Malaysia - Countries of the World [Archive] - Page 2

nazrey

July 12th, 2010, 06:11 AM

MAHB clicks well with Indian infrastructure giant GMR
By B.K. SIDHU Monday July 12, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/12/business/6641241&sec=business

PETALING JAYA: A relationship that began in the 1990s has blossomed into a partnership where trust and confidence prevail as both partners look for new airport jobs in markets they are familiar with.

The parties are Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and Indian infrastructure giant, GMR Group.

The partnership bodes well for MAHB as it needs a partner with deep pockets to help it expand abroad and widen its earnings base.

For GMR, it wants a company that has the expertise.

Both were partners in the development of the mammoth Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi.

Both are also partners in the Sahiba Gocken International airport in Istanbul and the Rajiv Gandhi airport in Hyderabad.

Recently the GMR/MAHB consortium won the bid to build, operate, modernise and expand the Male International Airport in the Maldives for US$373mil.

GMR will hold a 77% stake while MAHB has 23% in the consortium for the Maldives job.

For the Turkey job MAHB’s stake is 20% while IGI has 10% and Hyderabad 11%.

But this is not an exclusive agreement.

For the Medina airport job, both have gone separate ways and both have been pre-qualified for the US$1.5bil job.

“Wherever we go, MAHB is with us. They have the first right of refusal,’’ said GMR group general manager G.M. Rao in New Delhi recently.

He is also the founder and group chairman of GMR Group.

Rao is a mechanical engineer by profession and was once the major shareholder of Vsaya Bank in India.

GMR is an infrastructure group that builds and operates highways, airports and power plants.

It also owns coal mines in South Africa and Indonesia.

GMR Group is headquartered in Bangalore.

MAHB chairman Tan Sri Dr Aris Othman was quick to add that “we have become friends and we consider ourselves lucky to have a partner that is professional and reliable.’’

India is going to build more than 30 airports in the coming years and both companies are keen to be part of the development but will not give any specific details.

MAHB managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad Bashir would not say if MAHB was going for the Mumbai airport.

“We have not decided on (the Mumbai airport) yet. But if the opportunity arises (for us to work together in new ventures) we would be interested,’’ he said.

Doing business in India can be challenging and so will the Maldives job.

However, Rao is confident that the relationship with MAHB that is based on trust and confidence will go far.

“At every stage they are educating us,’’ Rao said, referring to the development of the IGI airport.

Apart from GMR and MAHB, German’s Fraport is also a partner in the consortium.

For IGI, MAHB was involved in operations, baggage handling and also the design of the airport.

The airport cost US$2.6bil but Bashir declined to reveal MAHB’s level of investment.

The bulk of the funding was obtained via a bridging loan.

Despite the new facilities, airport and landing charges will remain the same with Rao hoping that passenger growth will drive earnings.

IGI is home to 60 airlines and 10 domestic carriers and over the past five years the compounded annual growth rate in passengers had been 17%.

MAHB is also looking for more airlines to fly into KLIA.

There is talk that India’s low cost carrier SpiceJet is considering mounting flights to KLIA but this could not be confirmed.

Currently KLIA is home to 59 carriers.

Bashir does not expect immediate contribution from IGI as the gestation period will be six to seven years.

For investors it is about dividends.

Last year MAHB paid 47% of its earnings or RM177mil in dividends, about 16 sen per share base on its share base of 1.1 billion.

Analysts expect a higher dividend payout from the company this year.

Market consensus has put its earnings at RM382mil in current financial year ending Dec 31, 2010 and the guidance from the company is that it will continue to reward shareholders amply over the medium term.

Based on analyst projections of a 50% payout then shareholders could enjoy a total of RM190mil or almost 18 sen Going forward the challenge would be to get the new LCCT up and running by early 2012.

MAHB needs to raise RM2.7bil for the construction of the new low cost terminal at Sepang.

It was reported that it may issue RM1bil of Islamic bonds and US$500mil in conventional bonds.

Bashir declined to comment on this but reports said RM2.2bil would be used for the construction and RM500mil for the refinancing of current borrowings.

The other challenge for MAHB is to increase non-aeronautical earnings and while going overseas is one way it also needs to look at other avenues, such as increasing retail space. -ENDS-

nazrey

July 16th, 2010, 11:33 AM

South Korea’s Honam to buy Malaysia’s Titan for RM4b
16 July 2010
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/business/article/south-koreas-honam-to-buy-malaysias-titan-for-rm4b/

July 16, 2010SEOUL, July 16 — South Korea’s Honam Petrochemical Corp will pay 1.52 trillion won (RM4.06 billion) to buy Malaysia’s largest petrochemical maker Titan Chemicals Corp Bhd to expand its business to South East Asia.

Seoul-based Honam will pay RM2.35 for 72 per cent of Kuala Lumpur-based Titan, a 27 per cent premium over Titan’s closing share price of RM1.85 yesterday.

Honam will buy the controlling stake in Titan largely from Malaysian government-run trusts. The remaining 28 per cent of Titan will be purchased by Honam on the stock market by November.

“Through this takeover Honam will expand business in South East Asian markets and expand Titan’s production capacity,” said Lee Seung-hoon, a company spokesman.

Honam shares soared 9.4 per cent to 162,500 won as of 0538 GMT.

Honam is 57 percent owned by South Korea’s seventh-largest business group, Lotte Group. Lotte, best known in South Korea for its department stores and supermarkets, said earlier this year it will pay US$1.2 billion (RM3.85 billion) for department and discount stores owned by GS Retail.

The Titan acquisition will boost Honam from Asia’s No. 4 petrochemical maker to its second-largest after Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical by boosting annual production to 2.5 million tonnes from 1.75 million tonnes.

The South Korean company makes ethylene and propylene that are used for making plastics, film and paints. Titan makes olefins and polyolefins, intermediate products for ethylene and propylene.

HSBC is the financial adviser to Honam. — Reuters

nazrey

July 19th, 2010, 10:19 AM

Malaysia, Italy to cooperate in air traffic management
Published: 2010/07/19
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/itaair/Article/#ixzz0u79Vi8KG

MALAYSIA and Italy will establish a formal framework for co-operation in the area of air traffic management with specific reference to the operational and technological development.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said both countries recognised the need to formalise the bilateral cooperation in this area due to challenges posed by the growing demand.

He said this in his address at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Malaysia and ENAV S.p.A. Italy in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

Under the MOU, both parties will also endeavour to take necessary steps to encourage and promote technical co-operation in the areas of operational and technological short and medium term improvements, training and research and development and any other areas of co-operation on air traffic management that will benefit both countries.

ENAV S.p.A. provides air traffic control services in Italy and its services also include air navigation and aeronautic information publication.

Through this MOU, Kong said he hoped that the safety, capacity and smooth air traffic flow in Malaysian air space would be enhanced.

"The communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management which is now a must in air transport can be further explored and ventured to ensure that Malaysia is able to expound such a sophisticated and modern equipment in air traffic management in this region," he said. - Bernama

nazrey

July 19th, 2010, 10:21 AM

Raymond keen to set up regional office in KL
Published: 2010/07/19
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/raym/Article/#ixzz0u7A12Q9D

INDIAN textile giant, Raymond Ltd, which finds Malaysia an attractive investment destination and a gateway to Southeast Asia, plans to set up an office in Kuala Lumpur to facilitate its regional retail business.

Its vice-president for international business, Ram Bhatnagar, said the office here will facilitate its business in Southeast Asia.

"We will be having a chain of stores going forward and this will require a lot of staff training.

"Our intention is to hire the local people. It will not be feasible to send them to India to be trained," he said in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Bhatnagar said Malaysia was chosen as a threshold for the region because it has one of the fastest growing economies along with a booming retail industry.

"The growing economy in Malaysia and the local Indian population will make our entry here much easier," he said.

Bhatnagar said the company will open close to 35 stores in the region with an investment of about RM600,000 per outlet.

The textile giant launched its first store, The Raymond Shop (TRS), in Malaysia last week, marking its entry into the region's retail business.

The outlet in Bangsar offers a wide range of men's clothing including ready-to-wear apparel, made-to-measure clothing and accessories.

Raymond has more than 50 years of retail experience in India and has over 500 TRS outlets in over 15 cities across the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Bhatnagar said over the next three years, the company plans to open about 25 local outlets and three in Singapore.

"In the immediate term, we are looking at another two more outlets in the Klang Valley and gradually move to Johor Baru, Malacca and Penang.

"We might simultaneously go to Singapore and Indonesia. In the next 24 months, we will definitely have a presence in Singapore and we are targeting about three to four outlets there.

"As for Indonesia, we are targeting just one outlet in Jakarta," he said.

Bhatnagar said in the next five years, the company will be making its presence felt in Thailand as well as China.

He said Raymond was not looking at setting up facilities in Malaysia in the immediate term. It will focus on India due to the availability of raw materials.

"To date Raymond has 18 facilities globally," he said.

Bhatnagar said the company aims to secure a return on investment of between 20 per cent and 25 per cent from the regional market in the next three years.

"The region, however, will not be a major contributor to Raymond's growth as of now," he said.

The Raymond products include pure wool, wool blended with exotic fibres like camel hair, cashmere and angora and innovative blends of wool with polyester, linen and silk. - Bernama

nazrey

July 19th, 2010, 10:25 AM

Nomura raises presence with Labuan office
By Adeline Paul RajPublished: 2010/07/19
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/nomu18/Article/#ixzz0u7AmLtiw

JAPAN'S Nomura, a global investment bank, has set up a branch in Labuan, seeking to boost its presence in Malaysia and the region.

The offshore branch, Nomura's first in Asia, opened today and enables it to market risk-management solutions to Malaysian corporates, government-linked entities, banks and insurers, said Samir Bhandari, head of macro sales for Asia ex-Japan in the fixed income division.

He said Nomura aims to become one of the world's leading investment banks in three to five years and that its growth would be driven mainly by client businesses.

As such, it wants to boost its presence in countries like Malaysia, which is considered to be among Nomura's most important markets in Southeast Asia, in order to be closer to potential clients.

"The majority of our revenue comes from clients rather than proprietary trading, and that is really what's driving our global strategy. So it's imperative for us to become a local player and deliver local solutions ... which is why we chose to start with a Labuan branch in Malaysia," the Singapore-based Bhandari told Business Times in a telephone interview.

The Labuan business, however, allows it to do only non-ringgit products. The bank plans to offer interest rate, foreign exchange, commodity and credit products to clients, as well solutions that are a combination of these.

Bhandari said Nomura's niche lies in its structured product capabilities. "That's our unique selling point, it's probably better than (our rivals')," he claimed.

Nomura may eventually be interested in setting up a banking subsidiary in Malaysia, Bhandari said. This would enable it to do ringgit-based products, thus widening its spectrum of offerings to clients.

"We're currently discussing strategy internally on what markets in Asia we want to focus on over the next 12 to 24 months to best service the needs of our clients," he remarked.

Nomura, which first gained a presence in Malaysia 36 years ago, already has corporate advisory and securities licences here.

It has historically derived most of its revenues from within Japan, but this changed after it bought the Asian and European operations of its bankrupted rival, Lehman Brothers, in September 2008. Now, around half its revenue comes from outside Japan, Bhandari said.

Nomura was the top-earning investment bank in Asia Pacific last year.

nazrey

July 28th, 2010, 08:13 AM

Do more to make Malaysia sexy to fund managers: Aberdeen Asset
By Presenna NambiarPublished: 2010/07/27
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/pftse-2/Article/#ixzz0uxGAR3pw

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/pftse-2/pix_topright

The Malaysian economy is not currently viewed as sexy compared to, say, Indonesia, according to Aberdeen Asset Management managing director

Malaysia needs to make itself interesting to attract foreign fund managers to invest here.

"We are doing the right things, but the Malaysian economy is not currently viewed as sexy compared to, say, Indonesia with a population of 260 million people and relatively no exports," Aberdeen Asset Management managing director Gerald Ambrose said at the FTSE Malaysian Market Insights and Investment Opportunities Seminar in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Malaysia had an index weighting of more than 20 per cent in the 1980s, but the weighting under the FTSE Global All Cap Index for Asia-Pacific, excluding Japan, has dropped since to 3.7 per cent.

"The cruel truth is that you don't have to have some Malaysia (exposure) anymore. So Malaysia has to do a lot more to be on that portfolio on merit," Ambrose said.

CLSA Quantitative Research head Chris Lobello viewed Khazanah Nasional Bhd's move to place out some of its shares in Telekom Malaysia Bhd to institutional investors as a step in the right direction.

"The liquidity issues in Malaysia make it a difficult place to invest in. With it (Malaysia) only making up half a per cent of global indices, it is easy to step away from it," Lobello said.

He added that the only thing to do was to push up the country's weighting by promoting liquidity and free float in the stock market.

Meanwhile, a report on the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Index series indicated that liquidity in the Malaysian market had increased since the transition to the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (FBM KLCI) a year ago.

Monthly trading value of the Main Market has risen 13.6 per cent in the period from July 6 last year to July 6 this year.

The report also indicated that over a one-year period, Malaysia has seen strong growth and outperformed most of the regional benchmarks.

The FBM KLCI has risen 22.6 per cent year on year compared to the FTSE Asia Pacific All Cap Ex Japan Index, which rose only 10.2 per cent.

The FBM KLCI covers 30 companies, and around 70 per cent of the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Emas Index, a broad benchmark that aims to capture 98 per cent of Bursa Malaysia's Main Market.

nazrey

July 28th, 2010, 09:02 AM

South Korea translates and sells Malaysian novel
Wednesday July 28, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/28/nation/6748563&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/28/nation/yassin.jpg

From Malaysia to South Korea: Muhyiddin signing the plaque of the cover of
the novel at Paju Book City in Seoul yesterday. The plaque is held by the
Malaysian National Institute of Translation managing director Mohd Khair
Ngadiron (right) and Paju Book City chairman Yi Ki- Ung. Looking on is
Malaysian Ambassador to South Korea Datuk Ramlan Ibrahim.

SEOUL: South Korea has, in collaboration with the Malaysian National Institute of Translation, translated an old Malaysian novel Nyawa di Hujung Pedang (Life at the Edge of a Sword) by Ahmad Murad Nasaruddin.

The novel will be on sale in the republic from today.

The book, first published in 1944, was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the Paju Book City, about 50km from Seoul.

The first 1,000 copies that were published on Tuesday will be sold at 10,000 Won (RM30) each.

The novel by Ahmad Murad, who died on Aug 12, 1974, is set against the backdrop of life in a 1940s Malaya occupied by the Japanese.

It revolves around a young man Yazid, who is falsely accused of being a Japanese informer, resulting in his torture and death.

Among reasons the novel became the choice of the South Korean publisher was due to its contents, which shared a similar thread to the Japanese occupation of South Korea.

Muhyiddin, in his speech, said Malaysia would take the Paju Book City concept as an example to set up the Kuala Lumpur Book City in the near future.

Earlier in the afternoon, he was briefed on the South Korean education system which uses the Internet at the South Korean Education and Research Information Service and Hanam Information Industry High School.

nazrey

July 28th, 2010, 09:03 AM

Sabah’s forest conservation areas attract world’s scientists
Wednesday July 28, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/28/nation/6744922&sec=nation

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is fast emerging as a key tropical forest research centre, with three of the state’s key pristine conservation areas now attracting international scientists.

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said he was glad that research originating from the Danum Valley dating some 20 years was now being replicated on a larger scale at Sabah’s Lost World of the Maliau Basin.

“Research efforts are now beginning in the Imbak Canyon in the southern region. This speaks volumes of the benefits of our efforts to maintain the sanctity of our conservation areas,” he said.

He noted that about 50 Malaysians, most of them Sabahans, had gained their post graduate degrees based on work done in Danum.

Musa said this after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between The Royal Society of Britain and the Danum Valley Management Committee (DVMC) for a five-year continuation of a rainforest research and training programme that began in 1985.

He noted that about half of the 330 studies carried out at the 43,800ha Danum Valley – nearly twice the size of Penang island – was carried out through collaboration between the Royal Society and DVMC.

Through this collaboration, the Danum field centre is now regarded as a leading rainforest establishment in South-East Asia.

Globally, it is one of three top facilities of its kind, the others being La Selva in Costa Rica and Panama, Musa said.

He credited this success to the Sabah Forestry Department, Yayasan Sabah, Universiti Malaysia Sabah and the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry.

The Royal Society’s foreign secretary and vice-president Prof Lorna Casselton said the 25-year research efforts at Danum Valley had gone beyond understanding the effects of timber harvesting and forest recovery after disturbance by logging.

She said the research work now encompassed how a changing climate and landscape – particularly agriculture development – were likely to affect rainforests.

Casselton said the research conducted at Danum so far had looked into things like atmospheric chemistry, forest restoration and carbon sequestration.

Other research efforts included the role of logged forests and forests within agriculture plantations in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, and the changing climate of South East Asia and its likely impact on forest systems

nazrey

July 29th, 2010, 10:24 AM

Malaysia close to deal with S. Korea
By V.P. SUJATA Thursday July 29, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/29/nation/6755157&sec=nation

SEOUL: Malaysia hopes to reach a comprehensive agreement with South Korea on mutual assistance in education by the end of the year.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Memorandum of Understanding would cover curriculum, teachers’ education, vocational and technical sectors, and sports and ICT in schools.

“South Korea on the other hand could send its students to learn English in Malaysia,” he added.

He said Education Ministry officials would have to discuss the matter thoroughly and prepare the MoU in time for South Korean president Lee Myung-Bak’s official visit to Kuala Lumpur by year’s end.

Muhyiddin, who paid a courtesy call on South Korean Prime Minister Chung Un Chan yesterday afternoon, said the proposed agreement was received positively by the premier.

During the meeting, Muhyiddin thanked the prime minister for allowing Malaysian students to study in South Korea under the Look East policy as well as offering them scholarships.

Muhyiddin, who also met captains of industry during his four-day visit to South Korea, said investment pledges received by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority from 15 conglomerates totalled RM3.8bil.

These, he said, included new investors as well as existing ones interested in expanding their businesses in Malaysia.

The investors had expressed interest in fields like green technology, oil refinery, shipbuilding, electric vehicles, food and beverages, defence equipment, as well as plans to open overseas headquarters and regional establishments in Malaysia, he said.

One of the conglomerates, said Muhyiddin, was Samsung Group which had expressed interest in solar energy, light-emitting diodes (LED), defence equipment and shipbuilding.

“The competition for foreign investment is now stiff, so we have to work hard,” he told reporters after the courtesy call on Chung and an earlier visit to Samsung City in Suwon, about 50km from here yesterday.

He was briefed by Samsung Group Malaysia president Datuk Lee Sang-Bai on their plans in Malaysia over the next five years.

Lee, who is also chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce Malaysia, described Malaysia as a country located in the “centre” and was the best place to invest in.

nazrey

July 29th, 2010, 10:34 AM

TPP likely to have better direction come Apec 2011
Thursday July 29, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/29/business/6756131&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/7/29/business/p7-marantis.JPG

Demetrios Marantis ... ‘Malaysia is looking very carefully at TPP.’

PUTRAJAYA: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, which concluded its second round of negotiations last month, is expected to have a “better sense” of direction a year from now, especially with the United States hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) 2011 meeting.

Deputy US Trade Representative Ambassador Demetrios Marantis said negotiations remained at an early stage as the eight TPP countries were still working out on regional issues to be included in the agreement.

“We will have much better sense in a year from now about how negotiations are going and what is the timetable.

“It is still early with only two rounds and we have not moved into text yet,” he told reporters as he concluded his two-day trip to Malaysia yesterday.

Marantis was responding to a question on whether there would be a framework coming out soon from the TPP negotiations.

The negotiations, which started in March this year, will enter its third round in October in Brunei and fourth round at the end of this year.

Regional trade issues that have been discussed included achieving regulatory coherence, streamlining regional supply chain and how to include small and medium enterprises in increasing their share of regional trade.

On Malaysia’s stand on TPP, Marantis said he managed to update on the process and progress of the negotiations through his meeting with International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

“I think Malaysia is looking very carefully at TPP. Even though right now there are eight members of the TPP, we are hopeful that the TPP will continue to grow and take on new members as other countries are ready to meet the high standard of TPP,” he said.

He added that membership in TPP would be decided on consensus by its members. The eight TPP members are Australia, Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the United States. — Bernama

nazrey

July 29th, 2010, 10:47 AM

Proton, Perodua eye Adelaide opportunities
Published: 2010/07/29
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100729111543/Article/index_html

MELBOURNE: Representatives from vehicle producers Proton and Perodua, along with members of the Malaysian Automotive Association, have arrived in Adelaide to explore trade opportunities.

