Countdown to 2020! [Archive]

hypermount

March 10th, 2004, 05:20 PM

VISION 2020

Malaysia As A Fully Developed Country - One Definition launched by former PM Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

By the year 2020, Malaysia can be a united nation, with a confident Malaysian society, infused by strong moral and ethical values, living in a society that is democratic, liberal and tolerant, caring, economically just and equitable, progressive and prosperous, and in full possession of an economy that is competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient.

There can be no fully developed Malaysia until we have finally overcome the nine central strategic challenges that have confronted us from the moment of our birth as an independent nation.

The first of these is the challenges of establishing a united Malaysian nation with a sense of common and shared destiny. This must be a nation at peace with itself, territorially and ethnically integrated, living in harmony and full and fair partnership, made up of one 'Bangsa Malaysia' with political loyalty and dedication to the nation.

The second is the challenge of creating a psychologically liberated, secure, and developed Malaysian Society with faith and confidence in itself, justifiably proud of what it is, of what it has accomplished, robust enough to face all manner of adversity. This Malaysian Society must be distinguished by the pursuit of excellence, fully aware of all its potentials, psychologically subservient to none, and respected by the peoples of other nations.

The third challenge we have always faced is that of fostering and developing a mature democratic society, practising a form of mature consensual, community-oriented Malaysian democracy that can be a model for many developing countries.

The fourth is the challenge of establishing a fully moral and ethical society, whose citizens are strong in religious and spiritual values and imbued with the highest of ethical standards.

The fifth challenge that we have always faced is the challenge of establishing a matured, liberal and tolerant society in which Malaysians of all colours and creeds are free to practise and profess their customs,cultures and religious beliefs and yet feeling that they belong to one nation.

The sixth is the challenge of establishing a scientific and progressive society, a society that is innovative and forward-looking, one that is not only a consumer of technology but also a contributor to the scientific and technological civilisation of the future.

The seventh challenge is the challenge of establishing a fully caring society and a caring culture, a social system in which society will come before self, in which the welfare of the people will revolve not around the state or the individual but around a strong and resilient family system.

The eighth is the challenge of ensuring an economically just society. This is a society in which there is a fair and equitable distribution of the wealth of the nation, in which there is full partnership in economic progress. Such a society cannot be in place so long as there is the identification of race with economic function, and the identification of economic backwardness with race.

The ninth challenge is the challenge of establishing a prosperous society, with an economy that is fully competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient.

We have already come a long way towards the fulfilment of these objectives. The nine central objectives listed need not be our order of priorities over the next three decades. Most obviously, the priorities of any moment in time must meet the specific circumstances of that moment in time.

But it would be surprising if the first strategic challenge which I have mentioned - the establishment of a united Malaysian nation - is not likely to be the most fundamental, the most basic.
Since much of what I will say this morning will concentrate on economic development, let me stress yet again that the comprehensive development towards the developed society that we want -however each of us may wish to define it -cannot mean material and economic advancement only. Far from it. Economic development must not become the be-all and the end-all of our national endeavours.

Since this Council must concentrate on the issues of economic development and economic social justice, which for this nation must go hand in hand for the foreseeable future, let me expand on the perception of the central strategic challenges with regard to these two vital objectives.

At this point it is well to define in greater detail the objective of establishing an economically just society.Of the two prongs of the NEP no one is against the eradication of absolute poverty - regardless of race, and irrespective of geographical location. All Malaysians, whether they live in the rural or the urban areas, whether they are in the south, north, east or west, must be moved above the line of absolute poverty.

This nation must be able to provide enough food on the table so that not a solitary Malaysian is subjected to the travesty of gross under-nourishment. We must provide enough by way of essential shelter, access to health facilities, and all the basic essentials.

A developed Malaysia must have a wide and vigorous middle class and must provide full opportunities for those in the bottom third to climb their way out of the pit of relative poverty.

The second prong, that of removing the identification of race with major economic function is also acceptable except that somehow it is thought possible to achieve this without any shuffling of position. If we want to build an equitable society than we must accept some affirmative action. This will mean that in all the major and important sectors of employment, there should be a good mix of the ethnic groups that make up the Malaysian nation. By legitimate means we must ensure a fair balance with regard to the professions and all the major categories of employment. Certainly we must be as interested in quality and merit. But we must ensure the healthy development of a viable and robust Bumiputera commercial and industrial community.

A developed Malaysia should not have a society in which economic backwardness is identified with race. This does not imply individual income equality, a situation in which all Malaysians will have the same income. This is an impossibility because by sheer dint of our own individual effort, our own individual upbringing and our individual preferences, we will all have different economic worth, and will be financially rewarded differently. An equality of individual income as propounded by socialists and communists is not only not possible, it is not desirable and is a formula for disaster.

But I do believe that the narrowing of the ethnic income gap, through the legitimate provision of opportunities, through a closer parity of social services and infrastructure, through the development of the appropriate economic cultures and through full human resource development, is both necessary and desirable. We must aspire by the year 2020 to reach a stage where no-one can say that a particular ethnic group is inherently economically backward and another is economically inherently advanced. Such a situation is what we must work for efficiently, effectively, with fairness and with dedication.

"A full partnership in economic progress" cannot mean full partnership in poverty. It must mean a fair balance with regard to the participation and contribution of all our ethnic groups - including the Bumiputeras of Sabah and Sarawak - in the high-growth, modern sectors of our economy. It must mean a fair distribution with regard to the control , management and ownership of the modern economy.

In order to achieve this economically just society, we must escalate dramatically our programmes for national human resource development. There is a need to ensure the creation of an economically resilient and fully competitive Bumiputera community so as to be at par with the NonBumiputera community. There is need for a mental revolution and a cultural transformation. Much of the work of pulling ourselves up by our boot- straps must be done ourselves. In working for the correction of the economic imbalances, there has to be the fullest emphasis on making the needed advances at speed and with the most productive results - at the lowest possible economic and societal cost.

With regard to the establishment of a prosperous society, we can set many aspirational goals. I believe that we should set the realistic (as opposed to aspirational) target of almost doubling our real gross domestic product every t en years between 1990 and 2020 AD. If we do this, our GDP should be about eight times larger by the year 2020 than it was in 1990. Our GDP in 1990 was 115 billion Ringgit. Our GDP in 2020 should therefore be about 920 billion Ringgit in real (1990 Ringgit) terms.

This rapid growth will require that we grow by an average of about 7 per cent (in real terms) annually over the next 30 years. Admittedly this is on optimistic projection but we should set our sights high if we are to motivate ourselves into striving hard. We must guard against 'growth fixation', the danger of pushing for growth figures oblivious to the needed commitment to ensure stability, to keep inflation low, to guarantee sustainability, to develop our quality of life and standard of living, and the achievement of our other social objectives. It will be a difficult task, with many peaks and low points. But I believe that this can be done.In the 1960s, we grew by an annual average of 5.1 per cent; in the 1970s, the first decade of the NEP, Malaysia grew by an average of 7.8 per cent; in the 1980s, because of the recession years, we grew by an annual average of 5.9 per cent.
If we take the last thirty years, our GDP rose annually in real terms by an average of 6.3 per cent. If we take the last twenty years, we grew by an annual average of 6.9 per cent. What is needed is an additional 0.1 per cent growth. Surely if we all pull together God willing this 0.1% can be achieved.

If we do succeed, and assuming roughly a 2.5 per cent annual rate of population growth, by the year 2020, Malaysians will be four times richer (in real terms) than they were in 1990. That is the measure of the prosperous society we wish and hopefully we can achieve.

The second leg of our economic objective should be to secure the establishment of a competitive economy. Such an economy must be able to sustain itself over the longer term, must be dynamic, robust and resilient. It must mean, among other things: A diversified and balanced economy with a mature and widely based industrial sector, a modern and mature agriculture sector and an efficient and productive and an equally mature services sector; an economy that is quick on its feet, able to quickly adapt to changing patterns of supply, demand and competition; an economy that is technologically proficient, fully able to adapt, innovate and invent, that is increasingly technology intensive, moving in the direction of higher and higher levels of technology; an economy that has strong and cohesive industrial linkages throughout the system; an economy driven by brain-power, skills and diligence in possession of a wealth of information, with the knowledge of what to do and how to do it; an economy with high and escalating productivity with regard to every factor of production; an entrepreneurial economy that is self - reliantØÃÆ`’

hypermount

March 10th, 2004, 05:21 PM

, outward - looking and enterprising; an economy sustained by an exemplary work ethic, quality consciousness and the quest for excellence; an economy characterised by low inflation and a low cost of living; an economy that is subjected to the full discipline and rigour of market forces.

Most of us in this present Council will not be there on the morning of January 1, 2020 Not many, I think. The great bulk of the work that must be done to ensure a fully developed country called Malaysia a generation from now will obviously be done by the leaders who follow us, by our children and grand-children. But we should make sure that we have done our duty in guiding them with regard to what we should work to become. And let us lay the secure foundations that they must build upon.

:)

Bond James Bond

March 11th, 2004, 01:17 AM

Originally posted by hypermount

Year 2020 will be the year Malaysia achieve it's fully developed country status.
Oh, I see.

But what if it happens before 2020? Or after? :? This thread will be erroneous!!! :D

hypermount

March 11th, 2004, 07:14 AM

Hope we will be there earlier :D, preferably but then we would be already several times richer than we were in 1990.

Kevinkhoo1986

May 16th, 2004, 06:40 PM

oh.. i will be 34 years old in 2020. Still young huh? :D By the way, how do they considered a nation as fully developed or not??? any indicator for it?

weilene

May 18th, 2004, 09:45 PM

Nice Nice

szehoong

May 18th, 2004, 10:55 PM

Nice Nice

Welcome to the Malaysian Forums Weilene!

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

baqthier

May 19th, 2004, 11:04 AM

Welcome Weilene! :)

weilene

May 19th, 2004, 02:39 PM

Cheers GUYS!!

ZaHiRnYa???

May 24th, 2004, 06:13 AM

Welcome to the Malaysian Forums Weilene!

Sorry for the late wishes...totally forgot about it. :D

TYW

May 25th, 2004, 10:37 AM

may i post this here??

Monday May 24, 2004

PM: ?We can achieve goal before 2020?

BY RUBEN SARIO

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia can become a developed nation even before 2020 if the people develop a passion for hard work, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said the people must be prepared to struggle to see Malaysia become an industrialised nation in 15 years, adding that ?it is not going to be a walk on flat ground but an uphill climb.?

The struggle would not only involve a mind shift with the people ensuring quality in their work but also mastering science and technology, he added.

?What we have is not a dream but a goal and it is up to us to make it a reality,? he said at a Sabah Barisan Nasional thanksgiving dinner during his one-day visit to the state.

?Let us work together at our own levels but what we struggle for is similar,? he said in reminding the people to believe in themselves and hold true to the ?Malaysia Boleh? spirit.

On reducing hardcore poverty, Abdullah said among the measures being taken was ensuring better education facilities in rural areas.

He said the Government would strive to create new sources of income for the rural folk by developing the agriculture sector as well as small and medium enterprises.

At another function, Abdullah urged Umno members to stick to the rules when conducting their branch and division meetings from next month and ensure that the party is not weakened in any way.

He said members should always remember that meetings were part of their obligations to the party.

?There should not be any situation that can cause confusion among members,? he said after meeting Sabah Umno leaders, Barisan Nasional MPs and assemblymen.

Abdullah said Barisan MPs and assemblymen should not take for granted the overwhelming support given to the coalition during the March 21 elections.

?We must appreciate our strength in Parliament and the state assemblies and use this to develop our constituencies in the best possible way,? he said, adding that Barisan?s responsibility now was to fulfil its election pledges.

?Our elected representatives, whether MPs or assemblymen, must serve their constituents to the best of their abilities,? Abdullah said.

He added that one of the ways they could achieve this was by presenting quality debates in Parliament and state assemblies.

weiaze

August 20th, 2004, 01:19 PM

Finally! I found a place where people love to get together to discuss skyscrapers. I have loved skyscrapers ever since I was a little kid. I still remember the days when the Dayabumi was the pride of KL. I remember going around KL hunting for tall buildings. I remember going up KL Hilton and getting a view of the surroundings in the late 80's when KLCC was just a racecourse.

I am ambivalent on the Petronas Twin Towers. When I first saw it I thought they looked too short and the top looked squashed. But over time, I came to appreciate it. The twin towers look best when viewed close up in my opinion. From afar the top of the towers look too stumpy. But viewed up close, especially at night, there are simply no words. Stunning!

My ranking of Top 10 Most Beautiful Buildings in KL:
1. Petronas Twin Towers
2. GoldHill Plaza On Raja Chulan (love the clean lines and exterior finishing)
3. Menara Public Bank (absolutely beautiful at night. Love the angles on that building).
4. Menara Esso (nice and clean).
5. Capital Square (Or is it called Menara Mulpha?)
6. Wisma Consplant in SJ near Subang Parade.
7. The lovely designer shophouses/low rise buildings near Taylor's/Inti College in Subang Jaya. (Most beautiful low rises in Malaysia in my opinion).
8. Menara Citibank.
9. AIA Building on Lebuh Ampang.
10. Dayabumi.

My ranking of top 10 ugliest buildings (only the prominent ones. KL has plenty of unknown ugly buildings but I can't name them all):
1. Tabung Haji (the concave building)
2. Bank Simpanan Building (The one one jalan ampang that unfortunately comes out often in pictures due to its close proximity to PTT).
3. Berjaya Times Square (looks el cheapo. I hope the Berjaya Central Park will look classier than that).
4. Renaissance and New World Hotel (another cheap floozy in prominent location).
5. Mara Building on Raja Laut (The blue and white one with tiles on the side -Gross!)
6. Shazan Tower/Menara StanChart (so ugly)
7. Mid Valley Megamall (while the mall is nice, the exterior is definitely not! Looks like it was designed by someone in kindergarten!)
8. Menara Genesis on Bukit Bintang.
9. Menara Keck Seng (looks so ah-pek and chinaman)
10. The brown hotel next to Menara Keck Seng

Buildings That Could Have Been - What a waste.
1. Maybank - what's up with the "skirt" look at the base?
2. Menara Telekom. Nice from certain angles but downright ugly from others. The taller bit of the building is slim and beautiful. The shorter part is simply awkward.
3. The National Library - nice concept, poor result.

My wishlist:
1. Impose a law where architects and owners of ugly buildings are punished for defacing our city.
2. Require all buildings to put in proper side walks and pedestrian space around their property. Ban useless gardens in front of buildings. Case in point - Renaissance Hotel. I always see poor pedestrians forced to walk on narrow side walks near the hotel while the hotel put up this uselss and ugly garden in front of it. This goes for all the buildings along SI like Mutiara Hotel, Prudential Tower, Wisma Genting etc. If we are going to be a world class city, we need a world class pedestrian environment like Paris, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, London.
3. Paint the exposed concrete pillars and tracks and underside of the monorail stations.
4. Put a titanium skin on the KL Tower. Exposed concrete is so ugly.
5. Relocate the Ritz Carlton and give to someone else other than YTL. I can't believe YTL allowed fungus and dirt to form black streak marks on the side of the building. And the approach to it is via either the front of the marriott hotel parking lot or via dodgy and old shop houses. When my cousin came from US she stayed at the Ritz Carlton and was shocked at its horrible condition! And when I compare it with the Ritz Carlton in Singapore nearby.. sigh!
6. Speed up the LRT trains and hook more of them up. I love trains but ours are so slow! I get so impatient sitting in them. And they are so short! They look so pathetic having only two carriages! All world class cities have long long trains than move at high speeds underground (droool!)

Cheers!
weiaze

bobdikl

August 20th, 2004, 07:06 PM

For weiaze,

hmm..here are some of the most beautiful buildings or sculptures in KL (my ranking :-))

1. DayaBumi
2. Tabung Haji
3. DBKL
4. The Ascott
5. Hotel Malaya

I love short carriages driverless trains...I left KL few years ago and been living in New York, Boston, Copenhagen and now in London.... KL trains are certainly not slow! London underground long trains take I have to take everyday now are hopeless....they delayed me randomly 3 out of 10 times

short trains are modern and much more efficient...I love Copenhagen new metro system and London Docklands Light Rail(they are expanding more now)...why build long platform if your trains are dreverless and could run as frequent as 30 seconds at peak hours... :)

hey weiaze...what wrong with "(looks so ah-pek and chinaman)"? Are you being racist? :bash: Please mind your words!

Finally! I found a place where people love to get together to discuss skyscrapers. I have loved skyscrapers ever since I was a little kid. I still remember the days when the Dayabumi was the pride of KL. I remember going around KL hunting for tall buildings. I remember going up KL Hilton and getting a view of the surroundings in the late 80's when KLCC was just a racecourse.

I am ambivalent on the Petronas Twin Towers. When I first saw it I thought they looked too short and the top looked squashed. But over time, I came to appreciate it. The twin towers look best when viewed close up in my opinion. From afar the top of the towers look too stumpy. But viewed up close, especially at night, there are simply no words. Stunning!

My ranking of Top 10 Most Beautiful Buildings in KL:
1. Petronas Twin Towers
2. GoldHill Plaza On Raja Chulan (love the clean lines and exterior finishing)
3. Menara Public Bank (absolutely beautiful at night. Love the angles on that building).
4. Menara Esso (nice and clean).
5. Capital Square (Or is it called Menara Mulpha?)
6. Wisma Consplant in SJ near Subang Parade.
7. The lovely designer shophouses/low rise buildings near Taylor's/Inti College in Subang Jaya. (Most beautiful low rises in Malaysia in my opinion).
8. Menara Citibank.
9. AIA Building on Lebuh Ampang.
10. Dayabumi.

My ranking of top 10 ugliest buildings (only the prominent ones. KL has plenty of unknown ugly buildings but I can't name them all):
1. Tabung Haji (the concave building)
2. Bank Simpanan Building (The one one jalan ampang that unfortunately comes out often in pictures due to its close proximity to PTT).
3. Berjaya Times Square (looks el cheapo. I hope the Berjaya Central Park will look classier than that).
4. Renaissance and New World Hotel (another cheap floozy in prominent location).
5. Mara Building on Raja Laut (The blue and white one with tiles on the side -Gross!)
6. Shazan Tower/Menara StanChart (so ugly)
7. Mid Valley Megamall (while the mall is nice, the exterior is definitely not! Looks like it was designed by someone in kindergarten!)
8. Menara Genesis on Bukit Bintang.
9. Menara Keck Seng (looks so ah-pek and chinaman)
10. The brown hotel next to Menara Keck Seng

Buildings That Could Have Been - What a waste.
1. Maybank - what's up with the "skirt" look at the base?
2. Menara Telekom. Nice from certain angles but downright ugly from others. The taller bit of the building is slim and beautiful. The shorter part is simply awkward.
3. The National Library - nice concept, poor result.

My wishlist:
1. Impose a law where architects and owners of ugly buildings are punished for defacing our city.
2. Require all buildings to put in proper side walks and pedestrian space around their property. Ban useless gardens in front of buildings. Case in point - Renaissance Hotel. I always see poor pedestrians forced to walk on narrow side walks near the hotel while the hotel put up this uselss and ugly garden in front of it. This goes for all the buildings along SI like Mutiara Hotel, Prudential Tower, Wisma Genting etc. If we are going to be a world class city, we need a world class pedestrian environment like Paris, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, London.
3. Paint the exposed concrete pillars and tracks and underside of the monorail stations.
4. Put a titanium skin on the KL Tower. Exposed concrete is so ugly.
5. Relocate the Ritz Carlton and give to someone else other than YTL. I can't believe YTL allowed fungus and dirt to form black streak marks on the side of the building. And the approach to it is via either the front of the marriott hotel parking lot or via dodgy and old shop houses. When my cousin came from US she stayed at the Ritz Carlton and was shocked at its horrible condition! And when I compare it with the Ritz Carlton in Singapore nearby.. sigh!
6. Speed up the LRT trains and hook more of them up. I love trains but ours are so slow! I get so impatient sitting in them. And they are so short! They look so pathetic having only two carriages! All world class cities have long long trains than move at high speeds underground (droool!)

Cheers!
weiaze

weiaze

August 21st, 2004, 12:07 PM

bobdikl

August 21st, 2004, 03:41 PM

I love copenhagen metro/transit system...perhaps the best in europe. Munich and Berlin are quite good too. The new fully automaticed operation metro line in copenhaen I used to take everyday for 6 months is very scandinavian...all minimalist station design and very cost-effective with just 2 elements...just plain semen and some glasses. It has a greater effect than the norman foster designed on London Jubilee line extention. Same speed as Putraline, but I think they have their on explaination on the speeds. I'm more concern on the efficiency. The average speed of underground trains in London has improved to 33 KM/h now. But they have fast train run at 160KM/h to airport.

even among my Chinese friends we use the terms ah pek and chinaman to denote things that lack sophistication and that look cheap.

>( I protest!
so you think you are chinese and lack sophistication or the shame of being chinese....or so you think chinaman are under class, you tried not to be one of them and linked all the bad elements associated with them, huh? To build your self-esteem by looking down on others, your parents and yourself. :bash:

So, its great you get to live in all these cities. What do you do?
oh year Weiaze...I hope my next stop is Japan. I'm an electronics design engineer :)

weiaze

August 21st, 2004, 04:25 PM

Yes, scandinavians are quite good at design. Usually very clean and functional. But a bit dull. Like IKEA.

You wrote: " I protest! ". Protest duly noted. Haiyo, Bobdikl, I apologize if I offended you. But allow me to explain, among me and my Chinese friends,
ah-pek and chinaman does not equal Chinese. We use those terms to refer to a specific category of people of Chinese descent who have certain traits and behaviours. And when we use it, there is usually an element of humor in it too.

To take this thought further, I think it's great to be proud of being Chinese and celebrate the positives of being Chinese. But at the same time, we should look into areas of Chinese culture that can be improved upon.

Great you might be heading to Japan. I liked it. Can't remember many skyscapers but the people polite and the city environment clean and well maintained. How come you get to travel so much as an electrical engineer?

_______________________________________________________________
I love copenhagen metro/transit system...perhaps the best in europe. Munich and Berlin are quite good too. The new fully automaticed operation metro line in copenhaen I used to take everyday for 6 months is very scandinavian...all minimalist station design and very cost-effective with just 2 elements...just plain semen and some glasses. It has a greater effect than the norman foster designed on London Jubilee line extention. Same speed as Putraline, but I think they have their on explaination on the speeds. I'm more concern on the efficiency. The average speed of underground trains in London has improved to 33 KM/h now. But they have fast train run at 160KM/h to airport.

Quote:
Originally Posted by weiaze

even among my Chinese friends we use the terms ah pek and chinaman to denote things that lack sophistication and that look cheap.

I protest!
so you think you are chinese and lack sophistication or the shame of being chinese....or so you think chinaman are under class, you tried not to be one of them and linked all the bad elements associated with them, huh? To build your self-esteem by looking down on others, your parents and yourself.

Quote:
Originally Posted by weiaze
So, its great you get to live in all these cities. What do you do?

oh year Weiaze...I hope my next stop is Japan. I'm an electronics design engineer

hypermount

August 21st, 2004, 08:04 PM

WELCOME aboard weiaze and bobdikl!! :D It's great to have knowledgeable forumers like you both here to spice up this forum a wee bit.

bobdikl

August 27th, 2004, 04:36 AM

Yes, scandinavians are quite good at design. Usually very clean and functional. But a bit dull. Like IKEA.
Yes..their designs are most practical one...I used to live in their coucil flat near the capital city...I was impressed...if we malaysian could build city to prevent cars and pedestrian/bicycle friendly(or is it tropical temperature too hot?). Their cities are cleaner than western europe..but the cleanest cities I'd been to ...many Northen China ancient/new cities and cities in Japan too. However the greenest I think ...singapore and Kuala Lumpur(but it's true! maybe due to our sun and great highway cultivation)

I apologize if I offended you.
To take this thought further, I think it's great to be proud of being Chinese and celebrate the positives of being Chinese.
that's okay...maybe i'm too sensitive...but it's very policically incorrect...I met many Chinese scientists and engineers in US (in fact over half of the toppest scientists in US are chinese american or overseas)..but racism is part of their career game...but it's a bit complicated..UK is the same..my northen chinese co-workers complained to me. After working in few countries..I'm getting racist thought..I know I shouldnt....As a Chinese, at work place, among my foreign friends, dealing with people, I always secretly think I am more sophisticated than they are. At times I thought I could become very international, or globalise. In the end, it turn out I am actually more Chinese than I ever supposed I was. I think this simply because I think in Chinese most of the time (very chinese educated). What I had learned in mandarin way is not to show my feeling or thoughts, to put my feelings behind my face so I can take advantage of hidden opportunities in office!

But at the same time, we should look into areas of Chinese culture that can be improved upon.
Yes...like every culture too..I do agree..one of my northen chinese work partner often like to distinguish us...he said there are no chinese race..but only Han, Hui, southen people and many more...we malaysian and singaporean chinese are southen people, not pure Han(upset me..)...the food, dialects, customs etc that we introduced to the world are not 'real' chinese. He is quite racist too...he brought me back to his hometown and some cities...I was very impressed..no doubt their future is great...their chineseness.. so 'foreign' to me. He thinks northen chinese are the smartest ppl in the world and their culture, language and 4000 years classic literature are superior ..very racist indeed!

How come you get to travel so much as an electrical engineer?
I do research ....mostly electronics and mathematics....but I prefer town planning :p
I'll have to go back later to serve my country as my parents wish...but we have so many electrical engineers back home

szehoong

August 27th, 2004, 08:15 AM

WOW! :eek: I din know there is something interesting brewing on in here! :D

Welcome to the forums weiaze and bobdikl! :okay:

szehoong

August 27th, 2004, 08:51 AM

haha.....I have some personal comments on your posting a week ago......to correct certain misconception and to voice things out a lil ;)

Buildings That Could Have Been - What a waste.
1. Maybank - what's up with the "skirt" look at the base?

Maybank is conceptualised from a keris (a Malay dagger). It is a stylised dagger. The 'skirt' is the broad part of the keris. Actually the skirt are very functional as its high-ceiling contains the banking hall, an art gallery and a currency museum ;)

My wishlist:
1. Impose a law where architects and owners of ugly buildings are punished for defacing our city.
2. Require all buildings to put in proper side walks and pedestrian space around their property. Ban useless gardens in front of buildings. Case in point - Renaissance Hotel. I always see poor pedestrians forced to walk on narrow side walks near the hotel while the hotel put up this uselss and ugly garden in front of it. This goes for all the buildings along SI like Mutiara Hotel, Prudential Tower, Wisma Genting etc. If we are going to be a world class city, we need a world class pedestrian environment like Paris, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, London.
3. Paint the exposed concrete pillars and tracks and underside of the monorail stations.
4. Put a titanium skin on the KL Tower. Exposed concrete is so ugly.
5. Relocate the Ritz Carlton and give to someone else other than YTL. I can't believe YTL allowed fungus and dirt to form black streak marks on the side of the building. And the approach to it is via either the front of the marriott hotel parking lot or via dodgy and old shop houses. When my cousin came from US she stayed at the Ritz Carlton and was shocked at its horrible condition! And when I compare it with the Ritz Carlton in Singapore nearby.. sigh!
6. Speed up the LRT trains and hook more of them up. I love trains but ours are so slow! I get so impatient sitting in them. And they are so short! They look so pathetic having only two carriages! All world class cities have long long trains than move at high speeds underground (droool!)

Cheers!
weiaze

1. You can't have laws that panalised people based on aesthetic values. Ugly to you doesn't mean that it is ugly for me. The city could have certain guidelines for design but you can't limit creativity. Remember this - "One man's meat is another man's poison" ;)

2. The land in front of Renaissance Hotel belongs to the hotel so they could do whatever they like. It is encourageable to have a garden on unused spaces and thess actions are condone by the City Hall. As for pedestrian walkway in front of the hotel....well....the last time I checked, it is kinda wide for 4 men abreast so I dun see any problem with that. BTW one just can't penalised the hotel for the garden and not widening the walkway because the garden is within a private property while the walkway is the responsibility of City Hall ;) Oh....and the pedestrian walkway in front of Wisma Genting and Mutiara KL is an award-winning one with VERY wide walkway complete with benches and landscaping! HOw could you say that isn't world-class? :?

3. Firstly I cost a lot to paint all the concrete beams and pillars. Secondly paint need constant repainting as ours is a tropical climate so it isn't economically feasible. Even 'world class' cities like Singapore, Hong Kong and Vancouver do not paint their metro's bare concrete infrastructure :)

4. Titanium?!?!?! You know how expesive is titanium? A small titanium object cost a bomd and you want the whole tower to be cladded with titanium? Anyway KL Tower isn't bare concrete as it is painted over. ;)

5. The Ritz-Carlton KL is a hotel belonging to the YTL Group. So they could boot Ritz-Carlton as they are just the operator/management of the hotel. The owner is YTL Land Bhd. I do agree the location is less than desirable but I don't think the condition of the building is that bad. I passes by the building almost daily and I do not see these fungus (unless you're saying bout the side that could be viewed from Caltex beside it). That side is the kitchen/utility side so there are many exhaust that sticks out and stuffs like that.

I've been in the hotel a couple of times and I must say that it is one of the best hotel I've been in. Inside it is nothing sort of classy and very cosy indeed! You can't compare with Singapore's Ritz-Carlton as KL's is a boutique hotel so no grandeur ballrooms or lobbies. :)

6. Our Putraline trains are operating at normal metro speed. I've been to many cities and I could confirm both the operating speed and frequency is as good if not better. The peak hour frequency of Putraline is 1min and 30secs a train. You could do the math.....total track length is 29km and there are 35 double carriage trains. I rode on Putraline often so I know. yea....2 carriages is kinda insuficient for the current capacity but Putraline need not to be so long (I would say an additional 2 carriages would be sufficient). Larger capacity trains would render the system running at a bigger loss. Did ya know each carriage isn't cheap? It cost a whopping RM22 million each! :eek:

oh and you din take into account that most of these so-called 'world class' cities have denser and larger population too ......so they need to have larger and longer trains ;)

szehoong

August 27th, 2004, 11:01 AM

szehoong

August 27th, 2004, 11:24 AM

Hi Bobdikl.
I just love the look of long trains. It gives the impression of having more "mass" capacity. On the slowness, well, I don't have facts to back me up. As in I can't compare the average speed of KL trains to average speed of trains elsewhere. It just feels slower somehow. I have been on trains in London, SF, NY, Vancouver (yes, the same as our Putra), Tokyo, Sydney (they have double decker ones!), Hong Kong, Singapore, Paris, Barcelona, Wash DC and Bilbao (yes, they have a Metro with nice stations designed by Norman Foster). Somehow ours feel the slowest. Any comments from anyone else? My favourite one is in Paris. A stop every 100 meters - so convenient! And express trains between major stops! I like Singapore trains for their newness and high techness. And the SG tracks look better constructed than ours. And don't have as many black stains on the pillars. Our trains do not arrive every 30 seconds. More like every 5 minutes at most. If they arrived every 30 seconds, it would justify having 2 carriages, but they don't!

For the "ah pek and chinaman" comment, well it wasn't meant to offend anybody. Hope nobody takes offense at it. I am Chinese myself and even among my Chinese friends we use the terms ah pek and chinaman to denote things that lack sophistication and that look, well, basically look like the were built by an ah-pek or a chinaman. Typically, these types of buildings have a lot of white concrete and look like they were built on the cheap.

So, its great you get to live in all these cities. What do you do?

Weiaze

haha...you like long trains doesn't mean that it is efficient to run in KL. KL had a smaller population compared to many cities. Imagine putting a metro system the size of London's Underground in KL......it would be a white elephant! Even Singapore's extensive MRT network wouldn't suit KL's ridership. ;)

BTW Sydney had double deckers as their trains are designed not just as inner city metro but it also serves the Sydney's suburbs and surroundings - it goes all the way to Penrith for instance! ....so it is more like our KTM Komuter network ;) ....so most of the pessengers get to sit and not stand like ours or in many cities' metros......

I've been to many cities' metros too and I seriously don't feel ours is slow. Ours runs on 80kmph on average and this depends on the station's distance. Singapore's trains are designed by Alstorm and they are some of the best manufacturer of trains in the world. Singapore usually select the best system for their transportation network and they are well known for their impeccable maintenance and cleanliness so ours is definitely not in their league. But ours is not bad either as I've got praises from foreigners. :)

By saying 5 mins for a train is ridiculous.......Sunday morning yes.....5-10 mins a train but weekdays it is under 2 mins for one. I used to ride it everyday and I am not that punctual so I know :D :D :D

When you said 'ah pek' or chinaman......haha......dun always judge a book by its cover. Some of these 'ah peks' might dressed in singlet and short pants but when they press their car remote you'll be surprised that they are driving a brand new Mercedes S-Class! Talk about sophistication! :D On the contrary......someone who works in an MNC ....holds a degree or an MBA and drives a Wira....well....I dun see any sophistication in that :lol:

Anyway Menara Keck Seng isn't constructed of chaep materials nor it is white concrete. It is cladded in granite for the lower floors and I wouldn't say that is cheap. Maybe its the name factor...... :D

weiaze

September 4th, 2004, 03:51 PM

>>haha...you like long trains doesn't mean that it is efficient to run in KL. KL >>had a smaller population compared to many cities. Imagine putting a metro >>system the size of London's Underground in KL......it would be a white >>elephant! Even Singapore's extensive MRT network wouldn't suit KL's >>ridership.
Point noted. However, I have the opinion that people will only use public transport if it is efficient and extensive. Kind of catch-22. Governments won't build extensive networks coz they say ridership isn't there. But people won't use trains unless the network is extensive and designed to get them where they want to go fast. So how?

