create more than 100 jobs, ranging from manufacturing frontliner to managerial positions, which will definitely benefit the people of Johor.

“Johor has the right ecosystem to attract quality investments and I look forward to seeing tremendous success for SPC’s steady and aggressive progress. I believe the success will give ripple positive socio-economic impacts in Johor.

“The state government will continue to extend a dedicated level of assistance in supporting the growth of SPC in this region,” he said during a groundbreaking ceremony at Nusajaya Tech Park.

Also present were SPC Group president Hur Jin Soo, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman; and Johor Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Lee Ting Han.

Meanwhile, Hur said the SPC group started in 1938 as a small bakery in South Korea.

In 1988, the group developed Paris Baguette, which currently has a total of 4,000 stores worldwide.

He said with the newest addition to the group, which is their first halal food hub, it would certainly enlarge the brand’s outreach and strengthen its branding position in the Muslim market.

“We have carefully selected to build our SPC centre in the Nusajaya Tech Park in Johor. This will be our first manufacturing plant in Southeast Asia, serving one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.

“It will strengthen Paris Baguette’s growth and further entrench our presence in Southeast Asia.

Well known for its cakes and pastries, Paris Baguette began with its first store in South Korea and has expanded its footprint to the United States, China, Vietnam and Singapore.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/artic...food-hub-johor

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Vinda invests RM600mil on new Southeast Asian hub in Selangor
By Asila Jalil - December 16, 2022 @ 4:25pm



The regional hub will serve over 25 markets and employed concepts of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0). ​​

KUALA LUMPUR: ​​Vinda Southeast Asia (Vinda SEA), a unit of Hong Kong-listed Vinda International Holdings Ltd, has opened its new regional hub in Bandar Bukit Raja, Selangor.

Vinda SEA president Su Ting Nee said the investment of over RM600 million to set up the hub represented the company's commitment to Malaysia.

"With the new Vinda SEA Regional Hub, we anticipate our regional production capacity will increase by 20 per cent. We will also be developing an additional 20-acre (8.09 hectare) site in the future," Su said today.

Local talent development would be prioritised, said Su, adding that the new facility currently housed over 1,400 staff with 99 per cent of them belonging to the local community.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022...n-hub-selangor