South Australian Industry Minister Tom Koutsantonis said Proton and Perodua wanted to produce more environmentally-friendly vehicles and would look closely at local green car technologies.

"They want to know more about our research and development, particularly around new lightweight materials and component manufacture," he was quoted by the Australian Associated Press as saying.

He said Malaysia's car industry was relatively young but was growing strongly and that could mean good business opportunities for component makers in Adelaide. –- Bernama

nazrey

July 30th, 2010, 11:48 AM

Ranhill pre-qualified for RM645mil Bangladesh power plant project
Friday July 30, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/30/business/6763372&sec=business

PETALING JAYA: Ranhill Bhd, in ollaboration with Bangladesh-based STS Educational Group Ltd, have been pre-qualified for a 150-225 MW combined power plant project worth US$200mil (RM645mil) in Bangladesh.

The pre-qualification was done by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (under the Ministry of Electricity, Power and Mineral Resources Department of Electricity).

The proposed project will be undertaken on a build-own-operate basis at Bhola, Bangladesh, Ranhill told Bursa Malaysia in a statement yesterday.

“The closing date for the bid is by the last quarter of 2010,” it said.

Ranhill’s shares closed unchanged at RM7.65 yesterday.

A total of 1.3 million shares changed hands.

nazrey

August 3rd, 2010, 08:18 AM

Malaysian Food Manufacturers Make Inroads Into Latin America
August 03, 2010 11:00 AM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=518349

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysian food manufacturers participating in a processed food marketing mission to Brazil and Chile have secured immediate sales valued at RM3.58 million with a further RM19.2 million in potential sales being identified.

The mission, held from July 21 to 29, was organised and led by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).

Among the products promoted by Malaysian companies in the mission included confectionery, energy and health drinks, frozen foods, palm oil-based food ingredients, sauces and snacks.

Palm oil-based food ingredients and cocoa products were the two major products sourced by the Latin American importers, where immediate sales were generated by mission members.

In a statement Tuesday, Matrade Chief Executive Officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin said there was growing demand for Asian food and food ingredients in Latin America.

He said many major supermarkets offer special areas for display and promotions, and Malaysian exporters should take advantage of the opportunities available in this growing niche market.

"There is also good potential for Malaysia to increase its exports of cocoa products and palm oil-based food ingredients to Brazil.

"Distance and language differences should not hinder Malaysian companies from exporting to Latin America, particularly for products where Malaysia is a globally competitive supplier," he said.

The trade mission is in line with Matrade's objective of opening up new non-traditional markets for Malaysian exports.

Matrade's trade bureaus in Sao Paulo and Santiago arranged a total of 129 one-on-one business meetings between representatives of the participating Malaysian companies and local Brazilian and Chilean business visitors during the mission.

Most of the participating Malaysian companies were promoting their products for the first time in the Latin American market.

During the business meetings, Malaysian exporters had the opportunity to promote their products to leading food importers as well as major supermarkets and retail chains, such as Velarde Hnos SA and Cencosud SA in Chile and Walmart and Makro in Brazil.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

August 5th, 2010, 09:35 AM

Genting closer to clinching racino project
By CECILIA KOK Thursday August 5, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Genting Malaysia Bhd’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Genting New York LLC (Genting NY) is one step closer to clinching the project to develop and operate a video lottery facility at the Aqueduct Racetrack in New York City.

In its filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Genting said its unit on Wednesday received the recommendation of the New York State Division of Lottery to implement the “racino” project that would contain about 4,500 electronic slot machines.

The recommendation, however, would have to be approved by the New York state’s governor, the temporary president of the New York state senate and the speaker of the New York state assembly before the video lottery licence could be awarded to the company, Genting said.

More http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/5/business/6798480&sec=business

nazrey

August 5th, 2010, 09:52 AM

Manchester United and TM ink partnership deal
BY M. VEERA PANDIYAN Friday March 12, 2010

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/3/12/business/p5-mu-tel.JPG

TM Group CEO Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa receiving a TM
Manchester United jersey from Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER: Manchester United (MU) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) have forged a five-year agreement to link the two brands in marketing campaigns and promotional activities.

With the deal, TM becomes the English Premier League champion’s official integrated telecommunications partner in Malaysia with licensing, intellectual property (IP) and dealership rights to produce and distribute merchandises bearing the club’s crest and team images.

TM’s brand and association with MU will be showcased to 4.2 million fans in Malaysia and more than 330 million fans and football followers worldwide.

The partnership deal, the financial commitments of which were undisclosed, was announced at Old Trafford yesterday by TM group chief executive officer Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa and MU chief executive officer David Gill.

MU manager Sir Alex Ferguson were among those present, along with TM vice-president for group marketing Sherene Azura Azli, and MU commercial director Richard Arnold.

Zamzamzairani described the partnership as “the union of two great brands.”

“We are indeed very happy seeing two champions in their respective fields coming together. TM, one of Malaysia’s most dynamic and innovative telecoms brands, and Manchester United, one the world’s most recognised sports brands and successful football clubs,” he said.

Loyal TM customers and new subscribers will benefit from the partnership by getting opportunities to win trips to Manchester to watch MU home matches in special promotions and contests throughout the five-year contract period.

Zamzanzairani said the deal would cover a broad marketing platform for TM’s products and services, including iTalk prepaid calling cards, Streamyx broadband service and its broadband TV portal, Hypp.TV (www.hypp.tv).

It will also provide MU fans and TM customers in Malaysia access to MU’s latest news, fan videos, team profiles and online contests. Visitors need only register as a member on Hypp.TV, to view the contents and be part of the online fan activities.

Meanwhile, Gill said MU’s tour of the Far East last year showed the strength of feeling that Malaysians had for the club.

“We know that this partnership will help the club to reach the millions of fans we have in Malaysia and MU are delighted that TM has developed from sponsor of a tour match into a full-fledged partner,” he said. — BY M. VEERA PANDIYAN

TM, MU kick off partnership
Thursday August 5, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/8/5/central/6780552&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/8/5/central/m_p28manchester.jpg

Joint force: Humphreys, Robson, Zamzamzairani and Kung at the recent
launch of the five-year partnership between TM and Manchester United.

A five-year deal between Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) and Manchester United will make MUTV, the official TV Channel for Manchester United, available in Malaysia.

The five-year partnership programme with Manchester United, under an agreement signed in March, made TM the official integrated telecommunications partner of Manchester United in Malaysia

The partnership enables TM to exercise various licensing rights, intellectual property (IP) and dealership rights to produce and distribute selected merchandises bearing the Manchester United crest and team images.

But the most interesting aspect of TM’s partnership with the football giant is that it has made it possible for MU fans and TM customers in Malaysia to get access to the long-awaited rich football content on Manchester United such as latest news and statistics – with the arrival of MUTV.

Present at the event were TM group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, TM chief marketing officer Rozalila Abdul Rahman, TM New Media executive vice-president Jeremy Kung, Manchester United relationship director Nick Humphreys, and Manchester United sales director Jon Naspe and Manchester United team legend Bryan Robson.

“Manchester United has a huge following in Malaysia. TM is making access to both MUTV and MUTV Online a reality for all four million diehard fans of Manchester United,” Zamzamzairani said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/8/5/central/m_p28Bryan.jpg

Lucky fan: Robson obliging a young fan for an autograph.

MUTV will be available on TM’s IPTV service – HyppTV, whereas MUTV Online will be accessible through its broadband TV portal, Hypp.TV (http://www.hypp.tv/manutd).

This ground-breaking partnership will bring the action of Manchester United direct to its more than 4.2 million fans of the Club in Malaysia.

“Streaming on broadband connection powered by TM, is indeed a great way to share the excitement of the English Premier League with football fans and TM customers,” he said.

Already a phenomenon in other countries such as Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Hong Kong, the MUTV channel offers the best of football to Malaysians with a range of club-related news and matches, exclusive behind-the- scenes interviews, chat shows, series and documentaries on the club and its players, and much more exciting MU programmes which are specifically targeted to MU fans in Malaysia.

Also held in conjunction with the celebration of the partnership, was a five-day showcase of various TM products and services.

Back by popular demand, TM also once again organised the “TM Fanatic Kick Challenge”, where the participant with the most goals scored within an allotted time walked away with RM2,000 in prize money.

To participate, the public were required to subscribe to UniFi, Blockbuster Deals package of 1Mbps or higher or purchase the RM30 iTalk pre-paid calling card. The challenge was opened to all new TM customers only.

TM further treated football fans to a personified experience by bringing in a living MU legend – Bryan Robson.

Affectionately known to fans as Captain Marvel, the former player and current Global Ambassador for Manchester United was seen signing autographs and thrilling diehard fans with his mere presence.

“TM will continue to explore opportunities to satisfy the people’s deep passion for football and we believe that we can enrich such experience by making it possible for fans to meet their club heroes and watch them play.”

Other activities include Manchester United Museum and Old Trafford 100 Years Exhibition (which includes current players Park Ji-sung and Dimitar Berbatov’s football boots, a match ball from the 2010 Carling Cup final, Jackie Blanchflower’s 1957 Cup final shirt, and Shay Brennan’s 1968 European Cup final shirt, and much more).

Also on display was a copy of the Manchester United Opus (one out of 10,000 copies in the whole world signed by Sir Alex Ferguson himself).

For details on TM or MUTV, visit www.tm.com.my or www.manutd.com.my.

nazrey

August 7th, 2010, 09:20 AM

Korea's Cheong Ah-Net keen to set up ops in Malaysia
Published: 2010/08/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/korya/Article/index_html#ixzz0vu02NLnm

CHEONG Ah-Net Network, a Korean medical and dental supplement company based in Incheon Metro City, plans to set up operations in Malaysia as part of its expansion programme.

Its vice chairman, Kenneth Tak, said representatives of the company had been visiting several places in Malaysia searching for the right location for its venture and they were spending their time in Langkawi yesterday as it is considered a potential area for investment.

According to Tak, the company's local partner has suggested Kulim and Langkawi as Kulim is being developed as an industrial area while Langkawi is more of a tourism location.

"Both places have their advantages. We will look into it and think about it. Maybe in Langkawi, we can focus on dental surgery (dental hospital). We can have tourists as our customers. They can come here for vacation and also get our services," he said after a meeting with the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) in Langkawi yesterday.

During the meeting, the Korean delegation was briefed by Lada general manager Azman Umar about Langkawi and investment opportunities on the island.

Tak said members of the delegation also visited several private hospitals in Kedah, including the Kedah Medical Centre in Alor Star.

"We want to look into other areas for investment. We will go to the places first. After that we will discuss with our partner on the investment plan," he said.

NNF Construction Sdn Bhd's chief executive officer Datin Na'emah Ishak, who brought the Korean company to Malaysia, said Cheong Ah-Net Network is interested to invest in Malaysia and transfer its expertise in dental implants.

Na'emah said the Korean company proposed to set up a hospital targeting foreign tourists in Langkawi under its plan.

"Though there are other business opportunities, the company is more interested in the medical and dental sector to start its operation in Malaysia," she said. - Bernama

nazrey

August 12th, 2010, 06:40 AM

US and Malaysian green activists to link up for clean energy tomorrow
Thursday August 12, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/12/nation/6840006&sec=nation

KOTA KINABALU: Environmental activists and musicians in Sabah will “trade” stories and tunes with their counterparts in United States in support of clean energy during a live event.

The event, which is scheduled to start at 9.30am tomorrow in Kota Kinabalu and 6.30pm on Thursday in San Francisco, will connect activists, poets and musicians on both sides of the globe.

The “Wins of Change” event, to be streamed on the Internet, will see famous American environmentalists such as Julia Butterfly Hill, Joanna Macy and Drew Dellinger taking part as well as singer-songwriter Amir Yussof and local indigenous musicians.

The event is organised by Green SURF, which is a coalition of non-governmental organisations pushing for alternatives to a proposed 300-megawatt coal fired power plant on east coast’s Lahad Datu district.

The coalition — including WWF Malaysia, Malaysian Nature Society and Sabah Environmental Protection Association — said the public could watch the event at the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia branch office in Centre Point here.

“Wins of Change will connect Sabah and California, in which environmental activists, artists, poets and musicians gather in support of Green SURF and its fight for clean energy,” said its executive director Cynthia Ong.

Entrance to the event is free. For details, contact Neville at 088-270705 or 016-8211424.

nazrey

August 17th, 2010, 04:34 PM

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nazrey

August 17th, 2010, 04:35 PM

Genting to spend US$1.3b on NY deal
Published: 2010/08/17
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100817171001/Article/index_html

Genting Malaysia is to spend US$1.3 billion to invest in its video lottery project in New York, according to an edited copy of the proposal posted on the New York lottery regulator’s website.

A report submitted by Genting to New York regulators says it will pay a licensing fee of US$380 million, US$350 million to develop the site. It also says it plans to build a resort comprising 3 hotels, shopping and other facilities.

Reuters

nazrey

August 17th, 2010, 04:36 PM

Puncak Niaga, India’s P&C in pipeline deal
Published: 2010/08/17
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100817010341/Article/

PUNCAK Niaga Holdings Bhd has formed a 70-30 joint venture with Indian firm P & C Construction (P) Ltd to bid for a pipeline conveyance system project in Mangalore, India.

This is part of its business expansion plans in India, Puncak said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

The Mangalore Special Economic Zone Ltd will call for international tender of the project.

RELATED LINK: http://www.puncakniaga.com.my/

nazrey

August 18th, 2010, 05:59 PM

Parkson
Parkson is a popular department store company in Malaysia which offers items at a medium rate. Parkson was established in 1987 as one of the largest retail chains in Malaysia at that time. Parkson Grand, Parkson Ria and U-Parkson are all operated by Parkson. Parkson currently has 35 outlets in Malaysia.

Parkson in China
Other than Malaysia, Parkson is also the largest department store company in China, with operations mostly in prime areas, which include 36 Parkson branded department stores and 2 Xtra branded ones.
Beijing
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Shanghai
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chinaretail/357005736/
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Chengdu
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrioux/146612267/in/photostream/
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Parkson in Vietnam
As of November 2008, Parkson currently has 6 stores in Vietnam across 3 cities, i.e., Ho (4 stores), Hai Phong & Hanoi. The opening of Parkson Saigontourist Plaza on June 29, 2005, marked the entrance of Parkson as the leading department store in Asia and the first truly international department store to be opened in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City
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nazrey

August 18th, 2010, 08:41 PM

Jimmy Choo
Beverly Hills, CA
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bob_karol/2331628569/
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Sydney
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/3846949715/
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London
http://www.flickr.com/photos/renzopix/3578234096/in/set-72157617878170667/
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HK airport
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mp3monster/4504511697/
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Kuala Lumpur
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vrocampo/3855607181/
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Dato' Jimmy Choo OBE, born Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat, (Chinese: 周仰杰) is a London-based luxury fashion designer best known for his hand-made women's shoes, Jimmy Choo Ltd.

Choo is a Malaysian citizen of Hakka Chinese descent, who was born in Penang in 1961 into a family of shoemakers. He made his first shoe when he was 11 years old. He is perhaps the most notable of students of Cordwainers' Technical College in Hackney, London, from which he graduated in 1983.

Choo currently resides in London. He is currently involved in a project to set up a shoemaking institute in Malaysia, where his iconic status is often evoked to inspire budding shoemakers and fashion designers.

Madrid
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7930641@N07/1313994567/
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Bangkok
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New York
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London
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Barcelona
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Las Vegas
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Tokyo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24672979@N00/420047010/
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nazrey

August 24th, 2010, 05:42 PM

Genting Malaysia Shareholders Yes To UK Casino Acquisition
August 24, 2010 19:24 PM
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=523668

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Genting Malaysia Bhd shareholders have approved the resolution to buy Genting Singapore plc's operations in Britain (Genting UK) at the extraordinary general meeting held on Tuesday.

The vote in favour was 60.39 per cent, or 1.177 billion shares.

Genting's deputy chairman, Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar, said the company planned to expand its operations beyond offshore, focusing on Europe and the US.

Earlier, there were news reports that some of Genting Malaysia's shareholders were unhappy with the plan to acquire the UK casino operations as it was viewed as a related-party transaction.

They also felt the price was high compared to its current value.

Genting Malaysia had proposed to acquire the UK operations for 340 million (1=RM4.81) to complement its long-term international expansion strategy.

Its president/chief operating officer, Datuk Lee Chong Yan, was quoted as saying the acquisition would give the company access to established casino brands and an extensive network of casinos already operating across Britain.

"With our proven track record and decades of experience, we have the expertise to unlock the potential of Genting UK and grow the business in Britain," he was quoted as saying.

The acquisition is subject to approvals from Bank Negara Malaysia and the British Gambling Commission.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

August 26th, 2010, 10:11 AM

Malaysians Prefer To Visit Australia, China And Taiwan, Says Survey
August 25, 2010 21:26 PM By Zakaria Abdul Wahab
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=523993

SINGAPORE, August 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysians have voted Australia, Taiwan and China as their top three desirable holiday destinations in the Asia Pacific region, according to a survey by Visa and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) released here Wednesday.

The Asia Pacific Travel Intentions Survey 2010 showed that 16 per cent of the Malaysian respondents chose Australia as their main choice destination, another 12 per cent picked Taiwan and 11 per cent named China.

Overall, the survey revealed that 40 per cent of the 6,714 respondents surveyed in this year's research said they would consider travelling to Australia or Japan in the next two years.

When asked to name the most likely destination for their next Asia Pacific holiday, 17 per cent named Australia as their top destination while 16 per cent named Japan.

The survey asked respondents from 13 key Asia Pacific travel source markets (Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Japan, China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States) about past and future travel plans.

The survey also revealed that almost half of all those surveyed (47 per cent) said they arranged their trips themselves by booking directly with hotels and airlines.

Most travellers spent three to five nights on vacation, with 32 per cent of respondents saying this was how long they had been away on average over the last two years.

Most travellers tend to holiday with their spouse or partner, with 48 per cent saying they had done so on their travels over the last two years.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

August 30th, 2010, 06:38 PM

Malaysia's collaboration with National Geographic
Bernama, Monday, August 30th, 2010 15:57:00
http://www.mmail.com.my/content/47942-malaysias-collaboration-national-geographic

KUALA LUMPUR: The Information Communication and Culture Ministry will intensify cooperation with the National Geographic Channel in efforts to produce quality documentary films, said its minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

He said local production houses should emulate the National Geographic Channel in monopolising the quality of production and command of the market in fulfilling market demand.

Rais said although the documentary production unit had been created in the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas), the quality of the production was still found to be wanting.

"There are inadequacies in terms of expertise in producing documentaries of quality for broadcast on local or international television.

"Thus, with the experience and expertise gained from the cooperation, we will be able to produce various documentaries in Malaysia to fill the vacuum," he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from the National Geographic Museum director, Susan Norton, at his office, here today.

He said with the closer cooperation between the two parties, his ministry had set a target to produce documentaries comparable to those produced by the National Geographic before the end of the year.

Collaboration between the Information Communication and Culture Ministry, Finas and the National Geographic Channel had succeeded in producing six documentaries such as the one on the second prime minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak "A Leader's Legacy: Tun Abdul Razak", which was aired on Astro, on Aug 24.

Other documentaries were on the country's legendary footballer the late Mokhtar Dahari, Becoming A King, Fight Master: Silat, Among The Great Apes with Michelle Yeoh, and the Petronas Twin Tower and Smart Tunnel.

Meanwhile, Norton said the National Geographic could look forward to finding more projects in future to bring up Malaysia into the world.

"I think that is wonderful to showcase what has been done in Malaysia, by the National Geographic. I hope that can be done...there are so many possibilities, we just need to figure them out," she said.

Famous NatGeo exhibitions may be brought to M'sian shores

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians may be able to see some of the National Geographic's famous exhibitions here one day, visiting National Geographic Museum Washington DC director Susan E.S Norton said.

She said exhibitions that are possible to be brought here are such as the "National Geographic Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes" and "The Lions and Leopards, The Work of Dereck and Beverly Joubert".

"I would like to bring some of the exhibitions here. But we need to see how this can work out," she told Bernama after presenting a seminar at the Department of Museums here, today.

She is here on a one-week's visit as a state guest to tomorrow's 53rd Merdeka celebration.

Norton, who has 15 years of experience in managing the National Geographic Museum, said at best curators should try to use simple equipment and tools in their exhibits as a means to engage and interact with visitors.

"People like to be able to feel and touch, thus sometimes using low technology is better to engage them in the process than using high technology," she added.