>>Singapore usually select the best system for their transportation network >>and they are well known for their impeccable maintenance and cleanliness >>so ours is definitely not in their league. But ours is not bad either as I've >>got praises from foreigners.
We should start selecting the best too. I think we deserve it.

>>When you said 'ah pek' or chinaman......haha......dun always judge a book >>by its cover. Some of these 'ah peks' might dressed in singlet and short >>pants but when they press their car remote you'll be surprised that they >>are driving a brand new Mercedes S-Class! Talk about sophistication! On >>the contrary......someone who works in an MNC ....holds a degree or an >>MBA and drives a Wira....well....I dun see any sophistication in that
I don't deny some "AP" or "Chinaman" are rich. However rich does not equal sophistication or good taste.

>>Anyway Menara Keck Seng isn't constructed of chaep materials nor it is >>white concrete. It is cladded in granite for the lower floors and I wouldn't >>say that is cheap. Maybe its the name factor......
I don't know the cost, but compare Keck Seng with say Wisma GoldHill. Somehow you can sense a difference in style and design.

weiaze

September 4th, 2004, 04:09 PM

1. You can't have laws that panalised people based on aesthetic values. Ugly to you doesn't mean that it is ugly for me. The city could have certain guidelines for design but you can't limit creativity. Remember this - "One man's meat is another man's poison"
____________________________________________
Well, creativity like Eiffel Tower or Sydney Opera House or Dayabumi - yes.
But "creativity" like BSN or Renaissance Hotel - no.
I just wish Malaysian developers had better taste.

2. The land in front of Renaissance Hotel belongs to the hotel so they could do whatever they like. It is encourageable to have a garden on unused spaces and thess actions are condone by the City Hall. As for pedestrian walkway in front of the hotel....well....the last time I checked, it is kinda wide for 4 men abreast so I dun see any problem with that. BTW one just can't penalised the hotel for the garden and not widening the walkway because the garden is within a private property while the walkway is the responsibility of City Hall Oh....and the pedestrian walkway in front of Wisma Genting and Mutiara KL is an award-winning one with VERY wide walkway complete with benches and landscaping! HOw could you say that isn't world-class?
______________________________________________________
True, the land is theirs. But they could be a good corporate citizen and put a nice wide pedestrian space in front of their hotel. Are you sure the hotel has 4-abreast? The tiny 3 foot wide strip? I am not talking the driveway in front of the hotel, but the narrow pedestrian path next to Jalan Ampang. I am on assignment as Wisma Genting and I don't know which walkway you are referring to. I don't see any benches. A bit of landscaping yes. What I am referring to is an even, uniform at least 2 meter wide pedestrian path free of potholes and obstructions along all the streets of KL. Trying to walk along SI is like running an obstacle race - dodging holes, ruptured tiles, going up and down where the pavement meets the road between properties.

3. Firstly I cost a lot to paint all the concrete beams and pillars. Secondly paint need constant repainting as ours is a tropical climate so it isn't economically feasible. Even 'world class' cities like Singapore, Hong Kong and Vancouver do not paint their metro's bare concrete infrastructure
_______________________________________________________
Well, some of our highway flyovers are nicely painted. Like the ones in front of Bank Negara. Looks nice. Sometimes, we have to ask ourselves - can we afford not to? To attract top talent to KL, one of the things needed is an attractive physical environment.

4. Titanium?!?!?! You know how expesive is titanium? A small titanium object cost a bomd and you want the whole tower to be cladded with titanium? Anyway KL Tower isn't bare concrete as it is painted over.
________________________________________________________
Well, steel then. Imagine KL Tower clad in shining steel or titanium like The Guggenheim in Bilbao or Disney Hall in LA. What a tourist attraction!!

5. The Ritz-Carlton KL is a hotel belonging to the YTL Group. So they could boot Ritz-Carlton as they are just the operator/management of the hotel. The owner is YTL Land Bhd. I do agree the location is less than desirable but I don't think the condition of the building is that bad. I passes by the building almost daily and I do not see these fungus (unless you're saying bout the side that could be viewed from Caltex beside it). That side is the kitchen/utility side so there are many exhaust that sticks out and stuffs like that.
_________________________________________________________
Yes, well that part and the part in front of Marriott parking lot.
You are right, location is not very nice.

I've been in the hotel a couple of times and I must say that it is one of the best hotel I've been in. Inside it is nothing sort of classy and very cosy indeed! You can't compare with Singapore's Ritz-Carlton as KL's is a boutique hotel so no grandeur ballrooms or lobbies.
_________________________________________________________
Well, yes, I can't compare the size or grandeur. But I should compare the maintenance of the exterior.

6. Our Putraline trains are oerating at normal metro speed. I've been to many cities and I could confirm both the operating speed and frequency is as good if not better. The peak hour frequency of Putraline is 1min and 30secs a train. You could do the math.....total track length is 29km and there are 35 double carriage trains. I rode on Putraline often so I know. yea....2 carriages is kinda insuficient for the current capacity but Putraline need not to be so long (I would say an additional 2 carriages would be sufficient). Larger capacity trains would render the system running at a bigger loss. Did ya know each carriage isn't cheap? It cost a whopping RM22 million each!
__________________________________________________________
I see. Thanks for the info.

szehoong

September 6th, 2004, 11:14 AM

Point noted. However, I have the opinion that people will only use public transport if it is efficient and extensive. Kind of catch-22. Governments won't build extensive networks coz they say ridership isn't there. But people won't use trains unless the network is extensive and designed to get them where they want to go fast. So how?

Well......its the chicken and egg situation rite? well.......you can't blamed the govt for not building it cos we've just emerged from the Asian Financial Crisis. Buidling a transportation network (just a single line) cost billions of Ringgit. So there should be a tandem rise in ridership and demand in certain areas before they could consider building a line. There should be justification to spend the money. Otherwise it would end up under-utilised. Even London's or Singapore's metro isn't built in a day .........they took decades to end up where they are today ;)

We should start selecting the best too. I think we deserve it.

Not that our govt doesn't want to. But by buying the best you need $$$. I also like the best ( I think I deserved the best things in life too :D ). But the question is that do I have the means to get the BMW I always wanted? Or the huge mansion at Bukit Tunku?

The best things money could buy cost a lot too :D :D :D

....well....I dun see any sophistication in that
I don't deny some "AP" or "Chinaman" are rich. However rich does not equal sophistication or good taste.

Yes.....rich does not equal to sophistication. BUT they could buy sophistication. While I think I am sophisticated...I can't buy a BMW X5 but a so-called 'Chinaman' businessman could buy one for himself although most of the time he's driving it with just his singlet on :D .....oh and on top of that he could also afford a Mini Cooper for his wife! :lol: On the contrary I could hardly afford a Perodua Kembara! :D

I don't know the cost, but compare Keck Seng with say Wisma GoldHill. Somehow you can sense a difference in style and design.

Of course........but if you compare Wisma Goldhill with Menara Maxis you'll see a different sense of style and design as well :D You just can't compare architecture like that cos aesthetic are subjective. Many told me Taipei 101 is very beautiful but I think otherwise ;)

dreadathecontrols

December 26th, 2004, 03:36 AM

interestingly enough India has adopted 'India 2020' as its mission statement too
not quite realisable but it obviously resonates over there.
No doubt malaysia will be succsesful.
you have much to be proud of.
still not 100% democratic and a bit currupt but still generaly a fantastic place to live.

Blabbyboy

January 5th, 2005, 08:35 AM

Harro! I just got back from KL and thanks Szehoong for showing me around. Want to know what I think about how KL can improve?

First let me respond to Szehoong's comments:
1. You can't have laws that penalised people based on aesthetic values.
Blabby: YES YOU CAN!!! AND YOU SHOULD!!!

2. Footpaths in KL.
Blabby: My architect friends say that it is not possible to build a flat piece of ground in KL!!! Curbs are too high and pedestrians are treated with disrespect (nay, utter contempt) in too many new developments. Old part of town, I understand, but new developments especially should incorporate world class pedestrian footpaths and disabled access (ie ramps). Central KL is not that big, it's walkable but the roads are very pedestrian unfriendly. Developers should be made to pay for such upgrades adjacent to their land - their profits are big enough to handle that! Same with associated developments like overhead bridges, landscaping, etc. And the government should enforce contracts for developers to meet obligations - like integration of monorail with LRT at KL Sentral.

3. Repainting
Blabby: painting public transport infrastructure is not necessary. Bare concrete is OK BUT building facades should maintain a clean appearance, even if it means repainting (Singapore has a rule that all buildings are repainted within 10 years). My tip: don't build using concrete facades, but use different materials like stone cladding, glass glazing, metallic plating, etc. If developers have so many millions to build highrises, then they should use world class materials, finishes, design elements, etc. If that increases the cost, too bad. If you don't have enough $ to complete a world class high rise, then you should not be building the high rise.

4. Hmmm...I lurve titanium! Menara KL is not my favourite telecomms tower - when it was completed, it looked dated from day 1, IMHO. But lit up at night, it's not bad. Clad in titanium, I can overlook any design obsolescence! Heheheh - this one is just wish list!

5. Ritz-Carlton.
I hear the service is excellent. But building upkeep - refer item 3 above. Malaysia is famous for building grand, then let it slowly crumble. Or building grand, then poor service to follow up.

6. LRT
Longer trains or not, doesn't bother me. But I agree that the government should invest heavily in public transport. Build it and make it very reliable, efficient, and far-reaching. Then make sure that people can't afford to drive by making drivers subsidise public transport heavily. More people will use public transport, making it cost-efficient, reducing reliance on cars, and the environment will be much better, traffic jams less, etc etc etc...you've all heard this a million times and you know what? (a) it's true, (b) every city in the world has the same dillemma!

OK - as for Vision 2020, here are some spontaneous thoughts:

1. Economically, may or may not be achievable. Most likely difficult to achieve with current rates of growth, but who cares? Just focus on the basics first:

2. Culturally - take the stranglehold off culture. Promote all local culture, not just the Malay one. This includes artistic pursuits in different languages. Create a truly multilingual society, not everyone speaking broken languages - language and diversity does not threaten Malay culture, it enhances Malaysian culture. Oh, and I just want to say that the continuing threat to Malaysia's built heritage in urban centres like Penang and Melaka is heartbreaking. The State Governments can legislate to protect these things.

3. Politically - everyone knows what must be done. I won't say anything here.

4. Socially - develop a more caring society - i think people either forgot how to be nice to each other or it's not in the culture - which do you believe? fight crime by fighting inequality of wealth, and decide whether you want cheap labour + illegal immigrants or more expensive labour + lower crime. crush corruption and cronyism (national hypocrisy = national mediocrity). affirmative action programmes should only be carried out on the basis of economic need and accessible to anyone on this basis. finally, I find it ridiculous that there are still red IC holders, and West Malaysians need passport to go to East Malaysia!!!

5. Health - ban smoking in all indoors now!!! Clean up toilets to Thailand's standard!!! implement world class motor vehicle safety standards - if you can afford expensive car, you can afford to buckle up in the back seat!

6. Services - aha! this is one area where Malaysia is lacking. Improved a lot, but far to go. For goodness sake, I pay big $$$ to stay in 5 star hotel, but no smiles from staff. I go to government department, everyone is so rude to me. Everywhere I go, I am treated like a leper. Services is the economy of the future (actually, it's the economy of the current!). In this respect, Thailand puts Malaysia to utter shame.

Pay government servants (including police, etc) more and make them earn their living, but keep a smaller civil service - the world's most efficient governments are all "small" governments. This will increase efficiency, reduce corruption. This is not a communist country, so stop running the civil service like it is.

7. Education - stop the proliferation of government unis, focus on R&D rather than teaching only institutions. too many government unis, funds should go into creating elite educational institutions - obvious choice is UM.

Overall, I think Malaysia has come a long way, has great infrastructure, and tremendous potential to achieve great things - but is destined to mediocrity as long as the basic things are not taken care off. Why spend so much creating grand gestures when there are more basic things to think about?

Remember - Blabby loves Malaysia, so don't attack Blabby. :D :D :D P.S. also Malaysians are too precious when it comes to seriously questioning the national psyche - every commentator, academic, politician, etc who makes any real constructive criticism is always attacked and in the end, we end up settling on the lowest common denominator. The question is: how much does the ruling elite love Malaysia??? If you have so much political power backed by electoral support, why don't you have the political will to implement real change? Because there are too many vested interests...this is the same problem crippling Indonesia and even Japan.

ZaHiRnYa???

January 5th, 2005, 10:08 AM

Eh..went did you came down to KL...Sze tak ajak me pun :cry:

szehoong

January 5th, 2005, 11:08 AM

Eh..went did you came down to KL...Sze tak ajak me pun :cry:

he contacted me EXTREMELY last minute......sorry but I just can't get you at that time :(

Blabbyboy

January 6th, 2005, 01:36 AM

last minute sampai nearly missed each other!

ZaHiRnYa???

January 6th, 2005, 03:37 AM

he contacted me EXTREMELY last minute......sorry but I just can't get you at that time :(

Takpe. What to do...:(

Monkey

January 9th, 2005, 01:13 AM

I'm sorry you didn't get to meet Blabbyboy, Zahir! :( On the other hand, I'm sure szehoong did a fine job showing him around. :)

And to you, Blabbyboy: :applause: and :master: for that very fine essay up there! :okay:

Greg

January 27th, 2005, 03:43 AM

...escaping the european winter. :)
It's good to be back in KL after more than one year. Not sure if I can meet up with one of the KL forumers as I have a busy schedule, so let's see.
Started to make photos yesterday and hope to post them after my return in early february. Here a quick summary of my observations:

- Traders Hotel is almost as tall as Menara Esso now
- Marc Serviced Apartments, looks like they are working on the 1st floor now, so I imagine it will grow fast now.
- Ritz Residences:was dark when drove past, but looks as if it topped out for a while now. Looking really big.
- Seen aN old signboard in Bricksfield (near my hotel) for a YTL project called The Gateway. 3 Towers each around 30 storeys
-Today's NST features an article about an observation tower project in Malacca. Hight 110 meter and 15 meter diameter. No pircture unfortunately.
- LotC beside Mandarin Oriental: Nothing going on there, just something like a garden.
- Avenue K: Can't spot any tower construction as of yet.

Anyway, that's it at the moment and will keep you posted.

baqthier

January 27th, 2005, 03:45 AM

Nice update! I just made a thread concerning updates just now just before you posted this :D
I really hope you could meet up with the forumers in KL. At night I'm pretty sure you guys are all free. How's your girl doing? :)

nazrey

May 3rd, 2005, 12:03 AM

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/images/logo_edgeasia.gif

Wish list for 2005: A plan to combat the 3Cs
By M Shanmugam

Being a developing nation, Malaysia needs long-term plans. But most of all, the plans must be relevant to address fundamental issues the country is facing.

At the moment, we have a slew of development plans. The grandest one of all is the Outline Perspective Plan, which was initially designed for 20 years but subsequently reduced to 10. Within the 10-year OPP, there are two five-year development plans called the Malaysia Plans. At the moment, we are going into the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Based on the projections and assumptions of the Malaysia Plan, several plans are drawn up for the development of key industries. Better known among them is the Industrial Master Plan or IMP. There was much hype over the plan, which was drawn up with the objective of making Malaysia an industrialised economy.

In the mid-1990s, the Multimedia Super Corridor took over from the IMP to lead Malaysia into the digital age. Apart from the MSC, there was Vision 2020, a plan drawn up with the objective of making the nation a developed country by the year 2020. Then there are also special plans such as the New Economic Policy and New Development Policy.

There are many other plans. There is one for the automobile industry (which is being reworked now), another for the development of capital markets and talk of a new plan for the agriculture sector. From plans mapped out by the federal government, the state governments formulate their own strategy. The only difference is that it gets more micro. The level of the plan goes down to the city council and district councils.

The list never ends. There is nothing wrong in planning because that is the key to effective use of the nation's resources. At the end of the day, everybody wants a good plan that ensures the country becomes a better place for its people, has a higher per capita income and improved standards of living.

But all these plans are only indicative. They are drawn up based on certain assumptions such as the economy growing at 8% per annum and the country being able to attract a certain level of foreign direct investment. If the assumptions are not met, the plans have to be reworked or will simply collect dust. So most of the time, it turns out to be an exercise in futility.
Some of the plans have served their purpose but many have not. This brings up the question of whether enough thought is given before a subject for planning is even mooted. In a nutshell, are there plans to address the real issues confronting the country?

Today, the main issues that are discussed at length and debated by many are corruption, construction and competitiveness or the problem of CCC. Do we have a plan to combat CCC?

Take corruption. The leaders, including no less than Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, speak about the importance of eradicating corruption — be it in the civil service or among political parties. The Anti-Corruption Agency, which has the mandate to act without fear or favour, has the task of keeping corruption at bay.

But apart from the establishment of the ACA, do we have a definite plan to eradicate corruption? The answer is no.

As for construction, what we don't need is another plan to build a stadium or a new airport. What we require is a plan to ensure that the construction of the nation's infrastructure as a whole is done efficiently and with the best return on every ringgit spent.

For instance, is there a plan to avoid building excess infrastructure? There is none. Decisions are now made on an ad hoc basis. Otherwise we would not have built so many stadiums within a 30km radius in Kuala Lumpur. We would not have built two airports that are less than five minutes flying time to each other. We would not have approved plans for two highways running almost parallel to one single destination.

Fortunately, the highway plan did not take off. There is no point deliberating on what has happened in the past. What we need is a plan to ensure that the construction process of the nation as a whole takes place efficiently. We cannot afford to make mistakes. We cannot afford to build infrastructure and wait for it to be utilised.

And the very last element is competitiveness. Almost all annual reports of companies delve into the subject of enhancing the level of competitiveness to face the threat from low-cost producers such as China.

But do we have a plan on how to lift the competitiveness standards of Malaysia? One is in the pipeline but has not been announced yet. Everybody knows that we have to be competitive to grow. But how are we going to go about doing it as a nation?

In a survey on the competitiveness of Asian countries done by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Malaysia is ranked high in the overall competitiveness list. It is ahead of Thailand, China, Vietnam and Indonesia but ranks lower than Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.

According to the survey, Thailand is catching up fast with Malaysia. It will be a sad day if Vietnam and Indonesia, a country torn by civil strife, overtake Malaysia in terms of competitiveness.

We have a whole lot of plans. But my wish is to replace all the irrelevant plans with one plan — the CCC Plan. If the nation comes out with a plan that addresses corruption, constructive building of the nation and increasing competitiveness, it would probably send the right signals to investors. The stock market will probably breach the 1,000 mark sooner than expected and good times will probably roll again in Malaysia.

H@rv

July 1st, 2005, 04:30 PM

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=230514
can forumners got to this link
its about Malaysia a medc by 2020
give your views, answers, information and pictures about WAWASAN 2020
thanks

nazrey

July 4th, 2005, 01:11 PM

AEC To Allow Free Flow Of Goods, Services, Investment & Capital By 2020
Updated : 04-07-2005
Media : Bernama

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) will allow for free flow of goods, services, investment and a freer flow of capital by 2020, said Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

In its 2004 Report released here Monday, MITI said the objective was to transform this region into an attractive investment hub by forming a large single market and production base.

It said to achieve the goals of AEC, ASEAN needs to accelerate elimination of duties on goods and liberalise trade in services.

Apart from liberalisation of trade in goods and services, ASEAN will also have to develop effective facilitation measures that will contribute to reducing business transaction costs and enhance competitiveness.

As an important step towards AEC, ASEAN has agreed to integrate 11 priority sectors such as rubber based products, textiles and apparels, wood-based products, automotive products, agro-based products, fisheries, electronics, e-ASEAN, healthcare products, air travel and tourism.

It said that to ensure effective implementation and to provide binding commitments, at the 10th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane on Nov 29, 2004, ASEAN leaders signed the Framework Agreement for the Integration of the Priority Sectors including 11 Sectoral Integration Protocols.

The agreement contains roadmaps for the 11 sectors, MITI said, adding that these roadmaps contained specific measures for liberalisation, facilitation and cooperation and common measures that cut across all the priority integration sectors.

The ministry said that implementation of these measures covered the period beginning December 2004 to the year 2010 and these measures had been developed taking into account the views of the private sector.

"On liberalisation of goods, the roadmaps require the elimination of import duties for 8.5 percent of the products under the priority sectors by Jan 1, 2007 for ASEAN-6 and 2012 for CLMV," MITI said.

Malaysia will eliminate import duties on 3,647 products in the priority sectors by 2007 or 85.3 percent of the total priority products, it said.

The roadmaps also require removal of limitations on all four modes of supply for the priority services sectors of e-ASEAN, healthcare and tourism.

"This involves member countries removing barriers to market access, national treatment and allowing for higher ASEAN equity ownership," MITI said.

It said the roadmaps also provide equal emphasis on trade and investment facilitation and promotion including the creation of a ASEAN Single Window for electronic processing of trade documents at the national and regional levels.

ASEAN is accelerating work on harmonisation of product standards and technical regulations as well as establishment of mutual recognition of test reports and certification.

Another key element of priority integration to achieve AEC is to develop ASEAN agreements or mutual recognition arrangements to facilitate movement of business people, experts, professionals and talents within the region.

A number of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) are being currently worked out covering both products and services of interest to ASEAN, said MITI.

nazrey

July 4th, 2005, 01:12 PM

Great demand for extra Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020 units
Updated : 04-07-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : CHONG POOI KOON

CASH-RICH investors snapped up within hours almost half of the additional one billion units of Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020 (ASW 2020) available last Friday, leaving many others who did not act fast enough frustrated.

Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), which manages ASW 2020 via Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd, started offering the extra units on Friday, in a fund that gave out 7 per cent income distribution last year. In comparison, a three-month fixed deposit earns only 3 per cent in interest.

¡§Some 20 customers were already queueing up in front of the bank before we opened the door. All units allocated for non-Bumiputeras were gone by 10am to 11am,¡¨ an official at a Malayan Banking (Maybank) branch in Jalan Telawi, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, told Business Times.

Maybank is one of the agents for PNB¡¦s unit trusts.

PNB did not want to comment before an official sales figure is ready.

ASW 2020 is the first unit trust fund from PNB that is open to non-Bumiputeras. Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras can subscribe for the extra units based on a quota of 51:49.

The additional one billion units would raise the ASW 2020 fund size to four billion.

Meanwhile, response was just as hot in other bank branches around Bangsar.

Roslina Zakaria, customer service manager for RHB Bank Bhd at Bangsar Shopping Centre, said while the Bumiputera portion is still available, quota for non-Bumiputeras was finishing fast.

The RHB branch managed to close only two transactions for relatively big amounts before the non-Bumiputeras¡¦ quota was filled by 10.20am.

¡§Operating hours for this branch start at 10am, and in that 20 minutes, we were able to get it for only two customers, one for over 200,000 units and another for 59,000 units,¡¨ she said.

Roslina said some 10 regular customers queued up before the bank opened its door and many were unhappy when the units were gone in such a short period.

¡§Many walked out in frustration. We kept trying to key in (orders) for others, and managed to get through for another two (orders) around noon, for 30,000 units each,¡¨ she said.

She said the post office, also a PNB-appointed agent, opened for business at around 8.30am and thus started selling the units earlier.

¡§We have to explain to the customers that this time gap exists, but there¡¦s nothing much that we can do,¡¨ Roslina said.

ASW 2020 was launched in 1996 and was initially open to all Malaysians aged between 12 and 30 years. The age limit was raised to 40 years when the fund was relaunched in January this year.

PNB president and chief executive Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman had said it received overwhelming requests from the public, especially non-Bumiputeras.

nazrey

July 22nd, 2005, 10:05 AM

M'sia To Sustain Highest Energy Growth In Asean For 1999 To 2020

Updated : 21-07-2005
Media : Bernama

Malaysia is expected to sustain the highest growth rate of energy demand in Asean, with 4.7 percent for the period 1999 to 2020, Minister of Energy, Water and Communications, Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said Thursday.

"This represents an increase from 28 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) in 1999 to 74 million tonnes of MTOE in 2020," he said at the official launch of Asean Elenex 2005/Securitex & Fire 2005 and the Conferences on the Promotion of Sustainable Energy Technologies and Automation On Computer Networks, here Thursday.

The event was organised by the Malaysian Exhibitions Services.

Dr Lim said the figure was based on the statistics released by the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC) of Tokyo.

APERC said final energy demand for seven of the 10 Asean countries that were also members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum recorded an average growth of 4.5 percent between 1990 and 1999.

The total final energy demand for the seven Asean countries is expected to almost double from 252 MTOE in 1999 to 525 MTOE in 2020.

Dr Lim said these high growth rates underscored the significance of Asean countries in the global energy market, especially in the industrial and commercial sector.

It also represents a sizeable market of about 500 million people for the industry players to tap into.

"I am confident that the Asean ELENEX exhibition and conference would serve as a perfect platform for the industry players to exchange ideas, experiences and know-how in order to meet and serve the regions's energy needs better," he said.

He said regional industry players could benefit from these exchanges and form smart-partnerships with their counterparts from developed countries and by complementing each other, vis-a-vis, technical expertise and local knowledge.

Dr Lim said the Malaysian economy recorded an annual growth of seven percent in 2004 and was projected to grow by five to six percent this year. He said peak demand for the electricity in Peninsular Malaysia registered a 6.1 percent growth in 2004 compared with the previous year from 11,329MW in 2003 to 12,023MW in 2004.

"This year, the peak demand is expected to reach 12.838MW or an annual growth of 6.8 percent," he said.

The minister said the APERC study on investment requirements for the period from 2000 to 2020 for energy infrastructure was estimated to be US$43 billion.

However, he said these figures were derived based on a conservative assumption and the actual investment requirements could be potentially higher.

Dr Lim said the growth in electricity demand from the industrial sector was expected to remain high.

He said several high profile electricity-intensive industries were expected to be in the pipeline in the near future.

"With the government's thrust on renewable energy, new technologies for harnessing energy from alternative sources have emerged. This is also expected to contribute significantly to the country's renewable energy," he said.

nazrey

September 11th, 2005, 02:16 AM

M'sia First Islamic Nation To Attain Developed Country Status - PM
September 10, 2005 19:44 PM

BUTTERWORTH, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will emerge as the first member state of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) to attain developed country status due to its remarkable achievements in science and technology, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Saturday.

The Prime Minister said based on the information received from the 57-member OIC, Malaysia is set to create history for the Islamic nations worldwide when it realises the Vision 2020 goals to become a developed nation.

"According to OIC information, Insyaallah (God Willing), our country will become the first OIC member to achieve developed country status.

"The Muslims in this country will be the first people from the OIC grouping of Islamic nations to be known as a developed race," he said when opening the At-Taqwa Mosque in Mak Mandin.

Abdullah also launched a translation of the Al-Quran and Al-Quran Multimedia by Yayasan Restu Malaysia in collaboration with TM Net.

The Prime Minister said currently the Muslims were heavily dependent on technology developed by non-Islamic nations and it was time for them to invent modern and hi-tech inventions.

Abdullah said he wanted Muslims in Malaysia to have mental resilience and strive to follow the teachings of Al-quran to discover the secrets of the various branches of knowledge including science and technology to develop the country and race.

"With seriousness and determination, it is not impossible for us to become inventors of modern technology. It's not impossible but if there are people who say it is impossible, the person has conceded defeat, he doesn't have self-confidence and is weak.

"If you study world civilization, the development of diverse fields of science and technology like medicine, mathematics and astronomy are actually founded by Islamic scholars who used Al-Quran as reference," he said.

Books authored by well-known Muslim intellectuals like Ibnu Sina and Al-Khawarizmi are being used as reference materials by students in Europe and other western countries to further deepen their knowledge in science and technology.

Abdullah said ancient Muslims were modern Muslims and were major powers in various aspects including in governance, knowledge and in science and technology.

He said it was the responsibility of today's Muslims to revive their past glory.

Abdullah praised Yayasan Restu for producing the translation of Al-Quran Mushaf Malaysia and Al-Quran Multimedia in Bahasa Malaysia to hasten the growth of Islam in Malaysia.

By having the translation in Bahasa Malaysia, Malaysians could better understand the contents of Al-Quran and make it easy for them to study the Holy Book.

"The Al-Quran Multimedia is another example of the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to encourage our children to read and understand the contents of Al-Quran.

"In this modern era, the country's economy is being moved by ICT and this is the type of progress exhorted by Islam," he said.

Abdullah also reminded Muslims to forge closer unity and never use mosques as a place to bicker among each other especially in politics.

The RM2 million At-Taqwa Mosque was built from public donations including from Abdullah.

-- BERNAMA

White_soX

January 4th, 2006, 03:15 AM

14 YEARS TO GO

nazrey

January 4th, 2006, 05:51 AM

Senior citizens need social security
Wednesday January 4, 2006

KOTA BARU: Malaysia lacks a social safety net for its senior citizens in her push towards becoming developed by 2020, United Nations (UN) resident co-ordinator Dr Richard Leete said recently.

He said the country must realign its policy on senior citizens to come to terms with the prospect that it would soon become a nation with an aging population.

According to him, there were 1.8 million Malaysians aged 60 and above, and by 2020, the figure would rise to 3.6 million, which translates to 12% of Malaysia’s population.

Dr Leete said a policy was needed towards ensuring that senior citizens, especially women, enjoyed a solid quality of life and not spend their last years in an old folks home.

The country needs to move away from the perception that being old meant being unproductive, Dr Leete said.

He said this at the two-day media seminar on active and productive aging at Renaissance Hotel here.

Gismo

January 22nd, 2006, 12:52 PM

hi im new in this forum, can somone explain me what is the vision for 2020¿

Lastresorter

January 23rd, 2006, 08:21 PM

^^ Dear Gismo, this is where you can read more about Malaysia's Vision 2020.

http://www.pmo.gov.my/website/webdb.nsf/vALLDOC/BA7051FF90767AD848256E84003129CA

Lastresorter

January 23rd, 2006, 08:25 PM

And here too. :)

http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/apcity/unpan003222.pdf

Gismo

January 25th, 2006, 02:20 PM

Thank's

sugizm

February 7th, 2006, 08:39 PM

M'sia First Islamic Nation To Attain Developed Country Status - PM
September 10, 2005 19:44 PM

looking at the article i see the business oppurtunities our government trying to create, it will improve country's reputation and become the leader among islamic countries, improve the competition of business deals between westerners so and so on.

it should't, in my opinion, trying to motivate people by using religion as a comparison. the malaysia boleh spirit should lie on the basic mentality of our people, and we set our goal to be one of the top in the world without race and religious issues.

but still, in the political point of view, i guess it has its reasons to start motivating and pumping confidence to our people.

themaster

February 10th, 2006, 05:47 PM

100% agree

Skyprince

July 26th, 2006, 10:41 AM

Ok..Ok guys.. in order to become `developed` we have to reach $20 000 right ? Now take a calculator and do some maths. Now our per-capita income is $ 11,000. With the current unstable situation and rising oil prices and high inflation let`s assume that our annual growth up to 2020 will be 5.5%. So now 11 000 X (1.055)^14 years = $23 277. Then MINUS the annual projected population growth of 2.2%.

23 277 X (0.978)^14

Then the figure will become $17 048. That is far below the 20 000 target !!

Unless a miracle happens in the future...

So to those Menteri-menteris and their peers who are viewing my post please take note !! I don`t know if they only show commitment to develop but don not make any calculations.

travellator

July 26th, 2006, 01:28 PM

there is more criteria on how one is considered 'developed' and $20000 is way down the list. Some Countries with =>$20000 - Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Equatorial Guinea, Cyprus, Malta, Bahrain. some 'developed' countries with < $20000 - Russia, Argentina, Hungary, Poland, Malaysia.

bola

July 27th, 2006, 02:07 PM

some countries in the middle east got per capita income more than $20,000
but their country is still not developed poor
maybe oil is the solution???oO

damn man by 2020 i'd already be 29 crap....
maybe if malaysia do soemthing like dig for more oil or theres a world war
the 2020 will be complete?

Skyprince

July 28th, 2006, 12:13 PM

some countries in the middle east got per capita income more than $20,000
but their country is still not developed poor
maybe oil is the solution???oO

Which country do you mean ???

UAE is very developed instead. Constructions are everywhere and life expectancy is 78, higher than United States !!

Oman is also a developed country, with zero poverty. No beggars on the streets, and Muscat is a very very modern city.

Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait are the same. Their cities are quite clean and developed. They have strong tourism industry.

