German firm's Senai manufacturing facility a boost to state's industrial landscape
(From second left) Gan, Suresh Kumar, SICK supervisory board member Sebastian Glaser (sixth from left) and Lee (fifth from right) at the groundbreaking ceremony of SICK Malaysia's new factory.
A GERMAN manufacturer has identified Johor's Senai Airport City for its operations, marking another milestone in the integrated development as a regional industrial hub.
SICK Malaysia managing director Suresh Kumar Somasundram said the group manufactured sensor-based industrial automation solutions and the new factory would strengthen its supply chain and operational efficiency.
'The facility is designed to enhance production capabilities, improve operational efficiency and support sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
'With its strategic location in Senai Airport City, Johor, which is close to our key markets, the new factory will play an important role in SICK's long-term success,' he said in a statement.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the manufacturing facility was attended by Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han.
In his speech, Lee said the project was more than just an expansion for SICK, but a transformation of Johor's industrial landscape.
'This ceremony reinforces Johor's standing as a preferred destination for high-value, innovation-driven industries.
'It also demonstrates the potential for international companies to grow alongside our local communities,' Lee said.
He said phase one of the project, scheduled for completion next year, would see investments totalling RM280mil.
'By the final phase five, likely before 2045, total investment is expected to reach RM1bil.
'The total investment by SICK is projected to generate up to 2,500 jobs,' he said.
Senai Airport City chief executive officer Gan Seng Keong said that the master-planned industrial development spanning over 1,099ha continued to attract global companies seeking strategic positioning in South-East Asia.
'The decision by a global leader like SICK to establish its advanced manufacturing hub here is a strong endorsement of our infrastructure readiness, world-class connectivity and strategic location.
'With 85% of our Free Zone land occupied, our expansion of the Free Zone from 161ha to 263ha further underscores its strategic importance,' he said, adding that this would enhance competitiveness and reinforce its contribution to Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysia Sun
an hour ago
- Malaysia Sun
News Analysis: China's openness to multilateralism empowers Global South, counters protectionism, experts say
KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Xinhua) -- China's continued commitment to free and open trade, as well as balanced multilateral cooperation, is not only empowering its own economic growth but also providing a strong foundation for developing economies across the Global South amid mounting global uncertainty, according to analysts. OPEN TRADE STANCE BOLSTERING GLOBAL SOUTH China's participation in the recent ASEAN-China-GCC Summit underscores its role as an economic anchor, helping to counterbalance the harmful effects of rising protectionism and unilateral policies by certain countries, said Lee Pei May, a political expert at the International Islamic University Malaysia, in a recent interview with Xinhua. "The summit allows ASEAN, GCC, and China to align more closely with the broader Global South's interest and agenda," Lee said. "Such platforms provide opportunities to amplify their voice and also discuss new ways to cooperate amidst global uncertainty," she further explained, adding that it was also a good opportunity for the Global South to try to reshape the world order to be more inclusive and diverse. "As some countries are becoming more protectionist and isolationist, the summit was a good initiative and effort to counter these emerging trends. The summit proves that economies can complement rather than compete with one another, easing the worries that countries can only develop if they turn inward," she said, adding that such a cooperative model could serve as a successful template for other groupings with China. EXPANDING PRACTICAL COOPERATION IN DEVELOPMENT Malaysian experts also stress the importance of practical and inclusive cooperation among developing nations. The summit offers a promising platform for South-South collaboration in key sectors, especially for countries seeking alternatives to Western-dominated systems. Andrew Kam Jia Yi, a senior research fellow with the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies at the National University of Malaysia, highlighted the increasingly fractious nature of global technological development and the need for more inclusive cooperation frameworks. He pointed out that sharing would benefit from closer cooperation between countries that are at risk of U.S. pressure over their engagement with China, enabling them to continue their development and adoption of new technology. "The summit opens new pathways for South-South collaboration, where nations can support one another through trade, joint infrastructure projects, and technology sharing," he said. "It is particularly complementary in critical areas such as renewable energy, digital innovation, and public health." "This cooperation will be able to pursue an independent path of free and open trade and multilateralism. They can pursue their own paths," Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, also told Xinhua. ADVANCING MULTIPOLAR VISION FOR A CHANGING WORLD Kam also observed a broader strategic shift as Global South countries increasingly push back against Western pressure, particularly in areas such as monetary policy. Instead, these countries are seeking cooperation with partners who are grounded in respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual benefit. "The summit supports practical steps to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar by promoting local currency trade and regional financial tools, helping these economies better withstand global financial shocks. Ultimately, the summit represents more than just policy agreements," he said. "(Multilateral engagement) fosters a multipolar dialogue that values diversity in development models and encourages the exchange of ideas and resources. This broadens the scope of multilateralism to include voices that have often been underrepresented in global decision-making processes, thereby making the international system more representative and equitable," he added. According to Azmi Hassan, U.S. policies have "backfired spectacularly," leading to increased engagement and cooperation among Global South partners. "Aggressive policies by the 'Global North' are only driving stronger cooperation and strengthening trade and economic links," he added.