During her stay, she had also visited the National Museum and the Islamic Museum and was equally impressed with the exhibits as well as the media they used.

nazrey

August 31st, 2010, 08:13 PM

Virgin's Branson to address KL forum
Published: 2010/09/01
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/brano-2/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/brano-2/pix_topright

FOUNDER and chairman of the Virgin Group, Richard Branson will be in Kuala Lumpur to participate in the "Dawn of the New Decade - Alternative Investments in Asia" forum.

The event is being staged by the venerable International Herald Tribune in association with the London Speaker Bureau.

The forum is the first of its kind to be staged in Asia and it will feature more than 15 leading luminaries in the field of finance and investment.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be delivering the official keynote speech at the event which takes place on September 27 and 28 at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Branson requires little introduction as few people are as internationally well known, fewer still as universally liked and respected.

His entrepreneural skills, inspiring business leadership and fearless adventure spirit makes Branson an ambassador for the "can do" attitude.

Branson will be giving his eagerly anticipated special keynote speech on the opening day of the forum.

The billionaire is expected to outline his thoughts on the current investment landscape and on the growing importance of Asia.

As the head of Virgin Atlantic Airways, he has a particularly relevant perspective on the airline industry, however, as the owner of 360 other companies the depth and breadth of his experience is virtually peerless.

Recently turned 60, Branson began his life in business at the tender age of 16 launching a magazine called Student. By twenty two, he had a chain of successful record stores.

Then came the airline, the mobile phone operator, a railway, a healthcare company and even a space tourism company. He is now worth an estimated US$4 billion (RM12.6 billion). His philanthropy is as famed as his trans-continental balloon voyages.

Attending the two-day forum will be over 1,000 delegates from across the region including some leading bankers, investors and fund managers.

They will be hearing not just from Branson but also from Mary Buffet, daughter-in-law of Warren Buffet, arguably the world's most successful investor. The other speakers include Anil Gupta, renowned expert on strategy and globalisation; Dr Fang Gang one of China's most influential economists and Augusto Lopez-Claros, chief economist with the World Economic Forum.

Being a regional event, the forum will be heavily publicised throughout the IHT and worthy of further note is that Malaysia was selected as host above some strong competition.

More information about the forum is available at www.invest2010.asia

Gigawatt

September 2nd, 2010, 11:39 AM

Nice post...Thank you very much!!......http://sunrent.de/smileyhappy.ico

nazrey

September 2nd, 2010, 01:57 PM

Malaysian firms buying US corporate assets
Published: 2010/09/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/myork/Article/

NEW YORK: Malaysian companies are among entities from emerging economies buying corporate assets in the US in the first half of this year.

US companies are the most popular targets for acquisitions by emerging and high-growth market companies in the first half of 2010, according to KPMG LLP, a global audit, tax and advisory firm providing services to US-based companies in their pursuit for outbound investment opportunities in high-growth and emerging markets.

Activities by emerging market companies aimed at developed economies jumped 25 per cent over the year-earlier period.

The KPMG International's latest "Emerging Markets International Acquisition Tracker" (EMIAT) study reveals that in the first six months of 2010, emerging and high-growth market companies acquired 54 US companies, while Chinese firms were the leading emerging and high-growth market targets for US companies.

Companies in the emerging and high-growth markets made 243 acquisitions in developed economies in the first six months of 2010, up from 194 in the year-earlier period, according to the KPMG study which tracked completed deals in which an acquiring company took at least a 5 per cent shareholding interest.

India was the top acquirer in emerging-to-developed deals in the study, bagging 50 acquisitions in the first half of 2010.

India was followed by Southeast Asia (47), China (39), Malaysia (30) and Central America and the Caribbean (17) in the same period.

In the second half of 2009, the top high-growth market acquirers of companies in developed economies were Southeast Asia (34), China (30), Malaysia (26), India (21), and Russia (20), according to the KPMG study. - Bernama

nazrey

September 2nd, 2010, 01:59 PM

Scomi opens waste mgt facility in Norway
Published: 2010/09/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100902171156/Article/index_html

Scomi Group Bhd’s Norwegian subsidiary in the oil and gas industry, Scomi Oiltools AS, opened its drilling waste treatment plant in Sandnessjoen, Norway, today.

President of Scomi Oiltools Steve Bracker said the company will be working together with its Norwegian partner, Veolia Miljo, to provide services at Sandnessjoen.

The facility will source most of its technical and operations personnellocally. Veolia Miljo AS is Norway's leading environmental services provider.

Bracker said Norway has stringent regulations when it comes to dischargingwaste and waste water.

"Therefore, our facility features the integration of two of waste treatments most advanced technologies, namely thermal desorption and membrane technology, into a single seamless system for waste elimination. -- Bernama

nazrey

September 2nd, 2010, 08:04 PM

Green Packet aims to clinch 3 WiMAX deals
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM Thursday September 2, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/2/business/6962179&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/2/business/b_p4Kelvin.jpg

Kelvin Lee exchanging documents with Alistair Johnston
after the MOU signing ceremony

PETALING JAYA: Green Packet Bhd aims to secure two to three contracts worth about US$2.5mil (RM8mil) each by the year-end to supply WiMAX modems to operators in the Middle East and American continents.

“We have secured over 30 deals, supplying 130,000 WiMAX modems in the first half of 2010,” senior general manager Kelvin Lee said at a signing ceremony between Green Packet and Augere Holdings.

“We are looking at securing two to three major contracts in excess of US$2.5mil each to supply WiMAX modems to operators in the two (Middle East and American) regions.”

Lee declined to disclose further information on the proposed contracts.

Green Packet yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding worth US$7.2mil (RM23mil) to provide UH Shuttle USB modems to Augere to support the latter’s broadband services operations in South Asia.

Augere is a London-based wireless broadband delivery company.

Augere marketing director Alistair Johnston said the modems would be deployed in Pakistan and Bangladesh, two countries where the company had a presence.

He said Augere chose Green Packet’s shuttle modem because of its high-gain antennas that gave good indoor and outdoor signal-quality performance during testing.

“We look at markets where the (Internet) penetration rate is low and there is high growth potential. Pakistan and Bangladesh have a huge population and provide good growth opportunities for us,” said Johnston.

Augere also has a presence in India, Uganda and Rwanda. Johnston said the company was looking to secure licenses in more countries in East Africa.

He said Augere’s goal was to reach out to developing markets where broadband Internet was “out of reach”.

RELATED LINK: www.greenpacket.com/

nazrey

September 3rd, 2010, 09:58 AM

M’sian fashion on show in Melbourne
September 2, 2010, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=63587

MELBOURNE: Two of Malaysia’s labels and designers -– Full House and Wati Brady — will make their debut at the Melbourne Fashion Festival on Saturday.The multicultural and diverse fashion range will also feature New Zealand designer BangsBoutique, Chinese designer Sleep Couture and designer Lolaraine who will feature fashion collections from South Korea, the US, Japan and Hong Kong.

Full House fashion label was established in 2008 when it started out as a concept store, restaurant and caf&eacute. There are now five boutique stores in the Klang Valley.

Full House produces opulent and carefully designed pieces that bring out the feminine figure.

The designs featured are frilly, young and fun looking with a classical twist widely seen and worn by women aged 16 to 35.

The label is also made and sold in South Korea and many of the designs portray the lifestyle image of Asian celebrities.

Full House fashion director Chloe Kuan told Bernama a Full House dress enabled its wearer to enjoy a unique creation as well as to project an image similar to that of a celebrity. It is also about being noticed and respected as a chic or stylish individual, Chloe said.

Headlining the formal runway show will be Wati Brady, a Malaysia-born designer now living in Mornington Peninsular, about 40km from here.

Wati, who brings in a modern and modest touch of fashion, said her label was founded on the idea that modesty, style and high quality go well together.

“Our clothing line consists of simple, classic and traditional designs using modern fabrics with hand-made embroidery/crystal beads and finishing techniques tailored to your specifications,” she said.

“Whatever your lifestyle, you will find my designs, high in quality and a fashion direction that will easily take you from home, to the office and elsewhere in style,” said Wati.

Wati Brady Fashion was founded in 2009 and will have a boutique in Melbourne and Malaysia by 2011.

Completing the line-up is Singapore-born designer and boutique manager Lola Raine with her label ‘Lolaraine’, showcasing a wide spectrum of cocktail and classy dresses, New Zealand-born designer Drew Sinclair of Bangsboutique with his newly crafted denim casual wear and Loraine Lau of Sleep Couture featuring warm and comfy sleepwear specific for Melbourne’s famous ‘four seasons in a day weather’. — Bernama

nazrey

September 3rd, 2010, 10:04 AM

Malaysia rubber exports to hit RM11.1b
Published: 2010/09/03
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100903113607/Article/index_html

Malaysia’s rubber industry outlook is expected to improve with product exports set to reach RM11.1 billion this year as global demand rebounds, Trade Minister Mustapa Mohamed said in a speech in Kuala Lumpur today.

There is a recovery in the global and domestic automotive industry and a strong performance in the rubber-glove sector, he said.

He also said Malaysia’s latex industry will continue to grow strongly in the near future.

The industrial rubber-product industry needs to be effectively coordinated to provide greater impetus to realize the nation’s third Industrial Master Plan, he said. -- Bloomberg

nazrey

September 4th, 2010, 04:21 PM

Matrade to promote Malaysian designs in Paris
Published: 2010/09/04
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/matris/Article/

MALAYSIA External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) will be leading a delegation of eight Malaysian designers to Who's Next 2010, a leading annual fashion trade show in Paris.

The show, which begins today, will be on until next Tuesday.

"Our participation at Who's Next 2010 is a continuous effort to internationalise Malaysian designs and fashion brands in the global market," said chief executive officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin in a statement yesterday.

This is the third time Matrade is organising the participation of Malaysian fashion designers in the event to promote local fashion brands, and create awareness of Malaysia's capability in designing a diverse range of fashion apparels, to the international fashion community.

The event will be organised in collaboration with the Malaysia Handicraft Development Corp and Tourism Malaysia.

The designers' brands will showcase the best of Malaysia's creative collections, namely Calvin Thoo, Khoon Hooi, Intoxi-Kate, Innai, Sofira, Ikarrtini, Meesha Sukira and Rizman Ruzaini.

"Malaysian designers will be able to offer buyers an end-to-end product comprising creative designs, concepts and manufacturing capabilities.

"This is a good opportunity for Malaysian fashion designers to find new markets and network with potential foreign buyers and importers from all over the world," said Noharuddin.

Matrade said participation at last year's event resulted in Malaysian designers concluding sales of almost RM1 million and receiving serious enquiries for future sales.

Moreover, Malaysian fashion designers have been able to brand themselves during the event and reinforce their position and reputation among international buyers.

"Strong brands can create identity and differentiate Malaysia's products and services to further penetrate the competitive global market. A brand name's reputation is not only about quality," added Noharuddin. - Bernama

nazrey

September 6th, 2010, 12:54 AM

Guangxi to buy more palm oil from Malaysia
From Ooi Tee Ching Published: 2010/09/06
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/caexpo3-2/Article/

NANNING: China's southern province of Guangxi plans to buy more Malaysian palm oil as its food processing industry advances and its 48.6 million population grows, said several government officials.

It now imports around 20,000-30,000 tonnes of palm oil from IOI Corp Bhd.

"We welcome Malaysia's investment. The oils and grain sector is a strategic area of focus," said Li Xing, vice-mayor of Qinzhou.

"Over the last decade, Singapore's Nobel Group has upgraded its grain processing plant to produce 600,000 tonnes of soyameal a year to feed the pigs, water buffaloes and poultry farms here," she told Business Times on the sidelines of a media preview tour of the China-Asean Expo here recently.

Guangxi's cake and biscuit industry uses palm oil for cooking oil and margarine, said Jiang He Sheng, vice-mayor of Quigang city.

Apart from small shipments into Guangxi province, IOI Group's main client is China's largest food and oil trader, Cofco Ltd.

Other palm oil giants with extensive refineries in Indonesia such as Singapore's Wilmar International Ltd and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd trade regularly with China. With 1.3 billion people, China is the largest vegetable oil consumer in the world. Last year, it imported 6.6 million tonnes of palm oil.

Guangxi, which nestles among Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan and Guangdong provinces, has a coastline of 1,500km.

It was reported the Guangxi government will pump in six billion yuan this year to expedite port facility upgrades to meet greater demand from Asean.

Currently, its three ports, namely Beihai, Fangchenggang and Qinzhou, have established routes with 220 ports in 80 countries. The total annual throughput of the ports rose by 16.3 per cent year-on-year to reach 94 million tonnes in 2009.

nazrey

September 6th, 2010, 08:35 AM

All 11 at Lincoln University are safe
Monday September 6, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/6/nation/6986512&sec=nation

JOHOR BARU: All 11 Malaysian students studying at Lincoln University in Christchurch are safe in the wake of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hitting the city.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the Malaysian Students Department in Wellington contacted the students, including eight females, and informed their families of their safety.

“In view of damaged roads and the curfew imposed, MSD officers in Wellington are not allowed to go to Christchurch.

“We can only contact the students and identify their needs, including Muslim students who are fasting during Ramadan,” he said here yesterday.

Mohamed Khaled urged Malaysian students to register themselves with the department to enable assistance to be rendered to them.

The earthquake, the strongest in 80 years, caused widespread damage in New Zealand’s second largest city and several parts of the South Island. — Bernama

nazrey

September 6th, 2010, 09:04 PM

Jom Makan to open third outlet at UK varsity
By Sharen Kaur Published: 2010/09/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/JOM6/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/JOM6/pix_topright

SUCCESSFUL Malaysian gastronomic brand, Jom Makan, will open its third outlet in the UK on September 27 at the Loughborough University.

The opening represents a major coup for the Malaysian restaurant brand as it will be the first full-fledged Malaysian food outlet to operate in a prestigious campus in the UK.

With an annual student population of 25,000, Jom Makan will introduce the Malaysian dining experience that will impact the future international working population for Malaysian cuisine.

Jom Makan serves fast, fresh Malaysian food of the traditional and hawker vendor styles with a fusion touch.

It will offer halal meals to the students, the Muslim community and general public in the Nottingham, Liecestershire and Loughborough areas.

Mohd Zuhri Abdullah, the managing director of Jom Makan in the UK, said he is proud to open a third outlet in the region and serve healthy and tasty Malaysian meals in a prestigious campus.

"(The) Loughborough University is an exciting new site for us and great news for the thousands of students who will be given the opportunity to sample real Malaysian food at a great price right on campus," Mohd Zuhri said in a statement.

"With the third outlet, we believe it will open up spin-off opportunities," he said.

Mohd Zuhri said pricing of the Malaysian dishes at the university will be more affordable than at commercial restaurants in London.

The first Jom Makan outlet opened at Pall Mall East near Trafalgar Square in June 2008, followed by the second outlet at Westfield Shopping Centre in White City in October 2009.

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/JOM6/pix_bottom

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

nazrey

September 6th, 2010, 09:06 PM

Naza aims to locally assemble Chevrolets
By Adeline Paul Raj Published: 2010/09/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/nazzz/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/nazzz/pix_topright

AUTOMOTIVE group Naza, which is in talks with US giant General Motors (GM) to produce Chevrolet cars in Malaysia, aims to sell between 35,000 and 45,000 units by 2015.

Since March, its unit Naza Quest Sdn Bhd has become the country's sole distributor of Chevrolet cars. It imports the cars from Thailand.

To achieve its sales volume target, Naza will need to start assembling the units locally, group joint executive chairman and chief executive officer Datuk SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin said.

Naza is already engaged in early talks with GM on plans to assemble or even set up a manufacturing plant in Malaysia, SM Faisal said.

"For me, it's very simple. We need to do it. With the kind of volume we're targeting, it will definitely require certain facilities. Either we expand our plant in Gurun or we explore other avenues," he said yesterday after sealing a deal with AmBank (M) Bhd, which will become the official capital financing provider for Chevrolet dealers in the country.

GM could use Malaysia as its hub to reach out to the regional market, SM Faisal said, adding that certain models produced here could also be exported to Europe or Australia.

"We're talking to GM to produce one or two cars for the right-hand-drive market," Faisal said.

Malaysia, however, faces competition from other countries like Thailand and Indonesia, which are also keen to become the regional hub for GM.

Naza plans to make Chevrolet one of the top four non-national cars in Malaysia within five years. This will take some work given that the brand is not even in the top ten at present, Faisal acknowledged.

Prior to Naza Quest taking over the distributorship, some 16,000 units of the car had been sold in Malaysia.

"We're targeting people that are currently driving Toyotas and Hondas. We can have the full product line-up here over the next three years," he said.

Naza aims to have a network of 40 dealers nationwide by 2013 from just 11 now.

Faisal said the outlook for the car industry in Malaysia this year is positive, with no indications of any slowdown.

"This has been the best performing year for the Naza group, in terms of volume."

The group aims to capture 8 per cent of the passenger car market this year from between 5 to 6 per cent currently, he added.

Meanwhile, AmBank, the country's top car financier, will initially allocate RM50 million in financing for the dealers, its managing director Datuk Mohamed Azmi Mahmood said.

nazrey

September 7th, 2010, 09:02 AM

India-Malaysia trade to hit new pitch
Published: 2010/09/07

A top global bank has forecast that India-Malaysia trade would hit a new pitch given the global economic recovery mood and as both traditional trading partners ride on economic prosperity.

HSBC, India, is upbeat that India-Malaysia trade would breach past years trade figures, as both economies ramp up their export sector.

"This year, we expect trade volumes between India and Malaysia to recover, in consonance with that of Asian and global economies.

"As both countries look to move exports up the value chain, we will see exciting opportunities emerge in diverse fields, from biotechnology and electronics to agriculture," Stuart Davis, chief executive of HSBC, India, told the Economic Times.

Total trade between Malaysia and India, Asia's third largest economy propelling at about an eight percent growth, touched a record RM32.6 billion (US$10.5 billion) in 2008 but slid to RM22.6 billion (US$7.3 billion) during the recession-hit 2009.

In a special report published by the newspaper on "India-Malaysia Ties", HSBC expressed confidence that the trend would alter, as both governments have initiated key economic policies to facilitate cross-border trade and investments.

"We are very optimistic about inherent business potentials in this trade corridor," added Puneet Chaddha, managing director and head (commercial banking) of HSBC, India.

"As the Indian economy and world at large recover, there would be a pick-up in demand for oil and higher value added items, and therefore, we see no reason why trade values cannot reach and indeed surpass the 2008-2009 figures," he added.

The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), currently being negotiated by both countries, would further open up new trade opportunities.

"There is lot of untapped potential and the opportunities are immense. There is a lot of room for bilateral investments particular to the manufacturing sector," Chadda said.- Bernama

nazrey

September 7th, 2010, 09:55 AM

1JtpN91cZ7I

nazrey

September 7th, 2010, 10:19 AM

PROTON Savvy at Melbourne
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/02/23/211406.html
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/02/23/211406.3-lg.jpg

nazrey

September 9th, 2010, 04:30 PM

Go: Another facet to China
2010/09/09

ANNIE FREEDA CRUEZ is startled to find that China has a huge Muslim population with a rich Islamic heritage

TOMORROW, Muslims the world over will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri. And some 21 million of them are in a country I least expect — China! Like many others, I had thought that there was only a handful of Muslims in that country so imagine my shock when told that about one to two per cent of its total population of 1.3 billion are Muslims. China’s capital city Beijing alone has some 300,000 Muslims. (nak sama ngn rakyat Brunei!!!)

“Do you know that China has some of the oldest Muslim history, dating back to as early as 650AD?” asked Malaysian ambassador to Beijing Datuk Iskandar Sarudin when we met on an AirAsia trip to Beijing as part of the airline’s programme to promote the city as a Muslim tourist destination.

Although he has been there for only four months, Iskandar knows the history of China well, including the republic’s link with Malaysia which goes a long way back.

According to wikipedia.com, Islam was brought to China by an embassy sent by Uthman, the third Caliph, in 651 AD, less than 20 years after the death of prophet Muhammad. The embassy was led by Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas, the maternal uncle of the prophet. Emperor Gaozong, the Tang emperor who received the envoy, then ordered the construction of the Memorial Mosque in Kwantung, the first mosque in the country, in memory of the prophet.

“Muslims live in every region in China, especially the northwest provinces of Xinjiang, Gansu and Ningxia, with significant numbers in Yunnan province in southwest China and Henan province in central China,” said Iskandar.

Majestic Mosques Beijing has 72 mosques which are all open for tourists to visit. One that caught my interest was the biggest and oldest Niujie (Ox Street) Mosque in Beijing’s Xuanwu District, one of the famous mosques in the world. It caters to the Muslim population living in the vicinity and Muslim tourists. The mosque holds one spellbound with its mixture of Islamic and Chinese architecture.