Don`t trust any Western media reports about the Middle East. You have to go and see by urself.

travellator

July 28th, 2006, 01:54 PM

correct point, so there is no one criteria that defines a 'developed' country, is UAE as developed or more than the US because it has massive constructions, a higher life expectancy & no beggars. It is better to define developed not only from an economic criteria but by social & human aspects. Obviously the richer the country the easier it is to achieve these criteria but the test is the ability to sustain development as it is continues to evolve as we and our values evolve

pedang

July 28th, 2006, 02:02 PM

^^ how about technology n heavy industries(automotif, electronic.. etc..)

in10cities

July 28th, 2006, 02:38 PM

Hmm,, I thought Vision 2020 'developed nation' status will be formulated and measured using our own yardstick/mould? This point taken, how will this 'status' be recognised by other countries?

This euphoria of 'countdown to developed state/nation' had been adopted by many of states; Malacca, Selangor to name a few... ;I doubt its achievable in such a few years time from now- I believe its purely political than anything else. If to measure Selangor as a developed state by simply comparing it to Kelantan... I think its a simplistic approach.

It is a very ambitious feat indeed to put a timeframe to achieve this coveted status. I think even existing developed nation themselves did not put a timeframe on to achieve it. I think even countries like UK or France took hundred of years to be where they are now...but look at Singapore now; she is considered 'developed nation' now- less than 40 years.

Anyways; 14 years to go for us & counting... :)

alsen

July 28th, 2006, 02:57 PM

^^ how about technology n heavy industries(automotif, electronic.. etc..)
totally agreed with pedang.not only $$,but owning technology is also one of the best way to be considered as a developed country.

travellator

July 28th, 2006, 05:44 PM

dont forget human rights, social equality, free speech

Lastresorter

July 28th, 2006, 08:40 PM

^^ I second that travellator.

in10cities

July 28th, 2006, 09:40 PM

Me too!!! I second it! :)

pedang

August 4th, 2006, 02:24 PM

Consistent policies help improve Malaysia’s image

By SUSAN TAM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s consistent policies to attract foreign capital will not only see inflow of cash into its market but help improve its image among the international community, said FinanceAsia group chief executive officer Jonathan Hirst.

“I think being consistent in coming up with new measures to attract foreign capital, bank reforms and corporate governance reforms will help,” he said after the FinanceAsia Awards Malaysia’s Best Companies prize presentation ceremony yesterday.

He said poll responses conducted for the awards revealed that although the Malaysian market might not have “risen” as much as others in South-East Asia, it was a steady market.

“Obviously, there is a lot of competition from the emerging markets that might be perceived as better value for investors but I think good companies will always attract investors and Malaysia certainly has good companies,” he added.

He also said Malaysia’s strategic position of being close to India and China would benefit the country’s economy.

Hirst added that based on the responses received, the areas for Malaysian companies to improve would be corporate governance, accountability and transparency.

The awards poll investors, insurance companies, hedge funds and institutional investors on various categories for best-managed companies.

These categories are best-managed company, best investor relations, best corporate governance, best commitment to strong dividends and best chief financial officer (CFO).

British American Tobacco (M) Bhd (BAT) emerged winner for best-managed company, best corporate governance and best commitment to strong dividends.

Tanjong plc took home the best investor relations and its CFO Gerard Nathan won the best CFO award.

BAT corporate, regulatory and legal affairs director Christine Lee Oi Kuan said that last year was challenging for the company but it was able to return high dividend yield to investors and shareholders.

In terms of corporate governance, Gerald said Malaysian companies were on par with the global community. He added that education was important, as the framework for good corporate governance existed already.

Other winners include Maxis Communications Bhd, Malayan Banking Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, Malaysia Airlines System Bhd, AirAsia Bhd, IOI Corp Bhd, Genting Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.

pedang

August 8th, 2006, 02:15 PM

Population in Klang Valley to remain highest

KUALA LUMPUR: The population growth rate in the Klang Valley will continue to be the highest compared with other regions such as Johor Baru and Penang, Ho Chin Soon Research Sdn Bhd managing director Ho Chin Soon said.

Between 1991 and 2000, the Klang Valley grew at 4.8% per annum, compared with Johor Baru (4.6%) and Penang (1.57%).

“If the growth rate of 4.8% per annum in the Klang Valley is sustained, we will have a population of 8 million in 2016,” he told the seminar.

Ho identified four growth corridors. They are Sungai Buloh/Damansara, Puchong/Seri Kembangan, South Klang and North Klang/North Shah Alam.

“The Sungai Buloh/Damansara and Puchong/Seri Kembangan corridors will be considered built up soon, so new corridors will depend on road and transportation infrastructure projects,” he said.

On deciding where to invest, Ho said it was important to consider the location, timing and branding of the product, adding that confidence in “local knowledge” of a particular area would help in making investment decisions.

The Star assistant supplements editor S.C. Cheah said investment in property should be on a long-term basis and gave examples of popular housing concepts such as landed and low density gated communities, a mix of landed or strata gated community, townships with special precincts, bigger condominiums or apartments and inner city living.

On the types of properties to invest in the Klang Valley, he said: “Shop offices in high-growth areas such as Kota Damansara, Klang, Section 7 Shah Alam, Bandar Puteri Puchong and Cheras. Houses and apartments in old townships with very comprehensive facilities and amenities and excellent highway linkages such as Subang Jaya, USJ, Puchong and Old Klang Road could be considered.”

nazrey

August 12th, 2006, 06:11 AM

Dr M: Developed status by 2020 depends on external factors
Updated : 12-08-2006
Media : The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The countryกฏs ability to achieve developed status by the year 2020 will depend largely on external factors, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

He said Malaysia was very dependent on foreign trade compared with countries like Japan or the US.

If the world economy is not doing well, Malaysia will not do well. In the US and Japan, foreign trade as a percentage of the GDP (gross domestic product) is 17% and 20% respectively.

In Malaysia, foreign trade is 200% of GDP, or two times the size of the GDP. We only hope and pray our trading partners are prosperous, hence we have a policy of prosper thy neighbour, he said in a question-and-answer session at the 8th TEC Asia annual meeting yesterday.

TEC is the world's largest chief executive officer membership organisation in the world. One of its aims is to provide continuous learning and development for chief executives, managing directors and business leaders.

Asked why the country had not developed as fast as Singapore despite having more natural resources than the republic, Dr Mahathir said it was important to have quality people.

People say Malaysia has a lot of natural resources but we only have a bit of oil. We produce 650,000 barrels of oil a day compared with Saudi Arabia's 10 million barrels of oil a day. Our tin is exhausted and there is a bit of gold.

Our resources are our people. We are disinclined to violence and confrontation. We live in peace and tolerate each other and this allows our country to develop, he said.

pedang

August 12th, 2006, 02:03 PM

5 juta pekerja asing banjiri negara 2010

KUALA LUMPUR 11 Ogos – Wujud kemungkinan besar Malaysia akan mempunyai lebih lima juta pekerja asing menjelang 2010, sekiranya kebergantungan majikan di negara ini kepada pekerja asing tidak ditangani, kata Menteri Sumber Manusia, Datuk Seri Dr. Fong Chan Onn hari ini.

“Malaysia kini mempunyai kira-kira 1.8 juta pekerja asing bekerja di negara ini. Sementara itu, setiap bulan majikan tempatan mengemukakan banyak permohonan kepada Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri untuk menggaji lebih ramai pekerja asing.

“Sekiranya masalah ini tidak ditangani sekarang, kemungkinan besar jumlah pekerja asing di negara ini mungkin melebihi lima juta menjelang tahun 2010,” katanya ketika berucap pada jamuan tengah hari Persidangan Undang-Undang Buruh Persatuan Undang-Undang bagi Asia dan Pasifik (Lawasia) di sini.

Katanya, negara perlu berdepan dengan pelbagai aspek buruh asing, terutamanya dalam bidang berkaitan undang-undang dan sosial seperti terma dan syarat pekerjaan, orientasi dan latihan kemahiran, perlindungan di bawah undang-undang pekerjaan, keselamatan pekerjaan, keselamatan sosial dan insurans, kesatuan sekerja, hubungan perusahaan dan keputusan perusahaan.

Oleh itu, Dr. Fong berkata, undang-undang, peraturan dan syarat relevan sentiasa dikemas kini dan ditingkatkan untuk melindungi hak dan kepentingan pekerja.

“Sementara tiada kontrak penggajian yang standard yang boleh diguna pakai untuk semua pekerja asing di Malaysia, kerajaan memerlukan kontrak penggajian yang dipersetujui bersama oleh majikan tempatan dan pekerja asing untuk disimpan pihak berkuasa imigresen sebelum sebarang pas pekerjaan diluluskan dan dikeluarkan,” katanya.

Menteri itu berkata, bagi perjanjian bersama pula, pekerja asing berhak mendapat faedah yang sama dengan yang diberikan kepada pekerja Malaysia.

Katanya, Akta Perhubungan Perusahaan 1967 tidak mengecualikan pekerja asing daripada perjanjian bersama, walaupun mereka bukan ahli kesatuan sekerja dan dengan itu bukan sebahagian pihak dalam kontrak itu.

“Seksyen 17 akta itu menetapkan perjanjian bersama terpakai bagi semua pekerja yang digaji atau digaji selepas kerja itu atau sebahagian kerja itu yang berkaitan dengan perjanjian itu,” katanya.

Bagi timbang tara perusahaan,

Dr. Fong berkata mana-mana pekerja sama ada penduduk tempatan atau asing, mempunyai akses yang sama kepada Mahkamah Perusahaan Malaysia.

“Malaysia juga percaya bahawa semua pertikaian, sama ada berkaitan penggajian atau sebaliknya, boleh dan patut diselesaikan menerusi rundingan bagi mencapai keadaan menang-menang, atau membawa kepada penyelesaian secara baik di luar mahkamah,” katanya.

Dr. Fong berkata, modal insan merupakan aset bernilai kepada mana-mana negara dan dengan itu kerajaan telah melakukan pelbagai usaha untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan penduduknya menerusi pendidikan dan latihan untuk seiring dengan teknologi moden dan kemajuan ke arah mencapai produktiviti optimum.

Beliau berkata, negara akan mencapai objektifnya untuk menjadi negara maju menjelang 2020 yang memerlukan pengurusan dan tenaga kerja pakar yang mampu memenuhi semua cabaran.

“Bagi meningkatkan daya saing dan daya tahan ekonomi, produktiviti buruh akan ditingkatkan menerusi penggunaan buruh secara efisien, meningkatkan kemahiran, meningkatkan keupayaan pengurusan, menggiatkan penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) dan aktiviti inovasi serta meningkatkan penggunaan teknologi dan ICT di semua sektor ekonomi,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, hasil daripada globalisasi dan liberalisasi perdagangan, akan wujud interaksi merentas sempadan dan pergerakan buruh lebih besar yang akan menggugat undang-undang dan sosial.

Beliau berkata, berikutan kekurangan buruh, negara terpaksa memeterai Perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas dan Memorandum Persefahaman dengan beberapa negara untuk memudahkan pergerakan buruh dalam ekonomi global.

“Oleh itu, pertimbangan utama ialah melindungi kebajikan dan kesejahteraan pekerja. Selain daripada itu, kursus induksi adalah wajib bagi pekerja asing sebagai satu cara untuk mereka meningkatkan kefahaman dan pengetahuan mengenai budaya, bahasa dan undang-undang Malaysia,” katanya.

Ketika bercakap kepada pemberita selepas itu, Dr. Fong berkata, Malaysia kini perlu menangkis tanggapan bahawa pekerja asing tidak dibenarkan melaksanakan hak mereka semasa bekerja di negara ini.

“Kita perlu beritahu dunia yang kita tidak mendiskriminasi pekerja asing. Pekerja tempatan dan asing berkongsi hak yang sama. Persepsi ini dilaporkan oleh media yang menggambarkan seolah-olah Malaysia menindas pekerja asing,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Dr Fong berkata timbalannya Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar akan menghadiri Persidangan Buruh Asia di Hong Kong akhir bulan ini, sementara beliau akan menghadiri Mesyuarat Buruh Kesatuan Eropah-ASEAN pada September.

“Kita perlu menghadiri forum ini untuk memberitahu dunia bahawa kita tidak menindas pekerja asing. Kita perlu bersihkan imej kita berikutan laporan media yang memberikan gambaran buruk mengenai nasib pekerja asing di negara ini,” katanya.

pedang

August 12th, 2006, 02:13 PM

Wawasan 2020 mampu direalisasikan: Pakar

PAKAR ekonomi pembangunan, Jeffrey S Sachs yakin Malaysia akan berjaya merealisasikan Wawasan 2020 jika bersedia meningkatkan pelaburan dalam sains dan teknologi (S&T) serta sektor perkhidmatan.

Profesor di Columbia University, New York City, Amerika Syarikat itu berkata, Malaysia perlu menyediakan sumber manusia bermutu dalam bidang S&T dan perkhidmatan yang sedang berkembang pesat terutama di pasaran ekonomi baru muncul seperti China dan India.

Justeru, beliau yang juga adalah Penasihat Khas kepada Setiausaha Agung Pertubuhan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu, Kofi Annan, berkata negara ini perlu meningkatkan lagi sistem pendidikannya untuk menghasilkan sumber manusia mahir yang diperlukan pasaran semasa dan masa depan.

“Untuk menarik pelaburan langsung asing dalam sektor ini, Malaysia perlu mempunyai kemudahan penyelidikan yang baik dan mempunyai sumber manusia berkemahiran tinggi dalam S&T dan perkhidmatan.

“Ia tidak akan berlaku dengan sendiri tetapi memerlukan pelaburan besar termasuk pelaburan dalam pendidikan tinggi,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas mengadakan perbincangan dengan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi di Putrajaya, semalam.

Sachs berkata, Malaysia berada di rantau yang mencatatkan pertumbuhan ekonomi paling tinggi di dunia dan berhampiran dengan dua negara yang ekonominya berkembang dengan pesat iaitu China dan India.

Katanya, Malaysia patut mengambil peluang untuk menjadi pengeksport kepada China dan India serta pasaran Asean yang semakin besar.

“Syarikat negara ini boleh menawarkan perkhidmatan kepada China dan India kerana anda tahu jiran anda lebih baik daripada negara lain,” katanya.

haze

August 18th, 2006, 02:13 PM

wth aIMP3: GDP grot 6.3% in 2006-2020
By Tamimi Omar

3IMP-overview

The government targets the Malaysian economy to grow, on average, at 6.3% under the Third Industrial Master Plan (IMP3), which stretches from 2006 to 2020.

In the report released by the International Trade and Industry Ministry on Aug 18, the government forecast total trade to grow almost three-fold to RM2.8 trillion by 2020 from RM967.8 billion in 2005.

It said the growth would hinge on:
· The world economy registering an average growth of gross domestic product (GDP) of 3.5% during the entire plan period;

· The manufacturing sector sustaining its growth momentum;

· The services sector becoming a major source of growth;

· Greater focus being given to developing the agriculture sector;

· The private sector and Government-linked companies (GLCs) assuming a lead role in generating new investments; and

· The public sector enhancing its delivery system.

The manufacturing sector would remain an important sector, growing at 5.6% annually during the IMP3 period and contributing 28.5% to the economy in 2020.

“The non-government services sector will assume a major role during the plan period, growing at 7.5% annually and contributing 59.7% to the economy in 2020,” the report said.

Exports were forecast to increase 2.7 times from RM533.8 billion to RM1.4 trillion with major export items are expected to include:

· Electrical products and electronics parts and components

· Chemicals and chemical products

· Machinery and equipment

· Automotive parts and components

· Information and communication technology (ICT) and multimedia products

· Biotechnology products

· Optical and scientific products Medical devices; and

· Agro-based products.

The report said major services sub-sectors targeted for greater development and export promotion include:

· Business and professional services

· Tourism

· Education and training

· ICT and multimedia services

· Health services, and

· Construction.

During the Plan period, the non-resource based industries are expected to continue to contribute substantively to the export of manufactured products.

“The exports of the industries are targeted to grow at an average annual rate of 7.1% and contribute RM9.2 trillion to exports. In 2020, exports of the non-resource based industries are expected to account for 80.6% of the total manufactured exports of the twelve targeted industries,” it said

It added the resource based industries were targeted to grow at an average annual rate
of 7.1 per cent and contribute RM2.2 trillion to exports.

“In terms of investments, the non-resource based industries are expected to attract RM232.8 billion in investments, while the resource based industries, RM129.7 billion,” it added.

Potential products in the sub-sectors include:
* E&E products, such as semiconductors, smartphones, personal digital assistants, audio visual products and photovoltaic fabricated wafers;

* petrochemicals, such as alpha-olefins and fatty alcohols, vinyl acetate, ethylene dichloride, nylons and polyurethanes;

* pharmaceutical products, such as products derived from biopharmaceutical activities, niche pharmaceutical products, sterile products and oncology products;

* medical devices, such as coronary catheters, clean room medical gloves, in-vitro diagnostic devices, cardiovascular devices, orthopaedic devices, home-care and self care products, high-end diagnostic devices, medical imaging equipment, and high end hospital and laboratory equipment.

nazrey

August 30th, 2006, 05:08 AM

Pak Lah all for V2020
Wednesday August 30, 2006
TheStar

SEREMBAN: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has affirmed that he is committed to his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Vision 2020.

The Prime Minister said he had no intention of changing the vision although some adjustments needed to be made on projects due to various situations in the country.

Abdullah said that when he won a huge mandate from voters in the last election, he was warned that the downside of a huge mandate was that the people's demand on him would also be huge.

“I was told you are going to have a problem with that. Sure enough the demand is a lot people say you promise this and that,” he told government administrators, state exco members and assemblymen here yesterday.

Abdullah said that his election manifesto was based on the Government's focus towards achieving Vision 2020.

Abdullah said he inherited the administration from Dr Mahathir and therefore he would continue with the long-term vision.

“But sometimes we need to divert in our journey, we must do this and that, and maybe there are some things we cannot do,” he said.

Abdullah said he had been asked why he did not come up with his own vision since he was now the leader.

“Why should I have another vision when the vision I said I support is Vision 2020. We are midway towards achieving it. Why should I do something new just because this is my era?” he said.

He said the Government was not short of ideas for programmes and projects and had enough allocation for the 9th Malaysia Plan, which would be increased when necessary.

haze

August 31st, 2006, 01:52 PM

Malaysia's Q2 economic growth beats forecasts

By Rupa Damodaran
rupabanerji@nstp.com.my

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Thursday/Nation/BT584237.txt/Article/Current_News/BT/Images/dailyn1/realgdp31.jpg

THE Malaysian economy strengthened further into the second quarter with the gross domestic product (GDP) expanding at 5.9 per cent year-on-year, Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said yesterday.

Exceeding the 5.5 per cent revised first-quarter growth, the second-quarter GDP was mainly supported by the services sector, which expanded at a faster pace of 6 per cent due to stronger growth in the finance, insurance, real estate and business services as well as wholesale and retail trade, hotels and restaurants.

Zeti described the services sector as growing in importance, representing almost 60 per cent of the Malaysian economy.

"It has an important role in driving growth. And this is like a transition into a more diversified economy and will contribute to new growth areas like outsourcing, shared services and other information technology- related services and knowledge- driven industry," she said.

The second-quarter GDP growth also beat market expectations and a Business Times poll of a 5.56 average growth.

Zeti said the manufacturing sector has continued its encouraging performance by recording 8.4 per cent growth in the second quarter.

In Bank Negara Malaysia's assessment, the external outlook is still positive, with improving and recovery signs in Europe and Japan as well as strong growth elsewhere in Asia.

She described the domestic economy as still robust with all the indicators showing that consumption demand will be sustained and investment activities will increase.

"With the new projects coming on stream with the Ninth Malaysia Plan and Budget 2007, these will contribute to sustained economic activities, and therefore, the domestic sector will be robust," she said, adding that any global slowdown is likely to be modest.

On the impact of electricity tariffs, Zeti said they have been absorbed by producers, to a large extent.

"We are monitoring closely if some are passed on, but at this point, we are seeing the trend of inflation moderating going into the second half of this year," she said, adding that inflation will average 3.5 to 4 per cent for this year.

On the 2007 Budget, Zeti said she looked forward to the announcement on the financial sector, in particular, the promotion of Malaysia as the international Islamic financial centre.

"Malaysia looks to steady growth ... what we want to see is solid, steady and high quality growth sustained over a long period of time going into 2020," she said.

For the next five years, Malaysia has projected a 6 per cent growth annually.

pedang

October 17th, 2006, 07:04 AM

Petronas is second among top 25 non-financial TNCs

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) ranks second in the top 25 non-financial transnational corporations (TNCs) in terms of foreign assets, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2006.

United Nations resident coordinator Dr Richard Leete said in 2004, there were five companies from developing economies in the list of top 100 TNCs.

“The higher flow of outward FDI (foreign direct investment) from TNCs in developing countries is accompanied by a significant increase in developing country firms in the universe of TNCs,” Leete said.

He said this at the launch of the UNCTAD report entitled FDI from Developing and Transition Economies: Implications for Development yesterday.

In all developing regions and in the Russian Federation, major TNCs have emerged in the primary sector (oil, gas and mining) and resource-based manufacturing (metals and steel).

Leete said the new links that TNCs were forging with the rest of the world would have far-reaching repercussions in shaping the global economic landscape of the coming decades.

“There were significant increases in outward investments by developing economies led by Hong Kong with US$33bil.

“Outflows from these economies corresponded to 17% of the world total. Malaysia is ranked number eight in the list of developing economies in terms of stock of outward FDI,” he added. – Bernama

AhChuan

November 17th, 2006, 12:11 PM

Year 2020.....the time of Malaysia's big dream, main dream.

MaLaYSia aNd KoREa!!

November 24th, 2006, 09:10 PM

this is my first time in this forum..can't wait 2020...fully-developed country

MaLaYSia aNd KoREa!!

November 24th, 2006, 09:12 PM

it's time for mammoth make over in malaysia...vision 2020

MaLaYSia aNd KoREa!!

November 24th, 2006, 09:18 PM

i wonder what is tamansari all about?anyone...please tell me...

MaLaYSia aNd KoREa!!

November 24th, 2006, 09:45 PM

hi...i'm new!
yeah..everything is not about $$$$,but the mentality of malaysians should be judged first....1st world mentality

alsen

November 25th, 2006, 05:05 AM

this is my first time in this forum..can't wait 2020...fully-developed country

Anyon haseyo..! Alsen inmida.charketsosoyo ?
welcome to SCC. ^^

MaLaYSia aNd KoREa!!

November 26th, 2006, 06:18 AM

Anyon haseyo..! Alsen inmida.charketsosoyo ?
welcome to SCC. ^^

thanks!!are you korean living in the land of PTT?

alsen

November 26th, 2006, 07:52 AM

thanks!!are you korean living in the land of PTT?

No lah.my friend (korean) taught me a little bit about greeting in korean

MaLaYSia aNd KoREa!!

November 26th, 2006, 03:03 PM

No lah.my friend (korean) taught me a little bit about greeting in korean

hehe..you aren't korea....so do i....
i don't know why,but i am really keen to visit the country one day..
i'm looking forward to the MATTA fair next year....
packages to korea are dirt-cheap....sort of...compared to NZ!

alsen

November 27th, 2006, 05:11 PM

hehe..you aren't korea....so do i....
i don't know why,but i am really keen to visit the country one day..
i'm looking forward to the MATTA fair next year....
packages to korea are dirt-cheap....sort of...compared to NZ!

^^ Korea is definitely a nice country to visit.they are really friendly :)

pedang

November 29th, 2006, 03:06 AM

Malaysia wins 'Offshore Destination of the Year' award

November 29 2006

MALAYSIA, nominated by Atos Origin, won the "Offshore Destination of the Year" category of the UK National Outsourcing Association (NOA) Awards.

The award recognises Malaysia's excellent combination of high quality and skilled workforce, state-of-the-art information technology infrastructure and effective collaboration between government and industry to deliver a powerful value proposition to the global offshoring market.

The awards were announced by the association on October 12 at a ceremony attended by more than 350 professionals from the UK's outsourcing industry.

The NOA is Europe's first association for the outsourcing industry.

"Malaysia's well-developed infrastructure, attractive business environment and strong government support makes it a rising alternative to India and China as an outsourcing hub," NOA chairman Martyn Hart said in a statement.

"Malaysia is fast becoming an important hub for call centres, data centres, technical support centres, back office operations and business process outsourcing," he added.

MaLaYSia aNd KoREa!!

November 29th, 2006, 06:51 AM

yeyeye....Malaysia won!!

pedang

December 6th, 2006, 04:12 AM

Ringgit at 3.558, highest since de-pegging

By Alfean Hardy
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

The ringgit has surged to its highest against the US dollar since it was de-pegged in July 2005 on continued pressure on the greenback as markets bet on a US rate cut next year.

On Dec 5, the ringgit rose 0.79% to RM3.558 at 5pm from RM3.586 on Dec 4 - the strongest rise among Asian currencies. Year-to-date, the ringgit has strengthened 6.21% against the greenback.

However, the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) said the rise of the ringgit against the US dollar trailed regional currencies'. Since January, the Thai baht has risen 15.15% against the US dollar, the Singapore dollar 8.03%, Indonesia rupiah 7.8% and the Philippine peso 7.1%.

Analysts said the rally on the ringgit and regional currencies was due to the weaker dollar and the flow of money into the regional equities markets.

At Bursa, the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index rose 11.52 points to 1,088.96 on foreign buying of blue chips and heavyweights. Turnover was 1.68 billion shares with advancing counters beating decliners 616 to 276.

The major gainers included Telekom Malaysia Bhd, which rose 35 sen to RM9.75, Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd and Tanjong plc 30 sen each to RM24.60 and RM14 respectively, Bursa Malaysia Bhd and Genting Bhd 25 sen each to RM7.95 and RM29.25 respectively, and Tenaga Nasional Bhd 20 sen to RM11.

At the National Economic Outlook Conference 2007-2008 in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 5, MIER executive director Dr Mohamed Ariff Abdul Kareem said the ringgit was undervalued and he expected it to reach RM3.50 to the US dollar by the first quarter of next year.

“Look at our fundamentals, which are much stronger than the fundamentals of other countries that are appreciating more. Even though the ringgit has been appreciating against the dollar, it’s depreciating against other currencies,” he said.

Ariff said there was a need for a more flexible exchange rate policy, although there may be some adverse effect on exports initially.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the government expected the federal deficit to decline to 3.5% in 2006, a level that will foster economic growth without imposing strains on the government’s budget.

Najib, whose speech was read out by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohd Effendi Norwawi, said the government expected the economy to grow by 5.8% this year and by 6% in 2007, underpinned by robust domestic growth and favourable export expansion.

ZaHiRnYa???

December 6th, 2006, 09:09 AM

maybank shares today hit RM12. :D

James Foong

December 6th, 2006, 03:58 PM

And thats mean whoever bought it last month will pocket an extra of RM1000 at that selling price. R u hitting the jackpot too?

ZaHiRnYa???

December 7th, 2006, 03:44 AM

And thats mean whoever bought it last month will pocket an extra of RM1000 at that selling price. R u hitting the jackpot too?

mine is different. mine is ESOS ;)

James Foong

December 8th, 2006, 05:17 PM

Wah..i m jealous of u. Mayban share is so expensive to me. Havin esos shares makes a good start, do you think so for this bank?

ZaHiRnYa???

December 12th, 2006, 11:23 AM

Wah..i m jealous of u. Mayban share is so expensive to me. Havin esos shares makes a good start, do you think so for this bank?

I guess so. Maybe that is the reason why im staying with the same company for 6 years already ;)

Havin ESOS like having a bonus actually. [not including tax yet ;)]

Subangite

December 12th, 2006, 06:47 PM

I guess so. Maybe that is the reason why im staying with the same company for 6 years already ;)

Havin ESOS like having a bonus actually. [not including tax yet ;)]

Would love to have been a Maxis employee, joining before they went public, their IPO price and their trading price now is quite a jump, Maxis folks with ESOS must be minting it right about now.

Whats the overall sentiment on the KLSE? Its not performing spectacularly vis-a-vis other regional bourses, from what I gather. Are you guys bullish on its prospects for 2007? Any fave. stocks out there? Besides expensive blue chips that is.

I'm not particularly familiar with Bursa Malaysia and Malaysian stocks in particular (perhaps you guys can shed light), Me, I've been trying to cash in on the resources boom in Australia. Long term wise, so far so good!

pedang

December 18th, 2006, 05:24 AM

Nuke plants needed by 2020

IPOH: Malaysia will have to resort to nuclear power for its electricity supply by 2020, Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said.

He said his ministry had spent a lot of time in the last year planning a “fuel mix” to generate electricity in the future. He said the country was too heavily dependent on fossil fuels like gas and coal.

“We decided to look for an alternative and it is hydro,” he said yesterday after visiting a community hall at Taman Bintang in Pantai Remis, about 78km from Ipoh.

“Over the next 10 years, our power generation will be hydro. After that, we would have to think about nuclear power stations,” he added.

Dr Lim noted that hydropower would have to come from the Rejang River in Sarawak because it could generate 24,000 megawatts of electricity.

In comparison, rivers in the peninsula could only generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity, which was only 5% of the power generated today, he said.

Skyprince

December 18th, 2006, 06:00 AM

Beta ada terbaca laporan mengatakan KDNK per kapita Malaysia akan mencapai US$ 15 500 pada tahun 2010....

Kalau macam tu.... tahun 2015 dah boleh capai $ 20000 ye kan ?

Subangite

December 19th, 2006, 08:53 AM

Beta ada terbaca laporan mengatakan KDNK per kapita Malaysia akan mencapai US$ 15 500 pada tahun 2010....

Kalau macam tu.... tahun 2015 dah boleh capai $ 20000 ye kan ?

Ampun tuanku, tapi mana tuanku baca ni? jangan lah kedekut ilmu, tolong tunjuk laporan ini kepada rakyat. Ini dalam PPP ke?

patchay

December 19th, 2006, 11:40 AM

Oh Tuanku...jikalau KDNK capai 20,000 negara tercinta ini akan mencapai status negara membangun.

Persoalannya adakah kita mampu mencapai tahap itu sebelum 2020?

Skyprince

December 19th, 2006, 02:20 PM

Dalam PPP lah bukan nilai nominal ...alah, report yang mengatakan nilai FDI ke Malaysia turun tu..

Subangite

December 19th, 2006, 02:54 PM

Dalam PPP lah bukan nilai nominal ...alah, report yang mengatakan nilai FDI ke Malaysia turun tu..

There's only a certain extent when we can look at PPP since its based on exchange rate differentials. REAL GDP Per capita income in USD for example would be more appropriate to gauge Malaysian wealth vis-a-vis other economies. After all, neighboring and developed Singapore for example quotes its REAL GDP percapita figures in USD, From this comparison alone taking to account its economy in USD terms, the Malaysian economy is not THAT much bigger than Singapore. A sad but true fact. After all, Malaysian purchases overseas, students abroad, investments can't take into account purchasing power of the ringgit, if Malaysia Airlines for example buys aircraft, they can't tell Boeing or Airbus to convert the RM to its purchasing power value. The matter of fact remains in USD terms, Malaysian income is still quite low.

Anyways, which report is this Skyprince? Can you send us a link?

Skyprince

December 20th, 2006, 04:08 AM

Subangite

December 20th, 2006, 08:09 AM

Btol tu... sekarang KDNK per kapita nominal Malaysia cuma $ 5000 + je
walaupun nilai PPP kini sudah cecah $ 12900 . Orang Malaysia ni memanglah kaya di negara sendiri , tetapi bila kat luar negeri...

Walau apapun, yang penting PPP tu kan ???

Real GDP percapita in USD is not a nominal figure, it has factored in inflation. Anyways, if you don't want to post up this report you read, can you please PM me the link?

Skyprince

December 20th, 2006, 09:48 AM

Mmm.. dulu beta dapat cari dalam World Investment Report 2006.

Sekarang bila bukak balik, tak dapat cari data tu !

Tolong..

sunny1985

December 22nd, 2006, 05:46 AM

haha, i dont know wht u guys discuss .. croz all not related. hahahaha :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

pedang

January 23rd, 2007, 11:03 AM

January 22, 2007 18:12 PM

Malaysia Remains Major Market Of Interest To Germans

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has remained a major market of interest to German based companies, president/chief executive officer of the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Rainer Herret said Monday.

He said German investors are re-directing their investment strategies in the Southeast Asia with Malaysia as an investment destination for the manufacturing industries.

While China and India will still continue to attract foreign investors, Malaysia's more open and liberalised investment climate will provide greater investors' confidence, Dr Rainer said.

"Malaysia is an ideal manufacturing base for high-tech textiles such as those used in the fashion industries. While certain sectors in Malaysia are still protected, we hope the government will liberalise those industries to foreign investors," he told a press conference in conjunction with the visit of a business delegation from Germany.

The 14-member delegation, mainly in the fields of technical textiles and textile machinery, biodiesel, food processing, waste water management and logistics will meet potential business partners in and around Kuala Lumpur and Johor beginning today.

Dr Rainer was also asked to comment on the possibility of a tie-up between Proton and German automaker Volkswagen.