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Hong Kong leader says sudden removal of China's top official in the city was normal
HONG KONG: Hong Kong's leader said on Tuesday (June 3) that China's recent removal of its top representative in the city, known for his hardline policies on national security, had been a "normal" personnel change. In a surprise development, China announced late on Friday that Zheng Yanxiong (pic), the director of China's Liaison Office in Hong Kong - Beijing's main representative office in the city with powerful oversight over local affairs - had been "removed" from his post. He was replaced by Zhou Ji, a senior official with the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office on the State Council. Zheng, who played a key role in the crackdown on Hong Kong's democratic movement in recent years, was also stripped of his role as China's national security adviser on a committee overseeing national security in Hong Kong. No explanation by Beijing or Chinese state media was given for the change. According to a person with knowledge of the matter, Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison's proposed sale of its global port network to a consortium initially led by US firm Blackrock had caught senior Chinese leaders "by surprise" as they had not been informed beforehand and Zheng was partly blamed for that. The person, who has spoken with the liaison office, declined to be identified as the discussions were confidential. The Liaison Office gave no immediate response to faxed questions from Reuters. Zheng had served in the post since January 2023 and while the position has no fixed term, his tenure was shorter than predecessors including Luo Huining and Zhang Xiaoming. "The change of the Liaison office director is I believe, as with all changes of officials, very normal," Lee told reporters during a weekly briefing, without being drawn on reasons for the reshuffle. "Director Zheng has spent around five years (in Hong Kong). Hong Kong was going through a transition period of chaos to order," Lee said, referring to the months-long pro-democracy protests that erupted across Hong Kong in 2019 while adding that he looked forward to working with Zhou. CK Hutchison's ports deal has been criticised in Chinese state media as "betraying" China's interests and bowing to US political pressure. The conglomerate, controlled by tycoon Li Ka-shing, agreed in March to sell the majority of its US$22.8 billion global ports business, including assets along the strategically significant Panama Canal, to the consortium. The consortium is now being led by another member - Terminal Investment Limited, which is majority-owned by Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte's family-run MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. The deal is still being negotiated. Asked whether Zheng's removal reflected a pivot by Beijing towards economic development from national security, Lee said Hong Kong still needed to pursue both. "Hong Kong faces a stage where development and safety must be addressed at the same time because any development must have a safe environment." China promulgated a powerful national security law in 2020, arresting scores of opposition democrats and activists, shuttering liberal media outlets and civil society groups and punishing free speech with sedition - moves that have drawn international criticism. - Reuters
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
Premier League 2025/26: Top 5 Transfer Targets to Watch
PREMIER League clubs are already busy strengthening their squads for the 2025/26 season with an early transfer frenzy sparked by the upcoming Club World Cup. AFP Sports looks at five names to watch as the transfer window kicks into gear. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) Liverpool have shown no sign of resting on their laurels as English champions. After a quiet first year for Arne Slot in the transfer market, the Reds have moved quickly to back the Dutchman heavily this summer. The darling of German football, Wirtz looks set to smash the Premier League transfer record should he get his wish of a dream move to Anfield. Liverpool have reportedly had a bid worth up to £109 million ($147 million) rebuffed as Leverkusen hold out for a £125 million fee. That would break the record set by Chelsea's £115 million capture of Moises Caicedo from under Liverpool's noses two years ago. Wirtz was instrumental in Leverkusen's stunning German league and cup double in the 2023/24 season, plus a run to the Europa League final under Xabi Alonso. The two clubs have already agreed one deal as Jeremie Frimpong has joined Liverpool as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) Fresh from the club's worst season since they were relegated 51 years ago, losing their inspirational captain would appear to be the worst possible news for United. However, selling Fernandes to Saudi side Al Hilal could provide much-needed funds for Ruben Amorim to rebuild a squad in his image at Old Trafford. The Red Devils could land £100 million for the 30-year-old, who would become one of the world's highest paid players should be move to the Gulf. 'If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it is what it is and football sometimes is like this,' said Fernandes after United lost the Europa League final to Tottenham last month. Fernandes would leave enormous shoes to fill for a side already lacking in creativity and a goal threat. Despite a miserable campaign collectively, only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah provided more goal contributions last season among Premier League players in all competitions than Fernandes' 19 goals and 19 assists. Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) Mbeumo is one of United's key targets to end their woes in front of goal. The French-born Cameroon international enjoyed a stellar season with Brentford, scoring 20 times. Mbeumo revelled in becoming the Bees' star man since the departure of Ivan Toney and his partnership with Yoane Wissa carried Thomas Frank's men to an impressive top half finish. Despite interest from Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham, Mbeumo's preferred destination is reportedly Old Trafford if United can reach an agreement with Brentford. United have already added Matheus Cunha to bolster a misfiring forward line. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon) A remarkable 54-goal season for Sporting has made the Swede a target for a series of clubs seeking more firepower. Arsenal have been strongly linked with bringing Gyokeres back to England as Mikel Arteta seeks a clinical finisher to end the Gunners' five-year trophy drought. The 26-year-old has a 100 million euro (£84 million) buyout clause in his Sporting contract, but it is expected the Portuguese champions would settle for around 70 million euros. Despite six goals in eight Champions League games, there are doubts over Gyokeres' ability to transfer his prolific form in Portugal to the Premier League. He joined Sporting just two years ago from English second tier side Coventry after failing to make the grade at Brighton. Arsenal also have a long-standing interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, while Newcastle's Alexander Isak appears an unattainable target after the Magpies qualified for the Champions League. Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) Eze will forever be a Palace legend after scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City to deliver the Eagles' first ever major trophy. The England international's eye for goal and a defence-splitting pass has seen him targeted by a plethora of the Premier League's best. City eye the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, while Arsenal and Tottenham are also interested and could easily trigger his £68 million release clause.
