Latest news with #Phoong
Daily Express
11 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Phoong explains delay in RM31 billion Esteel project
Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 04, 2025 Text Size: Phoong maintained that the company and its financial capacity were vetted by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, as required for the approval of its manufacturing licence. Kota Kinabalu: State Industrial Development Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe (pic) has sought to explain the delay in a RM31 billion steel investment project, saying this was caused by setbacks in securing the relevant approvals and natural gas supply. He said the initial projection to have Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd's factory begin operations in the fourth quarter of this year was based on the assumption that the approvals could be obtained without delay. However, he said, 'some obstructions' surfaced with Putrajaya's implementation of a two-year moratorium on approving manufacturing licences for steel-related industries. Phoong said this was acknowledged by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when he launched the project, which was first announced in November 2022, at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip). 'The special approval was only obtained on Jan 24, 2025, which affected the project's original timeframe,' he said in a statement. Phoong said technical assessments and negotiations with various stakeholders for the supply of natural gas to the factory had also pushed back the project's implementation. He was responding to Warisan's Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong, who had urged the State Government to come clean about the delay in the Esteel investment. Chong said the land lease agreement between Sogip and Esteel, signed in November 2022, stated that the first phase of the project would begin in the fourth quarter of 2023 and was expected to be completed within two years. The former DAP man also questioned the authenticity of the investment, claiming it was hard to find information on Esteel online, and also raised questions on the increased investment amount from RM20 billion to RM31 billion. Phoong maintained that the company and its financial capacity were vetted by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, as required for the approval of its manufacturing licence. 'The latest amount of RM31 billion is a result of the company's latest review and calculation, which includes the construction of the plant, jetty and other related facilities. 'Value adjustments are common among phased development projects,' he said. The first phase of Esteel's investment in Sabah, estimated to be worth some RM6.4 billion, was officiated by Anwar at the Sabah International Convention Centre on May 30. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pulau Gaya residents receive lifelong learning
Sim (third right) presenting a RM10,000 contribution to the SK Pulau Gaya PIBG, while Phoong (fourth right) and Ashim (right) look on. KOTA KINABALU (June 1): The Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) have extended their human capital development initiatives directly to the residents of Pulau Gaya through the 'Sentuhan Kesuma Bersama HRD Corp di Bawah Bayu' community-focused programme. Officiated by Kesuma Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, the event reflects the ministry's strong commitment to ensuring that lifelong learning and training opportunities are accessible even to remote communities. In conjunction with HRD Corp's flagship annual event, the National Training Week (NTW) 2025, themed 'Learning Without Borders', this initiative in Pulau Gaya is a reflection of the main objective of ensuring equal access to quality training opportunities for all, regardless of location or background. The programme brought together over 450 residents from four local villages: Kampung Gaya, Kampung Lok Urai, Kampung Torong Logong and Kampung Kesuapan, who took part in a series of training sessions specifically designed for women, youth and students. These included workshops on flower arrangement entrepreneurship, digital marketing and drop shipping, as well as motivational sessions to inspire academic excellence. In his speech, Sim stressed that officers from each agency under Kesuma should always go down to the countryside including Pulau Gaya to provide the services required, including skills training. 'We want all citizens to be given skills so that they can generate higher income. When the citizens are more skilled, the country will also be more advanced. 'Next week, HRD Corp will launch the National Training Week 2025, and we will make sure we go back to Gaya Island and provide new skills to at least 5,000 residents of this island. 'For 2025, our target is to provide training to 60,000 participants from all over Sabah, compared to 15,000 last year,' he said. Meanwhile, State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe in his speech also stressed the need to bring more skills training to Sabah in order to open up more job opportunities. 'Such skills training can not only provide higher job opportunities and income, but it can also attract large-scale investment to Sabah, thus changing the fate of the people as a whole,' he said. During the same programme, HRD Corp also collaborated with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for the strategic initiative 'Sabah Human Capital Initiatives & Nurturing Excellence (SHiNE)', an innovative platform that will function as the first lifelong learning hub of its kind in Malaysia, focusing on research, skills training and real-world talent development solutions tailored to meet the needs of the local and future workforce. According to HRD Corp board of directors deputy chairman Ahsim Jamat, he is confident that the SHiNE initiative will become a national reference model for talent and human capital development, thereby positively impacting the economic growth and well-being of the people in Sabah and Malaysia. More meaningfully, Sunday's programme also included the Industry and Community Training Collaboration Centre, where local tourism sector employers received benefits from HRD Corp's Training Facilities and Modification Scheme (ALAT) with the support of training equipment worth RM36,000 to enhance local skills training capabilities. Reflecting Kesuma's focus on holistic well-being, Sim also presented a Corporate Social Responsibility contribution in the form of 700 safety jackets for daily boat passengers, food baskets for 300 families around Pulau Gaya as well as a cash donation of RM20,000 to the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) of SMK Pulau Gaya and SK Pulau Gaya. The programme was also attended by Kuching Member of Parliament Dr Kelvin Yii; UMS registrar Luqman Ridha Anwar and Jesselton University College president Professor Dr Chin Yuk Fong.