"The partnership will be strategic for both parties. Malaysia will be an ideal manufacturing hub for Volkswagen's operations in the Southeast Asia region. Proton will also benefit from Volkswagen technology," he said.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

January 24th, 2007, 05:27 AM

Latest:
Frontken aims to make Malaysia its regional hub
By Marina Emmanuel
marinae@nstp.com.my

January 24 2007

FRONTKEN Corporation Bhd, which began operating at its RM25 million facility at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park barely a year ago, aims to make Malaysia its regional hub for operations by further expanding at the same site in Kedah.
Executive chairman and managing director Willie Wong said the company expects to have its second plant up and running by the end of 2008.

“Our first phase is nearly fully utilised, and the second plant will house new projects and some existing operations being carried out in our Singapore facility, ” he told reporters after International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz officiated at the company’s first Kulim plant.

The new facility, Frontken’s 10th in the region, began operating in November 2006 to meet rising demand for the company ’s services, predominantly from clientele in the semiconductor sector.

Frontken offers surface metamorphosis services including core advanced thermal spray coating services, advanced precision cleaning, recycling and refurbishment services and applied research and development services.

Its technologies modify the surfaces of materials to improve performance, hence increasing efficiency of many processes and reduce the costs of operating and maintaining equipment.

Frontken’s plant is on a 2.7ha site at the science park with a built up area of 32,000 sq ft.

“As we have not fully utilised the whole land area, there is space to accommodate two more facilities,” he said, adding that the company will likely invest the same amount it did with the first plant.

Wong said the prospects for the precision cleaning industry in Singapore and Malaysia are promising with semiconductor players expanding the capacities of their existing wafer fabrication facilities which bodes well for independent service providers like Frontken.

With the new factory on board, Frontken will have five facilities in Malaysia. The other five plants are in Singapore (three), Thailand and the Philippines.

On Frontken’s plans to transfer its listing from the Malaysian Exchange of Securities Dealing & Automated Quotation market to the main board this year, Wong said the company will make a submission to Bursa Malaysia after closing its financial year end in July.

He also said that Frontken’s plans to buy into Taiwanese surface metamorphosis giant Area Green Technology Corp is in its final phase of negotiat ions.

“Once that is done, we would have created inroads into the Taiwan market and from there, springboard into neighbouring countr ies,” Wong said.

In her speech, Rafidah said between January and November last year, Malaysia imported RM34.2 billion worth of machinery and equipment, while its exports of the same items stood at RM18.1 billion.

She also stressed on the importance for small- and medium- sized enterprises in the country to be made aware of the various supporting services that companies such as Frontken provide.

pedang

January 24th, 2007, 05:31 AM

Wednesday January 24, 2007

Dell’s first global hub outside US

CYBERJAYA: Dell Inc’s first global business centre (GBC) outside the US will begin operations by year-end, said president and chief executive officer Datuk Kevin B. Rollins.

Its 200,000-sq-ft centre in Cyberjaya will provide global information technology (IT) support and maintenance through remote monitoring and resolution, engineering and applications support.

The facility will also house the local sales and marketing divisions.

“Construction work on the centre is completed and we will start operating by year-end,” Rollins said after the launch of the centre by Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

Currently, Dell employed 5,500 staff in Malaysia and expected to increase the headcount to 6,000 by year-end, he said.

It expected to have 600 staff comprising highly skilled IT and engineering personnel for the GBC, he said, adding that the number would rise to 1,000 within five years.

“We chose Malaysia for this global operation because we have long, firsthand experience with the skilled workforce, conducive business environment, robust infrastructure and the government’s commitment to information and communications technology,” he added.

Dell has operated in Malaysia since 1995. Its Penang plant, which manufactures desktops, workstations, notebooks, servers and storage products for customers throughout Asia-Pacific (excluding North Asia), has an annual production capacity of 10 million units.

Two new production lines have raised its annual capacity to 14 million units.

pedang

January 24th, 2007, 09:54 AM

Seagate investing US$1.15b on R&D

BY DAVID TAN

The world's largest vertically integrated disk drive manufacturer, Seagate, which has manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, is investing US$1.15bil this 2007 fiscal year for its global operations to fund research and development and process development activities.

Its executive vice-president and chief financial officer Charles Pope said that the US$1.15bil investment had to do with the surge in the usage of digital content, resulting in growing demand for storage.

Speaking to newsmen via a teleconferencing session, Pope said the investment would be for research and development efforts to scale down the physical size of components, while scaling up capacity and performance.

"So far we have spent US$466mil for the 2007 fiscal year, ending in June 30 2007," he said.

Asia Pacific continues to be the main driver of Seagate's second quarter revenue for the fiscal year 2007.

For Seagate's second quarter ended Dec 29 2006, the group posted US$3bil in revenue, of which 41% is generated from the Asia Pacific region, while North America, Europe, and the rest of the world contributed the remainder.

Seagate's net income for the second quarter was US$140mil.

In addition to the US$1.15bil expenditure, Seagate is allocating about RM700mil for the facility in Penang to fund process development activities and bring in new technologies for the next five years.

Pope said that this would mean increasing also the technical workforce of Seagate's Penang facility, which is involved in manufacturing read-write heads.

On top of the RM700mil allocation, Seagate will also spend about RM1bil for a substrate manufacturing plant in Kulai, Johor, which will start operations in 2008.

Seagate presently has manufacturing operations in the United States, Ireland, China, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

haze

January 26th, 2007, 02:17 PM

Malaysia has potential to be maritime hub

By Jimmy Yeow
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

Malaysia can rival major regional maritime hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore and boost its downstream sector by attracting ancillary services to support the domestic maritime industry, according to IT services company LogicaCMG’s chief executive officer Michael Warren.

“Malaysia is at the cusp of a major boom to its maritime business. Because of strong government support, it has the potential to be one of Southeast Asia's leading maritime nations,” he said.

While the likes of Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Westport, Northport and Penang Port expand healthily; major developmental works are also seen at North Butterworth Container Terminal, Kuantan Port and Bintulu Port offering ample business opportunities for the ancillary sector, he added.

In addition, Warren said the country's programmes to upgrade its maritime capability in defence by doling out contracts worth US$1 billion (RM3.5 billion) spells fresh opportunities for many downstream businesses.

These support services range from security, technology, logistics to training, human resource management and outsourced services, he added.

As an example, Warren cited there were many maritime support services within the sphere of security that can spring from Malaysia.

“Maritime certificate fraud is rapidly emerging as a key threat to the industry, and one that poses grave dangers for the wider international community. Forged ship documents and crew travel documents can easily be obtained, so security services will become more predominant,” he said.

Security services are just the tip of an iceberg. Other services can cater to haulage, freight forwarding or even manufacturing industries e.g. tracking, cost management," Warren said.

LogicaCMG provides global services in the finance; telecoms; energy and utilities; industry, distribution and transport; and the public sectors. Its systems are used in controlling the transfer of more than US$5 trillion per day, two thirds of text messages sent globally and a third of the world's satellites currently in orbit.

LogicaCMG's systems have been fundamental to the regulatory transformation of energy markets around the world. Its HR outsourcing services process more than US$100 billion of salaries globally each year.

In the maritime industry, LogicaCMG has served the Ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the Port of London Authority, the Bremer Lagerhaus Gesellschaft (the operating company for German Ports), the Associated British Ports Holding PLC, Lloyd’s of London Press, the Belgian and Dutch governments as well as Hong Kong-based shipping and logistics service company OOCL.

In Holland, it has developed and maintained a port management system that supports vessel movement control and advised the Port Authority of Amsterdam on possibilities of electronic services via the Internet.

LogicaCMG also developed an information processing system for the Belgian and Dutch government to plan and control cargo shipments of dangerous goods.

In Asia, OOCL appointed LogicaCMG to develop a global communications strategy to process data and provide global support through three regional data centres.

haze

January 27th, 2007, 02:20 PM

IBM makes Malaysia Asean hub

PETALING JAYA: IBM Corp has picked Malaysia as the regional hub for its Asean IBM Innovation Centre (ICC), which the company has named Kuala Lumpur ICC.

IBM Malaysia managing director Voon Seng Chuan said the opening of the ICC was an expansion of IBM’s global ICC strategy to support and develop its business partners locally.

Voon Seng Chuan
“IBM chose Malaysia due to the country's strong developer base and the excellent IT infrastructure and facilities here,” he said after the opening of Kuala Lumpur ICC yesterday.

Voon said the setting up of the ICC in Malaysia to serve the Asean region was testimony to IBM’s commitment to support and collaborate with its business partners to generate more innovative solutions for their customers.

Sited at IBM Malaysia’s new office in Bandar Utama, the ICC will provide the tools and hands-on support that will help IBM business partners to build, port and test their solutions and industrial applications on IBM hardware and software platforms.

It will also help IBM's business partners cut their development costs, shorten their sales cycle, leverage on innovation to compete and get their applications to market faster.

IBM also provides hands-on workshops and technical seminars to help developers update their technical skills on key IBM technologies.

On top of the workshops and seminars, the ICC will also provide assistance on prototype and proof-of-concept development, porting and testing services, validation, integration testing, performance and scalability testing, technical support and secure remote virtual private network (VPN).

“The investment in this centre includes skilled resource, equipment, state-of-the-art facilities and networking amounting to US$3mil,” Voon said.

The ICC’s technologies would be constantly refreshed to ensure that the centre remained relevant to the independent software vendors (ISVs), the developers and the IT industry, he added.

The Kuala Lumpur ICC is one of IBM’s 32 ICCs worldwide and the sixth in the Asia-Pacific after Seoul, Tokyo, Bangalore, Shanghai and Sydney.

Voon said in line with the ICC drive, IBM Malaysia planned to enlarge its network of business partners to some 1,000 from more than 200 currently.

“We will able to secure as many as 500 partners in a year,” he added.

IBM Asean/South Asia regional manager, ISV & developer relations, Charles Manuel said the group also envisaged the Kuala Lumpur centre becoming a hub for regional ISVs, developers, systems integrators and resellers, in testing the robustness of their solutions before they hit the market.

pedang

January 29th, 2007, 09:39 AM

January 29, 2007 15:32 PM

New Malaysian Agenda Needed To Sustain Competitiveness - Ramon Navaratnam

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- There is a need for a new Malaysian agenda that will sustain the country's competitiveness in a globalised environment which is posing increasing threats and challenges.

Chairman of Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (Asli) Centre for Public Policy Studies and president of Transparency International (Malaysia), Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam, said while Malaysia's current economic health was strong, there were some prevailing issues that may impede future investment, business confidence and social status.

According to Asli, the Malaysian economy was estimated to have expanded at 6 percent in 2006 compared with 5.3 percent growth in the previous year.

"Recognise the realities and challenges of globalisation and introduce an environment of competition and phase out protection and abusive preferences such as favoured tenderers and approved licensed holders that are debilitating the socio-economic progress of all Malaysians," Navaratnam said at the 9th Malaysia Strategic Outlook Conference 2007 organised by the Asli.

Navaratnam called on the government to de-emphasise the second prong of the National Economic Policy on corporate equity ownership.

"More liberal policies towards private investors will encourage more foreign and domestic investments that will otherwise go to our competitors very quickly -- as is already happening," he said.

Navaratnam said there was a need to actively encourage good governance and the government to show more political will to combat corruption, which was eroding national sovereignty.

"The Anti-Corruption Agency, which should be made a truly independent body, should be given greater mandate to ensure white-collar crime of the highest levels do not escape the legal system," he said.

He recommended the introduction of a Freedom of Information Act to ensure that this basic human right was protected.

"The lack of access to information is a great catalyst for corruption or the perception of corruption, while if a culture of disclosure, as opposed to that of secrecy, is cultivated this will promote public accountability and good governance," he said.

Navaratnam also raised issues on the need to eradicate poverty and narrow the income gap, raise the quality of education in Malaysia, marginalise racial and religious extremists as well as ensure better ethnic representation of employment in both public and private sectors.

-- BERNAMA

Skyprince

February 5th, 2007, 08:42 AM

KLCI is now on 10-year-high !! Meaning that Malaysian economy is doing very well !!　

pedang

February 7th, 2007, 12:18 PM

Konica to build hard drive glass plant in M'sia

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Japan's Konica Minolta Holdings Inc said on Feb 7 that it would invest about five billion yen (RM146.7 million) to build a factory in Malaysia to make glass used in hard disk drives, its first such facility overseas.

Konica, the world's second-largest maker of hard drive glass substrates after Hoya Corp, expects strong growth due to the proliferation of consumer electronics equipped with hard drives such as portable music players and notebook PCs.

"The hard drive market is growing about 20% annually and we can expect that for materials used in them to grow at a similar rate," said Konica Minolta spokesman Katsuyuki Sakai, confirming an earlier report on the plant in the Nikkei newspaper.

Shares in Konica Minolta failed to get a lift from the news, and were down 1.7% at 1,589 yen by early afternoon.

Konica Minolta will begin construction of the factory in March and aims to start operations in January 2008. The company already has two factories in Japan.

Konica Minolta will make both 1.8-inch substrates for use in portable music players and 2.5-inch substrates for notebook PCs.

Sakai said the new factory would initially be able to churn out about a million substrates a month, but the company is considering boosting capacity to about three million units in the future depending on demand.

Hoya controls more than half the market for hard drive glass substrates, with Konica Minolta accounting for about 25%, Sakai said. The substrates are supplied to hard drive makers such as Seagate Technology and Hitachi Ltd. - Reuters

pedang

February 7th, 2007, 12:40 PM

Synergy Worldwide makes M’sia hub for Asia

KUALA LUMPUR: Synergy Worldwide, one of the top multi-level marketing companies in the United States, plans to establish Malaysia as its hub for the Asian market, said president and chief executive officer Dan R. Higgins.

“The volume here is a lot better than in Thailand although the population there is much bigger.

“This happens because the people there are not as good as Malaysians in marketing the products,” he said after the launch of its local office run by Synergy Worldwide Marketing Sdn Bhd.

“We believe in positive marketing because it is important for us to have people believing in our approach and products. Distributors play a major role in our company and we welcome anyone who is interested,” he added.

Tungku Naquiyuiddin Tungku Ja’afar, Malaysian partner of the company, said he was pleased that Synergy Worldwide had charted impressive growth in just 18 months in the country.

“The growth warranted the establishment of a more spacious office which also offers great visibility as well as image reinforcement for both distributors and the general public,” he said.

Tungku Naquiyuiddin added that the company now had over 12,000 local distributors.

Synergy Worldwide is listed among the top 12 direct selling companies in the world, with total sales of RM6.6bil in six years.

The company distributes beauty care and healthcare products.

pedang

February 8th, 2007, 03:34 AM

M’sian stocks seen to outperform region

HONG KONG: Malaysian stocks, including Public Bank Bhd and IGB Corp, will be among Asia's best performing this year as they benefit from falling interest rates, which help boost demand for mortgages, Deutsche Bank AG said.

“There's going to be a big property boom there,'' Mark Jolley, Deutsche Bank's chief Asian strategist, said yesterday. “Rates are going to come off. I like pretty much anything that's a property play in Malaysia.''

The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index has climbed 13% this year and finished yesterday at the highest since March 14, 1997.

Fund managers should hold more Malaysian equities than the country's representation in the Morgan Stanley Capital International Asia-Pacific, excluding Japan Index, Jolley said.

Overseas investors held US$6.21bil of Malaysian equities at end-December, the most since March 1997 and a 44% increase from the previous year, according to Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Emerging Portfolio Fund Research.

Inflation in the country has eased from a seven-year high in March, allowing the central bank to keep borrowing costs steady in the past nine months.

Bank Negara, on Jan 26, left its benchmark rate unchanged at 3.5% for a sixth straight meeting.

Cheaper oil prices have allowed the central bank to keep interest rates steady. The nation's inflation rate tumbled to 3.1% in December from a high of 4.8% in March.

Deutsche Bank estimated inflation would drop to 2.7% this year, said Jolley.

Bank Negara's monetary policy committee, which next meets on Feb 26, might keep its key rate unchanged throughout this year, according to the median forecasts in a Bloomberg survey of 16 economists two weeks ago.

Slowing inflation would prompt the central bank to cut borrowing costs, said Jolley.

“The Government is going to be very keen to see domestic growth pick up,'' he said.

Other analysts also favoured Malaysia. Credit Suisse Group, in a Feb 2 report, reiterated an “overweight'' recommendation on the country's equities.

Earnings estimates for Malaysian companies were likely to be upgraded in the next two years, Credit Suisse analysts, including Stephen Hagger, wrote. – Bloomberg

pedang

February 9th, 2007, 04:13 AM

M’sia trade exceeds historic RM1 trillion

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Malaysia’s trade recorded a historic high of over RM1 trillion in 2006, a 10.5% increase over that of 2005, driven by higher exports, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said on Feb 8.

“For 2006, Malaysia’s trade recorded RM1.07 trillion,” he said, adding that this was an encouraging achievement which reflected an increase in trade flows, especially in export value.

Exports rose to RM588.95 billion while imports were RM480.49 billion, he said in a statement.

Abdullah, who is also the Finance Minister, said Malaysia’s trade performance had continued to improve as it had handled various challenges well, especially the Asian financial crisis in 1997/1998 and global economic slowdown in 2001 and 2002.

Malaysia’s export profile had also shifted from primary commodities and petroleum to manufactured products, he said.

In 1987, Abdullah said, about 53.5% of the exports were primary commodities, including petroleum, timber, crude palm oil and rubber, while manufactured products accounted for only 14%.

However, in 1996, exports of primary commodities declined to 17% while the contribution of manufacturing exports jumped to 78.5%. He said this reflected the industrial development that the country had achieved.

The Prime Minister said the salient points of the RM1 trillion trade achievement included the 10.5% growth in trade, which was above the World Trade Organisation’s projected 7% growth in global trade for 2006.

On the exports, he said the 10.3% increase to RM588.95 billion came from all key sectors – manufacturing, agriculture, and mineral and fuel.

He said other significant factors were the highest ever annual trade surplus of RM108.45 billion and 110 consecutive months of trade surplus.

He said a strong manufacturing sector spurring demand for intermediate and capital goods had resulted in a 10.7% import growth to RM480.5 billion.

pedang

February 13th, 2007, 11:10 AM

Approved manufacturing projects hit record RM46b

By Kevin Tan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

Malaysia approved a record RM46 billion of investments in the manufacturing sector last year, with both local and foreign investments hitting new highs, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said on Feb 13.

“Of the RM46 billion approved in 2006, foreign investments amounted to RM20.2 billion and domestic investments RM25.8 billion,” she said at the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) media conference in Kuala Lumpur.

The approvals were for 1,077 projects and the investment value exceeded the government’s target of total investments of RM27.5 billion for each year under the Third Industrial Masterplan, she said.

This was also a 48% increase from the RM31 billion approved in 2005, she said.

Rafidah said foreign investments in approved projects last year were “the highest level recorded to date” compared with RM17.9 billion in 2005 and RM13.1 billion in 2004.

“Despite the increasing global competition, Malaysia continues to attract global foreign investment outflows, reflecting the country’s cost-competitiveness as a manufacturing and export base,” she said.

Rafidah domestic approved investments were also the highest to date, reflecting the increased participation by domestic investors in the manufacturing sector.

She said the projects approved in 2006 would create 88,956 jobs, of which 66% would be in the managerial, technical, supervisory and skilled manpower categories.

Asked about the higher amount of domestic investments compared with foreign invesments, Rafidah said: “It’s not strange; it’s our rule of thumb.”

The major sources of foreign investments last year were Japan (RM4.4 billion), the Netherlands (RM3.3 billion), Australia (RM2.6 billion), the United States (RM2.5 billion) and Singapore (RM1.9 billion).

“The electrical and electronics sector continued to attract the largest share of foreign investments, amounting to RM8.6 billion or 42.6% of the total approved investments,” Rafidah said.

Such investments were in hi-tech industries involving research and development, design and development and human capital development.

Of the projects approved in 2006, those in the petroleum products industry totalled RM11.4 billion, largely due to a RM7.7 billion petroleum refinery project and a RM2 billion methanol project.

“Growing demand for petroleum products in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, is attracting substantial interest among domestic and foreign investors in the oil and gas sub-sector in Malaysia,” Rafidah said.

The electrical and electronics industry attracted RM10 billion in investments, of which 170 projects were approved, including 111 projects (RM8 billion) for expanding and diversifying activities, she added.

Investments in manufacturing of basic metal products totalled RM2.7 billion, food (RM1.6 billion), transport equipment (RM1.4 billion), fabricated metal products (RM1.3 billion) and machinery (RM1.3 billion).

On the implementation of projects, she said out of the 4,812 projects approved from 2001 to 2005, about 80% or 3,880 projects with initial investments of RM74.7 million were in operation.

“Another 215 projects with RM25.2 billion in investments are in various stages of implementation, such as machinery installation, factory construction and acquisition of site. For projects approved since January 2005, a total of 1,144 are already in operation,” she added.

pedang

February 14th, 2007, 03:45 AM

Malaysia making inroads on global investment map

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Wednesday/Latest/20070213235136/Article/Current_News/BT/Images/btgraph1/invest14.jpg
By Rupa Damodaran

February 14 2007

MALAYSIA is back on the global investment map.
A record RM46 billion was invested in 1,077 approved manufacturing projects last year by local and foreign investors, a 48 per cent jump from the RM31 billion in 2005.

Last year’s figures, the highest level chalked to date, exceeded Malaysia’s Third Industrial Master Plan target.

Projects approved during the period are expected to create close to 90,000 jobs.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz announced this when releasing the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority’s annual report on performance of the manufacturing and services sectors.

“Despite the increasing global competition, Malaysia continues to attract global foreign investment, reflecting the country’s cost-competitiveness as a manufacturing and export base.” Foreign investments in manufacturing totalled RM20.2 billion, compared with RM17.9 billion in 2005 and RM13.1 billion in 2004.

Domestic investments amounted to RM25.8 billion, making up 56.1 per cent of the total approved investments, compared with RM13.1 billion or 42.2 per cent in 2005.

Existing companies also continued to expand and diversify their operations in Malaysia, as reflected in the approval of 424 expansion or diversification projects with investments of RM16.6 billion.

“These re-investments by existing companies are a testimony to their continued confidence in the investment climate in Malaysia,” Rafidah said.

The Capital Investment Per Employee Ratio (CIPE) ratio, increased from RM270,000 in 2005 to RM517,000 in 2006, reflecting the industry's move towards high value added, high technology and capital intensive investments.

Projects approved in 2006 will create 88,952 jobs, of which 66 per cent will be in the managerial, technical, supervisory and skilled manpower categories.

The encouraging level of domestic investments approved, said Rafidah, indicates the growing capacity and capabilities of Malaysian companies to compete in the regional and global markets.

Japan led foreign direct investments (FDIs) inflow last year with RM4.4 billion, followed by the Netherlands (RM3.3 billion), Australia (RM2.6 billion), the US (RM2.5 billion) and Singapore (RM1.9 billion).

During the year Malaysia was able to attract several prominent international companies to establish their regional headquarters, including General Electric (US), Eppendorf AG (Germany), Aker Kvaerner Group (Norway) and Nippon Electric Glass and Bridgestone Group (Japan).

Rafidah said the global competition for foreign investments was intense, particularly from countries which offer large markets and an abundant supply of labour and added that for Malaysia to sustain its competitiveness, the government will ensure that the business environment remains attractive.

She said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s recent decision to establish a high-powered 23-member task force to promote faster reforms in the delivery system was an indication of the government’s seriousness in making the country an attractive investment destin ation.

pedang

February 14th, 2007, 03:57 AM

QI Services may make Malaysia IT hub for Asia

By Rupa Damodaran
rupabanerji@nstp.com.my

February 14 2007

QI SERVICES (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based multinational conglomerate QI Ltd, is keen to make Malaysia its information technology (IT) hub to serve its operation centres in Asia.

Group managing director Datuk Vijay Eswaran said the company intends to roll out the application to its operation centres in India, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

It recently signed an agreement with ISS Consulting (M) Sdn Bhd to purchase mySAP, an enterprise resource planning solution.

Total investment for the project was US$2 million (RM7 million) for mySAP ERP and MLM softwares.

The first phase, which will start on March 5 for 62 users, involves the enhancement of QI Ltd financial accounting systems, treasury systems, sales and distribution processes, planning and quality management processes.

Phase 2 covers Human Resource and Customer Relationship Management, adding up to total 100 users.

"As our businesses grow, transactions are voluminous and it is crucial that we have a system that can improve our business processes and help us match the supply and demand of our customers," Vijay said, adding that a more integrated system would give a faster turnaround time to all requests.

QI Group is involved in business sectors which range from retailing, leisure, technology and financial services to strategic planning.

QI Services was recently awarded the Operational Headquarters status by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, who witnessed the signing ceremony said as at the end of last year, the applications of 2,281 regional establishments had been approved.

Of these, 133 were for operational headquarters, 191 international procurement centres, 17 regional distribution centres and 593 regional offices.

Rafidah said these regional establishments spend a total of RM7.52 billion annually.

She said regional establishments have been taking advantage of Malaysia's strategic location and its trade and economic linkages with other countries in the region.

skyscraperboy

February 17th, 2007, 01:01 PM

Kita tak ada super duper project ka??? Skyscraperboy mcm nk gila tgk Dubai pny thread... terlalu penuh dgn vision yg hebat. Alangkah kita seronoknya kalau kita bnyk duit mcm mereka kan.. Atas tanggungan kerajaan, kita buat MalaysiaLand!!! Hahaha...

pedang

February 21st, 2007, 11:09 AM

February 21, 2007 15:51 PM

Malaysia's Job Market Doing Better Than Rest Of Asia

BANGKOK, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Despite the stunning economic growth, a new study in eight Asian countries including China and India showed that all, except Malaysia, experienced inadequate employment growth and that the problem has got worse in recent years.

The study, Asian Experience on Growth, Employment and Poverty by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), showed strong growth has failed to create enough jobs, improve income distribution and reduce poverty.

"And this worrisome trend of jobless growth has profound implications for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in Asia-Pacific because productive employment is the main channel for poverty reduction," the report said.

The study on Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, focused on the employment intensity of economic growth as a means of poverty reduction and provides insights into why the employment intensity of growth is declining in some of the fastest-growing Asian economies.

This has been major factor in weakening the impact of economic growth on the earnings of the poor and in making growth less poverty alleviating than it might have been, the study said.

According to the report, employment growth appears to have played an important role in the process of making growth inequality-averse and poverty-alleviating in Malaysia, and in the 34 years between 1970 and 2004, the annual growth of labour force averaged 3.16 per cent.

The report said that in the recent decades, Malaysia's employment growth exceeded the growth of the labour force.

The officially-estimated unemployment rate in Malaysia fell from 9.3 per cent in 1970 to less than two per cent in 1995 where it had been hovering around just over three per cent.

UNDP and ILO said the causes of inadequate employment growth vary, citing China and India, the two largest developing countries, where the sharp fall in the employment intensity of growth has been the problem.

In Indonesia and Thailand, the cause was both a reduction in employment intensity and a reduction in the rate of growth while in Cambodia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka poor employment performance was due to inadequate growth or growth bypassing the large sectors where poor workers are concentrated.

While stressing that more study was needed, the report identifies several factors behind this phenomenon, among them the nature of the transition from an inward-looking, regulation-based, import substitution economy to one based on competition and integration with the global economy.

The transition itself entails restructuring and job losses in inefficient enterprises and sectors and the reallocation of workers to new export-oriented industries, the report said.

Other factors are a sharp sudden shift away from labour intensive economic activities towards capital intensive ones and inappropriate market interventions affecting relative costs.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

February 22nd, 2007, 12:18 PM

Islamic banking Malaysia’s Big Bang

IN PERSPECTIVE
BY BALJEET GREWAL

TWO decades ago, the British financial market underwent a colossal transformation.

The Big Bang (i.e. a series of economic/financial reforms which structurally alter markets) propelled London's sleepy, fledgling financial district into the world's most important financial hub, even outpacing New York.

A decade later, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, through a combination of tax incentives, integration with the global financial architecture and standardisation of banking standards to global norms, saw their own versions of the Big Bang precipitating growth.

In Malaysia, financial market development took the route of infrastructure expansion, progressive regulatory framework and investment incentives accentuating flows of foreign investment.

Nevertheless, it was essentially the advent of Islamic banking, the dawn of the world's largest domestic Islamic capital market, the growth of Islamic assets and its staggering future prospects which were Malaysia's real Big Bang, and this revolution continues today.

Conservative estimates will chart year-on-year growth of 18% for the global Islamic financial sector. In reality, the total amount of deposits in selected Islamic institutions, the balance sheets, the assets under management and the stash of private wealth are growing at about 25% to 40% annually.

With oil prices and liquidity projected at about the same levels for most of 2007, the budget surpluses of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries will continue to be high. This will further drive both the public and private sector involvement in Islamic markets.

There will increasingly be a reliance on the global debt market for Sukuks and other Islamic capital market instruments for syndications. Islamic finance is set to leverage its position because of its competitive pricing and acceptable structures.

Malaysia stands to gain, given its multi-faceted approach to Islamic banking. A deep and liquid debt capital market, thriving takaful and banking sector and sound regulatory support bode well for the country.

The entry of foreign Islamic institutions to the marketplace has also been critical in accelerating liberalisation as Malaysia becomes an Islamic financial hub. Among the advantages of foreign participation are globally acceptable syariah-compliant Islamic debt and equity structures, research and development to develop products, a knowledge pool of resources and human capital and, more crucially, access to GCC investors and their vast funds.

For Islamic capital markets to remain competitive, attractive and innovative, indigenous Islamic financial products must be introduced to meet the risk/reward profiles of investors and issuers, fulfilling all the tenets of the syariah while remaining sufficiently cost-effective and competitive vis-a-vis conventional products.

Strategic partnerships between domestic players and foreign Islamic institutions are imperative for the domestic Islamic industry to face the currents of globalisation and change.

Another crucial prerequisite to maintaining the Islamic growth curve is to increase the level of capitalisation of Islamic banks, which is still very low compared with conventional banks.

This low capitalisation prevents Islamic banks from participating in big-ticket projects and adequately fulfilling the growing demand for Islamic financing.

With the continuing global trend of cross-border mergers, local Islamic financial institutions increasingly endure diseconomies of scale. Strategic alliances, consolidation and critical mass across several jurisdictions from the Gulf to Asia and the sub-continent are one way to share product knowledge, distribution channels and other resources.

The notion of an Islamic mega bank will further spur the industry forward and proudly mark Malaysia as an important global catalyst to the development of the Islamic industry.

2007 will continue to see robust growth across global Islamic markets. Wide recognition of the need for a variety of shared institutions as well as regulation to strengthen the industry will see qualitative improvements in terms of diversity and scope.

“New” Islamic participants across various jurisdictions (Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, China, etc) will also come to the fore in deepening their respective markets. As far as “Big Bang” theories go, sustainability of momentum and speed of execution will ensure the success of an industry.

·The writer is director and chief economist of Kuwait Finance House, Malaysia (KFH). KFH is one of the largest Islamic banks in the world and the first Islamic bank with an economic and investment research team.

pedang

February 26th, 2007, 11:05 AM

DPM says good prospects for business with Middle East

By SHAHANAAZ HABIB

MADINAH: Master Arabic and specialise in Islamic banking and finance to tap into the lucrative Middle East market, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak advised Malaysians.

The Deputy Prime Minister said of late there has been a lot of interest in Malaysia by the from the Middle East countries like like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.

He said Saudi Arabia had set a bank (Al Rajhi Bank) in Malaysia, which was expected to have 50 branches over the next few years, while Kuwait Finance House was agressively seeking out opportunities in the country.

Bahrain too was interested in investing in Islamic banking in Malaysia, he added.

Calling these developments “encouraging”, he said there was a need to develop human capital and skills in these relevant areas.

“If you have skills in Arabic, Islamic knowledge and Islamic banking, then you possess a very dynamic expertise,” he told Malaysian students studying in Madinah during a dinner session with them on Sunday night.

Najib said it was important to see that the Arabic language could be a vehicle to developing the economy and Islamic banking.

pedang

February 27th, 2007, 03:50 AM

Malaysian firms to play big part in US$7b Saudi project

February 27 2007

MALAYSIAN companies will have a prominent role in one of Saudi Arabia's largest projects, the US$7 billion (US$1 = RM3.49) Knowledge Economic City (KEC).
The 10- to 15-year project is a central component of Madinah's knowledge-economy initiative, and will include a central business district, theme parks, tourist attractions, world class hotels and retail offerings. It is partly modelled after Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and Cyberjaya.

"There are a lot of joint-venture opportunities, including infrastructure development, the high-tech park, technology firms, theme park, healthcare and educational institutions," said Dr Sami Baroum, managing director of Seera City Real Estate Development Corp.

Seera City had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding with Multimedia Development Corp (MDeC) to identify strategic opportunities and potential investors and partners for the project.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is on a seven-day working visit to Saudi Arabia until March 1.

"This development is a testimony to the growing bilateral ties between our two countries. KEC will be a landmark development not just for Saudi Arabia but also the Muslim world," Najib said at a press conference here yesterday.

