Latest news with #Enstek
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Negeri Sembilan attracts biotechnology investors from China
PETALING JAYA: Negeri Sembilan remains a preferred destination for foreign investors in the biotechnology sector, with several companies from China expressing interest in investing in the state. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said that several Chinese biotechnology entrepreneurs and investors showed interest in investing in the state during a recent visit by the state government to China. He highlighted that several biotechnology investors and entrepreneurs have expressed a desire to relocate their operations to Negeri Sembilan and have requested that the state government allocate a dedicated area for this purpose. 'Discussions are ongoing between the state government and the interested companies and investors. We have identified a suitable site in Bandar Ensterk for developing this biotechnology segment. 'In collaboration with the Pilgrims Fund Board or Lembaga Tabung Haji, Negeri Sembilan will provide an area of approximately 161.88 hectares (ha) to host the project,' he told reporters after delivering his speech at the MIDF Lunch Talk, Negeri Sembilan: The Next Smart Frontier. Aminuddin added that once an agreement is reached with the investors, construction work will commence as soon as possible and is expected to take place this year. Meanwhile, he said that the state government's plan to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) powered smart container port as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) at Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson, will proceed once the land acquisition process is completed. In his speech, Aminuddin also mentioned that Negeri Sembilan is home to more than 500 foreign and local manufacturing companies, mostly concentrated in the Seremban district, specifically in Nilai, Senawang, Sendayan, and Enstek. He noted that among the multinational companies established in the state are Samsung SDI Energy Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Coca‑Cola Bottlers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Bhd, and others. 'Besides contributing to the state's gross domestic product, the presence of these companies creates more quality job opportunities, strengthens the value chain, and generally boosts the state's economy. 'Furthermore, the presence of these multinational companies enhances the state's image, increasing the confidence of prospective investors from both within and outside the country,' he said. In this regard, the menteri besar stated that in 2024, Negeri Sembilan recorded approved investments amounting to RM7.25 billion, which is expected to create more than 4,600 job opportunities in the state. Aminuddin added that over the past five years (2019–2024), the top five countries contributing to foreign investment in Negeri Sembilan were South Korea with RM7.49 billion, followed by Sweden with RM5.06 billion, the Netherlands with RM2.38 billion, Singapore with RM2.38 billion, and Japan with RM1.66 billion.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Dutch Lady cautiously bullish about prospects after strongest results in recent years in 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd (DLMI) is cautiously optimistic about its growth prospects for 2025, despite ongoing challenges from rising input costs and evolving regulatory requirements. The company's core strategy focuses on leveraging its new manufacturing capabilities, driving innovation in nutritional and Halal dairy products and pursuing its sustainability agenda under its seven focus areas. The seven focus area are "Better Nutrition, Better Packaging, Better Climate, Better Sourcing, Better People, Better Society and Better Governance". "These efforts will continue to support DLMI's purpose of 'Nourishing Our Planet and People in Every Stage of Life' as it builds on its legacy of dairy excellence in Malaysia," it noted. DLMI registered its strongest financial performance in recent years, with a 33.5 per cent jump in net profit to RM96.6 million for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024 (FY24), despite challenging market conditions. The company's revenue reached RM1.45 billion, a modest 0.2 per centincrease from the previous year. Operating profit surged by 31.4 per cent to RM131.4 million compared to RM100.0 million in 2023, while gross profit margin improved significantly to 33.8 per cent in 2024 from 29.7 per cent in 2023. The company declared total dividends of RM32.0 million for FY24, representing 33.1 per cent of net profit. The year 2024 was a significant one for DLMI with the inauguration of its RM600 million investment DLMI@Enstek in May. The 13-hectare facility features advanced automation systems that enable improved operational efficiencies and enhanced sustainability performance. DLMI also marked the end of a milestone chapter in its history in 2024 with the closure of its iconic factory in Petaling Jaya. At DLMI's 62nd annual general meeting (AGM), newly-appointed managing director Veronika Winanti Wahyu Utami outlined the strategic advantages gained from DLMI@Enstek. "The completion of DLMI@Enstek marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey. "This IR4.0-enabled facility isn't merely an expansion; it's a strategic platform that allows us to revolutionise our product development and manufacturing capabilities. "We are now better positioned to introduce innovative, Halal dairy products while simultaneously penetrating new markets across the region," she said. Utami, who took the helm in April 2025, brings extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, with a proven track record in driving growth and market share gains. "My immediate focus is to maximise this investment by accelerating our innovation pipeline while driving market expansion to develop nutrition-focused products tailored to Malaysian consumers' evolving needs and preferences," she noted.