.. READ MORE http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Go_AnotherfacettoChina/Article/
The writer’s Muslim tour of Beijing was sponsored by AirAsia. For details on flights to Beijing, go to www.airasia.com

nazrey

September 9th, 2010, 04:33 PM

72 buah masjid..banyak pada masjid di Kuala Lumpur!?!

nazrey

September 9th, 2010, 07:41 PM

Mudajaya submits final report on IPP project
Published: 2010/09/10
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/pmud/Article/

MUDAJAYA Group Bhd (5085) has submitted the final report on its investment in the independent power plant (IPP) project in India to the Securities Commission (SC).

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, Mudajaya said its auditors Messrs Ernst & Young submitted the final report yesterday.

The SC has been waiting to assess the report, which it had requested Mudajaya's auditors to do recently.

The regulator first started looking into Mudajaya's affairs after it had received an anonymous complaint letter on the high price Mudajaya had paid for its 26 per cent stake in the 1,2000 megawatts coal-fired plant in Chhattisgarh, among other things.

There was also criticism that its 80 per cent-owned subsidiary MIPP International Ltd, which was awarded a RM3.4 billion equipment and procurement contract for the plant, had unusually high profit margins.

RELATED LINK: www.mudajaya.com.my/

nazrey

September 14th, 2010, 04:34 PM

New U.S. ambassador to further strengthen ties
Updated: Tuesday September 14, 2010 MYT 3:19:29 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/14/nation/20100914125836&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/14/nation/latestusambjones.JPG

The ambassador-designate to Malaysia
Paul W. Jones speaks on Tuesday. - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: United States ambassador-designate to Malaysia Paul W. Jones has vowed to bring the US-Malaysia ties a stronger level.

Jones, who reported for duty at his office here on Tuesday, said US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had encouraged him “to harmonise the relations by having conversations and engagements with all parties.”

“I’m looking forward to presenting my credentials to the King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin) and speaking with the Malaysian government on what we can do together.

“One of the things I certainly want to do is making sure our conversation or engagement with the people of Malaysia is very broad so that we can build more understanding on some of issues,” he told a press conference at the US Embassy, here on Tuesday.

Jones said he was also eager to meet American business leaders and companies in Malaysia to deepen the economic relations and to explore new potential opportunities.

Jones highlighted that ties between Malaysia and the US had been very good for some time.

“Trade should continue and be strengthened as it creates more jobs, investments and entrepreneurs and it also coordinates to a better cooperation in many sections including science and technology,” he added.

Jones was sworn in by Secretary Clinton recently. His nomination was proposed by President Obama on July 12 and confirmed by the US Senate on Aug 5.

He has served in a variety of challenging assignments in Asia, Europe and Latin America.

His most recent position was as the Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and concurrently, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.-Bernama

nazrey

September 15th, 2010, 04:00 AM

Mustapa hopes to enhance business relations with US
By YVONNE TAN Wednesday September 15, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/15/business/7033524&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/15/business/p3-mustapa.JPG

Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad

PETALING JAYA: The United States has always been an important business partner for Malaysia.

As at last year, the country was Malaysia’s third largest trade partner after China and Singapore while Malaysia was the United States’ 19th largest trade partner.

Latest information from the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) shows that for the first seven months this year, total trade between Malaysia and the United States totalled RM68.6bil, of which RM36.2bil comprised exports.

This was a 13% increase from the same period last year.

In terms of investments, the United States was also the third largest foreign direct investor last year, after Japan and Hong Kong, with some RM2.3bil worth of projects approved that year.

For the first six months this year, up to 11 projects with an investment value of RM307.5mil were ap-proved.

“The US is important to us, we want people to know that,” Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.

Speaking to StarBiz yesterday ahead of a week’s investment and trade mission to the United States, which he will lead starting Friday, Mustapa said he hoped for a greater enhancement of business ties between both countries during the trip.

The mission, his first formal trip as a Miti delegation chief to the United States, will cover three cities – Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington DC.

The investment promotion trip will include a series of meetings with high-ranking state officials as well as key industry leaders from major US corporations.

“US companies have invested here for a long time now, 20, 30-over years. We would like to see how we can extend these investments besides bringing in new ones,” Mustapa said of his expectations on the mission.

The focus would be on high-technology companies and sectors which would be able to generate job opportunities and create high-value economic impact for the nation, he said.

It is noteworthy that as at 2009, investments of the top 10 US companies in Malaysia were valued at some RM46bil.

Collectively, they have created more than 158,000 jobs. The companies include Intel, Western Digital and Motorola.

In April, Washington signalled its intention to forge closer ties with Malaysia when US President Barack Obama agreed to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit.

There were 47 world leaders at the summit in Washington DC then, and Obama chose to meet fewer than a dozen for bilateral meetings.

Najib was the only Asean leader he met.

The meeting, which lasted 40 minutes more than scheduled, covered a multitude of issues including decisions that heralded “new beginnings” in the bilateral relations between both countries, according to reports.

Obama had called relations between both countries “good” after the meeting and said he viewed Malaysia as a “progressive, modern country.”

“This visit has indeed opened a new chapter in Malaysia-US cooperation, and we will cooperate in areas that will benefit both nations,” Najib told Malaysian journalists covering the event then.

No doubt, Mustapa’s visit comes at a challenging time when the United States is still struggling to gather pace in its quest for economic recovery after falling victim to the credit crunch in 2008.

nazrey

September 15th, 2010, 04:01 AM

Yuan-ringgit trade to enhance growth
BY DALJIT DHESI Wednesday September 15, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/15/business/7034732&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/15/business/p2-ong.JPG

Ong Shi Jie ... both countries will improve in international trade

Move will provide incentives to Chinese investors

PETALING JAYA: The move by China to allow yuan-ringgit trade will reduce exchange rate fluctuations and enhance future investment growth for both countries amid the uncertainty in the global economic arena.

The move according to some industry observers would also facilitate capital movements apart from trade and provide incentives for Chinese companies to invest into Malaysia.

Malaysian Rating Corp chief economist Nor Zahidi Alias said there was a possibility that the Chinese authority may up interest rates to address the problem of frothy property market and sizzling growth in the near term.

If this happens, it would be positive for Malaysia as its exports would be cheaper and would act as an incentive for Chinese companies to further invest in Malaysia.

Since March last year, he said the one-year ringgit Non-Deliverable Forward Market (NDF) has strengthened by 15.8% against the corresponding yuan’s NDF as the prospects for a sharper-than-expected recovery of Malaysian economy brightens.

Going forward however, he added that the strength of ringgit’s NDF against the yuan may fizzle as investors begin to discount the possible slowdown of the Malaysian economy in the second half of this year following weaker export performance in addition to anticipated higher interest rates by China in the near term to curb property prices.

NDF are forward contracts and an indication of the actual exchange rate between ringgit and yuan will likely move in the next one year.

Last month, China’s foreign exchange trade system, which is affiliated with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), allowed the yuan to trade ringgit with PBoC offering a reference rate for spot trading, and a 5% allowable range from the reference yuan/ringgit exchange rate.

RAM Holdings Bhd group chief economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said yuan-ringgit trade would further cement the fast growing China-Malaysia trade volume which had leapt to 13% of Malaysia’s total trade, up from 8% five years ago.

“With the ability to settle in own currencies, both Malaysian and Chinese businesses will benefit, especially if the two currencies are more stable compared to the US dollar. A stable exchange rate facilitates pricing, investment and hedging decisions.

“Greater trade financing efficiency in terms of cost savings and reduced risk premium will result in a rising volume of trade, investment and business activities between the two countries, Yeah added.

OCBC Bank (M) Bhd head of wealth management Ong Shi Jie said apart from reduction in foreign exchange costs, allowing broader trading for the yuan was also expected to improve market liquidity and help businesses to better manage foreign currency cashflows over the longer-term. The yuan-ringgit trade reduce risk of relating to currency exposure and exchange rate fluctuations which would in turn improve both countries international trade and investment.

Yeah felt it was desirable to reduce dependency on a single currency and the yuan-ringgit trade was a step in the right direction in forging a more stable global trade financing architecture.

In the event of another global financial crisis, the risk of a shortage of US dollar due to investors’ flight to safety, as experienced during the height of the 2008 global financial crisis would be reduced.

Ong said while the pace of internationalisation of the yuan had picked up in recent times, the capital controls imposed on the yuan would impact its ambitions to be a global currency. For the yuan to be a globally accepted international currency, it needs to be a currency that people are comfortable holding, for example, in yuan-bonds or deposit accounts, she noted.

nazrey

September 15th, 2010, 04:02 AM

Indian PM's Visit To Malaysia To Bolster Bilateral Ties
September 12, 2010 12:55 PM By Manik Mehta
http://bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=527536

MUMBAI, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who will undertake a three-nation tour of Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia in October, is keen to boost ties with Malaysia where he will explore possibilities of intensifying cooperation in areas such as trade, business, science and technology.

Malaysia's high commissioner to India, Datuk Tan Seng Sung told Bernama in New Delhi that Malaysia had set an "ambitious goal" of achieving a trade volume target of US$50 billion with India by 2015.

Two-way trade between India and Malaysia touched US$7.3 billion in 2009, though the Matrade office in Mumbai expects it to rise as the economic recovery gains steam.

Both sides are working on finalising a free trade agreement (FTA) which will open the gate for unfettered trade between them.

In recent remarks, India's commerce secretary Rahul Khullar expressed confidence that India could sign FTAs with Japan and Malaysia by the year end.

Malaysia has identified the huge business potential, particularly, inherent in India's infrastructure needs.

Scomi's monorail project in Mumbai is one such prestigious project bagged by Malaysia.

Another housing project for low-income Indians holds out the promise of good business for Malaysian construction companies.

In recognition of the importance of the Indian market, Malaysia's International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed will pay a third visit to India this year, covering Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad in November.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

September 15th, 2010, 04:08 AM

Genting M’sia gets final nod for New York ops
By TEE LIN SAY Wednesday September 15, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/15/business/7034863&sec=business

The approval paves way for its first video lottery facility in US

KUALA LUMPUR: Genting Malaysia Bhd announced that its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Genting New York LLC, has received the final approval for it to be the developer and operator of a video lottery facility at the Aqueduct Racetrack in New York, the United States.

The approval brings Genting NY closer to kick-starting works to roll out its first-ever video lottery facility in the United States.

“This changes the profile of Genting Malaysia. Now that it will have operations in the United States and the United Kingdom, Genting can be viewed as a global gaming stock,” said a gaming analyst.

Genting Malaysia shareholders recently approved the resolution to acquire Genting UK from Genting Singapore for about RM1.67bil.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/15/business/p1-gentingcht.JPG

The Office of the New York State Comptroller announced on Monday its approval for Genting NY to be selected as the developer and operator of the video lottery facility.

The company had earlier received approvals from New York State leaders and offices of the New York State Attorney-General.

Genting NY will pay US$380mil (RM1.18bil) as upfront licensing fee to the State of New York within 10 business days.

It has proposed a further US$325mil to roll out its operations. The net project cost, however, is less than US$325mil because there will be a US$250mil grant given by the authority for this project.

A gaming analyst said the potential impact on Genting Malaysia’s earnings for its financial year 2012 to 2013 could be an increase between 4% and 14%, assuming a US$300 daily win per terminal and a 60% gaming tax.

The analyst is also estimating a payback period of some eight years on the US$480mil capital expenditure (netting of the US$250mil construction grant), but added that the payback could be shorter with the introduction of table games.

Another gaming analyst is neutral on Genting, as he feels that growth in Asia remains more exciting.

“It does provide an earnings platform, and one which is more stable and less volatile. It is also a more efficient use of their cash hoard. However, the US market is a mature market. The earnings profile may not be so exciting,” the analyst said.

As of June 30, 2010, Genting had a cash pile of some RM5.55bil on its books.

A KAF Research analyst said in a report dated Aug 17 that overall, the Aqueduct business can contribute US$16mil to US$17mil a year to Genting Malaysia.

“This is not a significant amount as it constitutes just 4% of Genting Malaysia’s 2010 net profit,” the report said.

For the six months to June 30, 2010, Genting Malaysia announced an 11.4% increase in revenue to RM2.57bil but its net profit fell 4.6% to RM578.05mil.

The New York project has been dubbed Resorts World New York. The proposed three-storey facility will have several restaurants, water features, an outdoor terrace connected to the Aqueduct Racetrack, which will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 people and will have a 2,200-bay carpark.

Genting NY aims to complete the entire development within 12 months from the date it obtains formal approval from the state to proceed.

As part of a wider development plan, Genting NY is also proposing to build three hotels of differing standards, shopping, recreation, and other resort facilities at a total cost of US$650mil (RM2.09bil). That will take the proposed outlay for the entire project to over US$1.3bil.

thienzieyung

September 15th, 2010, 04:16 AM

PROTON Savvy at Melbourne
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/02/23/211406.html
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/02/23/211406.3-lg.jpg

Isn't that Sydney, not Melbourne? :)

nazrey

September 15th, 2010, 04:18 AM

Sydney tower is just stand tall!!

nazrey

September 21st, 2010, 05:39 AM

PLUS, IDFC win highway job in India
Published: 2010/09/20
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100920194138/Article/index_html

A consortium comprising PLUS Expressways Bhd and India's IDFC Projects Ltd has secured a tender to build a four-lane 127.6-kilometre road which is the Jetpur-Somnath section of the National Highway-8D in Gujarat.

The highway connects New Delhi with Mumbai passing through state capitals and suburbs which is popularly known as the Western Express Highway.

The project to be executed on design, built, finance, operate and transfer basis is for a 30-year period from the date of the proposed execution of the relevant concession agreement, PLUS Expressways said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today.

Scope of work broadly includes rehabilitation, upgrading and widening the existing carriageway to four-lane with construction of new pavement, rehabilitation of existing pavement, bridges, culverts, interchanges, and the operation and maintenance thereof, it said.

PLUS Expressways said the consortium would form a special purpose vehicle to enter into a concession agreement for the proposed project.

IDFC Projects is a subsidiary of Infrastructure Development Funding Corporation (IDFC) while PLUS Expressways' ultimate holding company, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, currently holds 8.97 per cent of IDFC.

The proposed shareholding between IDFC Projects and PLUS Expressways in the consortium is 74:26.

"The proposed project is part of the PLUS Expressways group's strategic growth plans which strengthens the group''s position for further expansion in the competitive Indian infrastructure sector," it said.

"This venture signifies the group's serious intention to further grow in India as a focus country for expansion."

The concession agreement for the project is expected to be executed by mid-October this year, it added. -- BERNAMA

RELATED LINK: www.plus.com.my/

nazrey

September 21st, 2010, 08:12 AM

Coca-Cola has ‘significant plans’ to expand in Malaysia
By YVONNE TAN Tuesday September 21, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/21/business/7070529&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/21/business/b_09mustapa.jpg

Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed says Coca-Cola’s investment
signals its confidence in Malaysia.

Coca-Cola’s Nilai plant to be ready by Jan

ATLANTA: The construction of American beverage giant The Coca-Cola Co’s bottling plant at Bandar Enstek’s techpark in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, is 75% ready and expected to be completed by January, according to a top official.

“We are moving along a little bit faster than we expected and we are very excited about this project,” said Coca-Cola Pacific Group president Glenn Jordan.

Jordan, who was speaking to a Malaysian trade and investment promotion delegation led by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed here on Sunday, said the company, the largest soft-drink maker in the world, had “significant plans” to expand its business in Malaysia.

“Over the next few years, we would like to expand our core business there,” he said.

Earlier this year, Coca-Cola said it chose to set up the 123,024 sq m bottling plant at the techpark largely due to attractive logistics costs.

It said then that it hoped to have the plant operational before the agreement with current bottler Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd expired in September 2011.

To be constructed according to the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design certification which is a global standard for eco-friendly buildings, the plant is expected to create more than 6,000 job opportunities.

“The plans are all on track, the Malaysian market is very important to us and we will deliver on our promise of investments,” Jordan said.

Coca-Cola will invest RM1bil over the next five years in Malaysia including in the plant, it said in March, without revealing its exact local beverage market share.

Meanwhile, Mustapa said he valued the confidence Coca-Cola had in Malaysia.

“We value this investment (as) it is clearly a sign of confidence in us. The prospects for the Malaysian economy are indeed very good,” he said.

Mustapa is scheduled to have roundtable meetings with selected US companies here before departing for Philadelphia later today, Malaysian time.

The week-long mission, which covers Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington, is his first formal trip as a Miti delegation chief to the United States.

Earlier on Sunday, he hosted a meeting and luncheon with the Malaysian Association of Georgia as well as Malaysian students studying in the neighbouring states and cities.

nazrey

September 21st, 2010, 08:14 AM

Bahrain group keen to invest in Sarawak halal food hub
By JACK WONG Tuesday September 21, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/21/business/7069075&sec=business

KUCHING: An established business group in Bahrain is among several global investors keen to invest in Tanjung Manis Halal Hub in Mukah.

Sarawak Timber Industrial Development Corp (STIDC) general manager Datuk Sarudu Hoklai said the Bahrain group, which visited the proposed halal hub project five months ago, was interested to invest in food production.

“It is keen on rice production and livestock breeding,’’ he told reporters at STIDC Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here on Sunday.

It is learnt that the group, which has also toured several sites in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, is seeking large tracts of land to grow rice and rear cattles.

The group is expected to submit its investment model by December for consideration by state-owned STIDC, which oversees the halal hub development.

Sarudu said investors from the Middle East and other parts of the world had shown a lot of interest in the halal hub, adding that follow-up talks would be carried out to discuss the details of their proposed investments.

Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud led an investment mission to London and Oxford last month to promote the halal hub.

Taiwan’s Sea Party Technology Co Ltd, the main investor in Tanjung Manis Halal Hub, has committed RM2bil in food processing, manufacture of feed meal, and research and development facilities in aquaculture and agriculture. The company has started large-scale breeding of tilapia fish.

Sarudu said infrastructure development in the halal hub, which will cover 77,000ha, was progressing well.

There is a plan to gazette the halal hub into a special economic zone to provide more tax incentives to investors.

The halal hub will be a green development, allowing only certain types of vehicles to enter the proposed food production zone.

nazrey

September 21st, 2010, 08:30 AM

Malaysia buys China bonds in boost for renminbi — Report
September 21, 2010, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=70865

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s central bank has bought renminbi-denominated bonds for its reserves, a report said, boosting Beijing’s ambitions to internationalise its currency.The Financial Times did not specify the size of the investment and the Malaysian central bank declined to comment on the issue, in line with its policy of not discussing the management of its US$95 billion in reserves.

But the paper said the transaction had taken place recently and “was thought to have been accompanied or followed by purchases by other Asian central banks, although none of these have yet been identified.”

China’s move in August to allow some central banks to invest in the domestic bond market was part of its push to promote the renminbi, or yuan, as a long-term rival to the US dollar, the business daily said.

“In the short term, the news may even be welcomed in Washington. If other countries are starting to buy Chinese bonds as reserve assets, it may put upward pressure on the renminbi by increasing the two-way flows with the currency,” it said.

Andrew Colquhoun, head of sovereign ratings, Asia Pacific at Fitch Ratings, said it was not clear how large the Bank Negara transaction was but he would be ‘surprised if it was very large’.

“As China’s an important trade partner for Malaysia, it makes sense in terms of external liquidity management. But I expect it was also partly political,” he told AFP.

“We are moving back into the regular six-monthly period when China’s currency management becomes politically sensitive, with the US congressional report on currency management, so I suspect it may well be something to do with that.”

“It speaks to China’s ambitions to develop the internationalisation of the renminbi but we expect that to be quite a slow process and not something likely to have substantial consequences in the near term,” he said.

“We think it’s likely the dollar will remain the global pre-eminent reserve currency. We think China remains quite cautious about the possible consequences of opening up its capital markets cross-border.” — AFP

nazrey

September 21st, 2010, 07:08 PM

Perlis Showcases Its Beautiful Landscape In Shanghai
From Adnan Jahaya September 21, 2010 23:24 PM
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=529344

SHANGHAI, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Perlis, which is famous for its beautiful landscape, is capitalising on the Shanghai 2010 Expo here to promote the state as a tourist attraction.

In conjunction with this, Perlis Raja Muda Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail launched the 'Let us All Visit Perlis' campaign at Malaysia's pavillion at the expo to draw Chinese tourists to the state.

In his speech, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said Perlis' topography and its limestone caves including the famed Gua Kelam would be a hit among tourists.

There was also the Perlis state park bordering Thailand which would be received well by nature lovers for its lush greenery, he said, adding that the campaign was also aimed attracting tourism players to the state.