Baroum said physical work on Phase I of the project will start in August, and take three-and-a-half years to complete. It will include educational institutions, healthcare and hospitals, a hospitality complex, museum and some retail portions.

"As we approach the construction phase, we will invite Malaysian construction companies to participate in the project," he added.

Baroum said KEC will create 20,000 new jobs in knowledge-related sectors, and the city will be home to a population of 150,000 when completed.

The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority is working with a consortium of Saudi companies to undertake the development, covering a land area of 4.8 million sq m.

MDeC chief executive officer Badlisham Ghazali said MDeC is committed to share its experience with the Saudis in their information and communications technology development programmes, especially in the areas of e-Government, education, health services and other knowledge economy development sectors.

"Any e-Government development is a challenging undertaking due to its goal of promoting the knowledge-based industries.

"The Malaysian agencies have amassed valuable knowledge and expertise in developing various initiatives under MSC Malaysia project, and we are willing to share our years of experience and familiarity," he added.

Earlier, Najib was also briefed on the e-Madinah project, undertaken by MDeC and Saudi firm Integrated Visions.

The e-Government project, which started in 2003, has seen the setting up of 36 e-service centres and 10 mobile units throughout Madinah, offering 396 types of online services for the region's population.

pedang

February 27th, 2007, 03:52 AM

Najib: Proficiency in Arabic will boost KL's role

February 27 2007

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC FINANCE HUB

IMPROVED proficiency in Arabic language can help boost Malay- sia's role as an international Islamic finance hub, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

He said as interest grows among Middle East banks and financial institutions in Malaysia's capabilities in Islamic finance, bankers who can speak Arabic will be a valuable asset.

"Arabic language skills, when combined with banking knowledge, will be very valuable in our effort to grow the Islamic financial market. That is why we are introducing a new school curriculum that will stress Arabic language," Najib said at a dinner and dialogue with Malaysian students here on Sunday night.

The Deputy Prime Minister was responding to comments by one of the students that Malaysian ban- kers who can speak Arabic stand a better chance of making inroads into the Middle Eastern market.

Najib said creating a balance between religious pursuit and the needs of the material world, rather than either extreme, can help resolve some of the conflicts and problems faced by Muslims.

He called on the Malaysian students enrolled at Madinah's Islamic University, who are mostly pursuing Islamic studies, to also take courses in management, business and finance.

This would enable them to enter the corporate sector.

In his speech, Najib said Muslims could improve their present situation if they respect each other's differences and realise that they are united under one religion.

During the haj pilgrimage, for example, everyone is dressed the same and have the same objective, regardless of their different schools of thought.

"I liken it to a highway with different lanes, yet still heading in the same direction. If we all stay in our lanes and respect each other, we will finally reach the same destination," he added.

He said Muslims should also seek knowledge in science, technology and innovation, drawing inspiration from Islam's historical achi- evements in these fields.

"All knowledge is important towards strengthening the faith. If we can master knowledge, then the Muslim community will be much stronger to face challenges," he added.

Najib said Muslims in Malaysia are fortunate to have a better and more secure future compared to those in other countries.

"Muslims in other nations are often associated with terrorism and conflict, so much so that many parties do not understand or have a negative perception towards Muslims and Islam. As a result, they are victims of discrimination, bias and unfair pressure from various quarters," he added.

pedang

February 27th, 2007, 04:01 AM

Japanese investments to hit RM50b

KUALA LUMPUR: Total Japanese investments in the country are expected to hit RM50bil this year, said Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) director general Datuk R. Karunakaran.

Japanese investment in Malaysia currently stands at RM49.1bil in approved projects.

“We hope to keep the momentum. We are working towards it (the RM50bil mark) and it is a big challenge for us,” Karunakaran said after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Mida and the Asia Semiconductor Trading Support Association (ASTSA) yesterday.

He added that Japan was the largest source of foreign investments in Malaysia last year, increasing to RM4.4bil, the highest level registered since 1996 when investments totalled RM4.6bil.

“Bilateral trade, trade missions, technology transfer and other forms of co-operation between both countries will further promote investment,” Karunakaran said.

Karunakaran exchanging documents with Hajime Tomokage
He said the MoU was to facilitate economic cooperation in the electronics industry and create opportunities for business communities in Malaysia and Kyushu, Japan.

Karunakaran said the MoU would also promote ties in research and development, manufacturing, sales and services.

ASTSA chairman Professor Hajime Tomokage said Kyushu was well known for its semiconductor industry, accounting for 25% of total semiconductor production in Japan and 10% globally. More than 700 semiconductor companies currently operate in the area.

ASTSA is the mediator for mutual exchanges and trading between the semiconductor-related enterprises of Kyushu’s “Silicon Island” and semiconductor-related enterprises in Asia.

Mida and ASTSA would be also organising dialogue sessions and business meetings for companies both in Malaysia and Kyushu, including small and medium enterprises, and facilitate the exchange of business information for companies intending to do business in Malaysia.

pedang

March 1st, 2007, 08:57 AM

GDP will strengthen to 6.2% this year, says OSK Research

By Surin Murugiah
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Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth is set to gather momentum to 6.2% this year from 5.9% in 2006 with the better than expected external outlook and strong global commodity demand, OSK Investment Research said.

It the economic growth would also be spurred by the implementation of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) and recovery in consumption growth.

The research house in its economic update said the economy was on strong footing despite external forces that affected the country’s export growth and that the diversified Malaysian economic structure would keep the growth momentum going.

“Fundamentals of the Malaysian economy are also stronger now compared to the pre-1998 crisis period to withstand any potential vulnerability,” OSK Research said.

Bank Negara Malaysia on Feb 28 said Malaysia’s economy grew at 5.9% last year, beating earlier forecasts as the fourth quarter (4Q) growth of 5.7% rounded up a year of increased activities in all major sectors.

OSK Research said 4Q06 marked the first real broad-based expansion across all sectors since 1Q2004, especially the construction and mining sectors that turned around to expand by 0.6% and 1.9% respectively.

It said with the gradual implementation of 9MP, there was increased civil engineering activity in 4Q leading to the recovery of the construction sector.

The stronger growth in the agriculture and services sectors also helped cushion the moderation in the manufacturing sector that had been affected by the slowdown in the US economy, it said.

OSK Research said gross fixed capital formation expanded at a faster pace of 9.8% in 4Q, driven mainly by recovery in construction spending, higher government expenditure and sustained capital outlays by the private sector.

“Private consumption continued to moderate by 6.6% to a more sustainable level which is aligned to income growth. Historically consumer spending growth tends to outpace GDP growth by one percentage point.”

“As such, private consumption growth will probably turn around in mid-2007 when the monetary transmission effect diminishes,” it said.

The research house expects a recovery in loans growth by mid-2007 in tandem with the recovery in consumer spending, adding that loan approvals and application growth in January 2007 served as an early sign for loans growth recovery over the next few months.

On money growth, OSK Research said the level of money growth and liquidity expansion was reflective and supportive of economic growth and positive for the equity market.

“Excess liquidity in the banking system increased considerably to RM154.3 billion as at end-January, the highest since March 2005, due largely to the expansionary net claims on the government, large trade surplus and inflows of foreign capital,” it said.

Hailer

March 5th, 2007, 05:03 AM

Beta ada terbaca laporan mengatakan KDNK per kapita Malaysia akan mencapai US$ 15 500 pada tahun 2010....

Kalau macam tu.... tahun 2015 dah boleh capai $ 20000 ye kan ?

Recently I read on newspaper that 2 million government servants will get higher salary adjustment. The salary will be raised based on percentile rate. I am not sure what the rate is, but this is example.
Let say non professional staff current salary of RM700 with 10% increment, and professional staff current salary of RM3500 with 20% increment.

That means non professional staff getting RM70 increment, and professional staff getting RM700 increment. I think this is unfair. What they should do is to introduce ‘salary offset’, which all servants will get same adjustment RM700.
The government should offset the salary so that there will be no more government staff included in poor category.
Question… if all government staff salary adjusted to at least say RM1000 basic salary, does it will increase Malaysia GNP? Anyone please answer… I just curious to understand.

pedang

March 5th, 2007, 12:12 PM

Malaysia among top 10 exporters to China, India

By Alfean Hardy
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

Malaysia is among the top 10 exporters to China and India with local medium to large enterprises (MLEs) capitalising on opportunities in two of the fastest growing economies, Shamsir Jasani Grant Thornton said.

The accounting and consulting firm said far from being a threat, the challenges arising from the fast economic expansion in China and India were viewed positively by local MLEs.

It said based on results published in the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), MLEs are now starting to capitalise seriously on opportunities to trade with the fast-growing BRIC (Brazil, Russian, India and China) countries.

It added that BRIC is expected to represent 44% of global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050. Shamsir Jasani Grant Thornton is the Malaysian member of Grant Thornton International.

Shamsir Jasani said BRIC growth has been positive for businesses over the last two to three years. It said China had the greatest impact on all MLEs globally over the past two years.

It said Malaysia joined other Asian countries at number six with Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and Taiwan having more positive impact on their businesses from China’s economic expansion. Malaysia is ranked number four in India.

Shamsir Jasani said 82% of Indian business owners considered globalisation to be more an opportunity than a threat compared to China’s 71%, Brazil’s 69% and Russia’s 30%. Malaysia’s was tied with Singapore in third slot with 74%.

Shamsir Jasani Grant Thornton managing partner Datuk N K Jasani said: “Businesses are increasingly finding ways of doing business with the fast-expanding boom economies of the BRIC countries.”

“It’s no longer just the huge multinationals who are finding ways of taking advantage of the BRIC phenomenon, which has to be good for the global economy,” he added.

“However, we believe there are further opportunities than those currently exploited and it will be critical for MLEs to continue engaging in these markets if they want to stay competitive,” he said.

"Our government's initiative for palm oil and agri-industries, greater tourism promotion in 2007 and liberalisation on foreign residential property ownership will enable us to tap into the continuous growth of China and India," he added.

pedang

March 7th, 2007, 08:26 AM

M'sia Records Trade Surplus Of RM6.61 Bln In January

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia recorded a trade surplus of RM6.61 billion in January 2007, making it the 111th consecutive month of monthly trade surplus since November 1997.

Total trade in the month was sustained at a high level of RM87.36 billion, up by 12.7 percent from January 2006, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said in its preliminary release of Malaysia External Trade Statistics today.

The country's exports also remained robust in January this year, registering RM46.99 billion, the highest value ever recorded for the month of January, the ministry said.

This was an increase of 8.9 percent from January 2006, attributed mainly to higher exports of electrical and electronic (E&E) products, chemicals and chemical products, palm oil, manufactures of metal, wood products and machinery, appliances and parts.

However, compared with December 2006, exports in January were lower by 10.5 percent.

On the other hand, imports in January expanded by 17.6 percent from a year ago to RM40.38 billion on account of significant increases in imports of intermediate and capital goods, MITI said.

The imports value was 1.4 percent lower than that of December 2006.

Asean, the United States, the European Union (EU), Japan, China and Hong Kong together accounted for 78.6 percent of the country's total exports in January 2007.

Asean absorbed RM12.15 billion or 25.9 percent of total exports in January 2007 compared with RM12.56 billion in December 2006. Compared with January 2006, exports to Asean recorded an increase of 4.1 percent.

Within Asean, goods worth RM6.78 billion went to Singapore, RM2.74 billion to Thailand, RM1.40 billion to Indonesia, RM618.6 million to the Philippines, RM427.5 million to Vietnam, RM101.9 million to Brunei, RM40.4 million to Cambodia, RM30.6 million to Myanmar and RM2.5 million to Laos.

Exports to the US totalled RM8.14 billion or 17.3 percent of total exports, compared with RM9.65 billion in December 2006, due to lower exports of E&E products and palm oil.

In January 2007, the total number of EU members increased to 27 countries with accession of Bulgaria and Romania and exports to the EU amounted to RM5.92 billion or 12.6 percent of total exports compared with RM7.34 billion in December 2006. Exports to the EU rose by 18.6 percent from January 2006.

Exports to Japan amounted to RM4.22 billion compared with RM4.92 billion in December 2006, of which exports of E&E products, refined petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) were lower while exports of crude petroleum and palm oil registered marked increases.

Exports to China was RM4.18 billion, an increase of 1.6 percent compared with December last year, or a surge of 64.2 percent from a year ago due to higher exports of E&E products, and chemicals and chemical products.

In January 2007, exports to Hong Kong remained relatively unchanged, amounting to RM2.32 billion or up by 7.7 percent from January 2006.

Exports to West Asia were lower at RM1.57 billion in January 2007 from RM1.77 billion in the previous month but surged by 23.4 percent when compared with January 2006.

Major export products in January 2007 were E&E products (RM21.99 billion or 46.8 percent of total exports), chemicals and chemical products (RM2.71 billion or 5.8 percent of total exports), LNG (RM2.4 billion or 5.1 percent of total exports), palm oil (RM2.1 billion or 4.5 percent of total exports), crude petroleum (RM1.83 billion or 3.9 percent of total exports), machinery, appliances and parts (RM1.69 billion or 3.6 percent of total exports), wood products (RM1.5 billion or 3.2 percent of total exports), refined petroleum products (RM1.25 billion or 2.7 percent of total exports), manufactures of metal (RM1.24 billion or 2.6 percent of total exports), and optical and scientific equipment (RM1.01 billion or 2.2 percent of total exports).

Major sources of imports were Asean with a value of RM9.48 billion, China (RM5.03 billion), Japan (RM4.61 billion), the EU (RM4.55 billion), the US (RM4.53 billion), South Korea (RM2.99 billion), Taiwan (RM2.92 billion) and West Asia (RM1.05 billion), MITI said.

The three main categories of imports by end use in January 2007 were intermediate goods (RM27.78 billion or 66.8 percent of total imports), capital goods (RM5.86 billion or 14.5 percent of total imports) and consumption goods (RM2.49 billion or 6.2 percent of total imports).

Major imports in January 2007 were E&E (RM17.22 billion), chemicals and chemical products (RM3.13 billion), machinery, appliances and parts (RM3.09 billion), manufactures of metal (RM2.16 billion), transport equipment (RM1.9 billion), iron and steel products (RM1.73 billion), refined petroleum products (RM1.6 billion) and crude petroleum (RM1.29 billion).

-- BERNAMA

pedang

March 9th, 2007, 04:14 AM

Capital market hits RM1.3 trillion in 2006

By Kevin Tan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

The Malaysian capital market, comprising both debts and equities, expanded by 17% to RM1.3 trillion in 2006 from RM1.11 trillion the previous year, Securities Commission (SC) chairman Datuk Zarinah Anwar said.

Of the RM1.3 trillion, 65% or RM848.7 billion were equities while the other 35% or RM452.4 billion were bonds, she told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on March 8 after releasing the SC annual report for 2006.

“The RM190.1 billion increase in the value of the market in 2006 over 2005 was almost equivalent to the total size of the market in 1990,” Zarinah added.

She also said the total value of approvals for fund-raising exercises last year grew by 21% to RM79.3 billion from RM65.75 billion in 2005.

Most of these were for funds raised through private debt securities, which rose 25% to RM75.8 billion from RM60.66 billion in 2005, she added.

However, the approved value of funds raised through the equity market such as initial public offerings (IPOs) and the issuance of preference shares declined to RM3.46 billion from RM5.09 billion.

Zarinah said the SC only approved 30 IPOs last year, which raised a total of RM1.36 billion, compared with 69 in 2005. It had also rejected 40 listing proposals and deferred one.

There were fewer corporate activities and less appetite for IPO due to weak market sentiment in the earlier part of 2006, she added. In total, there were only 71 listing proposals considered in 2006 compared with the previous 124 proposals.

On top of that, the SC was strengthening its “gate-keeping” to protect investors and maintain market confidence.

“At the end of the day, we are focussing on quality rather than quantity. If you look at the size of IPOs, the average size was bigger in 2006 than 2005,” Zarinah said.

The average size of the 30 IPOs approved in 2006 was RM45 million compared with RM31 million for 69 IPOs in 2005.

pedang

March 13th, 2007, 06:16 AM

Mission 2057 Will Be Formulated As Continuation Of Vision 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- The Barisan Nasional (BN) Supreme Council agreed that the country embark on a new challenge, "Mission 2057", to ensure continued development in all aspects since independence and after Vision 2020 had been achieved.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said "Mission 2057" (Misi 2057) would become the development guideline for another 50 years.

"We discussed what we need to do until 2057, some 50 years from now. Those who fought for independence in 1957 but have had lots of things to achieve for the future generation.

"Similarly, as a strong and influential government we have to seize the opportunity to look forward to 50 years from now," he told reporters after chairing the BN Supreme Council meeting here today.

The BN Chairman stressed that in formulating "Mission 2057", the government would not sideline Vision 2020.

"We are clear about Vision 2020 and it is included in the book on the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP). It will be implemented but after that what hopes can we harbour," he added.

Abdullah said the government hoped to formulate a mission taking into account current changes so that younger generation to play a role in spurring national development to a higher plane.

The government would continue to ensure that culture, harmony, unity, cooperation and tolerance in religion be continued as value-added to the country's achievement.

"Attention will also be on human capital development and ensure that the development will not leave out culture and arts as this is what makes the people. This is a reminder to future generations," he added.

Abdullah added in formulating the long-term mission, the government wanted the people including opposition parties, women, youths, professionals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to discuss and provide views for the country's future.

"Fifty years is not that far off that we cannot see things ahead. The mission will continue from where Vision 2020 left off. That is the development process in Malaysia since the Alliance Party and BN ruled."

He urged the people including party members to assist by giving their views and aspirations for the future.

-- BERNAMA

Pablo

March 13th, 2007, 09:08 AM

2057..sound great..wonder how Malaysia looks like at that time...and i wonder i'm still in Malaysia to witness the success of Malaysia by that time..or probably i'm in the other world:D

pedang

March 13th, 2007, 10:42 AM

Public transportation masterplan ready in 9 months

PUTRAJAYA (March 12, 2007): The public transportation system masterplan covering all capital cities is expected to be ready in nine months, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said yesterday.

He said the masterplan, decided by a cabinet committee a few months ago, would cover all cities "from Kangar all the way to Kota Kinabalu".

Speaking to reporters after meeting representatives from the disabled people organisations, services providers and public transportation operators, he said they were now appointing a consultant to carry out the works.

He said the masterplan would also include the needs of the disabled people. Meanwhile, Chan said the ministry would also form a committee to look at the needs of providing a disabled-friendly public transportation system.

pedang

March 14th, 2007, 10:49 AM

Many M'sian SMEs Experiencing Their Best Times Ever

By M. Saraswathi and Ahmad Farizal Hajat

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysian small and medium enterprises, from the conventional food and construction industry players to animation and biotechnology industries, are reaping the benefits from the country's improved economic prosperity seen in recent years.

These enterprises are experiencing perhaps their best times ever, thanks to the continued economic growth in the last few years and the government's pro-business policy that had provided them with opportunities to venture further afield.

"Business is very good, especially for the past few years. The government's focus on SMEs has been timely," said Perusahaan Azan Sdn Bhd's managing director Mohd Ghazali Abu Bakar.

His company, which is engaged in food products, is currently expanding to cater for the flourishing local and export markets.

The company exports mainly bread to Indonesia and Hong Kong.

"Our initial investment was only RM4 million, now we are in the process of putting another RM6 million to expand our business," he told Bernama.

Mohd Ghazali owes his successful business to the assistance provided by government agencies like the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), which opened the doors for him to enter export markets.

"They (Matrade) usually identify potential business partners and arrange for business matching during trade missions," he said.

Bio Neutraceutical (M) Sdn Bhd, a producer of wholesome functional foods under the brand name of Nufera, is also riding on the strong emphasis given by the government on biotechnology.

Commending the government for stressing the importance of biotech as one of the key pillars for the Malaysian economy, its chief executive officer Muhammad Sufi Mahbub said this has stimulated greater interest for biohealthcare-related products.

"Malaysians are now more aware, and from the wellness industry's perspective, we can see more demand for the biohealthcare-related products rather than drug-based products," he said.

His company's product comes from biotechnologically processed virgin coconut oil (processed without heat or chemicals) that can be used in daily consumption, beauty treatment and general health management without any side effects.

Muhammad Sufi hopes that the government will lend additional support to local biotech companies to further improve their research and development activities (R&D).

Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the government has allocated RM2 billion for both research and development and industry development for the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

"Our effort is to harness biotechnology in neutraceutical, which is growing in Malaysia, especially in the production of herb-based products," he said.

Another beneficiary of the government's pro-business policy is Centraline Animation Sdn Bhd, which has seen improving opportunities to make money.

"We get good support from the government," said its executive chairman, Damien Leong.

According to an estimate by Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) the worldwide market for animation industry stands at US$600 billion.

The government, Leong said, recognised the huge demand for this industry and the available massive market for animation.

These, he said, could be seen from the financial support, including grants offered by government agencies like MDeC and MATRADE.

"They also help to promote the industry and our products overseas," he said.

However, he noted that there was still room for improvement, especially in creating more awareness among local banking officials.

Leong claimed that local banks were still not forthcoming in lending to animation companies as they were more focused on tangible products or industries.

"There is still a lack of understanding of the software-related market," he said.

Noting that animators in countries like Japan, South Korea and India find it easier to raise capital from the banking sector, he added: "We don't want to depend on government grants alone, we want to grow the business."

V.M. Samy, managing director of Sri MS Development Sdn Bhd, a new player in the construction business, also feels that there is good growth in the local property development scene.

"We are small-time developers but we see good demand for our projects," he said.

MS Development is currently involved in a mixed property development in Karak, Bentong, consisting of 87 units of houses and shoplots.

Amid the increasing optimism, both Leong and Mohd Ghazali are looking forward for more support for Malaysian entrepreneurs in the domestic market.

Mohd Ghazali said that although his company has expanded overseas, it also wanted to be stronger in the domestic market.

As for Leong, he said there should be greater emphasis and enforcement on local content and local television stations should be asked to broadcast between 60 and 80 percent local animation programmes.

"(In this way) we should get more locally-produced animation series on air," he added.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

March 16th, 2007, 04:22 AM

Bursa in talks to buy stakes in Vietnam, Indonesia bourses

March 16 2007

MALAYSIAN stock exchange operator Bursa Malaysia is in early talks to buy strategic stakes in the stock exchanges of Indonesia and Vietnam, chief executive officer Datuk Yusli Mohamed Yusoff said yesterday.

Bursa, which runs one of the best-performing markets in South-East Asia this year, wants to take part in the long-term growth of Asian equity markets and use its experience and technology to partner less developed markets.

Asked if Bursa was already in talks to buy equity stakes in Indonesia and Vietnam, Yusli said: "On a preliminary basis, yes." He did not give further details.

"The (exchanges) that look interesting are the ones that are coming up - markets which are set to grow a lot in the future; markets like Indonesia, Vietnam," Yusli said.

"We would like to see how we can add value to those markets, and if we can add value to those markets we would like to have a share as well." - Reuters

pedang

March 16th, 2007, 04:24 AM

TM, Verizon to set up Malaysia's Internet hub

By Goh Thean Eu
gohtheaneu@nstp.com.my

March 16 2007

MALAYSIA is now a step closer to becoming a regional Internet hub, thanks to the partnership between Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) and Verizon Business.

TM and the US phone firm signed an initial pact to set up a centre in Cyberjaya, which could be jointly operated.

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Friday/Nation/BT613567.txt/Article/Current_News/BT/Images/btgrap/doherty.jpg

The centre would help attract giant content developers like Google or Yahoo! to host its websites in Malaysia.

For TM, the setting up of the local Internet hub could help save costs "significantly", said group chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Wahid Omar.

For local Internet surfers, they would be able to open local websites faster and see an improvement in download speed.

"The memorandum of understanding will provide an impetus for Malaysia to become a regional transit hub for global Internet service providers routing traffic.

"In fact, our current Internet traffic in and out of Malaysia is already one of the highest in the region, exceeding some of our more established neighbours," said Abdul Wahid, who represented TM at the signing ceremony.

Representing Verizon Business was its vice president for strategy and finance John Doherty.

Skyprince

March 19th, 2007, 07:31 AM

Mmm...this is what I found today.. the key indicators
http://www.ebusinessforum.com/index.asp?layout=newdebi&country_id=MY&country=Malaysia&channelid=6&title=Doing+e-business+in+Malaysia

MALAYSIA
Population (m) 26.64
Working population (m) 16.7
Nominal GDP (bn) US$150.233
US$301.7 (at PPP)
GDP per head US$5,639
US$11,323 (at PPP)
Inflation 3.8%
Average wage (monthly) US$847
National corporate tax rate 28%
Indirect tax 10% (GST)
Currency Ringgit

GDP per head already $ 5600 plus ???? Really ??? Last time in 2005 it was $ 4500. In 2006 it's projected to be just $ 5000 ( but this is more than 10% rise !! GDP growth was only 5 to 6 percent, how come income per head rises more than 10 % ??? !! )

tomkat

March 19th, 2007, 11:33 AM

pedang

March 20th, 2007, 04:32 AM

Talent2 : KL office to be key centre for Asia Pac

By Loong Tse Min

PETALING JAYA: Australia-based HR outsourcing company Talent2 International Ltd is beefing up its office in Kuala Lumpur to make Malaysia its main service centre for the region, said Asia general manager (managed services) Caleb Baker.

“The recent office move and investment in Kuala Lumpur takes Talent2 to premises ten times larger than the previous space and enables strong growth, with headcount planned to more than triple in the next 12 months,” said Singapore-based Baker, who has been shuttling between Malaysia's capital and the lion city over the past few months.

Kuala Lumpur would be the company's core outsourcing centre for the Asia Pacific due to its proximity to India, China, Australia and New Zealand, he said.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/3/20/business/b_pg12caleb.jpg
Caleb Baker

The Kuala Lumpur service centre, with 75 seats and more than 8,000 sq ft of floor space, is already partly operational and is expected to handle up to 40,000 transactions a month in stages over the year.

This amount is expected to jump to 50,000 transactions a month in the financial year ending Dec 31, 2008.

Currently, any shortfall in capacity to handle transactions is taken care of by Talent2's back-up service centre in Perth, Western Australia.

“However, in the long run our Perth office will act as a technical support and disaster recovery centre. We will also have 15 to 20 technical staff in Kuala Lumpur,” said Baker.

Talent2 International Ltd managing director Andrew Banks said: “Asia Pacific's gross domestic product (GDP) will continue to grow rapidly and will exceed the combined GDPs of both the US and Europe within 10 years.

“Hence, our goal is to continue our expansion into Asia with China, India and Japan being our focus to complement our existing teams in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Macau.”

pedang

March 22nd, 2007, 06:12 AM

PM announces new measures to boost capital market

By Jimmy Yeow
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

The government will continue with its programme to reduce its stake in government-linked companies that have a high concentration of government linked ownership as part of its measures to maintain the competitiveness and efficiency of Malaysia's capital market, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced.

"To avoid exaggerated market disruptions and to allow for strategic tie-ups, this process will be undertaken in an orderly manner through a combination of private placements and structured commitments to sell, such as through Khanazah's (Nasional Bhd) recent issuance of PLUS and Telekom Malaysia exchangeable bonds.

The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) which will be listed on Bursa Malaysia by the end of this year.

"The GLIC (Government linked investment companies) will participate in the ETFs by selling a portion of their portfolios in exchange for units in the ETFs," he said in his keynote address at the Invest Malaysia conference 2007 in Kuala Lumpur on March 22.

"The ETFs will collectively have an initial fund size of at least RM3.5 billion. As such I am confident that the ETFs will help add liquidity and promote greater retail participation in the equity market," Abdullah said.

He said the government has also decided not to impose real property gains tax throughout the country commencing April 1 to further improve the national property sector.

pedang

March 22nd, 2007, 08:26 AM

RHB Bank to expand to Indonesia, Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Bank, Malaysia's fourth-largest lender which has come under control of the Employees Provident Fund, will expand to neighbouring Indonesia and Thailand, a senior official said Thursday.

The EPF earlier this month won a bid for a 32.8 percent stake in Rashid Hussain Bhd., which controls RHB Bank's parent, RHB Capital.

"Once we stabilize the company, then we will look into growing the bank regionally through either acquisitions or organically,'' EPF chief executive Azlan Zainol said on the sidelines of an investment conference.

"We are looking at Indonesia and Thailand.''

Rashid Hussain's largest shareholder, Utama Banking Group agreed to sell its 32.8 percent stake in Rashid Hussain to the EPF for 2.25 billion ringgit (US$641.6 million; euro487.8 million).

The EPF beat Kuwait Finance House, one of the world's largest Islamic banks, and Malaysian banking group EON Capital which made an offer that was some 6 percent higher than the EPF's.

The EPF already owns 31 percent of Rashid Hussain, and the deal expands its stake to about 64 percent.

It has said it plans to make a general offer for the rest of the shares it doesn't own, which could see its total investment surge to around 10 billion ringgit (US$2.9 billion; euro2.2 billion).

However, it has said it may sell part of the financial services group to bring its stake back down to 35-40 percent. - AP

pedang

March 23rd, 2007, 04:42 AM

Hong Leong Bank pursuing acquisitions in region

March 23 2007

HONG Leong Bank Bhd (HLB) is actively pursuing bank acquisitions in the region, its group managing director said.

These may include in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, Yvonne Chia told reporters at a press conference yesterday.

"We're actively looking," she said, adding, however, that the bank is not in talks with any party at the moment.

An earlier acquisition effort in Indonesia "didn't pan out".

She said the group is also pursuing growth of its Islamic banking business, and is open to a tie-up with a foreign Islamic bank.

HLB, which has 186 branches in Malaysia, is the country's sixth largest bank.

Chia said the bank's excess cash is normally in the range of RM1.5 billion to RM2 billion.

She declined to say if the bank would return capital to shareholders if it did not find an acquisition in the short term, but noted that its total shareholder returns are high.

"HLB is in growth mode. We're looking for opportunities," she said, adding that it was good to hold excess cash for such opportunities.

The bank has also been stepping up its investment in information technology, spending an average of RM68 million in each of the last three years.

pedang

March 23rd, 2007, 10:41 AM

M'sia To Be Citibank's Development Hub For Islamic Products

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- Citibank Bhd aims to make Malaysia its development hub for its Islamic products as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in Islamic banking globally.

Citigroup Asia head of Islamic banking Rafe Haneef said Friday the bank wants to capitalise on Malaysia's robust infrastructure which has sufficient capacity to enable the bank to develop more Islamic products.

"We need to develop products which not only cater for Malaysia but also regionally, as well as the Middle East. The potential to market the products in the Asian and Middle East countries is huge," he told reporters here after launching Citibank's Islamic products.

The bank had earlier introduced three products under Islamic financing, including an Islamic money market instrument and Islamic cross currency hedging.

Today, the bank launched another two products. The Market-Linked Structured Investment-i (iSI) is a syariah-compliant capital-protected investment product with investment returns rates that are referenced to a wide variety of assets or benchmarks.

The other is Islamic Hedging Undertaking-i (iHU), a syariah-compliant hedging tool which enables clients to meet a range of hedging requirements and offers some flexibility and simple documentation to manage a wide range of risks.

Citigroup Malaysia's country treasurer/head of risk Kuldeep Singh said by developing in Malaysia its Islamic products for the Middle East, the bank can build bridges between the two regions for future businesses.

Besides, he said, the bank also wants to take advantage of the huge petrodollar surplus in the Gulf region, estimated at between US$250 billion and US$300 billion this year, which has helped boost new developments in the region.

"There is huge potential in the Middle East market for Islamic products which have been developed here, because Malaysia has a head start in this respect compared to other Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait," he added.

The two products launched today, which are tailored for institutional investors, will be available in a few weeks and will be introduced to other Asian countries and the Middle East in the second quarter of this year, he added.

Asked whether Malaysia is doing enough to enable banking players to grow their Islamic banking business, Rafe said: "Definitely. In fact Malaysia has been leading the Islamic banking industry in the global market compared to Gulf countries."

He said Bank Negara Malaysia's active role in introducing many incentives and policies to spur the growth of Islamic banking in Malaysia has taken the development to the next level.

But the industry players need to pick up their pace to keep up with the continuous developments being spearheaded by the central bank, he added.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

March 26th, 2007, 08:55 AM

Malaysia Ranks Third In Kearney's Labour Cost Advantage Index

By Manik Mehta

NEW YORK, March 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia ranks third, after India and China, in the Labour Cost Advantage Index prepared by the global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney for the year 2006.

However, Malaysia is not the only country in the Asean group that makes into the top 20 Kearney index.

Indeed, Southeast Asian countries reinforce their position as main alternatives to India and China, with six Asean member states (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) now ranked amongst the top 20 locations in the Kearney index.

India, which once again tops the list, and China continue to lead the Index by a wide margin, with declines in cost advantage offset by further improvements in talent supply and business environment.

New contenders from Southeast Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe are also performing well, according to the latest study which says that the overall labour cost advantages of "offshore" locations declined in 2006.

The wage cost advantage of offshore locations for office services is set to last for another 20 years, says the Kearney survey.

