Latest news with #ShamsulIbrahimSikhAbdulMajid
The Star
25-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Hexza Corp's unit launches corn-based ethanol plant in Perak
KUALA LUMPUR: Chemical Industries (Malaya) Sdn Bhd (CIM), a subsidiary of Hexza Corporation Bhd , inaugurated its state-of-the-art corn-based ethanol production facility in Persiaran Tasek in Ipoh, Perak, today, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth and innovation journey. In a statement today, Hexza said the new plant exemplified CIM's unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and the advancement of its operations through modern, circular production methods. In a strategic shift from molasses to corn as its primary feedstock, it said CIM now produces ethanol through natural fermentation and distillation using high-quality corn. A key byproduct of this process - Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) - is repurposed into high-value livestock feed, reinforcing CIM's adoption of circular economy principles. "This makes CIM the first manufacturer and supplier of locally produced DDGS in Malaysia, supporting both food security and sustainable agriculture,' said Hexza. Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer (CEO) Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the new facility exemplifies how circular economy principles can be turned into real economic value, optimising agricultural resources while creating new, high-impact downstream industries such as DDGS for livestock feed. "It strengthens Malaysia's bio-based value chain, reduces import dependencies, and opens new frontiers for sustainable industrial growth,' he said. Meanwhile, InvestPerak CEO Mohamad Hashim Abdul Ghani said CIM has had a long-standing presence in Perak and the latest expansion into corn-based ethanol production not only reflects the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability but also reinforces the state's position as a preferred destination for high-value and future-ready investments. "The plant signified how strategic investments in bio-based industries could contribute meaningfully to the state's industrial growth, job creation and advancement of a circular economy,' he said. At the same time, Hexza executive director Foong Leon Chiew said the corn-based ethanol plant is an important milestone and strategic investment for CIM, as it reinforces its position as the leading producer and supplier of ethanol and DDGS in Malaysia, and a strong commitment to sustainable production. CIM's new facility is designed with high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in mind, focusing on minimising waste, responsible sourcing, and reinvesting in the local community to ensure long-term sustainable development. CIM has a rich legacy as Malaysia's first ethanol producer, having commenced operations in 1962, and offers a wide range of ethanol products, from 96 per cent to absolute ethanol, meeting the needs of diverse ethanol end-users. Its product portfolio also includes natural vinegar (through wholly owned subsidiary Bio-Acetic Products Sdn Bhd) and now DDGS, further diversifying its market reach. In 1994, it became one of the first in the sector to achieve prestigious MS:ISO9002 certification, in accordance with the British Pharmacopoeia standards. - Bernama
Malaysia Sun
26-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
MIDA, DHL extend strategic partnership to boost Malaysia's position as logistics hub
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and global logistics firm DHL have extended their strategic partnership to support Malaysia's position as a leading hub for foreign investment. The duo said in a statement on Thursday that they have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the partnership. Under this agreement, all four DHL divisions operating in Malaysia -- DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL eCommerce -- will work closely with MIDA to strengthen the logistics and supply chain ecosystem. The announcement builds on a successful collaboration since 2023, where joint efforts with MIDA's global and local offices have yielded significant investment outcomes. These encompassed key priority sectors, including electrical and electronics, pharmaceutical, digital economy, aerospace, and chemicals, diversified across eight states: Kedah, Penang, Perak, Johor, Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak, and Selangor. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, chief executive officer of MIDA, said the renewed partnership with DHL represents a strategic alliance that will accelerate Malaysia's journey towards becoming the region's premier smart logistics hub.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mida urges local companies to become vendors, suppliers to hyperscalers and data centre operators
KUALA LUMPUR: More Malaysian firms should become vendors and suppliers to hyperscalers and data centre operators (such as AWS, Google and Microsoft), said the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida). CEO Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said this is part of the agency's broader 'Built by Malaysia' approach that champions local content, technology transfer and inclusive growth. 'The government is supporting this with competitive policies. The Digital Ecosystem Acceleration Scheme or DSEC offers tax allowances of up to 100% of capital expenditure,' he said in his speech at the 'Data Centre 2.0: The Ecosystem and What's Next for Malaysia' talk today. Furthermore, he said, Malaysia Digital or MD status allows digital firms to scale across the country. 'Under Budget 2025, the new Investment Incentive Framework is being introduced, a tiered outcome-based structure that prioritises high-impact projects aligned with our national investment aspirations. We would like to see more Malaysian companies to be the potential vendors or suppliers to these hyperscalers or data center operators.' Sikh Shamsul pointed out that Malaysia attracted RM310.7 billion in digital investments from 2021 to March 2025 with major global technology players having made commitments to Malaysia, including Google with US$2 billion (RM8.4 billion) for its first cloud data centre, Microsoft US$2.2 billion for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure, AWS US$6.2 billion through to2038, Nvidia and YTL US$4.3 billion for Malaysia's first AI-focused cloud data centre and Oracle over US$6.5 billion for its first Malaysian public cloud region. 