Besides these, he also invited Chinese students to pursue their tertiary education at higher learning institutions in the state like Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), which presently has students from China enrolled at it.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin also thanked Malaysia's Tourism Minister for her untiring effort to promote Malaysia through the expo.

The launch of the campaign was on the initiative of the Perlis government and will last six months.

Besides the Malaysian pavillion, the Raja Muda also took some time to visit the pavillions of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Spain.

He was accompanied by Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu and Perlis state secretary, Datuk Azizan Hamid.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

September 22nd, 2010, 06:20 AM

Many US firms upbeat about Malaysia
By YVONNE TAN Wednesday September 22, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/22/business/7077068&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/22/business/b_09mustapa.jpg

Mustapa: Americans interested in forging business ties

ATLANTA: The Americans are very interested to do business in Malaysia contrary to general perception, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.

He said he was pleased with the response he got from US firms at a roundtable meeting here on Monday. “A lot of them were upbeat about Malaysia,” Mustapa said after the meeting.

Malaysia has received some bad press especially from foreign media in recent years highlighting certain controversial issues which some quarters believe have affected investor sentiment and investments.

“I am here to correct any negative perception that they may have, but generally, the response I received was positive,” he said.

The meeting with about 45 selected US company representatives included a presentation on Malaysia’s economy and investment prospects. It was part of the agenda for the last day of his ministry’s trade promotion activities in Atlanta.

Mustapa is currently leading a trade and investment promotion delegation in the United States. After Atlanta, the delegation will head to Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

While no business deals were officially sealed at Atlanta, it is understood that at least two US companies that had met with the Minister here were close to finalising their investment plans in Malaysia.

“Small or big companies, it doesn’t matter, as long as the investment generates good returns as well as job opportunities,” Mustapa said.

Mustapa said the United States remained an important business partner for Malaysia.

“Atlanta for example, has so much potential, being home to key Fortune 500 companies. The city also has the busiest airport in the world. I am glad that we came here, the potential to collaborate is great,” he said.

Earlier in his presentation to the US company representatives, he said Malaysia welcomed a diverse range of investments including in the education sector.

“We now have five offshore university campuses from Britain and Australia in Malaysia, which signifies the level of confidence they have in us, but none from the United States. We welcome US education institutions to consider opportunities in Malaysia,” he said.

Latest information from Miti showed that for the first seven months of this year, total trade between Malaysia and the United States totalled RM68.6bil, of which RM36.2bil comprised exports.

In terms of investments, some RM2.3bil worth of US investments in Malaysia were approved last year.

Mustapa said in an interview with CNN that the more-than-20% increase in trade with the United States in the first seven months was “a good recovery” and in the medium to long term, the United States continued to hold good prospects.

“We believe this (the current US economic situation) is temporary and hopefully in the next few quarters, there will be better growth numbers coming out of America,” he said.

nazrey

September 22nd, 2010, 08:38 PM

KPJ to buy up to 51pc of Jeta Gardens
Published: 2010/09/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/dee/Article/

KPJ Healthcare Bhd's (5878) unit, Kumpulan Perubatan (Johor) Sdn Bhd, plans to acquire up to 51 per cent equity interest in Jeta Gardens Waterford Trust for RM19 million in cash.

The company told the exchange yesterday that the exercise will enable the group to further expand its existing healthcare and healthcare related business.

It will also enable the company to further position itself as one of the leading healthcare providers in the Asia Pacific region. Acquisition expected to be completed by first quarter of 2011.

--------

KPJ Healthcare Bhd announced its wholly-owned Kumpulan Perubatan (Johor) Sdn Bhd (KPJSB) has entered into a conditional subscription deed for the acquisition of up to 51 per cent equity interest in Jeta Gardens Waterford Trust (JGWT) for RM19 million.

The acquisition also involved up to 3.308 million 10-year convertible notes into new ordinary units in JGWT, the company said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.

JGWT is a trust domiciled in Australia and Jeta Gardens (Qld) Pty Ltd acts as its trustee.

JGWT is primarily involved in the operations of a retirement village while its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jeta Gardens Aged Care Waterford Trust, operates an aged care facility.

Located on a 25.6-hectare land in Waterford, Queensland, JGWT owned an aged care facility with 108 beds, 23 units of retirement villas and 32 units of apartments known as "Jeta Gardens".

To be financed from internally-generated funds, KPJ said the acquisition would be undertaken in two tranches and would be completed by the first quarter of 2011.

It said the acquisition would enable the group to expand its business in healthcare and healthcare-related services to a location where private healthcare and healthcare-related services were in demand.

It would also enable the group to expand existing customer base and establish itself as one of the leading healthcare and healthcare-related services provider in the Asia-Pcific region. - Bernama

Source: http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100922190224/Article/index_html

nazrey

September 22nd, 2010, 08:42 PM

Selepas Khazanah beli Pakway (Singapore) ..now it's KPJ buy Aussie's Jeta Gardens! :)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=61473807&postcount=595

nazrey

September 23rd, 2010, 05:11 PM

Austrade Sees Vast Potential For Malaysia-Australia Tie-Up In Green Technology
September 23, 2010 20:32 PM
By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=529862

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), the Australian government's trade and investment development agency, sees great potential for Malaysia and Australia to further collaborate in the green technology industry.

Stating this, its business development manager, Asean infrastructure and mining, oil and gas, Euniece Quek, said both countries would enjoy a win-win situation by enhancing their collaboration in green technology.

On Australia's commitment to green technology, she said the country has placed the issue of climate change as a top priority.

"With Australia as a leader in the sector and Malaysia as a partner, we will be able to reap more benefits in terms of revenues, especially through the existing joint design in the green building," she told Bernama at a roundtable luncheon here on Thursday.

The roundtable was held in conjunction with the World Green Building Week, and updates on the latest development were provided by Malaysia Green Building Confederation committee members.

Also present were Green Building Index Accreditation Panel members Chen Thiam Leong and Looi Hip Peu, Malaysia Green Building Confederation members Henry Lee Inn Seong, Chan Seong Aun and Eu Teng Cheng, who is also Putra Perdana Development Sdn Bhd's senior general manager, and Malaysian Institute of Architects council member Dr Tan Loke Mun.

Others included Robert B. Turnbull of Australia's Industry Capability Network, Spiro Politis, director of Pixelfocus, Austrade's business development manager Jeniffer Liew and Tim Dillon, Commissioner, South East Asia Office, for Australia's Victoria state.

Dillon said it was "a great idea" for Malaysia and Australia to exchange views on building services as Malaysia and South East Asia, which has a population of 557 million, is a phenomenon to Australia.

"In five years' time, it is going to be 644 million people. So to accommodate that kind of economic growth you have to get smart and have sustainable design in buildings that needs to take into account the impact on environment, so there is precedence for Malaysia and Australia to work together," he said.

"Myself, I represent the state of Victoria and I know that there is a lot of interest in Victorian companies coming to Malaysia and working with Malaysian partners to deliver projects not only here but also in other Asean countries," Dillion said.

"If there are projects in Thailand or Vietnam, for instance, we can partner and go in together," he said.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

September 24th, 2010, 04:04 PM

SunwayMas in RM250m Sri Lanka project
Published: 2010/09/24
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100924162232/Article/index_html

Sunway Holdings Bhd unit, SunwayMas Sdn Bhd, has sealed a joint venture agreement with Sri Lanka's Dasa Group to undertake a RM250 million mixed development project in Bambalapitiya, Colombo.

A joint-venture company will be incorporated in Sri Lanka, with SunwayMas having 65 per cent stake, and remaining by Dasa Group.

SunwayMas will fund its investment in the JV company through bank borrowings and internally-generated funds, it said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.

At a press conference earlier, Sunway Holdings managing director Yau Kok Seng said it hoped to launch the project, which is expected to generate 20 per cent profit margin, by the second quarter of 2011 after obtaining all approvals.

He said the development entails a 34-storey building comprising 70 commercial and 180 residential units on prime freehold land and mixed-use zone will be completed in 2014 and enjoy five years tax holiday then onwards.

"The project, sitting on a 0.461 hectares is located a mere five kilometres from the Central Business District of Colombo and has potential to generate a total saleable area of at least 380,000 square feet," he said.

Yau said residential properties in the project were priced at US$200 per sq ft onwards while commercial units at US$350 per sq ft.

In the filing to Bursa, Sunway Holdings said it was constantly on the look out for new investments and with its 10 years of experience in India, the opening of the Sri Lanka economy to foreign investment and expertise allows expansion of Sunway’s geographical footprint to Sri Lanka, which has a higher foreign currency rating as compared to India.

"The proposed development enables Sunway to expand into an exciting new market and increase the size of its landbank for the purpose of property development," it said.

With the latest foray, Sunway Holdings' land bank amounts to 174 hectares, with potential gross development value of RM2.6 billion, which will be developed over the next three years.

Meanwhile, S.D. Gunadasa, chairman and founder of Dasa Group of Companies, said the company looked forward to more collaboration with Sunway Holdings for its future expansion.

"While the Sri Lankan property market gears itself for robust growth in the next five years, international collaborations with premier property players such as the Sunway Holdings will contribute immensely to raise the standards in the industry as well as create new benchmarks," he added.
-- BERNAMA

nazrey

September 25th, 2010, 05:44 AM

Malaysia atasi negara maju
Oleh HAMDEN RAMLI September 24, 2010
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0925&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_03.htm

KOTA MARUDU 24 Sept. - Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin berkata, asas yang kukuh telah berjaya meletakkan Malaysia sebagai antara negara yang paling kompetitif di dunia dari segi keselamatan siber.

Katanya, berdasarkan data Institut Pembangunan Pengurusan yang berpangkalan di Switzerland, Malaysia berada pada kedudukan ke-19 dari segi keselamatan siber mengatasi negara maju lain seperti Amerika Syarikat, United Kingdom, Korea, India dan China.

Beliau berkata, di Asia Tenggara, Malaysia berada pada kedudukan kedua, manakala keempat di benua Asia.

Lebih memberangsangkan lagi, ujarnya, Malaysia secara amnya masih mempunyai kedudukan kompetitif dari segi kos jika dibandingkan dengan negara maju lain yang terlibat dalam pembangunan industri keselamatan siber itu.

''Adalah jelas asas yang telah kita bina dan pencapaian yang kita kecapi menyediakan ramuan bagi membangunkan industri keselamatan siber yang berpotensi besar untuk menyumbang kepada pembangunan ekonomi negara.

''Inisiatif-inisiatif keselamatan siber memenuhi ciri-ciri sektor yang boleh menjadi tumpuan di bawah Model Baru Ekonomi (MBE)," katanya ketika melancarkan Program Kesejahteraan Siber di Sekolah di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tandek di sini hari ini.

Hadir sama Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Musa Aman; Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Ongkili dan Timbalannya, Fadilah Yusof.

Muhyiddin berkata, industri keselamatan siber tempatan mempunyai potensi besar untuk berkembang dengan pertumbuhan yang melangkaui purata pertumbuhan rantau Asia Pasifik.

Katanya, berdasarkan data Frost & Sullivan, pasaran keselamatan rangkaian Malaysia dijangka tumbuh sebanyak 19 peratus setahun dan mencecah RM856 juta pada tahun 2015.

Mengulas mengenai program hari ini, Muhyiddin berharap inisiatif itu akan dapat membantu dan membimbing guru serta murid sekolah mengenal pasti ancaman siber dan menggunakan Internet secara berhemah.

Dengan ini, katanya, program pembestarian yang menyasarkan 10,000 sekolah dapat dilaksanakan dengan jayanya.

Sementara itu, Ongkili dalam ucapannya berkata, jumlah gangguan siber yang dilaporkan ke Pusat Bantuan Cyber999 meningkat sebanyak 92 peratus kepada 4,390 kes sepanjang lapan bulan pertama tahun ini berbanding 2,289 kes bagi tempoh yang sama tahun lalu.

Beliau menjelaskan, gangguan itu melibatkan kes penipuan, cubaan pencerobohan, pencerobohan, kod berbahaya, spam dan gangguan perkhidmatan.

''Jumlah kes melibatkan bukti data digital yang dikendalikan oleh Jabatan Forensik Digital Cybersecurity Malaysia turut meningkat sebanyak 58.17 peratus kepada 329 kes berbanding 208 kes pada tempoh yang sama," katanya.

nazrey

September 25th, 2010, 06:12 AM

USM researchers headed for Haiti
Saturday September 25, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/9/25/north/7091614&sec=North

TWO researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) will be sent to Haiti next week to help the republic rebuild their higher education infrastructure.

The researchers are being sent under a special edition of Leadership Development for Higher Education Reform (LEADHER), a programme run by the International Association of Universities (IAU) based in Paris, France.

The special edition was set up to facilitate development of higher education in Haiti after the earthquake struck in January this year. Components of the programme include grants up to 10,000 Euros per project.

USM vice chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said: “We want to show our unity as a community of scholars to help meet the urgent needs of Haiti. We are also offering our previous experiences of helping to rebuild Acheh and Pakistan.”

Dzulkifli, who is also the vice-president of IAU, said USM would also share their expertise in, among others, designs of lightweight blocks, anti-seismic buildings and training modules for paramedics and non-medical civilians in post-disaster areas.

Ecole Superieure d’Infotronique d’Haiti (ESIH), a higher education institute in Haiti, is USM’s main partner.

ESIH vice-dean, Patrick Attie said: “We have seen USM’s expertise, particularly through their School of Medical Sciences efforts in disaster-stricken areas and that is instrumental in getting us prepared for the future,” he said.

nazrey

September 25th, 2010, 08:01 PM

Understand Islam better, Najib tells America
By WONG CHUN WAI Updated: Saturday September 25, 2010 MYT 9:12:21 PM
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/25/nation/20100925121406&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/editorspick/images/016333990_najibUS_main.jpg

Najib in New York
US President Barack Obama (second from left) is joined for a photo with
Asean leaders (from left) President Nguyen Minh Triet, President Benigno
Aquino III and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in New York on Friday. - AP

NEW YORK: Americans need to understand Islam better to stop the increasing Islamophobia in the United States, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said there appeared to be a negative perception of the religion and Malaysia was prepared to work with the United States to fend off such intolerance.

The concern, he said, was brought up during a discussion between Asean leaders and President Barack Obama here on Friday.

He commended the Obama Administration for its firm handling of the recent episode where a little-known Florida pastor, Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center, had threatened to burn copies of the Quran, sparking worldwide outrage from people of all faiths. His International Burn a Quran Day was eventually called off.

Najib said Americans needed to have better knowledge and understanding of Islam, pointing out that a recent poll by an international magazine had revealed that 26% of Americans thought that Obama was a Muslim.

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life also reportedly detected a real and lingering tendency to see Islam and Muslims though the lens of extremism.

The study found that the American public’s views of Islam had worsened since 2005 - 30% had a favourable view and 38% did not.

Last year, a Gallup Poll found that 53% of Americans viewed Islam in an unfavourable light.

Speaking to Malaysian newsmen here on Friday evening Najib said that while there were American extremist groups that were loud, they did not represent the majority of Americans.

Malaysia’s concern was brought up by Najib during the discussion between Asean leaders and Obama on Friday.

This was the second annual meeting involving Asean leaders and an American president, with the first held in Singapore last year.

Najib also proposed that the US send English language teachers to Asean nations, similar to the Peace Corps programme of the 1960s initiated by President John F. Kennedy where youth volunteers travelled the globe to help in community projects.

Obama, in reply, said the Peace Corp programme was meaningful for him as his late mother had travelled under the programme to Indonesia where he spent a part of his childhood.

Najib also met several leaders, including Philippines President Benigno Aquino III, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke.

Holbroke is the top ranking US envoy under the Obama Administration and had brokered the agreement between warring factions in Bosnia when he was the US Ambassador to Germany from 1993-1994.

nazrey

September 27th, 2010, 08:46 AM

Saifuddin: KL prepared to send experts to counter Islamophobia in US
Monday September 27, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/27/nation/7109293&sec=nation

TEMERLOH: The Higher Education Ministry is prepared to send lecturers who are experts in Islamic studies to explain the religion so as to check Islamophobia in the United States and other parts of the world.

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the country had many experts in the field who could correct the misconception about Islam among Americans and other Westerners.

In fact, he said, many lecturers from Malaysia were once lecturers or guest lecturers at foreign universities.

“Whether Islamophobia is deliberately created by the West or they simply fail to understand the religion, it is important for us to correct the misconception about Islam.

“Otherwise, Islamphobia will create problems, especially for companies owned or products produced by Muslims, which may be feared or turned away by the West,” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya open house in Kampung Lebak Seberang, here, yesterday.

He was earlier asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s willingness to send experts in Islamic studies to correct misconception about Islam among Americans and Westerners, which he expressed during his meeting with US president Barack Obama in New York recently.

Saifuddin said Islamophobia, which was prejudice against or an irrational fear of Islam and Muslims, had become a phenomenon in the United States since the Sept 11, 2001 attack.

He is worried that Islamophobia will continue to prevail and become a threat to Muslims all over the world, including those studying in institutions in western countries.

“Our experts are qualified as we have the experience of administering a country which is multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious like the US,” said Saifuddin. — Bernama

nazrey

September 27th, 2010, 02:21 PM

Sirim Signs MoU With Malay Bangla
September 27, 2010 20:26 PM
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=530736

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Sirim Bhd and Malay Bangla Communicators Sdn Bhd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the provision of green and renewable energy solutions to Bangladesh.

In a statement here Monday, Sirim said under the MoU, it would provide the solutions for the government and private sector in Bangladesh, particularly in solar and windmill energy and also micro hydro power.

In addition, Sirim said, it would provide induction training to outbound Bangladeshi workers working in Malaysia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Libya, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.

"At the end of the three-day course, the workers will be certified by Sirim," it said.

Sirim said its role included evaluating the trainers, developing the training syllabus and issuing certificates to the workers.

Malay Bangla and its sister company in Bangladesh, Malay Bangla Training Centre, would identify and select the training centres and provide advisory services, it said.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

September 28th, 2010, 03:12 PM

Genting pays New York US$380m for parlor
Published: 2010/09/28

Genting Malaysia Bhd paid New York state US$380 million to develop an electronic slot machine parlor at New York City’s Aqueduct Racetrack, US$80 million more than the minimum specified by the state.

The payment by the Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based company arrived five days before the due date. New York state plans to sell US$250 million of bonds backed by its personal income tax to help finance the project, said Erik Kriss, a spokesman for the Budget Division.

“After almost a decade of delay, this project is finally becoming a reality and all New Yorkers will benefit,” Governor David Paterson said in a statement. The payment exceeded the US$300 million assumed by lawmakers in the state budget, which closed a US$9.2 billion gap. Similar assumptions in previous years were inaccurate.

The state expects the video-lottery machines will produce more than US$279 million of revenue annually after paying gambling prizes and other expenses, according to Jennifer Givner, a spokeswoman for the New York Lottery, which handled bidding for the project.

About 1,600 machines are to be installed within six months, followed within six months by another 2,925 terminals, a 2,100- space parking garage and a new pedestrian bridge to the Aqueduct subway station, according to the recommendation by the Lottery. Later, Genting will build a new covered entrance to the race track, which is in Queens.

The payment came almost two weeks after Genting’s stock rose to a two-year high in Kuala Lumpur when the contract was approved. -- Bloomberg

nazrey

September 28th, 2010, 03:17 PM

Khazanah is Camco’s biggest shareholder
Published: 2010/09/28

KHAZANAH Nasional Berhad of Malaysia became the biggest shareholder of Camco International Ltd after buying shares on the market yesterday and forming a venture with the developer of emission reduction projects.

Payar Investments Ltd, a unit of Khazanah, yesterday bought 34.5 million shares representing 19.56 per cent, Camco said today in a statement distributed by the Regulatory News Service. After 9.28 million shares received via a joint venture agreement, Khazanah will own 23.59 per cent of the company, according to the statement. Khazanah is the investment holding arm of the Malaysian government. - Bloomberg

nazrey

September 28th, 2010, 03:34 PM

Three Malaysian Companies To Invest In India's Sri City
September 28, 2010 17:02 PM

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Three Malaysian companies are expected to sign several agreements before year-end to invest in Sri City, India's first integrated business city located about 55 kilometres North of Chennai.

Sri City Private Limited Vice President C. Saravanan said the three Malaysian companies were currently locked in negotiations.

"We expect the Malaysian companies to sign an agreement before the year-end and invest about US$25 million," he told reporters here Tuesday.

Saravanan is leading a delegation of Sri City top executives on a six-day official visit to Malaysia to lure Malaysian companies to establish industrial units in India.

He said the three non-listed Malaysian companies are keen to venture into the industrial machinery sector for both the export and domestic markets.