Even though wages in offshore locations for services such as IT, business processes and call centres, have started to rise, they will remain cheaper for the foreseeable future under the "most aggressive projections of wage inflation and currency appreciation in developing countries".

The labour cost changes are partly the result of accelerating wages and currency appreciation in offshore hot spots, as well as downward pressure on wages in impacted sectors in developing countries.

At the same time, key emerging markets have continued to improve their attractiveness in terms of access to talent, industry experience, quality certifications, and their regulatory environment.

"What is most striking about the results of this year's Global Services Location Index is how the relative cost advantage of the leading offshore destinations declined almost universally, while their scores for people skills and business environment rose significantly," said Paul Laudicina, managing officer and chairman of A.T. Kearney.

"These findings reinforce the message that corporations making global location decisions should focus less on short-term cost considerations, and more on long-term projections of talent supply and operating conditions."

This would also spell opportunities for Malaysia and the Multimedia Super Corridor which the managing agency MDeC is trying hard to sell, as it did recently at the world's largest IT trade fair CeBIT 2007 in Hanover, Germany.

The report's findings also send a message to policy-makers in both developed and developing countries that the key to maintaining and enhancing long-term competitiveness lies in skills development, infrastructure investment and the regulatory environment, not in attempts to control wages.

Virtually every country in the Index, even those that fell in the rankings, improved their absolute score in the last year - confirming that competition is intensifying, and simply maintaining current performance levels is no longer sufficient to attract and retain the world's fast-growing remote services business.

"While total compensation costs for sample positions like IT programmers or call centre representatives rose by 5-10 percent in most developed countries, average wages for similar positions in India, China, the Philippines and parts of Eastern Europe and Latin America grew anywhere from 20 to 40 percent," said Martin Walker, senior director the Global Business Policy Council, the A.T. Kearney sponsor of the research.

"At the same time, we have seen telecom costs in many emerging markets drop by 25 percent or more, as competition and volumes in the telecom market increase. Similarly, we saw double-digit growth in university enrolment in countries like China, Brazil and Egypt, and the number of firms with quality endorsements like Carnegie Mellon's CMMI certification and the ISO 27001 data-security certification almost doubled in several emerging markets."

Now in its fourth year of publication, A.T. Kearney's Global Services Location Index compares the financial attractiveness, people skills and business environment of 50 countries worldwide. Besides India, China, Malaysia and Thailand, others in the top 20 include Brazil, Indonesia, Chile, Philippines and Singapore.

-- BERNAMA

Sauvalle

March 26th, 2007, 12:24 PM

Chile and Malaysia are going hand in hand into the first world, congrats!

It is said that Chile would be developed by 2010-2015.

nazrey

March 26th, 2007, 02:20 PM

Coloured world map indicating Human Development Index (2004)
Mexico & Chile are well done! :okay:
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_development_index), the free encyclopedia

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/HDImap_spectrum2006.png/800px-HDImap_spectrum2006.png

World map indicating Human Development Index (2004).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/HDImap2006.png/800px-HDImap2006.png

nazrey

March 26th, 2007, 02:42 PM

OshHisham

March 26th, 2007, 07:20 PM

Malaysia Set To Convert To Full Digital TV In 2015

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government is still optimistic of meeting the 2015 deadline it has set to convert the country's analogue television system to a fully digital system, Deputy Information Minister Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye said Monday.

He said this assumption was made based on the overwhelming response gained from respondents through a digital television broadcasting trial conducted by Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) recently.

"The Digital TV (DTV) trial transmission started on Sept 1 last year while the pilot study for the trial started in October for selected viewers," he said.

"The preliminary result of the survey shows positive response from the public, whereby around 68 per cent of respondents rated the quality of television signal they received as good and very good," he told reporters at a press conference after officiating the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Digital TV (DTV) Symposium 2007, here.

This second international DTV Symposium, organised by ABU, is being held here from today until March 29.

The symposium, is slated to lead the path to implementation for broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific region.

Chia said however the official announcement of the results would be released later.

The trial, which lasted for approximately six months and broadcast five hours daily, took place in the Klang Valley, where around 1,000 homes were selected for the trial.

Malaysian Communication Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has approved two multiplexers for the DTV trial, whereby two transmitter sites have been selected for the DTV trial transmission, namely the KL Tower and Gunung Ulu Kali.

Meanwhile, Chia said his ministry was planning to shut down the country's analogue television system in phases beginning from 2009 itself.

In late 2002, the government engaged a consultant to conduct a feasibility study as well as preparing a National Digitization Master Plan for the purpose of planned migration from analogue to digital system.

Following the study, the government had agreed that a Digital TV (DTV) trial be first conducted prior to the national rollout.

-- BERNAMA

Sauvalle

March 27th, 2007, 04:39 PM

pedang

March 29th, 2007, 06:39 AM

AFB To Create RM1 Bln REIT Fund

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- The Asian Finance Bank (AFB) has set up a RM1 billion fund to acquire assets in Malaysia for its real estate investment trust (REIT), one of its directors, Salah Mohammed Jaidah, said Wednesday.

AFB was formed by a consortium of prominent names in the Middle East - Qatar Islamic Bank, which has a 70 percent stake, RUSD Investment Bank Inc of Saudi Arabia (20 percent) and Global Investment House of Kuwait (10 percent).

"(REIT) is what the Middle Easterners will be interested in for at least the next three years," he told reporters after the official launch of the bank by Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz here.

Hence, he said, AFB prefers properties which have an indicated cash flow. "We are looking to acquire potential properties that have existing cash flow which can support dividend payout for the REIT investors."

Salah hoped the RM1 billion can be utilised fully by year-end.

AFB, he said, is also working on bringing in Middle Eastern investors to jointly fund the bank's business opportunities in Malaysia.

AFB sees its entry into the Islamic banking industry in Malaysia as complementing the present banking system and supporting the national agenda in promoting the country as a global Islamic financial hub.

AFB has a paid-up capital of RM335 million and an authorised capital of RM1 billion. The bank will offer a full spectrum of syariah-compliant products focusing on corporate investment banking activities.

It will also offer consumer and wealth management products.

AFB chief executive officer Faisal Alshowaikh said Malaysia will be the bank's hub to expand its operations to the region, to countries like Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore, within the next two to three years.

"AFB, with its strong distribution capability afforded to it by its well established shareholders, will act as the link between the Gulf states and Malaysia."

AFB will open seven branches in the country in the next five years and several centres have been earmarked for this. "By year end, we will have at least one branch in a major city here," he added.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

March 29th, 2007, 11:23 AM

Synergy Drive on track to list in 4Q

By Isabelle Francis
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

Synergy Drive Sdn Bhd is on track to list on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia in the fourth quarter (4Q) this year, emerging potentially as the third-largest company in terms of market capitalisation.

Synergy Drive is the special purpose vehicle set up by the CIMB Group to facilitate the merger between Sime Darby Bhd, Golden Hope Plantations Bhd (GHope) and Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd group of companies.

"Work on the merger is on track and work is progressing smoothly," said Synergy Drive chief executive-designate Datuk Ahmad Zubir Murshid in a statement on March 29.

At current prices, Synergy Drive would have a market capitalisation of RM39 billion, more than that Telekom Malaysia Bhd's about RM35 billion. Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Malayan Banking Bhd are now the largest, with market capitalisation of RM49.6 billion and RM49.3 billion, respectively.

The merger exercise seeks to consolidate eight listed companies, Sime Darby, Sime Engineering Services Bhd, Sime UEP Properties Bhd, GHope, Mentakab Rubber Company (Malaya) Bhd, Kumpulan Guthrie, Guthrie Ropel and Highlands & Lowlands Bhd.

The exercise will also trigger a mandatory general offer for Negara Properties (M) Bhd, a subsidiary of GHope. The eight companies would be delisted.

Ahmad Zubir said its merger integration committee (MIC) had reviewed and approved the charters of seven functional sub-committees overseeing the merger integration process.

“The charters will focus on developing plans to realise the full potential of the merger to facilitate a seamless transition,” he said.

The seven functional sub-committees were plantations, property, non-core, HR, finance and IT, other corporate functions (OCF) and communications.

Ahmad Zubir said both the plantations and property sub-committees shared similar charters.

“They are to identify synergy opportunities, define strategic options, facilitate decision-making and articulate strategies to ensure smooth integration.”

He said the non-core sub-committee would develop an overall action plan across the three groups of companies while the HR would optimise the current combined workforce of 107,000, by developing a suitable retention strategy.

Ahmad Zubir said the finance and IT and OCF sub-committees would ensure business continuity with aligning processes and systems to ensure a smooth transition for respective support services.

On communications, he said it “reflected the MIC’s commitment to keep our various stakeholders, internal and external, informed of every stage of the merger integration up to, and beyond, the listing of the new company.”

pedang

April 3rd, 2007, 11:08 AM

Petronas Contributes RM42 Bln To Country's Income

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat Tuesday was informed that national oil company Petronas contributed RM41.7 billion to the country's income last year, a jump from the RM27.2 billion the previous year.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Senator Datuk Abdul Raman Suliman said the income came in the form of dividend payments, tax, royalties and export duties.

"All the monies were deposited into the Accumulated Funds intended for the country's development expenditure," he said in reply to a question from Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN-Kapit).

Abdul Raman said for the financial year ended March 31, 2006, Petronas recorded a pre-tax profit of RM45.2 billion at company level.

"From that, Petronas paid RM32.4 billion in dividends and taxes to the government, while the royalties and export duties it paid for the year amounted to RM9.3 billion," he said.

For the financial year ended 2005. Petronas had recorded a company level pre-tax profit of RM29.5 billion and from this, it paid RM19.7 billion in dividends and taxes to the government while another RM7.5 billion was paid in royalties and export duties.

"The remaining profits every year are reinvested to finance its operations as well as expand its business within and outside the country," he said.

In reply to an additional question from Alexander who wanted to know why the annual report of Petronas is never tabled at the Parliament, Abdul Raman said the government had no need to do that as the report could be easily obtained by the public including through the company's website.

He also said that Petronas was actively expanding its business into new markets such as Russia but added that it was being done cautiously.

To a question from Datuk Dr Wan Hashim Wan Teh (BN-Gerik), Abdul Raman said Petronas was also among the biggest contributors to the country in terms of work force.

"At the local level alone, Petronas has a work force of 20,000 and only a handful of them are foreign workers. Worldwide it has more than 30,000 workers," he said.

Wan Hashim had asked if it was true that Petronas did not take care of the welfare of its staff especially in terms of salary, so much so that many had gone over to other companies.

-- BERNAMA

Skyprince

April 4th, 2007, 05:06 PM

Chile and Malaysia are going hand in hand into the first world, congrats!

It is said that Chile would be developed by 2010-2015.

Hi Sauvalle, are you from Santiago ? Or Antofagasta lol...

Of course Chile is on the way to become full-fledged by 2015. Not only Chile and Malaysia, but also countries like Botswana, Poland, Argentina, China, Oman, UAE and Qatar too :banana:

Sauvalle

April 5th, 2007, 12:03 AM

Hi Sauvalle, are you from Santiago ? Or Antofagasta lol...

Of course Chile is on the way to become full-fledged by 2015. Not only Chile and Malaysia, but also countries like Botswana, Poland, Argentina, China, Oman, UAE and Qatar too :banana:

Argentina and Botswana are not safe bets.

I'm from Santiago!

Btw, you're welcome to do some introduction of your country in Chile's forum!

Skyprince

April 5th, 2007, 09:44 AM

Argentina and Botswana are not safe bets.

I'm from Santiago!

Btw, you're welcome to do some introduction of your country in Chile's forum!

Wow so youre 15 000 miles away ! I like Chile a lot, learned about diversed landscapes of Chile from the dryland of Atacama Desert to the snow-capped Andean mountains. I want to visit Antofagasta and Iquique. Valparaiso and Vina del Mar are fantastic resorts ! ( but can you swim there during this season :D ) . I saw many highway and train pics of Chile and was totally impressed. I think Argentina is also developing fast, though it had several turbulence for a couple of decades. Santiago has really nice subways , I think that I comment on something about Santiago subway long time ago.

Go go Chile ! :banana:

pedang

April 6th, 2007, 05:02 AM

‘Major changes’ in property delivery system out April 13

By Tamimi Omar
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will announce “major changes” in the new delivery system affecting the construction and property sector on April 13.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said on April 5 “with this initiative, together with the recent abolishment of the real property gains tax (RPGT) effective April 1, it will further spur the property industry”.

He said the government was intensifying its role as enabler of the private sector so that investors, local and foreign, could set up shop and pursue business in the most conducive environment.

Najib was speaking at the joint-venture signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur between Glomac Bhd and Al Batha Real Estate Co to undertake a commercial building project with a gross development value of RM450 million.

He added that the government’s major initiative was the recent establishment of the task force to facilitate business by cutting red tape and ensuring a business-friendly delivery system.

“The strategy is to reform the regulatory regime by streamlining and simplifying cumbersome processes and procedures,” he said.

OshHisham

April 7th, 2007, 08:47 PM

sauvalle, i heard that half of Chile's cabinet ministers are women...how are they doing their jobs..? everything OK?:D

Sauvalle

April 8th, 2007, 10:26 PM

Wow so youre 15 000 miles away ! I like Chile a lot, learned about diversed landscapes of Chile from the dryland of Atacama Desert to the snow-capped Andean mountains. I want to visit Antofagasta and Iquique. Valparaiso and Vina del Mar are fantastic resorts ! ( but can you swim there during this season :D ) . I saw many highway and train pics of Chile and was totally impressed. I think Argentina is also developing fast, though it had several turbulence for a couple of decades. Santiago has really nice subways , I think that I comment on something about Santiago subway long time ago.

Go go Chile ! :banana:

Haha, that was unexpected! you seem to know Chile quite well! :D

My parents worked in Kuala Lumpur for 2 years in 2003, wish I had visited them there, but I went to Tel-aviv instead.

If they ever go back to Kuala Lumpur, I'll sure give you guys a howl for a little tour, oki? ;)

cya

Sauvalle

April 8th, 2007, 10:30 PM

sauvalle, i heard that half of Chile's cabinet ministers are women...how are they doing their jobs..? everything OK?:D

yes, half of them are women and the president is a woman, making Chile a country run mostly by women :D

I think someone should get the job because of one's curriculum, not for what you have between your legs :lol: .

Chile had a relatively slow growth in 2006, only 4.2% but this year it will rise to 6.7% according to the central bank. So I'm pretty confindent the women in power will continue chile's 30-year old tradition of good growth.

There have been some scandals, but nothing too serious yet. I wish the best for our goverment and the women behind it.
:cheers:

pedang

April 9th, 2007, 04:50 AM

Dow Jones Indexes mulls Islamic-based ETF

By Tamimi Omar
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

Dow Jones Indexes is in talks with the Securities Commission (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Bhd to set up an Islamic-based exchange-traded fund (ETF) in Malaysia for the Asia-Pacific region.

Dow Jones Indexes Islamic group global director A Rushdi Siddiqui said the talks were in the preliminary stages but said the SC was very keen to establish the ETF.

“We are talking to the authorities here about ETF for the Asia-Pacific. It is still in the early days, but I think we have started something that is beneficial to the Islamic finance space,” he told The Edge FinancialDaily in an interview recently.

An ETF is a type of investment that attempts to reflect the performance of a stock market index. An ETF’s value comes directly from the assets that it represents.

He said the ETF could be hard currency denominated, but discussions were still underway to determine the best course of action for implementing ETF in the region.

“It is still at the early days, especially if it is going to be a hard currency-denominated ETF. They (Bursa and SC) want to do it right instead of doing it fast,” he said.

Rushdi said SC chairperson Datuk Zarinah Anwar had expressed optimism on the establishment of the ETF, as it was beneficial for the further development of the Islamic financial market in Malaysia.

“In the West, it has a major attraction because it is used by major players to participate in the market place, as the vehicle is very liquid.

“Some institutions use that, some institutions use hedging mechanisms, others use it as a buying-hold strategy, while others use it as a trading/speculating platform,” he said.

On the global front, Rushdi said Dow Jones was planning on introducing real estate investment trusts (REITS) and commodities to its Islamic Indexes.

“So you are looking at REITS, you are looking at commodities… the issue is working with scholars to establish screens, different screens for different asset classes, but the development of the indexes is still in its the early days.

“The most important thing in this whole process is the fact that we recognise that other asset classes are there and they need indexes to bring transparency and benchmark. That is what our core business is bringing — transparency to asset classes,” Rushdi said.

skyscraperboy

April 9th, 2007, 05:42 PM

Malaysia lures the second-home set

By Hsu Chuang Khoo

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - If a second home in the sun is your thing but a villa in Florida or Tuscany is out of reach, then Malaysia's property developers have something to show you.

Sun-blackened site workers cooling off under the trees at the Kiara Hills development will vouch for the warm climate. For a cool 4 million ringgit (587,741 pounds), three storeys of detached splendour could be yours at this swanky new Kuala Lumpur suburb on the edge of the jungle.

Up the coast in northern Penang state, about 100 kilometres from the resort island of Langkawi, 500,000 ringgit will buy you a tropical seaside apartment with a pool, 24-hour security and a gymnasium.

Interest rates are low and the government has slashed red tape to welcome wealthy foreigners. Developers are making hay while the sun shines.

"Property is not an easy business, but if you get the market positioning right, it can be very lucrative," said Khor Teng Tong, Executive Chairman of builder Hunza Properties.

"Right now, the market is in high-end properties."

Bigger players than Hunza like SP Setia, Mah Sing, Bandar Raya Developments and Sunway City have been selling more homes to foreigners.

Malaysia's benchmark interest rate of 6.75 percent are lower than other southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Investors are pouring money into Asian real estate. Some $100 billion (51 billion pounds) was directly invested in Asia-Pacific property last year, 40 percent up on a year earlier, according to property consultants Jones Lang LaSalle.

Malaysia wants as much as it can get of this year's inflow, and to that end, in March, capital-gains tax on property was summarily scrapped. Analysts see the plan working.

"The abolishment of Real Property Gains Tax will spur stronger demand for mid-to-high end properties of which Hunza has a niche," said Mervin Chow Yan Hoong, an analyst with OSK Securities.

This is the latest in a series of moves.

A 10-year old project to attract retirees and named the 'Silver Hair Scheme' has been retitled the 'Malaysia My Second Home Program', and at the end of 2006, the government waived the requirement that foreign buyers seek approval from a foreign investment panel.

Foreigners can now also buy any number of properties.

"We think this would have a positive effect on the property market, and on the mid-to-high end property segment in particular," Deutsche Bank analyst Aun-Ling Chia said in a March note to clients. "Property prices in Malaysia are still among the cheapest in the region."

ITALIAN MARBLE

With interiors clad in polished Italian marble and floors of Burmese teak, Sunway City Bhd's Kiara Hills homes are designed as much for well-heeled overseas buyers as for the home market.

As many as a fifth of these have been snapped up by foreigners, while up to one third of Hunza's properties are foreign-bought. Buyers hail from countries including the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, Korea and Singapore.

Hunza, founded almost 20 years ago by Khor, expects net profit to leap 80 percent to 35.6 million ringgit for the financial year to June from a year ago. In 2008, the firm expects a further 55 percent jump to 55 million ringgit.

Malaysia's property index, is up almost a third this year, outstripping the 12 percent gain in the benchmark Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI).

BAG SNATCHERS

Foreign retirees appear to have little trouble adjusting to Malaysia, its Muslim culture, and its year-round sunshine, although they are careful what they say, because they have signed a visa condition agreeing not to hurt Malaysia's image.

"Property is much cheaper here than in Singapore or Hong Kong," said a retired Scottish businessman in his 70s who lives in northern Penang state. "Quality of life is difficult to measure but in general, it's good here."

Still, Malaysia needs to fix some problems.

"To be honest, (applying) was a very painful process," said another buyer who used the 'Malaysia My Second Home Program'.

Seasoned expatriates also worry the country's growing social problems might spoil their golden years, as economic growth pushes ahead and the divide between the haves and have-nots widens.

They talk of bag-snatching thieves on motorbikes and a rising spate of burglaries and carjackings.

Police figures show that crime in Malaysia rose 14 percent last year to 225,836 incidents against 198,017 in 2005, and the proportion of serious crimes, such as murder, rape and armed robbery, grew by 26 percent.

"The bag snatchings and the crimes are not going down too well with the expatriate community," said the retired Scottish businessman.

"Malaysia is now a place where you need to be careful. It's not considered now to be as safe as it once was."

Ehem!!! ade jugak terselit ttg dark side of our country. I hate this!!!:bash:

Sauvalle

April 9th, 2007, 11:52 PM

haze

April 10th, 2007, 10:56 AM

Govt To Increasingly Float Shares Of GLCs On Local Bourse

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- The government will increasingly float the shares of government-linked companies (GLCs) to make the stock market more attractive and competitive, generating interest among foreign equity investors.

"The foreign investors are looking for liquidity and big companies in the market," Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said, Tuesday.

"I think it is a policy now with the government going to increasingly liberate the shares and put them on free float," he said when asked about the stock market which surged to a 13-year high on Monday.

"This has been done on a gradual basis," he added.

Earlier, Awang Adek launched the Corporate Governance Screencard 2006 and Dividend Survey 2006, a joint effort between the Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group and Universiti Teknologi Mara here.

He said the stock market was doing well and interest was being seen in blue chips, mainly from foreign investors.

In the regional context, Malaysia is an attractive place for investment due to its economy uptrend, stability, appreciation of the ringgit, good commodity prices and Islamic finance, according to Awang Adek.

"These are the factors that drive investment into our country," he said.

-- BERNAMA

OshHisham

April 10th, 2007, 12:29 PM

^^

I don't think letting islam into the very foundation of a modern, deleveloping economy is a good idea. Because it wont let the economy bloom into a fully developed one. This goes for all religions btw.

^^ your ideas is a very typical mentality of western world....
Qatar, UAE, Saudis and Malaysia is developing this 'Islamic' financial institution as a next economic generating platform....

don't you know...the 'credit' and 'cheque' was invented during islamic civilization?

OshHisham

April 10th, 2007, 12:36 PM

Malaysia Gets More FDI Than Indonesia, Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia drew more foreign direct investment (FDI) last year than neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Thailand, the Dewan Rakyat was told Tuesday.

International Trade and Industry Parliamentary Secretary Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew said Malaysia was second in the Asean FDI ranking, after Singapore.

"It is therefore not true that we drew less FDI or that our (FDI) situation is serious," she said in reply to a supplementary question from Tan Lian Hoe (BN-Bukit Gantang) on Malaysia's FDI standing in comparison to its neighbours.

Last year Singapore recorded RM30.7 billion in FDI, followed by Malaysia (RM20.2 billion), Thailand (RM11.4 billion) and Indonesia (RM4.7 billion).

She also pointed out that last year Malaysia was ranked 23rd among 61 countries in The World Competitiveness Book 2006, an improvement from the 28th placing in 2005.

"According to the World Bank Report 2007, of the 175 countries surveyed, Malaysia maintained its 25th position in terms of ease of doing business in 2006," Dr Tan added.

"It is not fair to compare our country with countries like China because that is a huge country. Malaysia's FDI ranking is acceptable."

To the original question from the same MP on investment developments in Malaysia, Dr Tan said the total approved investment in the country last year was RM46 billion for 1,077 manufacturing projects compared with RM31 billion in 2005.

"This exceeded the average annual investment target of RM27.5 billion under the Third Industrial Masterplan (IMP3)," she added.

"Investments this year are expected to increase by 7.7 percent as targeted under IMP3. The ratio of foreign investment to domestic investment is 40:60."

Dr Tan then listed the top 10 FDI source countries and their investment amounts in Malaysia between 2005 and 2006.

They are Japan (RM8.1 billion), the U.S. (RM7.6 billion), the Netherlands (RM5 billion), Singapore (RM4.9 billion), Australia (RM2.7 billion), South Korea (RM1.1 billion), Cayman Islands (RM1 billion), Taiwan (RM0.8 billion), Britain (RM0.7 billion) and British Virgin Islands (RM0.7 billion).

The sectors targeted for these investments were electric and electronic products, chemicals and chemical products, basic metallic products, non-metallic mineral products, food, plastic products, measuring and scientific instruments as well as machinery and equipment, she added.

-- BERNAMA

travellator

April 10th, 2007, 02:04 PM

I don't think letting islam into the very foundation of a modern, deleveloping economy is a good idea. Because it wont let the economy bloom into a fully developed one. This goes for all religions btw.

Islamic banking & finance is a rapidly growing sector, there is strong demand for it esp in Malaysia and the middle east. malaysia is attempting to be in the forefront of this financial niche market to attract middle eastern money to our financial markets. we have been quite successful and hopefully we can maintain our lead. Conventional banking has been cornered by singapore & hongkong, this is a new, growth market and we hope to be the centre of it. the aim is to go more into the services sector and move away from manufacturing as this is the next phase to achieve a sustainable developed state.

OshHisham

April 10th, 2007, 05:18 PM

Malaysia rejigs its 'affirmative action' policy

The longstanding policy of promoting Malays and indigenous peoples over ethnic Chinese is starting to show its age

AFP, KUALA LUMPUR
Sunday, Apr 08, 2007, Page 9

`Differences over the affirmative action policies helped bog down free-trade talks between Malaysia and the US this year.'

Malaysia is carefully easing back decades-old policies favoring its ethnic majority Malays to draw foreign investment, but may face political dissent over the move, analysts say.

Malaysia since the 1970s has retained affirmative action policies for Malays and indigenous groups known as "bumiputras" in order to close a wealth gap with the minority Chinese community.

But in a dramatic change, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last month lifted some of the policies as the country aggressively seeks to attract much-needed foreign investment.

Under the rules, bumiputras must hold at least 30 percent of equity in any company, and they should be the majority of workers.

But Abdullah dropped the rules to lure foreign firms in healthcare, tourism and four other service sectors in the Iskandar Development Region (IDR), a massive development in southern Johor state that Malaysia aims to turn into a gleaming commercial hub across from booming Singapore.

In a further relaxation last week, he agreed to allow 100-percent foreign equity ownership in Islamic financial institutions conducting business in foreign currencies.

Analysts say Abdullah and his government are treading softly for fear of a political backlash from the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which has built a rock-solid support base as a champion of Malay rights.

"They are trying to tone down the reality that they need to find ways to basically go around 30 years of affirmative action," said Wan Suhaimi Saidi, an economist with Kenanga Investment Bank.

The government had already exempted some companies, including those in manufacturing and in a high-tech hub south of the capital.

But in terms of stock market capitalization and as an investment destination, Malaysia remains a "pale shadow of itself compared to 10 years ago," Citigroup said in October, citing the slow pace of economic liberalization.

Malaysia is Southeast Asia's third-largest economy, but in 2005 foreign direct investment fell to 15 billion ringgit (US$4.3 billion) from 17.6 billion ringgit in 2004.

The country faces strong competition from regional economies including China and Vietnam in the hunt for foreign funds, analysts say.

"Malaysia realized that it needed to fast track on giving more incentives to investors," Wan Suhaimi said.

"They have to do this or else they're going to lose out to other countries like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam," he said.

Jeff Hurst, executive director of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, said Malaysia's equity controls were disincentives to investors.

"Control is key," Hurst said. "If companies have more control, they are more apt to make larger-sized investments and are more apt to put in higher-value operations like research and development."

Despite concerns the affirmative action policies have bred an over-reliance on concessions and favored an elite, they have been fiercely guarded by the government and UMNO, which has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957.

"Politically, it requires Malaysians to accept competition as a fact of life," Shahrir Abdul Samad, a prominent lawmaker, said of the changes.

The head of research for CLSA Securities Malaysia, Niklas Olausson, said the government knew it had to start liberalizing.

"They are taking a big-picture view of this, and whatever political ramifications there are will be limited, because these are measured efforts," he said.

"UMNO leaders themselves can understand it's the start of the transformation of the Malaysian economy" from one based on manufacturing exports to a more service-based economy, Shahrir said.

He denied there would be any party backlash, although the IDR project has already reportedly attracted criticism from former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who said last week that Malays would not be able to compete with foreigners.

As a measure of the sensitivities involved, differences over the affirmative action policies helped bog down free-trade talks between Malaysia and the US this year.

Malaysia repeatedly stated that the policies were "no go" areas.

On one hand, the government knows the right policy is to dismantle the affirmative action rules, independent political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said.

"On the other hand, they cannot do it because they have to play to their constituents," Khoo added. "That is a problem."
This story has been viewed 1681 times.

pedang

April 11th, 2007, 09:58 AM

Malaysian Centre Plans To Assemble Proton Cars In Saudi Arabia

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Centre, a private Saudi company, plans to set up an assembly plant in Saudi Arabia to market Proton cars in the Middle East.

Its project manager, Dr Rashed Osman Joher, said the company would be negotiating to set up the assembly line in Damman.

"We are talking to DRB Hicom as our middlemen and will soon be visiting Malaysia to further discuss the matter," he told Bernama when met in Jeddah recently.

Dr Rashed was among members of the business community in Saudi Arabia who attended business matching sessions held there in conjunction with the recent trade and investment mission from Malaysia to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The delegation was led by Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.

"We hope to sell at least 2,000 Proton cars in the Middle East initially and the number is expected to increase to 5,000 units within the next three years," Dr Rashed said.

Part of the Al-Qabba Group, Malaysian Centre currently promotes and markets Malaysian products in the Middle East such as electrical items, furniture, ICT services and construction materials through three of its branches namely in Mecca, Riyadh and Jeddah.

It also plans to promote Malaysian products to all the member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Dr Rashed who has spent several years in Malaysia, also commended Malaysian products, saying that they were reliable.

Promoting Malaysian products will be also in line with "our objective to help develop economic, industrial, educational and technology cooperation among all Muslim states," he added.

Meanwhile, the trade mission, organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), held 182 business matching sessions in Saudi Arabia. At these sessions, immediate sales of RM612,000 (comprising DVD video Quran software) were made, while potential sales were estimated at RM12.26 million.

Potential sales were expected in the areas of food items, softwares, medical disposal products, aluminium composite panel, palm oil-based products, cleaning products, beverages and halal products. Sales were also expected for information communication technology (ICT) services, e-Learning and training and architectural/interior consultancy services.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

April 11th, 2007, 10:01 AM

US Firms Urged To Capitalise On Malaysia's Access To Asean

From Umi Hani Sharani

MIAMI (US), April 11 (Bernama) -- American businesses can capitalise on Malaysia to be their platform in entering South-East Asia as the country expects to see an increase in intra-Asean trade and investment, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said today.

Asean is a 10-nation member grouping comprising Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, offering the access to more than half a billion population with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$876.1 million.

"While Miami is strategically located to serve the Caribbean and Latin American markets, Malaysia's geo-strategic advantage is in Asean," Rafidah said at a seminar on "Business Opportunities In Malaysia" here, Wednesday.

The minister is leading a nine-day trade and investment mission to the United States from April 8. Miami, Florida, marked the first stop, to be followed by Minneapolis in Minnesota and San Jose in California.

"We expect to experience even more growth in intra-Asean trade and investment as almost all tariffs in Asean will be eliminated when the Asean Free Trade Area is fully realised in 2010," she said.

Addressing local businessmen and representatives of trade councils, Rafidah said Asean is expected to become an economic community by 2015, resulting in a single market that will allow for the free flow of goods, services, investment and labour as well as freer flow of capital.

She said Malaysia's trade with her Asean neighbours continued to grow as trade and investment barriers were increasingly dismantled.

Last year, Malaysia's trade with Asean amounted to US$75.3 billion, up by 14.4 per cent over the 2005 total of US$65.8 billion.

Rafidah said Malaysia was strengthening economic bonds with major trading partners like China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand, not just via bilateral initiatives but also through its role in Asean.

She said the US has been Malaysia's largest trading partner since 1997 and last year, total bilateral trade was valued at US$46.53 billion, with exports to the US at US$30.13 billion and imports at US$16.4 billion.

Among the Asean countries, Malaysia was the top supplier to the US and the 11th source of imports, she added.

Manufactured goods contributed 95.7 per cent of Malaysia's exports to the US, covering a range of products while figures from the US Department of Commerce showed that Malaysia was a major source of imports for the US last year.

For example, Malaysia supplied 88.1 per cent of the US total imports of palm oil and palm oil products, 50.9 per cent of radio broadcast receivers, 49.2 per cent of examination and household rubber gloves, and 33.1 per cent of integrated circuits.

As for trade with Florida, Malaysia accounted for 0.6 per cent of the state's total imports valued at US$202.5 million last year.

Rafidah said among the Asean countries, Malaysia was the second largest supplier to Florida where manufactured products, specifically electrical and electronics products, formed the bulk of bilateral trade.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

April 12th, 2007, 04:01 AM

Maybank Gets BNM Approval For World's First International Sukuk

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) said Wednesday Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has approved the issuance of the US dollar-denominated 10 Non-Callable five-year Islamic Subordinated Sukuk.

In a circular to Bursa Malaysia, Maybank said it has mandated Aseambankers Malaysia Bhd as well as the Labuan units of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd and UBS AG as joint bookrunners and joint lead managers for the proposed issuance of the USD Sukuk.