'Global leaders are betting big on Malaysia. We are not just racing for more megawatts, lower latency or faster deployment. We are building a digital spine for the nation,' he said. Sikh Shamsul reiterated that Malaysia has surpassed its national digital investment target of RM130 billion well ahead of schedule. 'More than 92,000 new jobs have been catalysed, many in frontier domains like cloud engineering, AI operations and cybersecurity. From Cyberjaya to Johor, we are witnessing one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic digital corridors,' he said. The Digital Investment Office, a joint initiative by Mida and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, has facilitated these digital investments. However, Sikh Shamsul said data centres are seen by some as power-hungry assets that yield limited local benefits. 'This perspective may not fully capture the broader and deeper value that data centres bring to Malaysia's economy. Beyond direct employment, data centres support entire value chains. From civil engineering and M&E services to cloud application development and digital transformation for SMEs.' He said recent global shifts such as the US Department of Commerce recalibration on AI diffusion rules signal a deeper understanding that digital leadership cannot be siloed or reactive. 'It must be strategic, collaborative and bold. For Malaysia, this is a call to action. We must continue to lead with agility, vision and policy foresight.' In her opening address, Hong Leong Investment Bank group managing director and CEO Lee Jim Leng said global developments, including US-imposed restrictions on AI chip exports will accelerate digital infrastructure investment in Southeast Asia. She said Data Centre 2.0 is a phase where the focus shifts from basic co-location services to advanced, high-performance computing infrastructure that supports AI workloads, green innovation, and data sovereignty. 'With RM6.7 billion in approved investments and another RM3.9 billion currently in advanced hyperscale discussions, Malaysia is no longer a peripheral player in the region, and should now be positioning itself as a key digital infrastructure hub.' Commenting on future developments, Lee said Malaysia must strengthen its position as a neutral, stable and indispensable hub for data and AI development. 'This includes implementing smart policies that support local AI innovation, protect data sovereignty, and promote the development of energy-efficient, sustainable data centres.' Additionally, she said, deeper collaboration between government, industry players and academia will be key in ensuring Malaysia develops long-term competitiveness in high-performance digital infrastructure. 'The transition to Data Centre 2.0 is both a challenge and an opportunity. With the right strategies, Malaysia can turn global uncertainty into national advantage and solidify its leadership as a regional data centre hub in Asean.' Meanwhile, Bursa Malaysia CEO Datuk Fad'l Mohamed said as demand for AI and high-performance computing accelerates, capital markets will play a vital role in financing the next wave of infrastructure growth. 'At Bursa Malaysia, we are focused on strengthening our marketplace to attract long-term, technology-driven investments that will support Malaysia's intent to remain as a competitive economy and a leader in Asean.'
Daily Express
21-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia to focus on aerospace, shipbuilding
Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: 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. 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 approved 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. Advertisement 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 aeroplanes,' she said. 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. 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. 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. * 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
Barnama
29-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Green Initiatives Can Generate Additional US$300 Bln By 2030
BUSINESS Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid delivers his keynote address during the ASEAN Business Forum 2025 held at a hotel here today. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- ASEAN could generate an additional US$300 billion annually in green revenues and unlock up to US$1.5 trillion in new value by 2030 with advancing green investments and cross-border collaboration in regional power grids, carbon markets, and clean energy incentives (US$1=RM4.23). Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said Malaysia's green investment strategy has delivered close to 1,000 approved projects in 2024, channelling RM20.8 billion into the economy and creating thousands of future-ready jobs. "We are pushing for key frameworks and regulatory provisions to put our green ambition into action. 'These include the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Investment Guidelines, and the Greening Value Chain Playbook," he said in his keynote address at the ASEAN Business Forum 2025 here today. His speech was delivered by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid. Tengku Zafrul said there is also the ASEAN strategy for carbon neutrality, with initiatives such as harmonising carbon markets and measurement standards; advancing carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCS/CCUS) technologies; and creating a just transition framework for workers and communities. He said this facilitates the corporate sector's pivot toward sustainable, climate-friendly growth. 'Perhaps, the most transformative is the ASEAN power grid (APG). With 18 cross-border power projects in the pipeline and over 60 renewable energy sites identified, the APG stands as a flagship for ASEAN's sustainable energy transition," he said. Quoting studies, he said the APG could add up to US$3 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP) value by 2050 and create 1.45 million jobs regionally.