"Sri City has attracted over 35 multi-national companies with investments worth about US$150 million," he said, adding that 11 companies were currently in operation while five were still under construction.

"We are expecting to get at least another 15 companies to invest in Sri City before the first-quarter of next year," he said, adding that he will be meeting the InvestPenang branch representative in Perak tomorrow before heading to Kuala Lumpur to meet representatives from the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

Sri City, is sprawled over 2,000 hectares of which 1,520 hectares has been set aside for Special Economic Zones (SEZ) with well-demarcated industrial zones and necessary customs clearance.

"Well-demarcated industrial zones with the SEZ and Domestic Tariff Zones (DTZ) include automotive, engineering, logistics and warehousing, aerospace, electronic, biotech/pharma, renewable energy and other eco-friendly industries," he said.

With the strategic location on the border of two highly industrialised states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, he said Sri City offered unmatched connectivity through three sea-ports, two international airports, national highways and broad gauge railway service.

"The location advantage provides easy access to manpower resouces - from unskilled, semi-skilled to skilled labour and professionals," he said.

Master planned and designed by renowned Singapore-based Jurong Consultants, Sri City is being developed on the concept of Work-Live-Learn-Play model to emerge as a complete and integrated business city.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

September 28th, 2010, 04:23 PM

Najib proposes Malaysia Day at NYSE
Updated: Tuesday September 28, 2010 MYT 12:52:30 PM

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/28/business/latestnajibstrikmallet.JPG

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (left) ready to strike with a mallet
at the closing of the trading day in the New York Stock Exchange trading room here,
Monday(Tuesday in Malaysia). Beside him is New York Stock Exchange CEO, Duncan
Niedevaner. -BERNAMA pic by Mustaza Mohd Yusoff

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak visited the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and rang the closing bell on Monday.

He had earlier held discussions with the bourse's top executives led by NYSE Euronet chief executive officer (CEO) Duncan Niederauer, on ways to assist Malaysian investors in securing access into the US capital market.

In a brief remark after signing the guest book, Najib said that he had proposed the hosting of a Malaysia Day at the bourse, to attract US investors into the Malaysian market as well as other markets in the Southeast Asia region. He said Malaysia could be a gateway for US investors into the ASEAN market, which he described as one of the fastest growing, in Asia.

The Prime Minister said ASEAN bourses should work closely and be more integrated so as to attract foreign investors. Accompanying Najib during the visit was Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis, Bursa Malaysia chairman Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah and several other officials.

The Prime Minister is in New York to attend the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The NYSE, located at 11 Wall Street, is the largest stock exchange in the world, with market capitalisation at an estimated $11.9 trillion as of August this year. - BERNAMA

nazrey

September 28th, 2010, 04:24 PM

Matrade mission to Russia to expand automotive, food markets
Updated: Tuesday September 28, 2010 MYT 2:52:28 PM
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/28/business/20100928143513&sec=business

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will lead a specialised marketing mission for automotive parts and food products, to the Russian cities of Moscow and Kazan from Oct 3-7.

As one of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries, which are the world's fastest growing economies, Russia's 143 million consumers represent a significant trading opportunity for Malaysian exporters in these sectors, said its Chief Executive Officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin. "As such, it is imperative that this mission aims at achieving a breakthrough in terms of expanding access to the Russian market," he said in a statement here today.

The Malaysian delegation will be able to leverage on the one-on-one business meetings arranged by MATRADE with key Russian importers and distributors such as NAPAK, RenAvtoTsentr, Tri Solnca LLC and FABUS LLC.

NAPAK is an established distributor of automotive parts and components with RenAvtoTsentr being the largest dealer of Russian KAMAZ trucks while Tri Solnca and FABUS LLC are distributors and wholesalers of food products and ingredients.

Noharuddin said there were no specific protective measures against Malaysian automotive and food products entering the Russian market.

However, trade between Malaysia and Russia can be expanded further should lower duties be imposed for major products traded between both countries, he added.

Meanwhile, the Russian market for car parts, accessories, tools and service equipment is expected to grow significantly over the next few years with products such as filters, ignition starters, fuel injection systems, oil and additives and wheels at the forefront.

By 2012, Russia's car market is expected to be the third largest in the world, after the US and China.

In the meantime, the rapidly growing food and beverage industry in Russia also offers significant trading opportunities for Malaysian companies in the areas of canned fruits and vegetables, cocoa-based products, frozen food, fruit juices, halal products, and snacks and chips.

Noharuddin said establishing a joint venture with a Russian entity was one of the alternatives for Malaysian companies to penetrate the Russian market "However, logistical limitations, disparities in wealth distribution and lack of credit facilities are among the issues that need to be tackled. "The prospects for Malaysian exporters to this market, nonetheless, remain promising," he added. BERNAMA

nazrey

September 28th, 2010, 10:51 PM

Potential for rubber exports to hit RM30b
By Sharen Kaur Published: 2010/09/29
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/GLOVE28/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/GLOVE28/front_left

Malaysia's export of rubber products is expected to touch RM30 billion in 10 years, driven primarily by strong demand for rubber gloves.

Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the RM30 billion mark can easily be achieved as the world becomes more health-conscious and also given the aging population and increasing number of nursing homes and more stringent regulations.

He attributes growth to glove makers like Top Glove, Supermax, Kossan, Hartalega and others boosting exports to emerging markets like India, China, South America, Latin America and the Middle East.

Local players are investing some RM1 billion up to 2015 to improve production and upgrade existing plants, he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, after opening MARGMA's 5th International Rubber Glove Conference and Exhibition 2010.

Malaysia is the world's biggest glove manufacturer. Last year, it exported RM7.2 billion worth of gloves, supplying more than 65 per cent of global demand.

Global demand last year was 150 billion pieces or RM12 billion. This is expected to grow by 10 per cent per annum, giving local players an opportunity to increase their supply, Dompok said.

"Locally, we expect a growth rate of 12.5 per cent. If we can sustain that, then we will be able to achieve the RM30 billion target," he said.

Dompok said RM25 billion will come from the export of latex-based products, and about RM5 billion from dry rubber goods.

"I have prevailed to Cabinet for the rubber gloves industry to be part of the key economic areas, similar to palm oil. Cabinet has agreed. Commodity laboratories are being set up," he said.

Dompok said to move the industry forward, challenges like high operating cost including raw material price, rising technical demand and labour shortage must be addressed.

"It is timely to revitalise and confront the various challenges brought about by globalisation," he said.

Meanwhile, Supermax Corp Bhd executive chairman and group managing director Datuk Stanley Thai said he expects the price of wet latex to drop from RM7.30 per kilo now to RM5.50 to RM6.00 towards end of this year.

nazrey

September 29th, 2010, 09:45 PM

Invest Malaysia roadshow in HK Oct 21
Published: 2010/09/30
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/buhk/Article/

BURSA Malaysia (1818), in partnership with OSK Investment Bank, will bring its flagship Invest Malaysia roadshow to Hong Kong on October 21.

Themed "Powering Global Excellence", the roadshow is aimed at showcasing Malaysia's attractive investment opportunities, Bursa Malaysia said in a statement yesterday.

It said Hong Kong-based investors will be able to tap the growth potential of the country's multinational expansion, championed by Malaysian companies that have solid reach throughout Asean and Asia.

Investors will gain insights into mid-to -large capitalised companies that have gained sector leadership regionally or globally, it added.

Bursa said Invest Malaysia Hong Kong 2010 provides an insight into Malaysia's unique mix of global and regional champions that have been successful in their own fields or are emerging companies with unique value propositions.

Other highlights include a look into the government's economic transformation programme that aims to transform Malaysia into a high-income nation. - Bernama

nazrey

September 29th, 2010, 09:52 PM

Pelabur antarabangsa dipelawa
ARKIB : 29/09/2010
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0929&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_01.htm

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2010/0929/Utusan_Malaysia/Muka_Hadapan/mh_01.1.jpg

Najib Tun Razak menandatangani buku lawatan semasa melawat Bursa Saham
New York, semalam. Turut sama Duncan Niederauer (kanan) dan Anifah Aman.

KUALA LUMPUR 28 Sept. - Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak menggesa pelabur antarabangsa mengambil bahagian dalam Program Transformasi Ekonomi Malaysia yang menawarkan peluang pelaburan perniagaan yang luas menerusi beratus-ratus projek.

Dalam membuat gesaan itu, Najib berkata inisiatif khusus menerusi ETP membabitkan tujuh projek "yang sudah dikenal pasti dan sedia untuk dilaksanakan serta-merta."

Tujuh projek itu dengan pelaburan bernilai RM114.7 bilion, akan dimulakan sebelum akhir tahun.

"Banyak lagi dalam perancangan. Kami mempunyai 131 inisiatif spesifik yang akan menjadi projek ketara, yang akan diumumkan, dan pelabur akan dipelawa untuk menyertainya," kata Najib dalam temu bual pada program bisnes Closing Bell Excess CNBC di New York pada petang Isnin.

Closing Bell Excess merupakan program perniagaan yang ditonton ramai di seluruh dunia yang menemu bual pemimpin, ahli ekonomi terkemuka dan penggerak pasaran.

Najib yang juga Menteri Kewangan, turut memberi jaminan kepada pelabur bahawa terdapat mekanisma berkesan untuk memastikan pelaksanaan projek bagi merealisasikan Malaysia sebagai ekonomi berpendapatan tinggi menjelang 2020.

Menerusi pelaburan bernilai AS$1.4 trilion yang diperlukan untuk memacu ETP, Najib berkata, kerajaan sedang "mengenal pasti usaha untuk menghidupkan semula peranan swasta supaya menjadi sektor dominan."

Kerajaan juga sedang mengkaji kira-kira lapan inisiatif reformasi strategik yang akan memacu program transformasi, yang akhirnya akan mewujudkan 3.3 juta pekerjaan di Malaysia dalam usaha untuk menjadi negara maju.

Najib yang kini berada di New York untuk menghadiri Perhimpunan Agung Pertubuhan Bangsa Bersatu berkata, Malaysia juga mengambil kira pelaburan yang susut tahun lepas dan realiti dalam pasaran, dengan saingan sengit untuk mendapatkan pelaburan dolar.

"Apa yang perlu kita lakukan ialah menjadi lebih kompetitif di peringkat global (dan untuk itu), kami telah meliberalisasikan 27 subsektor untuk menarik pelabur antarabangsa.

"Kami sedang mengkaji lebih banyak inisiatif reformasi, selain mengkaji untuk mewujudkan pelan khusus yang akan menarik pasaran.

"Saya rasakan pasaran sudahpun teruja terhadap rancangan itu, oleh itu kami yakin sasaran itu boleh dicapai," kata Najib.

Mengenai ekonomi, Najib berkata, fundamentalnya memihak untuk memacu pertumbuhan.

Angkanya sangat menarik, katanya merujuk peningkatan superlatif 10.1 peratus dalam Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) pada suku pertama tahun ini, diikuti pertumbuhan 8.5 peratus pada suku kedua.

"Kami mengunjurkan prestasi yang lebih baik tahun ini... pastinya kira-kira enam peratus," katanya.

Perdana Menteri turut menyuarakan keyakinan beliau terhadap kestabilan kewangan Malaysia yang diperkukuh oleh bank dan institusi kewangan, dengan sistem perbankan yang sangat cair dan aktiviti pinjaman yang sangat kukuh.

Sumbangan lain termasuk keyakinan kukuh pengguna, permintaan domestik yang tinggi selain persekitaran luaran dan kedudukan kukuh Malaysia sebagai rakan dagang yang meletakkan negara pada kedudukan yang baik dan menyumbang terhadap asas ekonomi makronya.

Selain sikap skeptik sesetengah pihak, Najib menegaskan Malaysia sangat fokus untuk menjadi negara maju berdasarkan "satu kriteria yang boleh diukur iaitu KDNK perkapita."

"Tidak guna bercakap mengenai terma umum, lebih baik sasaran kita lebih spesifik. Ya, kami mahu berkembang, kami mahu meningkatkan KDNK perkapita daripada kira-kira AS$7,000 kepada lebih AS$15,000.

"Ia merupakan perjalanan ke arah transformasi besar-besaran," katanya.

Mengenai projek berkaitan infrastruktur, seperti pembangunan tenaga nuklear dan kereta api berkelajuan tinggi ke Singapura yang dibincangkan akan membuka lebih banyak peluang, Najib menjelaskan bahawa beberapa projek terbabit bukan untuk dilaksanakan serta-merta dan akan dirancang untuk perlaksanaan dalam tempoh empat lima tahun akan datang.

Bagaimanapun, ia membolehkan pelabur merancang ke hadapan kerana sudah ada arah tuju yang jelas, kata Najib.

Mengenai pandangan bahawa perbicaraan kes liwat membabitkan bekas Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim menjejaskan reputasi negara, Najib berkata, ia bukan membicarakan mengenai politik.

"Ia membabitkan seorang individu terhadap individu yang lain," katanya.

"Dan, ada undang-undang di Malaysia dan badan kehakiman adalah bebas, oleh itu orang ramai perlu menerima hakikatnya," kata Najib. - BERNAMA

nazrey

October 2nd, 2010, 06:18 AM

PM's visit to EU marks strengthening ties
By Anis Ibrahim Published: 2010/10/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/tojib/Article/

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak's visit to the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem 8) next week will be the first to the European Union by a Malaysian prime minister, marking expanding ties between Malaysia and the EU.

Najib will be one of the 48 world leaders who are expected to attend the two-day meeting in Brussels, Belgium on October 4.

In a joint statement to the New Straits Times, head of the EU delegation to Malaysia Vincent Piket and Belgian ambassador to Malaysia Frank van de Craen said the similarities between the EU and Asia make the former a natural partner for Asia.

Together, the two regions account for over half of the world's gross domestic product (GDP), more than half of the world's population and over 60 per cent of global trade.

These figures are likely to rise as the economic relationship between the two regions is growing fast, with increasing trade and investment.

A first way forward would be in the area of development as Europe and Asia both have internal disparities with rich and poor states existing side by side, creating instability.

"Instabilities cause massive labour migration, legal or illegal. They cause trafficking in human beings and other types of crime. The EU and Asia should therefore step up development cooperation to make sure that all Asian developing countries will realise the Millennium Development Goals (MDG)."

One of the issues likely to be discussed at Asem 8 is the threat of resource scarcity, closely linked to development and poverty.

Both Piket and van de Craen believe that the only way of dealing with the depletion of natural resources is through sustainable development.

nazrey

October 8th, 2010, 01:16 PM

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2745/pixtop10084.jpg

SUPERCARRIER: USS Abraham Lincoln, nicknamed Abe, pulled into Star Cruise Terminal,
Pulau Indah at 9am today from home port Everett, Washington. More than 5,000 crew
onboard will spend three days here, the ship's first port of call in her current
deployment. NST picture by Roslin Mat Tahir. Oct 8, 2010 6:35 pm

nazrey

October 12th, 2010, 10:06 AM

Malaysia, France ink financial pact
Published: 2010/10/12
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101012115942/Article/index_html

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and Banque de France have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote greater cooperation in financial services between the two central banks.

In a joint statement here today, the banks said the MoU reflected the commitment to cooperate towards the advancement of the Islamic finance industry in the both countries.

BNM governor, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz and governor of Banque de France, Christian Noyer, signed the MoU on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank annual meetings in Washington.

The statement said the MoU would pave the way for greater collaboration in strengthening the financial inter-linkages between the key financial centres.

"The MoU aims to foster long-term strategic developments in conventional and Islamic finance between Malaysia and France by focusing on three key areas," it said.

The areas are:
Enhancing the mutual cooperation on capacity building and human capital development in the financial services industry;

Facilitating and promoting the development of an effective and conducive financial market infrastructure; and,

Enhancing cross-border financial activities including promoting consistent application of cross-border Islamic financial transactions. - Bernama

nazrey

October 13th, 2010, 04:57 AM

Malaysia to help Madagascar draw up plan
Wednesday October 13, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/13/business/7210817&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/13/business/b_7nor.jpg

Ravatomanga Maminiaina (left) presenting a souvenir to Tan Sri Nor Mohamed
Yakcop. Looking on are Economic Planning Unit deputy director-general 1
Datuk Mat Noor Nawi and director of macroeconomics sector Nik Azman Nik
Abdul Majid (right).

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will be assisting Madagascar in drawing up its economic masterplan while at the same time look for opportunities in Madagascar’s vast resources of minerals and oil and gas.

In a meeting between the economic advisor to Madagascar’s president, Ravatomanga Maminiaina, with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop on Monday, Yakcop had offered to send officers to Madagascar to study its economic structure.

He also invited key officials from Madagascar to come to Malaysia for further economic and business discussions.

“This is our first contact with Malaysia. We are looking forward to working with Malaysia, as we already have a historical relationship. We also have similarities in culture, language, food and climate,” said Maminiaina.

He added that Madagascar was in the process of opening up its economy and was seeking foreign investment to grow its economy. Presently, China and Japan have a strong presence in Madagascar, as they are eyeing its supplies of raw minerals.

In the last five years, mining has been a huge contributor to Madagascar’s gross domestic product. The country has huge resources in gold, nickel, cobalt, iron ore and illmenites.

“During our discussion (with Nor Mohamed), we had talked about the possibility of having cooperation in the areas of oil and gas, construction, infrastructure works, setting up commercial banks and bringing in the Proton car,” said Maminiaina.

Madagascar’s sources of growth are tourism, textile and light manufacturing exports, agricultural products and mining.

It is also the world’s leading producer of vanilla and accounts for about half the world’s export market.

In 2009, it recorded a gross domestic product of US$19.35bil and per capita income of US$932.

Malaysia will be assisting Madagascar via the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which is its vehicle in carrying out its South-South cooperation commitments.

Malaysia’s total trade with South-South countries was US$103.7mil (RM331.84mil) in 2009 and in the first four months of 2010, it was US$42.55mil (RM136.6mil).

Starting 2010 onwards, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) will take over the administration and coordination of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

On Malaysia’s investment in South-South countries, he said it totalled US$8.11bil (RM25.95bil) last year, mostly in quarrying and mining, financial intermediation, services, agriculture and manufacturing.

nazrey

October 18th, 2010, 01:53 PM

Microsoft Malaysia aims to be Asia's top 3
Published: 2010/10/18
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101018141437/Article/index_html

Microsoft Malaysia aims to be among the top three countries in Asia in term of market share for next year.

Its Managing Director Ananth Lazarus, is optimistic over the target, saying, the company's newly launched smartphone Windows Phone 7, will be a key factor in the business.

"The smartphone market is growing in Malaysia.

According to the analyst firm, GFK Retail and Technology, there was double-digit share growth for smartphones across Asia last year.

"GFK also noted the very competitive data plan rates offered by network operators in Malaysia and the considerable price reductions in South Korea," he told Bernama in an interview recently.

He also said these factors had made both countries, the leading Asian smartphone markets, with each achieving a market share growth of over 30 per cent.

The new Windows Phone 7 offers a completely different value proposition to "Life Maximisers", the spot between, those who want to use their smart phones for personal tasks and others for professional reasons, via the People Hub and the Office Hub. - Bernama

nazrey

October 20th, 2010, 12:55 AM

Tasmanian govt on mission to Sarawak
by Zoee Hillson. Posted on October 19, 2010, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=69567

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/T03171.jpg

FACT FINDING: Harriss (right) in a discussion with Awang Tengah (centre)
and Len Talif after the courtesy call at Wisma Sumber Alam.

KUCHING: The Tasmanian government is on a fact-finding mission as part of an effort to refute allegations by environmentalist against Ta Ann Holdings Berhad’s operations in the Tasmania, Australia.

Member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council Andrew Paul Harriss said yesterday that allegations by some environmental groups against Ta Ann were scathing and unreasonable.

He also said the allegations were damaging to Ta Ann and the state’s timber industry as a whole.

“It’s fair to say that some environmental groups in Tasmania have been unreasonable and too critical of Ta Ann and they have tried to bring that back to forest practices in Sarawak.

“We seek to rebut that allegation based on proper information gathering and proper technical assessment,” he said when met by reporters after paying a courtesy call on Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan at Wisma Sumber Alam here.

Harriss added that this was his third visit to the state to gain an insight intoTa Ann’s credibility and performance.

“So, we have a delegation here to understand exactly what Ta Ann logging practices are like in Sarawak and also the broader operation industry in Sarawak,” Harriss said.

“Ta Ann is a credible organisation and an organisation of integrity. I’m satisfied with that and this trip is just an upgrading of knowledge on the ongoing operations.

“We are satisfied with Ta Ann’s operations in the past and the information we gather this time confirms that satisfaction.”

He said they were very impressed with Ta Ann’s operations in Tasmania and added that the forest industry was the state’s fundamental economic driver.