The issuer of the bond will be MBB Sukuk Inc., a special purpose vehicle incorporated in Labuan. It will issue the USD Sukuk amounting to US$300 million.

This innovative offering will represent the first international Islamic subordinated issue in the world, Maybank said.

Moody's Investors Service has rated the US Dollar Sukuk bond at BAA1 while Standard and Poor's has given a BBB+ rating.

The USD Sukuk will be classified as Tier-2 capital for Risk Weighted Capital Ratio computation.

-- BERNAMA

travellator

April 13th, 2007, 12:58 PM

Interesting read guys, and its not only govt companies but many privately owned that have found their overseas niche markets

Malaysian companies make good overseas

Firms face limited growth opportunities and intensifying competition at home

By S JAYASANKARAN
KL CORRESPONDENT

WITH interests straddling telecommunications, satellite radio and television, entertainment, gaming and power generation, T Ananda Krishnan is one of Malaysia's wealthiest men. Over the last five years, however, the growth of his businesses has been almost exclusively overseas with one exception: a RM100 million (S$44 million), 18-storey building coming up at the site of his old offices across the Kuala Lumpur City Centre skyscrapers in downtown Kuala Lumpur.(which building is this?)

Mr Krishnan's strategy illustrates an increasingly evident trend in Malaysia as companies, faced with limited domestic growth opportunities amid intensifying competition, move abroad to grow earnings. 'It's almost inevitable as many corporations have already found their feet in various markets and many sectors are mature here,' says Niklas Olausson, CLSA's research head in Kuala Lumpur.

The ringgit began hitting the road in the 1990s under the administration of former premier Mahathir Mohamad whose mix of diplomacy and business opened doors in Third World countries to Malaysian companies. This time, however, firms are going it alone and the scale of their investments has soared.

Central bank governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz called the trend 'deeply significant' during a media briefing in late March on the occasion of the central bank's 2007 report. Dr Zeti said that Malaysian companies invested RM21.5 billion overseas last year, up three-fold from a decade ago.

The investments ran the gamut from power plants to water utilities in places from Egypt to England but, increasingly, profit repatriation is becoming significant. Last year the central bank estimated that Malaysian companies, excluding national oil corporation Petronas, remitted RM11.5 billion in profits and dividends from almost negligible levels 10 years ago.

Malaysia has suffered a chronic deficit on the services account of its balance of payments. Consequently, Dr Mahathir wanted Malaysian companies to invest long term abroad, so that the profits repatriated could help stem the red ink. Indeed, the main reason for the deficit was dividends sent home by foreign investors in Malaysia, so Dr Mahathir's plan was to play the same game, only in reverse. It has been working out. Last year, Kuala Lumpur reported a deficit of only RM7.4 billion, down sharply from the RM20 billion or so a decade ago. The nature of investment abroad is also changing. In the late 1980s and the early 1990s, the companies that made forays overseas were the ones that had simply outgrown the market, particularly those in the resource exploitation business - state oil company Petronas, for instance, and almost all the Malaysian timber companies epitomised by Sarawak-based Rimbunan Hijau which has concessions from Papua New Guinea to New Zealand.

Now, other factors have catalysed the push overseas, including limited growth opportunities at home. Mr Krishnan's power and telecommunications companies - Tanjong and Maxis Communications, respectively - have moved to the Middle East, India and Indonesia as there is a surplus of power in Malaysia currently, while the domestic mobile phone market is saturated. Similarly, gaming operators like casino operator Genting has expanded to London and Singapore as the likelihood of new casinos in Muslim-dominated Malaysia is remote.

Other companies have shifted abroad due to a combination of limited local opportunities and expertise in their chosen fields. 'We began looking for work in Dubai and the Gulf states about three years ago because there was nothing going on at home,' says S Shanthakumar, the owner of HSS Integrated, one of Kuala Lumpur's largest civil engineering consultancies. 'And once you've got overseas jobs on your resume, it helps the local business.' The overseas push of Malaysian companies highlights their competitiveness in certain sectors and, in many cases, illustrates balance sheets that have been strengthened after the rigours of the Asian financial crisis.

Analysts also point out that the trend will add heft to the stock market because it reduces the bourse's correlation with gross domestic product: most of the companies that have gone abroad are listed, with Malaysian companies having an overwhelming presence in some countries.

Zaini Amran, the head of construction firm BumiHiway, estimates that Malaysian companies built 70 per cent of all highways constructed in India over the last 10 years. 'We have comparative advantage in the field,' he says. Indeed, IJM, one of Malaysia's largest infrastructure firms, is planning to list their Indian construction unit later this year.

The comparative advantage extends to plantation companies like Guthrie and PPB which have bought land in Indonesia to expand operations as land in Malaysia has become too expensive to farm. Other oil palm growers like IOI and United Plantations have expanded downstream by buying oleochemical over plants in Europe.

Meanwhile, some companies are so large that they have the economies of scale to buy out the competition: witness the recently completed purchase of Singapore glove-maker Medi-Flex by Top Glove, the world's largest producer of rubber gloves.

In exhorting his countrymen to go abroad, Dr Mahathir also espoused buying technology off-the-shelf from developed countries. It has not always worked. In 1996, for example, national carmaker Proton bought loss-making English auto-design firm Lotus for RM206 million. The firm is still loss-making.

On the other hand, oil and gas firms like Dialog and Scomi have bought overseas technology firms with great success. Over four years, Scomi grew its revenues six-fold to over RM1 billion by expanding through overseas acquisition. They have investments in 35 countries - which is why CEO Shah Hakim calls his firm 'a completely global oil services company'.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

pedang

April 16th, 2007, 03:01 AM

Malaysia remains world's 19th largest exporting country

By Kamarul Yunus
ahmadk@nstp.com.my

April 16 2007

MALAYSIA maintained its position as the world's 19th largest exporting country, with total exports of merchandise trade valued at US$161 billion (RM555.4 billion) in 2006.

This represents a 1.2 per cent share of the total world exports and an annual growth of 14 per cent, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said in its International trade report for 2006.

Malaysia was also ranked 19th largest exporting country in 2005 but its total exports were valued at US$140.9 billion (RM486.1 billion) at that time, which accounted for 1.4 per cent of the world's exports and an annual percentage change of 11 per cent.

In terms of imports of merchandise trade, Malaysia improved its position from 24th largest importer in 2005, to 23rd last year.

Malaysia's total imports surged to US$131 billion (RM452 billion) last year from US$114.6 billion (RM395.4 billion) recorded in the previous year.

The country's total imports saw a 14 per cent annual change in 2006. It also registered a 14 per cent annual change in 2005.

According to the WTO, if the figures were to exclude the European Union countries, Malaysia was ranked at 13th and 16th largest exporting country of merchandise trade in the world in 2006 and 2005 respectively.

Against other Asian exporters of merchandise goods, Malaysia was placed eighth behind leader China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia.

It also placed eighth in terms of being the largest importing countries after China, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and India.

In terms of leading exporters and importers in world commercial services trade for last year, Malaysia was placed among the top 30 countries.

It was ranked 30th as the world's leading exporter of commercial services in 2006, with exports of such services valued at US$21 billion (RM72.5 billion) during that year.

With imports of commercial services valued at US$23 billion (RM79.35 billion), Malaysia was ranked the 29th largest importer of such trade services last year.

Besides Malaysia, other Asian trading powers which made it to the top 30 of the largest exporters of commercial services were Japan, China, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. These nine and Indonesia are also listed as the world's top 30 importers of commercial services last year.

pedang

April 16th, 2007, 10:12 AM

IMF Says Malaysia Well On Way Towards Advanced Country Status

By Salmy Hashim

WASHINGTON, April 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has made significant progress towards achieving advanced country status since the country launched its Vision 2020 in 1991, says the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Its progress is underpinned by strong export-led growth, low inflation and the deepening of its financial markets, the IMF Executive Board says in its 2006 Article IV Consultation with Malaysia just released here.

Real GDP grew by an estimated six percent driven by buoyant private consumption and a continued recovery of private investment, while core inflation has remained low, according to the country report.

Malaysia's external position has remained strong. The current account surplus remains at above 15 percent of GDP while official reserves (US$83 billion) are at comfortable levels.

While the federal government deficit was in line with the 2006 budget deficit, the non-oil primary deficit increased to an estimated nine percent of GDP in 2006 from 7.25 percent in 2005, reflecting the growing reliance on oil and gas revenue.

"The banking system is sound. Banks are generally well capitalised and highly liquid, and their asset quality is improving and profitability is satisfactory," the report says.

However, the IMF feels that the banks' rising exposure to the household sector is their main vulnerability as household indebtedness is high relative to other countries and disposable income, but appears manageable at present.

The government-linked companies (GLC) transformation programme has started bearing fruit while the Ninth Malaysia Plan emphasises upgrading the country's human capital base, promoting growth in high-value added sectors, and strengthening public institutions and service delivery.

"Malaysia has progressed significantly towards reaching advanced country status and now benefits from deep financial markets and a low poverty rate," the report notes.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, here for the annual spring meetings of the World Bank/IMF which ended yesterday, pointed out Malaysia's success in eradicating poverty from a high of 49 percent in 1970 to just 5.5 percent last year.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

April 17th, 2007, 04:17 AM

Gulf Islamic Banks Choose Malaysia To Expand In Asia

By Nor Faridah Abdul Rashid

DUBAI, April 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, which aims to become a hub for Islamic finance, is the choice for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-based Islamic banks to expand to Asia due to the country's advanced infrastructure.

Most of the GCC-based Islamic institutions that have made their bid to enter Asia have done it via Malaysia because of the relatively advanced legal and regulatory infrastructure already in place in the country, English daily "Gulf News" reported.

"Malaysia is one of the pioneers in Islamic banking and has the highest number of sukuk issued worldwide, and Islamic banking in Malaysia is highly supported by the central bank and the government," Abdullatif Abdullah Al Mahmmoud, chairman of Asian Finance Bank and managing director of Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), was quoted as saying.

Last week, QIB formally opened Asian Finance Bank in Malaysia where QIB and its strategic partners will have a 70 percent stake while Rusd Bank, a Saudi Arabia-based investment bank, and Kuwait's Global Investment House will have 20 percent and 10 percent stakes, respectively.

"Many might have asked was it the right moment for us to be here (Malaysia) with so many financial institutions already present and offering Syariah-compliant products. Our definite answer has always been yes. Our confidence in selecting Malaysia as our hub and link to the Middle East was well-founded," Al Mahmmoud said.

Malaysia is also seen as attractive by these banks because of the tax exemption it offers up to 10 years for non-ringgit transactions or Islamic bonds (sukuk) issued in Malaysia apart from a large domestic market.

The GCC bankers also regard Malaysia as a gateway to China, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore.

Recently, Saudi Arabia's Al Rajhi Bank, the world's largest Islamic banking group, announced an aggressive plan to expand operations in Malaysia to 50 branches by 2010.

The bank, which was formally inaugurated in February this year, has set up 12 branches since it opened in Malaysia with a soft launch in October last year.

Malaysia awarded licences to three foreign Islamic banks in 2004 in an effort to become a regional Islamic financial hub.

The two other foreign Islamic banks in the country are Kuwait Finance House and Asian Finance Bank, the last of the three to open in Malaysia.

In addition, there are nine Malaysian Islamic banks.

GCC countries comprise Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

April 18th, 2007, 04:09 AM

US Semiconductor Firms To Invest More In Malaysia

From Umi Hani Sharani

SAN JOSE (US), April 17 (Bernama) -- US semiconductor firms in Malaysia plan to further invest in the country, giving credence to the investment environment and the business friendly policies that the government has put in place, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Tuesday.

In a survey carried out by the Malaysian-American Electronics Industry Association last year, member companies pointed out that Malaysia was the best choice for investment due to the availability of highly skilled English speaking workforce and modern infrastructure.

"Good international air, sea and communications linkages, low indirect labour costs as well as relatively low operating cost also contributed to these firms' decision to expand operations in Malaysia," Rafidah said at a seminar on "Business Opportunities in Malaysia" here.

The minister is currently leading a nine-day trade and investment mission to the United States. The mission started on April 8 with Miami, Florida, as the first stop, followed by Minneapolis in Minnesota and San Jose in California.

California is reputed for the industries that Malaysia is also promoting, especially computer hardware and software, semiconductors and electronic components.

The 17 US-based member companies of the Malaysian-American Electronics Industry Association exported about US$19.2 billion worth of electronics components and parts in 2006, representing 63 percent of Malaysia's total exports to US.

Rafidah said the survey also found that another plus point for Malaysia was the higher operational competencies of its workforce, enabling companies to increase their production speedily and make adjustments to respond to market demands.

Malaysia has established a strong foundation in the electronics industry over the last three decades and that the presence of many large multi national companies (MNCs) has led to the creation of supporting industries.

"This has contributed towards reducing the manufacturing costs and speeding up the supply chain cycle time," Rafidah said.

There has also been increased research and development (R&D) activities through collaboration with MNCs in the areas of product development and process improvement, she said.

Currently, there are more than 900 electrical and electronics companies operating in Malaysia with total exports of E&E products amounting to US$76.6 billion.

-- BERNAMA

alsen

April 18th, 2007, 05:05 PM

List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)_per_capita), the free encyclopedia

The table below includes data for the year 2005 for all 180 members of the International Monetary Fund, for which information is available. Data are in United States dollars.

Rank Country GDP ($)per capita
50 Seychelles 8,556
51 Poland 7,946
52 Lithuania 7,446
53 Mexico 7,298
54 Chile 7,124
55 Latvia 6,862
56 Libya 6,696
57 Botswana 6,439
58 Gabon 6,397
59 Equatorial Guinea 6,205
60 Lebanon 6,034
61 Russia 5,349
62 Uruguay 5,274
63 South Africa 5,106
64 Turkey 5,062
65 Malaysia 5,042

latest updates ^^

Rank /Country/ GDP ($) per capita /Estimates start after
50 Poland 8,890 2004
51 Chile 8,864 2005
52 Lithuania 8,610 2005
53 Latvia 8,550 2005
54 Libya 8,430 2004
55 Mexico 8,066 2005
56 Equatorial Guinea 7,802 2001
57 Botswana 6,869 2005
58 Russia 6,856 2006
59 Venezuela 6,736 2001
60 Gabon 6,527 N/A
61 Lebanon 6,110 2004
62 Uruguay 6,007 2005
63 Malaysia 5,718 2005
64 Brazil 5,717 2005
65 Saint Lucia 5,650 2001

OshHisham

April 18th, 2007, 05:10 PM

the previous was in 2005 and this one also on 2005...but the figures are different... i don't get it..

alsen

April 18th, 2007, 05:18 PM

the previous was in 2005 and this one also on 2005...but the figures are different... i don't get it..

jawapannya......^^

Easy. It is due to the exchange rate of USD-RM.

In 2004, the exchange rate was fixed at RM3.80. 5-6% increase in GDP was in RM. When RM appreciated, it could buy more USD.

You can figure out the rest.

nazrey

April 20th, 2007, 12:36 PM

Abdullah’s Beyond 2020 mission ‘brilliant’
By : V. Vasudevan, June Ramli and Sonia Ramachandran
2007/04/20
NewStaritTimes (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/National/20070420082419/Article/index_html)

http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/20070420082419/insidepix1

MICCI executive director Stewart J. Forbes says the important thing is to
act now(left) MAICCI president Pardip Kumar Kukreja says the way forward is
to start thinking as Malaysians(centre) Ayer Hitam MP Dr Wee Ka Siong feels
solidarity should be the focus beyond 2020(right)

KUALA LUMPUR: Brilliant, relevant and sensible.
That was how politicians, the business community and scholars described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s national mission for Malaysians to think beyond 2020.

Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) executive director Stewart J. Forbes said it was reasonable to look beyond 2020.

Abdullah listed the national mission, which plots the road ahead for the next 50 years for the country, as high on his list of priorities.

In a recorded speech at an Umno information machinery gathering at Putra World Trade Centre, which was aired by RTM on Wednesday night, Abdullah said he had not forgotten about Vision 2020. However, it was time to plan ahead for the next 50 years to achieve "century goals" for the country.
Concurring with Abdullah’s statement, Forbes said it was sensible and relevant. "We’ve got a number of plans going through now, like the Ninth Malaysia Plan, which is a five-year plan, and the Third Industrial Master Plan, which is a medium-term plan.

"A lot of the things that we are doing, and the government is doing, will have its effect further down the track. For example, the dividends of revamping the education system will only be seen by 2015 or 2020," he told the New Straits Times.

The important thing was to plan for the future by acting now.

"We are very interested in adding investments to Malaysia and we want companies to come in. If the investments come in, they will have long-term impact.

"A lot of the things done now will only be relevant 20 to 15 years down the road, so Abdullah’s statement has a lot of relevance."

British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Ramesh Menon said to grow and remain competitive, one had to think far ahead.

"Vision 2020 brought us this far. We now need to focus on what is required to be done to continue to grow and remain competitive.

"Looking beyond Vision 2020 is an economic necessity."

Ramesh added that the tenets of Vision 2020 could be incorporated into the new "50 Year Plan".

"Putting into place initiatives to make Malaysia an economic force in the global arena in 50 years requires us to plan now," said Ramesh.

Eminent scholar Royal Professor Ungku Aziz said "people should be free to see into any future they like.

"It’s the logic of how you get there, that is the question. The future is the one thing that’s free. You have to pay for water and electricity, but this is free.

"To me, if you look at 2010 itself, it is marvellous as you can predict the future."

Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) president Pardip Kumar Kukreja, in congratulating the prime minister on his statement, described it as brilliant, as not everything should be just about 2020.

"The brilliance of this statement is that not many people saw this point of view. For him to see this point of view is a reflection of his vision and depth of thinking."

Pardip also praised Abdullah for saying it was necessary to be fair and just when it came to non-Bumiputeras as it would otherwise lead to a loss of credibility.

"If justice is to be served to us, then it must also be served to others. It cannot be one-sided. That’s a very good point he made."

Pardip added that the country’s wealth should be shared and assistance given on a need basis, rather than a race basis.

The way forward for the country, said Pardip, was to start thinking as Malaysians, rather than as Malays, Chinese or Indians.

"That is our strength. Our weakness is when we start thinking along race lines as that will divide the nation," he said.

At Parliament, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing told the New Straits Times that the time to think beyond 2020 was now.

"We will have a new generation with a new set of aspirations. What are we going to give them by way of purpose and mission? The prime minister is right and we have to state our mission clearly."

Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) said beyond 2020, the country should think about solidarity.

"We are working on it now but we have to think of strengthening it further. Whatever we have achieved now is superficial. I believe this is something which needs working on."

Hasni Mohammad (BN-Pontian) said Abdullah’s call was appropriate.

"We have most of the infrastructure associated with a developed country in place and we should start thinking beyond that."

Hasni said among the things Malaysia could do was apply its mind to addressing issues like global warming, which up to now had been neglected.

Datuk Baharum Mohamed (BN-Sekijang) said it was a brillant idea and Malaysians should think beyond the Vision 2020 mark.

His views were also echoed by Datuk Abu Bakar Taib (BN-Langkawi).

"We must increase our target to ensure that the nation is always progressing. What is wrong if we look beyond Vision 2020?" he asked.

alsen

April 20th, 2007, 05:36 PM

Country Subject Descriptor Units Scale Country/Series-specific Notes 2004 /2005/ 2006 /2007/ 2008

Malaysia (PPP) = 265.994 /288.177 /312.959 /337.714/ 365.164

Malaysia (PPP) per capita = 10,444.515 /11,104.573 /11,857.898 /12,581.983 /13,377.268

http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/01/data/weorept.aspx?sy=2004&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=548&s=PPPWGT%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=29&pr1.y=11#notes

pedang

April 23rd, 2007, 12:29 PM

Steady Growth In Malaysians Doing Business In Thailand

By D. Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, April 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's participation in Thailand's economy continues to show steady growth with more companies setting up representative offices in Bangkok, says Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Shaarani Ibrahim.

"(This) is indicative of their interest to establish their presence in Thailand," he says in his message to the Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (MTCC) Handbook and Directory 2007.

Shaarani says MTCC is well positioned to play an important role not only in providing assistance and advice to the new Malaysian companies and investors, but also help in strengthening and diversifying their members' businesses in Thailand.

MTCC chairman Yeap Swee Chuan says that with the Malaysian government encouraging businesses to expand abroad, there is increasing interest among Malaysians to invest in the Kingdom.

He notes that the current personal rapport between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Thai counterpart Surayud Chulanont augurs well for bilateral relations between the two neighbours.

"I hope this will translate into increased opportunities for investment in each other's countries or jointly in some third countries in the spirit of Asean cooperation," says the president and chief executive officer of Aapico Hitech Group.

Yeap says despite the uncertainty following the September 2006 coup, Thailand remains an attractive place to invest in, adding that those who are resident here appreciate the conducive environment for work and business here.

He speaks of people who are warm and friendly, with evident tolerance and harmony, and sufficient labour supply while the economic fundamentals remain strong.

"I am confident that with the proper political and economic leadership in place, recovery will be rapid to ensure steady and sustainable growth to the benefit of everyone," he adds.

Thai Board of Trade chairman Pramon Sutivong says while Thailand is undergoing a period of changes, Malaysia continues to be one of its close partners in trade and economic development.

He points out that trade between the two countries have grown from strength to strength while the number of Malaysian tourists to Thailand has increased significantly.

Among the major Malaysian companies operating in Thailand are Petronas, Bina Puri, Aapico, Sime Darby, CIMB, MBF, RHB Bank, Ingress Autoventures, Kurnia Insurance and Pathlab, while many Malaysians also hold senior positions in various companies here.

Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) had approved investments totalling US$1.6 billion (US$1 = RM3.42) from 157 Malaysian companies in the past five years, mostly in the electric and electronics, metal products and machinery sectors.

-- BERNAMA

haze

April 26th, 2007, 01:02 PM

Firm Sees M'sia's Oil Output To Continue To Grow In Long-term

By Jackson Sawatan

SINGAPORE, April 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's oil output is forecast to continue to grow in the long-term after a series of world-class deepwater discoveries, an analyst said.

"In stark contrast to the outlook at the turn of the last decade, when production declines from core legacy fields were a major concern, a series of world-class deepwater discoveries have set the scene for a resurgence in output, said Kate Broughton, Head of Oils Research at Wood Mackenzie, an international energy and life sciences consultancy firm.

Globally, Wood Mackenzie's field-by-field research showed strong supply growth will prevail in the short term, with total global capacity is forecast to grow steadily between 86.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2006 to 96.7 bpd in 2010.

In a statement today, Broughton said that non-Opec peak oil -- or the point of maximum production of oil -- will not occur before 2014.

Disputing views that any pinnacle is within sight, Wood Mackenzie's in-depth field-by-field research provides evidence that strong supply growth will prevail in the short term.

In fact, barring unexpected disruptions to production, total global capacity is forecast to grow steadily from 86.3 million barrel per day (bpd) in 2006 to 96.7 million bpd in 2010, she said.

The picture for the Asia Pacific region was however, less bullish with India being the only country to make it to the top 10 contributors to non-Opec oil and natural gas liquids supply growth to 2012.

Like Malaysia, Vietnam and New Zealand, India's production will likely see growth in the short term but this will not be enough to reverse the region's gradual decline in output, she said.

Broughton said Wood Mackenzie forecasts the situation to deteriorate further in the longer term but sees Malaysia as the only country in the region that will buck the trend.

Malaysia produced about 750,000 bpd in 2006 but is expected to yield 825,000 bpd in 2025, it said.

She added that Malaysian oil/natural gass liquids production beyond 2008 will be heavily determined by deepwater developments.

Broughton said that with the 340 million barrel Kikeh and 400 million barrel Gumusut/Kakap fields expected onstream in the next five years, the deepwater oil discoveries will provide a welcome boost to declining legacy production.

Should exploration success continue, "we believe that Malaysia's output will continue to grow until at least 2015," she said.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

April 27th, 2007, 03:56 AM

Govt Confident Of Attaining Developed Nation Status By 2020 - PM
April 26, 2007 14:24 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- The Government is confident of the country attaining developed nation status by 2020 despite having to grapple with economic challenges that are increasingly global in nature, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Thursday.

The prime minister said the country's strong and vibrant economy buoyed by the implementation of projects and programmes under the Ninth Malaysia Plan would provide the impetus for the country's rapid pace of national development.

"This is evident from the country's total external trade volume surpassing RM1 trillion last year," he said in pledging the government's and people's loyalty and allegiance at the installation ceremony of Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin as the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara.

In pursuing the country's planned and sustainable development, Abdullah said the government had mapped out sound strategies for the three core sectors -- manufacturing, services and agriculture.

He said the manufacturing sector still the main contributor to the country's exports would be further strengthened to shift to production of value-added products.

To achieve this, he said, the government would encourage the growth of high-valued industries like petrochemical, maritime and aerospace.

The prime minister said the government would continue to give attention to the service sector to turn Malaysia as the regional services hub for various types of services including education, health and Islamic banking.

For the agriculture sector, he said, the government was actively implementing a new agriculture programme with modern production and high value-added as the thrusts.

"This effort will not only give a new lease of life to the agriculture sector but also help the government improve quality of living of the rural community.

"Our intention is to ensure the country's wealth and prosperity are also enjoyed by the people from all strata of society," he said.

In the context of a more balanced and equitable development, he said the government was also actively pursuing several development corridors in south Johor, north and east Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

He said the northern and eastern development corridors are in the final stages of planning and are slated for launch before year-end.

The Sabah and Sarawak development corridors, still at the planning level, are also expected to be launched soon, he said.

Abdullah said developing the development corridors was a priority to the government so that the fruit of growth and progress could be tasted fairly and justly by the people from throughout the country.

The prime minister also said the spirit of tolerance and co-operation, the basis for race relations among the multi-racial and multi-religious society in the country, have earned high respect and reputation in the eyes of the world.

"The country's independence and progress cannot materialise without strong unity and honest cooperation of the various races in the country," said Abdullah who prayed that the country's 50th independence would mark the continuity for the country to remain safe and prosperous under the reign of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Abdullah also said the government would not compromise with any elements out to undermine the country's stability, saying the government would not waiver in fulfilling the entrusted responsibilities.

On the international front, he said, Malaysia would continue to play an active role to increase co-operation with other countries especially in Asean.

As the Chair of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), he said Malaysia would continue to act firmly in ensuring the interests of Islamic countries are protected and given due attention in the mainstream of international diplomacy.

"Malaysia is now focusing on efforts to change the landscape of economic development in Islamic countries, making it mandatory to address the poverty problem plaguing Muslims worldwide," he said.

He said Malaysia had also become a world leader in developing the halal industry and Islamic financial system which have yielded encouraging results.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

April 27th, 2007, 03:56 AM

Country on track to reach Vision 2020 goal, says PM
2007/04/27

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is confident the country will attain developed nation status by 2020 despite facing global economic challenges.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the country’s strong economy, buoyed by projects and programmes under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, would provide the impetus for rapid growth.

"This is evident from the country’s total external trade volume which surpassed RM1 trillion last year," the prime minister said, while pledging the government’s and people’s loyalty and allegiance at the installation ceremony of Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin as the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara yesterday.

Abdullah said the government had mapped out strategies for the three core sectors — manufacturing, services and agriculture — to sustain growth.

The manufacturing sector, the main export contributor, would be strengthened with a shift of emphasis to value-added products.
To achieve this, he said, the government would encourage growth of industries such as petrochemical, maritime and aerospace.

It will also pay attention to the services sector, with plans to turn Malaysia into a regional services hub for the education, health and Islamic banking sectors.

For the agriculture sector, the thrust of the new agriculture plan is modern production methods and value-adding.

"Such efforts will not only boost the sector but also help the government improve the quality of rural life.

"We want to ensure the country’s wealth and prosperity are enjoyed by people from all strata of society."

In terms of balanced development, the government was actively pursuing development corridors in south Johor, north and east of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.

He said the northern and eastern development corridors were in the final stages of planning and were slated for launch before year-end.

The Sabah and Sarawak development corridors will be launched soon.

Developing the development corridors remains a priority so that the fruit of growth and progress can be tasted fairly by every Malaysian.

Abdullah said the country’s spirit of tolerance and co-operation, the basis for race relations among a multiracial and multi-religious society, had earned praise in the eyes of the world.

"The country’s independence and progress cannot materialise without strong unity and honest co-operation among the various races," said Abdullah who hoped the 50th anniversary of independence would be marked by the country remaining a safe and prosperous place under the reign of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Abdullah added the government would not compromise when it came to dealing with those who undermined the country’s stability.

On the international front, he said, Malaysia would continue to play an active role, especially in Asean affairs.

As the chair of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, he said Malaysia would continue to protect the interests of Islamic countries.

"Malaysia is focusing on changing the landscape of economic development in Islamic countries, making it mandatory to address the poverty problem Muslims worldwide."

He said Malaysia had also become a world leader in developing the halal industry and Islamic financial system, both of which had yielded encouraging results. — Bernama

pedang

April 27th, 2007, 04:49 AM

New Brandname To Promote Country As Premium Producer Of Halal Products

By Mohd Arshi Daud

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- "Halal Malaysia," a new brandname to market the country as a producer of world-class halal products, will be promoted to take the already internationally recognised Malaysian "Halal" logo to a higher level.

"We want to promote something that is called "Halal Malaysia." This is basically to promote the country," said Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Jamil Bidin.

HDC, tasked with the lead role to implement all programmes and initiatives to develop the country's halal industry, wants to promote "Halal Malaysia" as a world brand, he said at Bernama's Roundtable Discussion on the Halal Industry today.

"So, when you go around the world and see Halal it must automatically reflect Malaysia. That is a part of our efforts to promote the country as the leader in this particular industry," he said.

The other panelists were chairman of the World Halal Forum 2007 Khairy Jamaluddin, CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd chief executive officer Badlisyah Abdul Ghani and Nestle Malaysia Halal Committee chairman Othman Md. Yusof.

The roundtable was moderated by Bernama editor-in-chief Yong Soo Heong and assisted by Bernama Economic Service executive editor Salbiah Said and editor Mikhail Raj Abdullah.

Jamil said promoting "Halal Malaysia" will take some time as promoting it as a premium brand in the global market requires Malaysian manufacturers to produce halal products of the highest quality.

As far as the non-Muslim market is concerned, he said, being syariah-compliant is not an issue but more important are stringent product safety and cleanliness.

"If we want to promote halal as a premium brand then our products have to be at that level.

He added that leveraging on the halal certification, currently undertaken by Jakim (Islamic Development Department), should be seriously considered.

"Because, to be the leader in the industry, you don't have to be the biggest producer. We have the expertise and we can provide certification for industries throughout the world."

The fact that Malaysia is the only country in the world where certification is being done by a government body, gives an edge as its halal certification earns a lot of respect from many countries around the world.

If Malaysia can tap the potential of world demand for halal gelatin and ties this with its halal certification, he said this is an "area where we can help promote our branding exercise in a faster manner."

Jamil disclosed that given the huge market for halal gelatin, Middle Eastern investors have shown keen interest to partner with Malaysian counterparts to set up production plants to produce it.

"As you know, halal gelatin is widely used around the world, it is used in food, in cosmetics and in medicine, but the supply of gelatin is not big."

Taking Malaysia's halal brand further, Khairy said educating Muslim consumers on the purity of Malaysian palm oil, which is certified halal, will raise the integrity of Malaysia's halal certification much more effectively than other alternatives.

"If you look at what the soya oil or anti-palm oil lobby did to us in the 80s and 90s in the United States, I think we should do the same thing," he said.

"I think muslim countries should say that all these are not really halal, they don't really come from soya bean, they have been mixed with animal oil and things like that."

-- BERNAMA

pedang

April 27th, 2007, 08:45 AM

TM To Lead Consortium To Set Up US$500 Mln Asia-America Cable Gateway

PUTRAJAYA, April 27 (Bernama) -- Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is leading a 17-member consortium of telecommunication companies to set up an Asia-America gateway (AAG) - the first submarine-cable system linking Southeast Asia directly to the United States.

The 20,000 kilometre-long cable system, which would further improve communications links and provide increased bandwidth capacity for the region, is expected to cost about US$500 million (RM1.8 billion).

Construction is expected to begin immediately, with the project to connect 10 locations in eight countries across the Asia Pacific region from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii and the west cost of the U.S.

TM would join hands with AT&T Inc Coporation (USA), Bharti AirTel (India), the government of Brunei Darussalam, British Telecom Global Network Services (UK), CAT Telekom (Thailand), Eastern Telecommunication Philipine Inc to set up the gateway, according to a statement obtained prior to the signing of the agreement.

The signing ceremony, expected to be signed today, would be witnessed by Water, Energy and Communications Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik and TM's chairman Tan Sri Ir Md Radzi Mansor.

-- BERNAMA

haze

May 7th, 2007, 08:25 AM

Malaysia To Build US$7 Bil Trans-peninsular Oil Pipeline

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has agreed to build a US$7 billion trans-peninsular oil pipeline from Kedah to Kelantan in order to transport oil from West Asia to East Asian countries, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today.