Daily Express
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah dragon boat team to compete in two international events
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 Text Size: Phoong (seventh right) handing over the funds to Michael (fourth left). Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah dragon boat team will compete in two prestigious international events in Fujian, China after securing victory at the 10th FCAS International Dragon Boat Race, according to Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (KKCCCI) Datuk Michael Lui. The team is set to depart on May 27 to participate in the '2025 Fuzhou International Dragon Boat Invitation' and the 'Belt and Road Youth Dragon Boat International Invitation' scheduled for May 30-31. Three government officials have contributed a combined RM30,000 to support the team's journey, namely State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe (RM10,000), Federal Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin (RM15,000 through MP Fund), and Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tan Lee Fatt (RM5,000). Expressing gratitude for this financial backing, Lui encouraged additional sponsors to step forward. He said international competition participation would provide valuable exchange opportunities while showcasing Sabah on the global stage. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Phoong calls for calm ahead of polls
Published on: Monday, May 19, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 19, 2025 By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Phoong receiving a souvenir from Goh. Kota Kinabalu: Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has called for unity and calm ahead of the upcoming 17th Sabah state election. He said that divisions must not be allowed to disrupt the state's harmony and progress. Advertisement Speaking at a media night hosted by the Federation of Sabah Chinese Associations (FCAS) at Wisma Hakka, Phoong thanked its President, Tan Sri Goh Tian Chuan, for the opportunity to address over 160 Chinese associations gathered for the event. 'Tonight is meaningful for me. The encouragement I've received, particularly from Tan Sri, has strengthened my resolve and given me confidence,' said Phoong. He echoed Goh's message that Sabahans must remain calm in facing the upcoming state elections this year. 'Whether at home or in coffee shops, people are already discussing the direction Sabah is heading. 'But we must not allow politics to sow hatred or disrupt friendships,' he said. Advertisement He expressed hope that the Chinese community leaders will continue to work together for the greater good. Phoong also underscored the media's vital role as society's watchdog. 'We're in an age where news, both real and fake, spreads in seconds across platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. 'AI tools like ChatGPT can now generate false or harmful content instantly. 'This places even greater responsibility on the media to stay neutral and accurate,' he said. Earlier in his speech, Goh urged the Chinese community to foster moderation, unity, and cultural preservation. He said FCAS, the largest Chinese organisation in Malaysia, remains focused on education and avoids active political involvement. 'But we must open our eyes and minds, and ask ourselves: where is the Chinese community going?' he asked. Goh said the Chinese community must support brave and young leaders who are willing to serve, even if they lack experience. 'As a member of the national Chinese community and Sabah's industrial sector, I must say the Chinese industry in Sabah feels a little cold. We must turn this around,' he said. He said Sabah is the most moderate and harmonious state in Malaysia. However, he warned that modern technology can both inform and distort. 'Technology can change your face, your music, your truth. That's why reporting facts is more important than ever,' said Goh. He called for deeper collaboration between the media and the cultural and business circles. He said we must adapt and change according to current technology while staying true to our journalistic work. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah DAP focused on policies that matter to Sabahans
Published on: Tuesday, May 06, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 06, 2025 Text Size: Sabah DAP leaders at the retreat. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah DAP wrapped up its three-day Leadership Retreat on Sunday with renewed focus on policy development and electoral strategy ahead of the upcoming state election. The gathering at the Borneo Beach and Mangrove Resort brought together key party figures from both national and state levels, including National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo and State Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, along with grassroots representatives. 'Our retreat has strengthened party unity and established clear strategic alignment as we prepare for the 17th Sabah state election,' said Phoong. 'We are focusing on developing policies that truly matter to Sabahans,' he said. Acknowledging Sabah's unpredictable political landscape, Phoong said DAP must maintain its identity as a solutions-oriented party. 'We are not interested in political games. Our goal is to propose clear solutions to Sabah's challenges and deliver real progress,' he said. With DAP now holding positions in both federal and state governments, Phoong called on all party representatives to demonstrate capability and results. 'Our leaders must focus on serving people rather than engaging in daily political drama. Let our performance speak for itself,' he said. The party is promoting what Phoong calls the Three-Good Policy, improving livelihoods, boosting the economy and ensuring public wellbeing. While keeping options open for future political alliances, Phoong said policy alignment must come before political partnerships. 'Before we talk about alliances, let us talk about policies first,' he said. 'We must work twice as hard and stay focused to bring true unity, stability, progress, and hope to Sabah,' he said, urging party members to prepare for upcoming challenges with humility and confidence. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