“They’re employing many Tasmanians in the local community and 10 per cent of our total workforce in Tasmania is employed in the forest industry operations,” Harriss said.

He also said Tasmania was opening a wide opportunity for the forest industry operators from around the world, including from Sarawak.

VicForests director Robert Patrick Smith, Ta Ann Tasmania director David Riley and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) chief executive officer Datu Len Talif Salleh were also present during the courtesy call.

nazrey

October 20th, 2010, 07:19 AM

Plan to boost tourism with Morocco in the works
Wednesday October 20, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/20/nation/7258574&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Morocco plan to have more mutual investments and tourist arrivals.

Speaking at a joint press conference with her Moroccan counterpart Yassir Zenagui at the Parliament lobby yesterday, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said Malaysia was attracting many tourists from China, India and South-East Asian countries.

Morocco, on the other hand, received many Europeans, Americans and South Americans, she said.

Dr Ng said there were currently 17 weekly flights from Malaysia to Morocco, via Dubai.

“We received 5,000 Moroccan tourists in 2006, but unfortunately the figure has since been declining,” she said.

Zenagui, who invited Dr Ng to visit his country, said bilateral cooperation would enable Malaysia and Morocco to strengthen their tourism markets.

“We have more Moroccans coming here than Malaysians going (to Morocco),” he said.

nazrey

October 27th, 2010, 05:53 AM

First Islamic bank in the Maldives
Wednesday October 27, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/27/business/7303099&sec=business

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/27/business/p4-khaled.JPG

Khaled Al-Aboodi (left) exchanging documents with Datuk Dr Adnan Alias.
Witnessing are Datuk Seri Zukri Samat (second left)and Datuk Mohd Razif
Abd Kadir. – Bernama

Islamic banking institute in bank joint venture

KUALA LUMPUR: The Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM) has joined forces with Maldives Islamic Bank to set up the first Islamic bank in Maldives, which aims to be operational next January.

Both parties signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) yesterday at the Global Islamic Finance Forum.

The MoA will bind both parties to co-develop Islamic finance in the Maldives through an extensive study of Maldives’ legal and banking framework to create a harmonised environment for the growth of Islamic finance.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Bank Negara deputy governor Datuk Mohd Razif Abd Kadir and IBFIM chairman Datuk Seri Zukri Samat.

Maldives Islamic Bank chairman Khaled Al-Aboodi said the bank hoped to capture up to 25% of its local market share within three years or so by offering Islamic finance products targeting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and fisheries.

“We are looking at offering services for retail banking, which include takaful products and mortgage financing. We are also working with a Malaysian partner to come up with a savings scheme but have not yet firmed up the relevant agreements,” he said during a press conference after the signing ceremony.

Maldives Islamic Bank will have one branch in the first year of operations before opening more subsequently.

Khaled added that the team was headed by a Malaysian chief executive officer. According to a press statement, the Maldives Islamic Bank managing director is Harith Harun.

With a 100% Muslim population of some 330,000 individuals in Maldives, Khaled expects strong demand for syariah compliant products to drive the bank’s future growth. There are currently four conventional banks in the Maldives.

Maldives Islamic Bank is 70% owned by Jeddah-based Islamic Corp for the Development of the Private Sector, a subsidiary of Islamic Development Bank while the remaining stake is held by the Maldives government.

Meanwhile, IBFIM chief executive officer Datuk Dr Adnan Alias said IBFIM was looking at further collaborations with Chinese partners involving the Muslim community centre-cum-regional finance centre project in Shenyang City, China, with a gross development value of RM11bil.

This project involved Shenyang Malaysia Development Sdn Bhd and the Administrative Committee of the Shenyang Finance Development Zone finalising the relocation of the community there.

“The mayor will be coming next week and we will look at how we can help facilitate this project further,” said Adnan.

nazrey

October 27th, 2010, 04:44 PM

Malaysia and India to ink trade agreement
By MERGAWATI ZULFAKAR Updated: Wednesday October 27, 2010 MYT 6:36:46 PM
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/27/nation/20101027124530&sec=nation

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and India agreed to sign the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (Miceca) by next January with a trade target of US$15bil (RM47bil) by 2015.

The free trade agreement between the two countries is expected to be signed and implemented on July 1, 2011.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who held talks with visiting Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh here on Wednesday witnessed the signing of an agreement to conclude negotiations.

The FTA cover trade in goods and services, and investment as well as economic cooperation.

Negotiations started in February 2008 but were put on hold after two rounds as both sides wanted to focus on completing Asean-India trade in goods agreement.

Najib who met Dr Manmohan in New Delhi in January decided the agreement should be concluded when they met in Malaysia.

“When the agreement comes into force, US$15bil in trade can be reached by 2015, if not earlier,” Najib told a joint press conference with Dr Manmohan, who is in Malaysia for a three-day visit.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1220/5119555617_1bf720c91b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wazari/5119555617/

nazrey

October 29th, 2010, 02:50 PM

India and KL explore ties in ICT resources
By ZUHRIN AZAM AHMAD Friday October 29, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/29/nation/7323725&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/10/29/nation/n_4man.jpg

Meeting of minds: Muhyiddin discussing ways to improve bilateral ties with
Manmohan when he paid a courtesy call on the visiting Indian leader at the
Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin paid a courtesy call on visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here.

Both leaders spent about 30 minutes discussing a wide range of bilateral issues and opportunities for more cooperation in the future.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, who was the minister-in-attendance, said Manmohan also invited Muhyiddin to visit India, which was accepted by Muhyiddin.

He told reporters that both leaders highlighted the potential of both countries in establishing a partnership in human capital development, particularly in ICT, where India had wide experience.

“The Indian government is very keen to help us in this area as well as in engineering.

“The partnership will be on government-to-government basis. It will likely be handled by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry,” he added.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, who also visited Manmohan, said he took the opportunity to ask Manmohan to give Malaysian contractors infrastructure projects in India.

Samy said although Malaysian companies had been awarded a total of US$20bil (RM62bil) worth of projects to date, their participation had shrunk dramatically in recent years due to the imposition of certain rulings.

“We hope projects in India can be given to Malaysian companies on a government-to-government basis.

“I also spoke to him on the tourist visa issue and I have appealed to the Indian government to review the two-month period because it has posed problems especially to our businessmen,” he said.

The Indian government’s new regulation bars tourist visa holders from re-entering India within two months of their last visit.

The move has drawn criticism from Malaysians who have been visiting friends and relatives in India without restrictions in the past.

Samy Vellu said he also conveyed a request for more professors and lecturers from India to be seconded to the AIMST University here.

He added that the university needed more of them especially for science subjects, and told Manmohan that the university would offer them long-tenure contracts.

nazrey

November 4th, 2010, 10:48 AM

Gates next US leader to visit Malaysia
Thursday November 4, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/4/nation/7362196&sec=nation

SUBANG: The next US top gun to visit Malaysia will be Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis said Gates would be on a two-day visit from next Tuesday.

“He will be meeting his Malaysian counterpart (Defence Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi) to strengthen bilateral military ties.

“They will be discussing security issues in the region, among others,” he said, adding that they would also discuss other issues of common interest.

Jamaluddin said this after bidding farewell to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Sultan Aziz Shah Airport here yesterday.

He said Gates was merely reciprocating Zahid’s visit to the United States earlier this year.

Gates is making a trip to Malaysia a week after Clinton’s historic visit to improve bilateral relationship.

nazrey

November 18th, 2010, 09:12 AM

Najib receives delegation from Baden-Wurttemberg
2010/11/18
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/NajibreceivesdelegationfromBaden-Wurttemberg/Article/

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/PixFront/pix_11187.jpg

A VERY WARM WELCOME... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul
Razak (L) welcomes Stefan Mappus, the Minister President of the German
state, Baden-Wurttemberg. The two leaders held a 30-minute discussion on
how to increase two-way economic co-operation in trade as well as
high-technology industries. -- Picture by BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today met Stefan Mappus, the Minister President of the German state, Baden-Wurttemberg.

Among matters discussed in the 30-minute meeting at the Prime Minister's Office were economic cooperation particularly in the field of high-technology, officials said.

Baden-Wurttemberg is the third largest state among Germany's 16 states. Its main economic activities are automobile, medical technology, aerospace, pharmaceutical and biotechnology.

As of September this year, the total export from the German state to Malaysia reached 341.776 million euros while import from Malaysia amounted to 604.375 million euros.

The German state has the highest concentration of Malaysian students, with 237 out of 703 students in Germany are in Baden-Wurttemberg, studying engineering.

Minister President Mappus is on a four-day visit to Malaysia until tomorrow. -- BERNAMA

nazrey

November 18th, 2010, 04:14 PM

KNM wins US$216m job in Uzbekistan
Published: 2010/11/18
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101118180553/Article/index_html

KNM Group Bhd, a Malaysian oil and gas services provider, said in a statement it won a US$216 million contract to supply equipment and services for the development of gas condensate fields in Uzbekistan. -- Bloomberg

nazrey

November 18th, 2010, 04:15 PM

Malaysia, S. Korea ink trade MoU
Published: 2010/11/18
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101118180946/Article/index_html

Malaysia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Governing Mutual Administrative Assistance and Cooperation in Origin Certification and Verification with the Republic of Korea to further facilitate exports of goods under the ASEAN-Korea Trade in Goods Agreement.

The MoU was signed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Secretary General, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat and Korea Customs Service Commissioner Yoon Young-sun in Seoul, last Monday.

In a statement today, MITI said the MoU is to facilitate the verification of origin process and other matters related to the implementation of the preferential trade between the two countries.

It is targeted to strengthen administrative assistance cooperation and information exchange to ensure the effectiveness of the processes.

It would also provide for technical assistance for both parties in the establishment of standardisation and development of the electronic certification of origin.

MITI said the MoU will ensure smooth implementation of the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which came into force on January 1 this year.

Malaysia's bilateral trade with South Korea amounted to RM36.75 billion (US$11.71 billion) last year.

During the January to September this year, bilateral trade meanwhile grew by 36.4 per cent to RM38 billion (US$12.11 billion) from RM25.79 billion (US$8.22 billion) in the same period last year.

The increase was attributed to an increase in the export of crude petroleum, palm oil, crude rubber, manufactured products, electrical goods and electronics, chemical and chemical products. -- Bernama

nazrey

November 22nd, 2010, 09:47 AM

Malaysia-Belgium ties poised for growth
Monday November 22, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/22/business/7474364&sec=business

Relations at ‘prominent stage’ but still room to further develop

KUALA LUMPUR: Bilateral relations between Malaysia and Belgium have reached a prominent stage but there is still room to further enhance ties, says Belgium Ambassador Dr Frank Van de Craen.

He said relations between both countries had come a long way since 1957 when Malaya gained her independence.

Our relations (then) were more of developing cooperation, but in the 1970s and 80s, economic relations became more important.

In the 21st century, it is the central point of our relations. Apart from trade and investment, of course, the relationship is wide. We are living in a globalised world; that means we have political, economic, religious, education and many more ties, he said in an interview.

Van de Craen said Belgium's most important trading partners were in the European Union (EU) but outside the EU, Malaysia was among its top 20 trading partners.

He said bilateral trade between Malaysia and Belgium stood at RM4.5bil in 2008 but declined a bit in 2009. However, it started picking up this year especially from the Belgium side, he said.

Our export grew 45% in the first-half of 2010; we traditionally have a deficit. But, since our exports to Malaysia have started picking up, we may see a balanced trade picture by year-end, he said.

Van de Craen, whose term in Malaysia ends in January, pointed that the free trade agreement (FTA) that was launched within the Asia-Europe Meeting framework in Brussels last month would bring cheer to businesses in both countries.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/11/22/business/b_5frank.jpg

Frank Van de Craen ... ‘There is no lack of elite engineering or
management skills among Malaysian employees.’ — Bernama

The EU wanted to conclude an FTA with the regional entity but this was not possible for different reasons. So we started to focus on individual countries, he said.

The ambassador said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who launched negotiations in Brussels, wanted the FTA to be finalised between 18 and 24 months.

On challenges to Belgian businesses, Van de Craen said: Our commercial policy is no longer a sovereign independent. It has been taken over to a large extent by the trade and commercial policy of the EU.

So, we have to act together with the 27-member states of the EU.

On doing business with Malaysia, he said many European countries investing here noted that the technical expertise of the Malaysian workforce could be improved.

There is no lack of elite engineering or management skills among Malaysian employees, he said, adding that there was a definite lack of middle management technicians.

Malaysia should look into the matter by establishing more vocational schools, he said, adding that the country was an attractive investment destination.

Belgian investments were mainly in the financial sector, he said, citing BNP Paribas Group's joint-venture with Malayan Banking Bhd through Etiqa insurance.

Belgian companies are also involved in the palm oil business and a diamond operation in Kelantan.

Van de Craen said Malaysia attracted investors from the Middle East and other Asean countries, particularly in the construction sector, but suggested that Malaysia also attracted investments which created jobs in the technology sector.

He also proposed that Malaysia and Belgium tapped the tourism sector of both countries.

We have about 10,000 tourists coming from Belgium to Malaysia (annually).

This is one area we can really improve, not only from the Belgium point of view but I think a number of European countries still have not discovered the historic destinations in Malaysia, he said, adding that this would encourage people-to-people integration.

Currently, more Belgian tourists visited Indonesia and Thailand than Malaysia, he said. - Bernama

nazrey

November 26th, 2010, 04:54 PM

PM: M’sia set to be one of world’s O&G hubs
Posted on November 26, 2010, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=77121

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2660.jpg

INCREASED INTEREST: The Prime Minister said the Asia-Pacific region has
seen increased interest in deepwater development and Malaysia is already at
the forefront of this development. — Photo from offshore-technology.com

JOHOR BAHARU: Malaysia will soon become one of the world’s four deepwater oil and gas hubs, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with industry leaders like the United States, Brazil and Europe.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Asia-Pacific region has seen increased interest in deepwater development and Malaysia is already at the forefront of this development.

“Already we are an established hub in the subsea industry and soon we will become one of the world’s four deepwater oil and gas hubs, with industry leaders such as the United States, Brazil and Europe,” he said when opening Asiaflex Products Sdn Bhd plant, owned by Technip, at Tanjung Langsat, near Pasir Gudang, yesterday.

The plant, the first in the Asia-Pacific region, will produce high-tech flexible pipes and umbilicals for deepwater oil and gas fields in the region and the Middle East.

For a relatively small country like Malaysia, Najib said it was an achievement to be proud of as much of the country’s growth in this area occurred organically through local talents in partnership with glocal industry players.

The Malaysian oil and gas industry, he said, has grown at a remarkable pace and presently the sector is an important segment of the national economy, with upstream and downstream businesses contributing RM17 billion to the economy last year.

“Over the years, Malaysia has grown from being solely a supplier of crude oil and gas to become a value-added provider of equipment and services, both domestically and throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” said the prime minister.

He said that with Asiaflex’s plant in Tanjung Langsat, Malaysia will now be home to the Asia-Pacific region’s very first flexible pipe manufacturing

facility, which will further entrench the country’s leadership in the deepwater market and expand its foothold in the offshore oil and gas sector.

Najib said Asiaflex’s 150 million euro facility in Tanjung Langsat is Technip’s third plant in the world, joining two others in France and Brazil.

“This is testament to the strong interest that businesses have for this special part of Malaysia and the relatively early success we have been experiencing since the formation of Iskandar Region,” he said.

The location in Tanjung Langsat enables Asiaflex Products to serve the emerging deepwater oil and gas markets in Australia, Asia and the Middle East simultaneously, Najib said.

“This is critical especially given the burgeoning growth seen in oil fields in these regions over the last few years,” he said.

Najib also said the presence of companies like Technip was critical if the country were to achieve the medium-term goal of becoming a high-income nation of skilled workers.

The transfer of technology and job opportunities, he said, will be a key contributor to boosting the rise of skilled workers in this particular region of Johor, he added.

Technip chairman and chief executive officer Thierry Pilenko said his company decided to locate its plant in Tanjung Langsat after being encouraged by the government’s efforts to turn Malaysia into the fourth deepwater hub after Houston, Rio de Janeiro and Europe.

“It was that vision that encouraged Technip to consider Tanjung Langsat as the home of our first Asian facility,” he said.

He also commended Malaysia for providing the right infrastructure and regulatory processes for facilitating such investments. — Bernama

nazrey

December 2nd, 2010, 09:59 AM

KNM forms joint venture in South Africa
Thursday December 2, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/2/business/7540609&sec=business

KUALA LUMPUR: KNM Group Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary, KNM International Sdn Bhd, has entered into a shareholders agreement with Aveng (Africa) Ltd set up a joint-venture company in South Africa.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, KNM Group said the joint-venture (JV) company, to be known as KNM Grinaker-LTA (Pty) Ltd, would undertake the fabrication of steel products. KNM International will own 49.9% of the JV company and Aveng will own the balance stake. - Bernama

nazrey

December 2nd, 2010, 10:05 AM

Parkson unit sells stake in Hong Kong store
Thursday December 2, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/2/business/7541536&sec=business

KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Kong-listed Parkson Retail Group, a unit of Parkson Holdings Bhd, has disposed a 55% stake in Yangzhou Parkson Plaza Co Ltd for 78.5 million yuan (RM36.9mil).

Parkson Retail Group was expected to realise a pre-tax gain of about 40 million yuan (RM19mil) from the disposal, Parkson Holdings said in a statement to Bursa Malaysia yesterday.

The rationale for the disposal is due to the location of the Yangzhou Parkson store which is no longer desirable for department store operation and the size of the store which is too small to remain competitive in the market. it said.

nazrey

December 3rd, 2010, 07:55 AM

PPKS to share German college’s expertise
by Jonathan Chia Posted on December 3, 2010, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=78345

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2714.jpg

SIGNED AND SEALED: Taib witnesses the exchanging of MoU documents
by Baharudin and Muller. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Sarawak Skills Development Centre, otherwise known as Pusat Pembangunan Kemahiran Sarawak (PPKS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with KUKA College Germany (KUKA College) at the sidelines of the official opening and launching ceremony of the Sarawak Foundry and Engineering Industries Association (SWKFEIA) building and Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (Awisar).

The MoU signing was officiated by the Chief Minister of Sarawak Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud while PPKS was represented by its executive director and the managing director of Awisa; Baharudin Abdullah and KUKA College was represented by KUKA Roboter GmbH (KUKA Roboter) director of Customer Service for Asia; Gerhard Muller.

The main objectives of the MoU were to promote cooperation between the parties in robotics and industrial automation applications.

Among some of the areas that were addressed under the main objectives of the MoU were consultancy, system and product research and development (R&D), industrial training and seminars.

The general areas of cooperation between parties involved the sharing of expertise between KUKA College and PPKS, usage of the research facilities that were available in KUKA College and PPKS.

Besides that, the MoU signing would also encourage the cooperation of other mutually beneficial fields, all of which might be jointly carried out through technical information, technology transfer and training, joint technology and project development as well as joint technical solution to industries.

“I would like to reiterate our commitment as the training and education provider to ensure skills and qualifications of our graduates are comprehensive and relevant to the industries’ needs that reflect the true quality of our education and training experience.

“We are grateful for the trust and support from the SWKFEIA that would enable us to deliver our expertise as the renowned technical and vocational training provider in the region,” said Datin Fatimah Abdullah who represented the chairman of PPKS and Awisar; Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain.

Awisar was set up by the PPKS in collaboration with SWKFEIA.

It was a smart partnership between a training and education institution and the industries in an effort to increase the pool of the skilled human resource to meet the demand of the industries themselves.

Participation from the industries would ensure relevancy and viability of technical and vocational education.

Awisar’s role was to produce continuous supply of quality workers to the companies that participate in the training of our future workforce. Ultimately, the institute aimed to create competent workforce that would be competitive in the global industries.

Awisar was committed as a training and education provider to ensure that the skills and qualification of graduates were comprehensive and relevant to the industries’ needs.

When met after the MoU signing, Muller pointed out that the cooperation between the PPKS and KUKA College Germany would provide a win-win situated for both parties.

“The cooperation enables us to bring the knowledge from KUKA College Germany to Malaysian cities and at the same time we also get the knowledge on the needs from the industries in Malaysia in return,” said Muller.

Muller stated that KUKA College Germany’s holding company; KUKA Roboter’s subsidiary in Malaysia, KUKA Robot Automation (M) Sdn Bhd had a lot of cooperation with the universities.

He highlighted that KUKA Roboter’s focus was the Asian market and the Malaysian market in particular.