"Yes, we have agreed to the pipeline," he told reporters after opening the World Halal Forum 2007 here.

Abdullah, who is also the Finance Minister, said the pipeline project was a part of the government's move to develop the much-touted Northern Corridor.

"We have always wanted to do more for that area and this also will take care of the Eastern Corridor," he said.

It was reported that Malaysian petroleum transporter Trans-Peninsula Petroleum Sdn Bhd planned to invest US$7 billion over eight years to build a crude oil pipeline to help ships bypass the busy Straits of Malacca.

According to the report, the project will involve the construction of two oil refineries with the pipeline crossing three states, linking from Yan in Kedah to Bachok in Kelantan.

-- BERNAMA

patchay

May 7th, 2007, 02:00 PM

Malaysia to build US$7b oil pipeline project

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia will build a US$7 billion pipeline to transport Middle East oil across the north of its peninsula to East Asian countries, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Monday.

“Yes we have agreed,” Abdullah told reporters.

Abdullah, who is also the finance minister, said the project was one of the government’s major initiatives to develop Malaysia’s northern region.

“Anything that happens there is part of that, we take into account all of this. We have always wanted to do more for that area and that also will take care of the eastern corridor,” he said.

Abdullah declined to elaborate.

The News Straits Times reported Monday that Trans-Peninsula Petroleum Sdn Bhd, the company that will construct the 312-kilometre (194-mile) pipeline, said it will invest as much as seven billion US dollars in the ambitious project over eight years.

The pipeline will run from northwestern Kedah state, across Perak state to northeastern Kelantan state which faces the South China Sea.

Chairman Rahim Kamil Sulaiman said the pipeline will bypass the piracy-prone Malacca Strait.

“The initial phase of two million barrels of oil per day is expected to cost about two billion dollars, and the investment will increase to US$4.5 billion and US$7 billion upon completion of the second and third phases of the project, respectively,” Rahim told the newspaper.

Half of the world’s oil shipments currently pass through the 960-kilometre strategic Malacca Strait, the busiest seaway in the world.

Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said the proposed project was intended to reduce transport costs and security risks for tankers on the Malacca Strait.

“Investors will also be invited, among them the key oil producers of the Middle East, Islamic funds and major consumers in East Asia,” Rahim said.

Rahim said tankers will offload crude oil from the Middle East in the coastal town of Yan in Kedah.

The oil will then be transported through the pipeline to Bachok on Kelantan’s coast, for distribution to countries in the East Asian region, he said.

There will be three storage tanks located in Yan, and Jeli and Bachok in Kelantan, while the initial storage capacity of the pipeline will be around 60 million barrels of oil, the newspaper said.

“This will be upgraded later to serve as the regional strategic reserve of the East Asian countries, especially China, Japan and South Korea,” it said.

Rahim also said that his company was not involved in the proposed construction of two oil refineries.

Earlier reports said SKS Development Sdn Bhd, owned by tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, would build a refinery in Yan and another in Bachok, with a pipeline linking the two refineries.

- AFP/CNA/Bernama

forrestcat

May 7th, 2007, 02:36 PM

^^
Another mega Hadhari project worth the KL-S'pore HSL.

Is it true that China will also have some stakes in this project?I believe they wanna secure fuel supply from ME by bypassing Straits of Malacca which is is considered under the influence of the US.

James Foong

May 7th, 2007, 05:34 PM

Definitely. China ll get involve with the enormous project. Without china backing, the project cant take off because of the huge international risk of doing so. There may be some backfired from the US as it can no longer able to control the oil supply if they intend to sanction china when the china may try to attack taiwan.

OshHisham

May 8th, 2007, 02:02 AM

why can't they cross the southern thai's instead....? why malaysia...since this is consider to be an 'international project'?

World 2 World

May 8th, 2007, 04:01 AM

why can't they cross the southern thai's instead....? why malaysia...since this is consider to be an 'international project'?

I think, because we are more stabil country:)

OshHisham

May 8th, 2007, 07:57 AM

Indian Shipper To Relocate Shipments To PTP

JOHOR BAHARU, May 8 (Bernama) -- Orient Express Line (OEL), one of India's biggest feeder ship operators, will be relocating 60 percent of its shipments from eastern India to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia's biggest container and transhipment port.

OEL (Singapore) Pte Ltd's managing director Mahesh S. Iyer said today that PTP, being a major transhipment port in the region, is already connected to most ports around the world.

"We will be calling on PTP first before going to Singapore and Port Klang, and we expect PTP to take about 60 per cent of our cargo," Mahesh said.

He said this when speaking to reporters at a ceremony to commemorate the maiden voyage of the shipping company's vessel, "OEL Excellence", which arrived at PTP early this morning.

"OEL Excellence" is one of the four vessels being deployed by OEL for its new service named "Straits Bengal Straits", which provides direct connectivity between Calcutta located in the east coast of India and PTP.

Mahesh said the new service, together with PTP's high operational efficiency, will provide a faster turnaround time for shipments between Johor and the east coast of India.

"The introduction of the new service will now give Indian shippers, especially those originating from the Calcutta hinterland more options to deliver their cargo to various destinations around the world," he said.

The service will also allow cargo from India to be transhipped through PTP using the mothership of Mearsk Sealane and Evergreen Marine Corp to arrive faster, therefore shorterning delivery time to the United States and Europe.

Mahesh said among the major exports from Calcutta are steel products like coils and manhole covers, and also plenty of tea to be exported to Europe and the US.

According to him, almost all the US roads uses steel manhole covers made in India.

PTP chief executive officer Harun Johari, who was present at the event, said that OEL has ben calling at PTP since the port started operations in September 2000.

"We are happy with the support that OEL has shown us all these years and we are happy to see them growing with us," he said.

Harun estimated that a volume of 30,000 containers originated from Johor is being shipped to India annually.

He said the volume of containers is expected to grow in the future, especially when the Iskandar Development Region gains momentum and is developed further.

OEL, established in 1983, is part of the Transworld group of companies, which achieved a turnover of US$450 million last year.

The company operates 22 vessels covering the Indian sub-contionent, South-East Asia and the Middle East.

It operates two weekly shipment services, which are PTP to Chittagong and PTP to Calcutta.

-- BERNAMA

forrestcat

May 8th, 2007, 02:42 PM

why can't they cross the southern thai's instead....? why malaysia...since this is consider to be an 'international project'?

I suppose so. Thailand currently has political problems and insurgency in the south. Better us build first before them.

pedang

May 9th, 2007, 06:15 AM

Hitachi opens KL ops centre to serve Asia-Pacific

By Rupa Damodaran
rupabanerji@nstp.com.my

May 9 2007

HITACHI Data Systems Corp, which has opened its Asia Pacific Deal Operations Centre (DOC) in Kuala Lumpur, is confident that the explosive demand for data storage from the region will enable the company to see another record fiscal year.

Its senior vice-president and general manager for Asia Pacific Michael J. Cremen said the company, a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd, enjoyed a record year when the books closed in April.

"With the opportunities for our customers and the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region, we are confident we can surpass last year's revenue," he said at a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The DOC is the first of its kind in the region for storage solutions and serves Hitachi's 175 partner organisations across 12 countries.

The 12,500-square-foot office at Chulan Towers will support Hitachi Data Systems' regional sales teams and channel partners by providing services in solution configuration, inventory allocation, pricing strategy, audit and compliance.

Cremen said Hitachi Data Systems chose Malaysia over Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia due to various factors including its vibrant business environment.

The Malaysian DOC is the second outside the US and was officially opened by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.

In her speech, she said as at March 31 2007, there were a total of 2,306 regional establishments approved in the country, of which 138 were operational headquarters (OHQs).

The majority of OHQs are engaged in business process outsourcing activities for their related companies in the Asia-Pacific region.

pedang

May 9th, 2007, 11:32 AM

India's Manipal To Invest In Stem Cell R&D Facility In Malaysia

From Saraswathi Muniappan

BOSTON (US), May 9 (Bernama) -- India-based Manipal Education and Medical Group International Ltd's initial investment in setting up a stem cell research and development (R&D) facility can be between US$5 million and US$10 million, according to Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood, chief executive officer of Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation Sdn Bhd (BiotechCorp).

"It will be an adult stem cell R&D facility. It can be either on a joint venture basis or 100 percent owned by Manipal Group," he said when asked about the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that BiotechCorp signed with Manipal Group here on Monday.

The pact is to facilitate the establishment of a Manipal Group subsidiary in Malaysia focusing on stem cell R&D, as well as to explore potential collaborations between Manipal Group and Malaysian companies.

Iskandar said BiotechCorp has shortlisted four Malaysian companies which could set up joint ventures with Manipal Group.

He said one of them is a listed company but he declined to name it.

There are also plans for a biotechnology entrepreneurship programme with Manipal Group, he told reporters on the sidelines of BIO 2007, the world's largest biotechnology convention, which is ending here today.

At BIO 2007, BiotechCorp also entered into a MoU with Avesta Gengraine Technologies Pte Ltd (Avesthagen), an India-based integrated biotechnology and bioinformatics company focusing on the convergence between food, pharmaceuticals and clinical genomics leading to preventive personalised medicine.

According to Iskandar, the pact is aimed at facilitating Avesthagen's investment in Malaysia and identifying potential Malaysian partners for the company.

-- BERNAMA

Nissan_FUGA

May 9th, 2007, 11:58 AM

Source : http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_6ab58fcc-cb73c03a-f4216000-2336ac61

09-05-2007: OSRAM to set up wafer fabrication facility in M'sia

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

OSRAM, a wholly owned Siemens subsidiary, will be significantly expanding production capacity at its plant in Penang with a wafer production line to be put into operation next year.

OSRAM said the wafer fabrication factory would be its second production production site for chips in addition to the plant in Regensburg, which is now undergoing another expansion phase that will be completed by end-2007.

It said the Penang site would start the manufacture of light emitting diodes (LEDs) chips starting next year. "Total investment in the new plant will ultimately be in high double figures of millions of euros," OSRAM said in a statement on May 9.

The Regensburg plant makes semiconductor materials and produces wafers for highly innovative semiconductors for lighting, display and sensor applications. It said the construction phase was approaching completion, with investment in "fairly high double figures of millions of euros."

The lighting manufacturer is also starting to expand the existing LED assembly facilities in Penang. "When work is completed, capacity will be 50% higher," it added.

OSRAM is Europe’s leading manufacturer of LEDs and number two on the world LED market.

Regensburg also sites the central research and development department of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors.

Its Penang facility's managing director, Werner Gelner, said it would be hiring scientists and engineers in the disciplines of material sciences, chemistry, semiconductor physics and infrastructure, with a minimum of a Master's degree.

pedang

May 10th, 2007, 10:16 AM

Tourism To Bring In US$11 Billion For Malaysia

BANGKOK, May 10 (Bernama) -- Eighteen Asia-Pacific destinations are expected to receive more than US$110 billion in additional tourism revenue over the next three years, with Malaysia getting about US$11 billion.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) said its Asia-Pacific Tourism Forecasts 2007-2009 showed Thailand would be one of the biggest beneficiaries, gaining almost US$13 billion by 2009.

Other markets likely to receive strong receipts growth over the forecast period include South Korea with US$7 billion, China (US$36 billion) and Macau (US$5 billion).

Pata said today the predicted windfall for Thailand follows on from the results of the recent Asia Travel Intentions Survey 2007 which revealed that nine per cent more travellers were looking at Asia as their next travel destination.

"One in five ranked Thailand as their most likely destination with 84 per cent of Swedish respondents most likely to consider the destination for a holiday within the next two years," it said.

While inbound flows are expected to continue in the medium- term, Asia-Pacific shall remain largely an intra-regional bloc, with most of this growth coming from other Asia-Pacific markets with some of these expected to show double-digit growth.

Hong Kong traffic into Japan is expected to grow by 17 per cent over the forecast period, China to Singapore (16 per cent), India to China (15 per cent) and the US and Canada to China each by 13 per cent, Koldowski added.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

May 14th, 2007, 10:24 AM

M'sia To Build Two Highways Worth US$102.6 Million In Pakistan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The Works Ministry through CIDB Malaysia and the National Highway Authority (NHA) of Pakistan today sealed an agreement worth US$102.6 million to build two highways in Pakistan.

The highways are namely the 29 km US$46 Karachi Northern Bypass and the 56 km Rawalpindi Bypass and Northern Interchange estimated to cost US$56.6 million.

The projects mark the first of such partnership between the Malaysian and Pakistani governments.

Both projects will be implemented on a Built-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis and carried out by a CIDB-led consortium consisting of HCM Engineering Bhd and Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd, Works Minister Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu said at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding here.

The MoU was signed by NHA general manager Hassan Rind and CIDB chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Ir Jamilus Hussein.

"Initial assessment shows that both the projects potentially have more than 20 percent internal rate of return. I've planned to go to Pakistan early next month to study and expedite the implementation of the projects," Samy said at a press conference later.

MinConsult Sdn Bhd will conduct a feasibility on the projects, he added.

This new partnership comes after the cancelled Khanewa-Faisalabad Motorway project which was signed in April 2005. The project was cancelled after a feasibility study showed that it was an unsuitable project.

To date, IJM Corporation Bhd is the only Malaysian company involved in infrastructure construction in Pakistan. It is building an elevated expressway along Shahrah-E-Faisal from the Quaidabad Intersection to Jinnah Bridge in Karachi.

The project, estimated to cost RM830 million, commenced last February and is expected to be completed in June 2010.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Communications Minister Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui who was also present said the country currently has US$8 billion worth of infrastructure projects to be rolled out by 2012.

"We welcome more companies from Malaysia to vie for these infrastructure projects," he said.

Samy added that he has also submitted 11 class A contractors name to the Pakistan's authority for its upcoming projects.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

May 16th, 2007, 08:35 AM

M'sia Airports Begins Managing Astana Airport In Kazakhstan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd today began managing Astana International Airport after the second largest Kazakhstan airport was handed over to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Malaysia Airports Management & Technical Services (Labuan) Private Ltd.

Its managing director, Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad, described the management agreement as an excellent opportunity to further prove the company's capability and expertise in managing airports.

"The management of Astana International Airport will further strengthen the relationship between Kazakhstan and Malaysia. It will also pave the way for Malaysian investment in Kazakhstan," he added in a statement here.

The 10-year management agreement signed last month enables Malaysia Airports to carry out the operation, management and maintenance of Astana International Airport.

Malaysia Airports aims to give immediate focus on developing Astana's airport business plan which will include measures in finances, human resources, technical services and operations.

The company will initially assign three staff to be based in Astana who will be assisting in operations, technical and finance matters, and support from the head office will be provided as and when required.

Currently, 13 airlines are operating at Astana, which offers direct links to 12 international cities in three continents and 10 domestic destinations.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

May 17th, 2007, 10:49 AM

Saudi bank signs with Bank Negara

KUALA LUMPUR: Saudi Arabia-based Saudi Hollandi Bank has signed a Commodity Murabahah agreement with Bank Negara in Dubai, making it the first Islamic banking institution outside Malaysia to do so.

Bank Negara said the Commodity Murabahah Programme (CMP) introduced in March was part of its diverse range of policy instruments in managing short-term liquidity in the Malaysian Islamic interbank money market.

"Commodity Murabahah is a cash deposit product based on the globally acceptable Islamic concept of underlying commodity transactions to facilitate liquidity management and investment.

"The CMP is a commodity-based transaction that utilises crude palm oil based contracts as its underlying asset," it said in a statement issued on Thursday.

Earlier this year, Bank Negara had executed master agreements with eight Islamic banking institutions in Malaysia.

This programme is part of the central bank's efforts to spur product innovation in facilitating the liquidity management of Islamic financial institutions.

The participation of foreign Islamic financial institutions would further strengthen the cross-border inter-linkages as well as investment flows between Islamic financial centres, Bank Negara said.

pedang

May 18th, 2007, 03:22 AM

fantastic result !! :cheers:

Malaysia tourist arrivals may easily surpass target

By Vasantha Ganesan
bt@nstp.com.my

May 18 2007

TOURIST arrivals this year, as at May 10, touched 8.9 million, signalling that Malaysia may easily surpass its 20.1 million tourist arrivals target and RM44.5 billion in foreign receipts set for Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

The numbers come as a surprise, given the poor showing in the first two months of the year when growth was smaller than anticipated.

Based on the latest data, 68,461 tourists make their way into Malaysia daily. If this number is maintained, Malaysia is likely to welcome some 24.99 million :banana: tourists who may spend up to RM55.3 billion on things like accommodation and shopping, food and beverage and transportation.

"Up until last Thursday, we received 8.9 million tourists from all entry points, including the borders, and Sabah and Sarawak," Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Teng- ku Mansor said.

He said the numbers did not include excursionists or day trippers. Tourists are distinguished from day trippers, as those who stay here at least one night.

Tourism Malaysia, with the help of the Immigration Department, is now using a real-time data collection method at the entry points of Malaysia.

"I am very happy with the numbers," Tengku Adnan said at a press conference following the launch of Bank Islam's Tourist Friend Mastercard Unembossed Prepaid Card.

Industry players were very concerned if Malaysia would be able to achieve this target, as a 15 per cent jump in arrivals is needed over last year's 17.55 million tourists.

January and February, however, managed to clock in only a nine per cent jump, prompting Tourism Malaysia to say that nine per cent was a more realistic growth.

By 2010, Malaysia is expected to receive 26 million tourists who are targeted to spend some RM56 billion here. :)

Skyprince

May 18th, 2007, 05:09 AM

^^ Are you sure ??!!!

8.9 million for the first 4.3 months ?? That means in average more than 2 million arrivals per month !!!

pedang

May 18th, 2007, 06:07 AM

^^ Are you sure ??!!!

8.9 million for the first 4.3 months ?? That means in average more than 2 million arrivals per month !!!

absolutely! :cheers:

pedang

May 18th, 2007, 06:09 AM

HP To Set Up Application Development Centre In Cyberjaya

PUTRAJAYA, May 18 (Bernama) -- Hewlett Packard (HP), the world's largest information technology (IT) firm, will set up a global application development and support centre in Cyberjaya, adding to its existing network of similar centres in India, China, Mexico and Costa Rica.

The new centre, which is expected to employ about 1,000 IT professionals over the next 10 years, will support HP's efforts in the areas of enterprise data warehousing, application development and support, and other important initiatives.

Announcing this on the sidelines of the IAP meeting here today, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) chief executive officer, Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, said the establishment of the HP centre marked the increasing recognition that Malaysia could provide many attractive features which companies looked for when selecting a location.

"We will continue facilitating foreign investments into the country as well as add services to our global partners such as HP in living up to our MSC Malaysia brand promise," he said.

HP executive vice president and chief information officer Randy Mott, commenting on the decision, said the firm chose Cyberjaya following the government's commitment to the rapid advancement of technology through its support of high-tech businesses, telecommunications and education.

He said the location would add to HP's efforts in improving its productivity, quality, speed and flexibility in a move to achieve greater economies of scale and standardization.

Mott, however, did not provide details of the timeframe and investment concerning the new centre.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

May 18th, 2007, 01:49 PM

Four Key Thrusts Needed To Make Malaysia A Digital Nation
Updated : 18-05-2007
Media : Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 18 (Bernama) -- To turn Malaysia into a digital nation, the government needs to address the four key thrusts of connectivity, accessibility, education and content, according to Intel Corporation, the world's leading computer chip company.

Its vice president and general manager of end-user platform integration, Prasad L. Rampalli, said focus should be on the four key thrusts, which were in line with Intel's global initiatives, to drive greater use of information and communications technology (ICT).

"The government needs to make connectivity and accessibility affordable and easily available to drive higher PC (personal computer) penetration in line with its Ninth Malaysia Plan goals," he said.

"We believe the recent announcement of the WiMAX spectrum will help to push for greater PC and broadband penetration," he told Bernama here Friday.

Rampalli is here as the representative for Intel at the ongoing 10th MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP) Meeting which started yesterday and will end tomorrow.

According to him, Malaysia needs a country-wide broadband initiative and the country also has to bring ICT technology into education to grow its knowledge workers.

"Intel has many initiatives with the government and one of them is the 1:1 eLearning on Classmate PC which we recently announced with Education Ministry to work with 10 schools to set up a 1:1 learning environment and study its impact," he said.

The government, he added, also needed to expand the e-government initiative and continue with its efforts to bridge the digital divide by increasing telecentres across the country.

Asked for his view on the MSC Malaysia strategies as outlined by Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and discussed at the IAP meeting, Rampalli said: "Generally, there were good discussions around the key components to move the MSC (Multimedia Super Corridor) to the next level, especially in the areas of education, the need for more talented resources, human capital development and ICT infrastructure expansion."

He said there was good input from the attendees on how Malaysia could leverage its resources and geographical location to expand the penetration of broadband and wireless applications.

"I believe the government will take the input seriously for its next action plan," he added.

On the need for talented resources, Rampalli said the government needed to make study fees cheaper to encourage graduates to continue their studies and move up the value chain, especially becoming involved in research and development activities.

According to him, incentives have to be provided to attract global talents, including getting Malaysians abroad to return and work in Malaysia.

Rampalli said Intel has collaborations with local universities in co-developing curriculums in electronics, materials engineering and other disciplines as well as in providing grants for research.

"Our engineers teach at universities and also sit in the curriculum advisory panel. We must shorten the throughput time for curriculum change considerably to commensurate with the rapid rate of technological changes," he said.

pedang

May 21st, 2007, 01:15 PM

Japan-M'sia EPA Expected To Contribute To Investment Flows

From Leslean Arshad

TOKYO, May 21 (Bernama) -- The comprehensive Japan-Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed last July is expected to contribute to Japan's growing investments in Malaysia.

Japan was the largest source of foreign direct investment in Malaysian last year.

Malaysia's ambassador to Japan, Datuk Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman, said that although no proper studies have been conducted to gauge the impact of the agreement, the significance of the EPA could not be discounted.

The increase in investments in Malaysia from Japan seemed to have also happened after the EPA came into force, he told Malaysian journalists covering Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's five-day working visit to Japan beginning today.

Mohd Radzi said the Japan-Malaysia EPA has opened up new areas of cooperation especially in the areas of automotive and biotechnology.

A total of 81 projects from Japan with investments of US$1.2 billion (US$1=RM3.40) were approved, the highest level registered since 1996, enabling the country to emerge as the top foreign investor in Malaysia last year, overtaking the United States.

Mohd Radzi said Japanese investors also described Malaysia as an excellent investment destination, citing its political stability, clear and transparent policies, investor-friendly approach and pleasant living conditions as favourable factors.

On Abdullah's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday, Mohd Radzi said both leaders were expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

While it will not be the first meeting between the two leaders, it would be their first formal meet, he said.

Education is one area to come under focus during the meet, Mohd Radzi said.

Opportunities for Malaysian students to pursue their studies in Japan in new areas such as research in biotechnology will be explored, he said.

A majority of the Malaysian students in Japan are pursuing engineering and science-related disciplines.

There are about 1,300 Malaysian students in Japan currently.

-- BERNAMA

pedang

May 22nd, 2007, 04:06 AM

Malaysia's 2006 productivity growth highest in 6 years

By Rupa Damodaran
rupabanerji@nstp.com.my

May 22 2007

MALAYSIA saw a productivity growth of 3.7 per cent last year - the highest in six years, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.

All economic sectors recorded productivity growth of between 0.5 per cent and 4.5 per cent.

The productivity level, which grew from RM23,437 in 2001 to RM27,221 last year, surpassed that of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) countries such as Sweden (2.8 per cent), Japan (2.5 per cent), Germany (2.0 per cent), Denmark (1.8 per cent), US (1.5 per cent) and the UK (1.7 per cent).

It also exceeded that of Thailand (3.5 per cent), Taiwan (2.7 per cent) and Singapore (1.2 per cent). :)

"During the year, the manufacturing sector registered productivity growth of 4.4 per cent, driven mainly by the robust performance of export-oriented industries, namely petroleum and plastic products, basic industrial chemicals, wires and cables and semiconductors," she said at the launch of the Productivity Report 2006 by the National Productivity Council (NPC) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The non-government services sector registered 2.6 per cent productivity growth, with the utilities sector expanding by 4.5 per cent, finance and transport grew by 4.1 per cent while commerce and trade registered a 2.2 per cent growth.

"Certainly, efforts by the Government to improve the public services delivery system and to enhance the business environment could assist in increasing productivity levels of business entities.

The NPC, on its part, has initiated online programmes which can benefit companies and they include online best practices application and online registration of participants of productivity and quality training management information systems.

NPC director-general Datuk Nik Zainiah Nik Abdul Rahman said the economy is targeted to achieve a productivity growth of more than 3.5 per cent this year, driven by the manufacturing and services sectors.

The productivity of the manufacturing sector is projected to grow by more than 3.4 per cent in 2007.

The services sector, comprising trade, transport and finance, is also expected to continue its growth driven by strong financial and business services activities, tourism and ICT services.

The productivity of the transport sector is expected to grow by more than 4.0 per cent, while finance and trade will continue to grow by more than 4.0 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively.

forrestcat

May 28th, 2007, 03:55 PM

May 28, 2007 21:38 PM

Transpen's US$7 Bln-pipeline To Cut Down Time Taken To Transport Oil

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The US$7 billion trans-peninsula pipeline to be laid across northern Malaysia will cut down on the time taken to ship oil from West Asia to East Asia to seven days.

Currently, the time taken to ship the oil to its destinations via the Malacca Straits takes 21 days.

The pipeline that stretches from Yan in Kedah to Bachok in Kelantan will shorten the transit time by avoiding the Straits of Malacca which is said to be the second most critical "chokepoint" during the transit.

"The savings in using our pipeline to the oil producers, to oil traders, is enough to even pay for one month of storage," said chairman of Trans-Peninsula Petroleum Sdn Bhd (Transpen), Mohd Kamil Sulaiman.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said the "timing is perfect" for the project to take off as the oil market has shifted to East Asia, with China now being the second biggest importer of oil.

Transpen is the owner and operator of the project.

It inked an agreement with Ranhill Engineers and Constructors Sdn Bhd and Indonesia's PT Tripatra Engineers and Consultants for the design and construction of the 300-kilometer pipeline, on the sidelines of the Third World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), here today.

Witnessed by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Transpen also inked a separate agreement with Indonesian firm Bakrie and Brothers tbk for the supply of steel pipes and Al-Banader International Group of Saudi Arabia for the supply of oil.

Mohd Kamil said the pipeline would help ease congestion in the Straits of Malacca where out of 60,000 vessels that transit the straits, 30 percent were oil tankers.

He said the pipeline would divert about 20 percent of the oil tankers.

While analysts have voiced skepticism over the viability of the project considering it would only save oil tankers three days of transit time, Mohd

Kamil countered that the assumptions were based on big tankers. It is not the smaller 80,000-ton vessels that Transpen is targeting, said the chairman.

He said 60 percent of oil tankers crossing the straits were smaller vessels as many ports in East Asia cannot accommodate larger crude carriers.

These smaller tankers currently take about 21 days to transit oil from West Asia and Africa, passing through the Malacca Straits and Singapore and northward to China and Japan.

To be constructed in three phases stretching over seven years, the 48-inch diameter pipeline has a carrying capacity of six million barrels per day throughput (bpd) of crude oil.

Initially, Transpen's capacity would be 60 million bpd of storage and two million bpd of throughput.

After four to five years of operation the system capacity would be upgraded to a maximum of 180 million bpd storage and six million bpd throughput.

On both ends of the pipeline, there will be offshore mooring facilities to accommodate deep-draught tankers that require a minimum depth of 25 meters.

Along the pipeline, in Jeli, Kelantan, there will be a major storage which would hold 90 percent of the entire system's capacity.

"Work would begin in 2008 with land acquisitions made in cooperation with the respective state governments. There will be three phases in the construction spanning a period of seven years altogether," he said.

Transpen said once the first phase of the project, costing US$2.3 billion, is completed by mid-2011, the pipeline will begin to generate income.

Mohd Kamil noted that the project would require equity and project financing both from domestic and foreign sources.

Transpen is owned 30 percent by locals and 70 percent by international investors.

-- BERNAMA

I bet those foreign investors is MR.CHINA

forrestcat

May 29th, 2007, 03:04 AM

US$7b trans-peninsula
pipeline deal sealed
By Chong Pooi Koon
pooikoon@nstp.com.my

May 29 2007

TRANS-Peninsula Petroleum Sdn Bhd (TPP), the developer of a 300km crude oil pipeline across northern Peninsular Malaysia, may sell shares on Bursa Malaysia in 2010 to fund the project, a source familiar with the plan says.

The entire project will cost US$7 billion (RM24 billion), spanning seven years.

The company is expected to finance the first phase, estimated at US$2.3 billion (RM7.8 billion), with equity and borrowings.

TPP also plans to attract the Government to invest in the project.

TPP yesterday signed a master alliance agreement with its partners for the projects: Ranhill Bhd, which will handle the construction work, and Indonesia's PT Tripatra Engineers & Consultants, the project manager.

Ranhill was represented by its president and chief executive Tan Sri Hamdan Mohamed, while TPP was led by its chairman Mohd Kamil Sulaiman. PT Tripatra was represented by its director Pandri Prabono.

The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Indonesian president Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Also represented at the signing were Indonesia's PT Bakrie & Brothers Tbk, which is supplying steel pipes for the project and Al-Banader International Group of Saudi Arabia that will help secure the oil supplies.

Foreign investors, particularly those from the Middle East, are said to be keen to buy stakes in the project.

The company is currently dealing with land acquisition issues with the help of the three state governments involved - Perak, Kedah and Kelantan. Construction is expected to start in the middle of next year.

TPP's Mohd Kamil said the pipelines provides a link between the oil-producing countries in the Middle East and East Asian consumers and will ease the congestion and pollution in the Straits of Malacca.

"Timing of the project is perfect now as the oil market has shifted to East Asia, particularly China," Mohd Kamil said. He said Malaysia is strategically located and the pipelines are poised to play an important role in the pattern of oil distribution and consumption.

The Trans-Peninsula pipelines will traverse Perak, Kedah and Kelantan. On both ends of Yan in Kedah and Bachok in Kelantan, there will be offshore mooring facilities to accommodate deep-draught tankers which require a minimum depth of 25 metres.

There will be day tanks each in Yan and Bachok. Along the pipeline in Jeli, Kelantan, there will be a major storage which will hold 90 per cent of the entire system capacity.

OshHisham

May 30th, 2007, 06:28 AM

Kuwait jadikan Malaysia pangkalan perbankan Islam
Oleh FAUZIAH AROF

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2007/0530/Utusan_Malaysia/Ekonomi/ek_01_big.jpg
Bader Mishari Al-Humaithi (kanan) menandatangani plak perasmian sambil diperhatikan oleh K. Salman Younis (kiri) pada majlis pembukaan KFHM cawangan Shah Alam, semalam.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SHAH ALAM 29 Mei – Kerajaan Kuwait mahu menjadikan Malaysia sebagai pangkalan utamanya bagi mempromosikan produk dan perkhidmatan perbankan Islam di rantau Asia, kata Menteri Kewangannya, Bader Mishari Al-Humaithi.

Sehubungan itu, katanya, Kuwait Finance House Malaysia Berhad (KFHM) iaitu bank asing pertama yang diberi lesen perbankan Islam di negara ini dilihat mampu memainkan peranan itu selain berfungsi sebagai bank alternatif kepada pelanggan melalui produk inovatif dan perkhidmatannya.

Menurut beliau, antara pendorong utama pertumbuhan KFH di rantau ini adalah sokongan dan komitmen kerajaan Malaysia dalam menjadikan negara ini sebagai pusat perbankan Islam.

‘‘Dalam pada itu, pelaburan Kuwait di Malaysia terutamanya yang datangnya daripada sektor swasta adalah amat baik dan kita juga ingin melihat pelabur, kontraktor dan usahawan di negara ini datang ke Kuwait dan terlibat dengan pembangunan dalam pelbagai sektor di sana,” katanya kepada pemberita semasa majlis pembukaan cawangan kedua KFHM di Wisma sunwaymas, di sini hari ini.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Urusan KFHM, K. Salman Younis berkata, KFH telah memainkan peranannya dalam membawa pelabur-pelabur dari negara Majlis Kerjasama Teluk (GCC) ke Malaysia.

GCC dianggotai oleh Arab Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Emiriah Arab Bersatu (UAE) dan Oman.

‘‘Kami akan teras memainkan peranan dalam membawa pelabur dari GCC ke sini dan Malaysia ke GCC,” katanya.

Beliau juga berkata, KFHM akan membuka lima lagi cawangannya di negara ini pada tahun ini.

“Kita mahu membuka cawangan di Johor, Pulau Pinang dan selebihnya di Lembah Klang,” jelasnya.

Cawangan pertamanya di Malaysia terletak di tingkat bawah bangunan MNI Tower 2, di Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur.

KFH yang diperbadankan di Kuwait pada tahun 1977, telah disenaraikan di Bursa Saham Kuwait.

Ia merupakan peneraju dalam industri perbankan Islam di Kuwait dan terbabit dalam bidang korporat dan pelaburan, perbankan komersial dan peruncitan.