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2700.jpg

IMPRESSIVE: Taib (third right) is briefed on robotic technology. Jabu is
at left, while Baharudin is at second left. — Photo by Chimon Upon

nazrey

December 3rd, 2010, 08:19 AM

The African life in Malaysia
'Most Wanted Queens' is a collaborative effort of 10 Nigerian students
Anu Venugopal Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 15:31:00

http://www.mmail.com.my/sites/default/files/imagecache/medium/nigeria_0.jpg

The cast and crew of 'Most Wanted Queens',
who depict the real lives of Nigerian students studying abroad

The brainchild of Henry Cesh, who is the executive producer of the movie Most Wanted Queens, is a tale about three different girls from different cultures and countries in Kuala Lumpur who put aside their differences and live their lives amidst different adventures.

"There is so much cultural diversity in Malaysia and I thought it was a good background for a movie about the lifestyles of Africans in another country," said Cesh, who came up with the idea when he first arrived in 2006.

He added that Most Wanted Queens was produced to further fuel the demand in Nigeria for movies that explore the lifestyle of Africans across the globe.

"After six months of market research, we discovered that the quest for Nigerian movies produced abroad has increased tremendously," he explained at the launching, which was officiated by Information Communication and Culture deputy minister Datuk Maglin Dennis D'Cruz.

Cesh expressed hope that the home movie, which was produced based on the Actors' Guide of Nigeria (AGN) standard will receive interest of fans from Nollywood (the Nigerian film industry).

The ongoing series will see the talents of top Nigerian, South African, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenyan actors at the forefront.

As a series of movies targeted to last several months, it gives room for adequate promotion and publicity for sponsoring organisations interested in supporting the ongoing series that depict real life scenarios of students studying abroad.

Twenty two actors were chosen after a two-day audition process for the project - with 45 hopefuls of various nationalities vying for a spot in the film. Among the talents featured in the first edition of Most Wanted Queens are two Malaysians and one Australian.

"I was encouraged to get involved in the project by African friends and I decided to try it out," said one of the Malaysian actors, Chan Shi Yen.

The 21-year-old student of Multimedia University believes not many locals encourage students to mix with international students, including Africans but she has had only good experiences with them.

"I have met many good people from overseas and some of them have become my good friends," added Chan, who has many friends from Botswana.

Chopa Entertainment hopes Most Wanted Queens will boost the integration of Afro-Asian cultures in communities around Malaysia and Asia. The group also hopes future projects will act as a catalyst for young, talented people to pursue their interests.

"We hope to convey information about Malaysian companies to Nigeria through the movie and give the opportunity to individuals and companies to seek business opportunities in both countries," said the 26-year-old producer.

Currently only showing in the Nigerian market, Cesh has plans of screening Most Wanted Queens in Malaysia after getting approval from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).

nazrey

December 4th, 2010, 02:10 AM

Malaysia exports jumped to RM54.98b in Oct
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2010/12/04
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/rup0303/Article/

EXPORTS grew slightly higher than market expectations in October, at 1.3 per cent to RM54.98 billion.

Imports expanded 12.5 per cent to RM48.13 billion, while total trade recorded during the month was RM103.10 billion.

"The magnitude of easing in October reignites some concern on Malaysia's export outlook and it certainly reinforces the view that the pace of Malaysia's GDP (gross domestic product) growth is moderating in the fourth quarter of 2010 going into 2011," said Standard Chartered Bank economist Alvin Liew.

StanChart expects GDP growth to ease to 5.1 per cent in 2011 after a strong recovery to 6.8 per cent in 2010 led by investment while the contribution from exports and pri-vate consumption is likely reduced.

The International Trade and Industry Ministry said the increase in exports from a year ago was largely contributed by higher exports of refined petroleum products, palm oil, optical and scientific equipment as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Exports to China declined 6.7 per cent while exports to Asean dipped 2.9 per cent due to lower exports to crude petroleum and E&E products.

Exports to the European Union re-corded a marginal increase of 0.7 per cent while exports to the US de-clined 10.8 per cent from a year ago.

Exports to key markets like the US and China contracted for the second straight month by 10.8 per cent year-on-year and 6.7 per cent respectively, raising concerns of flagging demand from key markets.

Economists noted that China's latest PMI (purchasing managers' index) reading had turned out to be stronger than expected, and its appetite for Malaysian exports could improve next month.

nazrey

December 8th, 2010, 06:46 AM

Nepal beckons Malaysian investors
Published: 2010/12/08
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101208103820/Article/index_html

The fragile Nepal government has invited Malaysian investors to invest in its flagging economy, stifled by prolonged political rift, assuring the impasse will not risk foreign investments.

Speaking to Bernama in the Himalayan capital of Kathmandu, Nepal's acting Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachhadhar admitted foreign investors shied away due to the internal instability, but was confident that political leaders would stitch an amicable peace truce soon.

"The fact is Nepal is facing political instability at present and because of instability investors feel insecure. We are going for peace process and solve our political problems.

"After that any investor from the world, including from Malaysia, can invest in our country. Still there is law and order in Nepal," said Bijay, also one of the two deputy prime ministers in the caretaker government ruling the Himalayan state.

A 50-member trade delegation from Malaysia's private sector under the aegis of the Malaysia-Nepal Business Council visited Nepal last week to scout for potential business opportunities.

"We are inviting the Malaysian government and Malaysians to support us. Nepal is fertile for investment," added Bijay.

Nepal, a country of nearly 28 million people, is blessed with abundance of natural resources, but still remained largely untapped.

Malaysia's current exports to Nepal stands at about RM300 million, comprising mainly finished products and palm oil. -- Bernama

nazrey

December 8th, 2010, 11:15 AM

India's Religare seeks presence in Malaysia
By Adeline Paul Raj Published: 2010/12/08
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ligar/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ligar/pix_topright

The financial services group considers Malaysia and Indonesia two key markets it needs to be in, says Religare's group CEO

Religare Enterprises Ltd, a financial services group from India controlled by the prominent Singh brothers, Malvinder and Shivinder, is looking to buy a mid-sized investment bank in Malaysia and Indonesia, its chief said.

The group, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, is on a mission to expand across emerging markets on the investment banking side and considers Malaysia and Indonesia two key markets it needs to be in, group chief executive officer Shachindra Nath said.

Besides India, Religare already has a presence in Singapore and Hong Kong.

"We're looking at multiple ways to expand here. We'll be meeting a lot of industry experts, regulators, over this," Shachindra told Business Times in an interview in Kuala Lumpur.

He said the group could acquire a mid-sized investment bank in Malaysia, improve on its quality, bring in top talent and make it part of its global investment bank.

Its global investment bank, which is focused on emerging markets, is headquartered in London.

Religare would look to have management control in any acquisition, Shachindra said.

"Our intent is to bring Malaysia on the forefront to our global investor base. And for that, it has to operate as a part of the Religare investment bank, not as a standalone business," he explained.

He said the group has yet to start active discussions with any party on a potential acquisition.

Investment banks like OSK Investment Bank and Kenanga Investment Bank are "unsuitable" targets as they also have other businesses, like private wealth and retail brokerage.

"It makes it more difficult to then convert them back into an investment bank," Shachindra remarked.

He said the group has yet to come across a suitable target in Malaysia. As such, it is also exploring the possibility of partnering "sets of talented individuals" from existing investment banks.

"We can bring them on the Religare platform and they can be very entrepreneurial in the way they run the local business over here. Investment banking is all about people, after all, nothing else," he said, adding that these individuals could also co-own some equity.

The group has yet to approach any individuals here but has asked a recruitment consultant to start looking into that, he said.

Meanwhile, Religare's plan to expand into Indonesia has progressed much faster and it is currently in talks with a small investment bank bank there, he said.

Malvinder and Shivinder, who battled it out earlier this year with Malaysia's investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd for control of Singapore's healthcare firm Parkway Holdings, currently own 57 per cent of Religare.

They are, however, hands-off with the financial services business and are not even board members, focusing instead on their healthcare business via Fortis Healthcare, said Shachindra.

nazrey

December 8th, 2010, 11:16 AM

Tenaga eyes Yemeni power projects
Published: 2010/12/08
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101208160738/Article/index_html

Malaysia’s national power producer Tenaga Nasional said on today it wants to develop a power plant in Yemen after signing a collaborative agreement with the latter’s National Trading Company (NATCO).

NATCO is the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hayel Saeed Anan (HSA) Group, and is Yemen’s largest trading and contracting company. It recently won a government tender to build a 90 megawatt power generation plant.

“Yemen currently has a shortfall in electric generating capacity and it is estimated that only 40 percent of Yemenis have access to electricity from the national power grid,” HSA director Fouad Hayel Saeed told reporters.

Tenaga’s chief executive Datuk Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the company’s role in the project had yet to be determined but could include building the plant.

Hayel Saeed said the government was looking to build another generating plant at the Port of Aden for industrial use, although details about the plan had yet to be released.

Tenaga, together with NATCO, would be involved in other power generation, distribution and personnel training projects in Yemen, Che Khalib said.

Tenaga has been actively pursuing projects in the Middle East and is one of the contenders for Saudi Arabia’s US$1.8 billion Qurayyah power plant. - AFP

nazrey

December 10th, 2010, 12:22 PM

Samsung plans LED plant in Malaysia
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2010/12/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/sungsam-2/Article/

South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is expected to make a high-value reinvestment announcement in Malaysia soon for a light emitting diode plant.

Business Times learnt that the company, which has a Malaysian production facility for cathode ray tubes (CRT is the technology used in traditional computer monitors and televisions) in Negeri Sembilan, is exiting this business and replacing it with the LED facility.

The investment figure for this new venture is unknown, along with the number of people the company is expected to hire.

"No layoffs are expected, however, from those who were hired in the CRT production," a source said.

Samsung is due to make the new reinvestment announcement when South Korean president Lee Myung-Bak visits Kuala Lumpur this month.

Established in 1995, Samsung Electronics Display (M) Sdn Bhd (SDMA) is located in the Samsung Electronics Complex in Seremban.

The company was reported to manufacture Samsung televisions as well as monitors for the domestic and export markets.

In 2006, the company was said to have 1,000 people on its payroll.

Meanwhile, the status of Samsung's plans to set up a RM3.5 million memory chip facility on mainland Penang in Batu Kawan is still unknown.

"No progress has been made on this," a source said.

It was reported two years ago that Samsung was looking to hire as many as 2,000 people when it opens its new manufacturing facility in Penang and the project was supposed to break ground by the end of last year, with full production commencing in 2011.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who visited Seoul in July this year, had said that the Samsung Group had expressed an interest in solar energy, LED, defence equipment and shipbuilding.

When visiting Samsung City in Suwon, he was reportedly briefed by Samsung Group Malaysia's president Datuk Lee Sang-Bai on the company's plans in Malaysia over the next five years.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/editorspick/images/leemyung_main.jpg

President Lee arrives in KL
Friday December 10, 2010
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, left, walks with the Yang DiPertuan
Agong Sultan Zainal Abidin, right, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib follows them
during a welcome ceremony at Parliament House, Kuala Lumpur. - APpix

nazrey

December 10th, 2010, 04:12 PM

http://thestar.com.my/archives/editorspick/images/leemyung_main.jpg

President Lee arrives in KL
Friday December 10, 2010
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, left, walks with the Yang DiPertuan
Agong Sultan Zainal Abidin, right, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib follows them
during a welcome ceremony at Parliament House, Kuala Lumpur. - APpix

Malaysia-Korea trade to double by 2016
Published: 2010/12/10
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101210150113/Article/index_html

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said both countries had agreed to encourage mutual investment, particularly by Korean companies which already had a presence in Malaysia, to increase their level of re-investment. He said Malaysia is ready to support and provide incentives to them for this purpose.

"We believe that our bilateral relationship will get stronger as a result of the visit by the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Myung-bak," he said.

Najib was speaking at the joint press conference on the occasion of the state visit of Lee Myung-bak here today.

"We have noticed a 34 per cent jump in terms of bilateral trade compared to the same period last year. We believe it is possible, for the bilateral trade, to double within the next five years," he said.

He also said both countries had agreed to look into the possibility of having a separate Malaysia and South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), to complement the Asean-South Korea FTA, already in place.

"The Asean-South Korea FTA has given a strong impetus for trade investment between Asean and South Korea. We believe, if there is a separate bilateral FTA, it will certainly enhance bilateral relations," he added. -- Bernama

South Korea, Malaysia in 'green' pact
Published: 2010/12/10
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101210133307/Article/index_html

South Korea and Malaysia signed an agreement to collaborate in the biofuels and bioenergy industries, according to a joint statement today.

Malaysian Biotechnology Corp will work with Korean Energy Management Corp on green technologies, their governments said.

The pact came during South Korean President Lee Myung Bak’s visit to the Southeast Asian nation. -- Bloomberg

nazrey

December 11th, 2010, 01:43 PM

nazrey

December 12th, 2010, 07:03 PM

Miti mission to Qatar, Saudi Arabia
Published: 2010/12/13
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/PATAR/Article/index_html

INTERNATIONAL Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed is leading a trade and investment mission to Doha in Qatar, and Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to boost bilateral trade with the Arab countries.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the main objectives of the December 12 to 16 mission are to boost trade and investment relations between Malaysia and both Middle East countries, discuss the free trade agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council and follow up on matters discussed during the trade and investment mission to Qatar and Saudi Arabia in October 2009.

Mustapa will update Qatari and Saudi business communities on investment prospects and opportunities in Malaysia.

Meetings with leaders and senior government officials of Qatar and Saudi Arabia as well as Malaysian professionals and companies operating in the countries are also on the itinery.

Mustapa will also be signing the Malaysia-Qatar double-taxation avoidance agreement on behalf of the government.

Between 2000 and 2009, total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Qatar increased more than twelvefold from RM250.6 million in 2000 to RM3.07 billion in 2009.

Total exports to Qatar expanded by twentyfivefold to RM1.92 billion in 2009 from RM76.7 million in 2000 and total imports from Qatar increased by more than sixfold to RM1.15 billion from RM173.9 million.

In 2009, Qatar was Malaysia's fourth largest trading partner in the Middle East, 31st largest trading partner, 30th largest export destination and 34th largest import sources.

Malaysia's major exports to Qatar were transformers and electric switching gears, scientific equipment, metal products and processed food.

nazrey

December 15th, 2010, 09:03 PM

Sozo: Malaysia good export platform to US
By Ooi Tee Ching Published: 2010/12/13
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/sozo2/Article/index_html

China's Sozo Global Ltd has picked Malaysia to host its canned food operation because it will be much more cost-effective for exports to the US.

A can of mushroom exported from China to the US attracts 100 per cent duty. But if it was shipped from Malaysia, it would be tax-free, chief executive officer and co-founder Shen Hengbao said.

"This is just one type of cooked food. Generally, it is more competitive to process food and meals here and export it to the US," he told Business Times in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Sozo Global is due to list its shares on Bursa Malaysia.

It will use RM5 million from its IPO proceeds to fund the RM15 million canned food factory.

Sozo has identified two potential locations for the food processing factory in Malaysia, namely, the Port Klang Free Trade Zone and Iskandar Malaysia in Johor. But it has yet to decide.

"We're not in a rush. We're only scheduled to begin factory construction in mid-2011. Apart from tax incentives, we need to assess the availability of deepsea ports and convenient supply of food ingredients," Shen said.

Since its inception in 2005, Sozo makes ready-to-serve meals, frozen vegetables and canned foods such as fruits and seafood. It also produces vacuum fried food and asparagus tea.

Sozo's products are currently marketed under brands such as Geleifu (Green Food), Hengbao Food and The Four Seasons Farm.

Shen said Khazanah Nasional Bhd via Agro Treasures will hold a 10.43 per cent stake in Sozo, post-listing.

With Khazanah Nasional as its long-term partner, Shen said Sozo's expansion in Malaysia is assured of a bright future.

Agro Treasures is a 15:85 joint venture between Khazanah and Vida Inc Sdn Bhd.

Asked how Sozo came about to do business with Khazanah, Shen revealed that the key person was Lee Yu Lian, who owns 50 per cent of Vida.

"Ms Lee introduced us to Khazanah. As our meetings progressed, we decided to leverage on the good opportunity to expand our manufacturing presence in Malaysia. Eventually, we want expand into a halal food processing facility in Malaysia. It will give us the opportunity to capture a slice of the estimated US$2.1 trillion (RM6.59 trillion) halal food industry globally," he added.

nazrey

December 15th, 2010, 09:10 PM

Poland keen to enhance ties with Sarawak
Posted on December 15, 2010, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=80437

KUCHING: The Republic of Poland is ready to enhance bilateral ties with Malaysia, especially Sarawak, in various industries that will benefit both countries.

Polish Ambassador to Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines, Adam W Jelonek said their main interest in Sarawak would be in the area of public transportation where they were willing to share their expertise in green technology and environmental friendly bus service.

He said Poland transport system was one the best in Eastern Europe and he was confident that his country could help to modernise the public transport in Sarawak.

He continued, the other areas that Poland might have interest in were the intensive energy sector especially those involved in aluminium smelting, copper and coal industries.

This would be an opportunity for companies in Poland to invest in Sarawak Corridor of Renewal Energy (SCORE).

“The other sector that Poland is interested in include the involvement of green technology, agriculture and tourism and petrochemical,” he added.

Adam, who was very impressed with the development in Sarawak, said the state was very special to Poland because Poland was the first Eastern Block country to open its consulate in East Malaysia and there was a ‘personal touch’ in terms of relationship by both countries.

Even though there were no companies venturing into both countries at the moment, Poland was attracted to invest in Malaysia because the country’s political and economic stability.

He hoped his visit would open up opportunities for companies here and Malaysia as a whole to venture into Poland.

“Our economy has a positive growth of two per cent in 2010 compared to big industrial nation in Europe like Germany where their economic growth is in negative 4 per cent.”

He added Poland was positive that it could build stronger bilateral ties with Malaysia as it could be the window of opportunities for Malaysian companies to enter the European market as the country would be the President of the European Union soon.

He also pointed out there were currently many Malaysian students studying medicine in Polish universities and he hoped the young people from Poland would reciprocate in Malaysia in other fields of education and profession.

Since both countries did know much about each other he suggested that there could be an exchange programme with the media fraternity in both countries.

He further disclosed that Poland is the major supplier of military hardware to the Malaysian Army and has a very good rapport with the Ministry of Defence.

nazrey

December 16th, 2010, 11:01 AM

DRB-HICOM signs MoU with Russian truck manufacturer
Thursday December 16, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/16/business/7630286&sec=business

SHAH ALAM: DRB-HICOM Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kamaz Group, the largest automobile corporation of the Russian Federation, to look into the possibility of manufacturing and assembling selected Kamaz heavy duty trucks for the Malaysian and Asean markets.

This MoU will pave the way for the feasibility and a detailed costing study as well as the models of Kamaz truck suitable for this region, said DRB-HICOM group managing director Datuk Seri Khamil Jamil in a statement yesterday.

DRB-HICOM group director of automotive Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan said in the same statement that the commercial vehicle market had been showing positive growth and there was a demand for good quality durable trucks not only in the Malaysian market but also in right-hand drive markets like Indonesia and Thailand. Both parties are optimistic of starting production in the next eight to 12 months, said Nik Hamdam.

nazrey

December 19th, 2010, 11:37 AM

Matrade: Vast infrastructure investment potential in Sri Lanka
Posted on December 19, 2010, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=81188

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/T03919.jpg

VAST POTENTIAL: A view of the infrastructure in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Mohamad Kamaruddin is of the opinion that the ‘investor-friendly’ environment
promoted by the Sri Lankan government should be conducive for Malaysian
investors. — Photo by localyte.com.

NEW DELHI: Malaysia, a top investor in Sri Lanka, should capitalise on emerging opportunities in the island’s booming construction sector which was readily opening up for foreign companies, said a top trade official.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) deputy chief executive Datuk Mohamad Kamarudin Hassan said the ‘investor-friendly’ environment promoted by the Sri Lankan government was conducive for Malaysian investors.

“The government is very investor-friendly.

“The infrastructure sector is growing since the war ended.

“We are upbeat of the growth and it is the right time for Malaysian companies to invest (in Sri Lanka),” he told Bernama in an interview from Colombo.

Malaysia emerged the largest foreign investor in Sri Lanka for the fourth consecutive year in 2009, with 18 Malaysian commercial projects estimated at RM3.2 billion (US$910 million).

The country’s central bank forecast its economy to grow by eight per cent in 2011, thus opening up ample infrastructure development prospects, especially in the former war-ravaged northern and eastern regions.

The island’s bureaucrats are quickly shaping up the economy, since the end of the civil war in May 2009, revising its corporate tax from 35 per cent to 28 per cent and slashing lending rates to attract foreign capital to pump-prime economic growth.

There is a surge in demand for new highways, hospitals, housing and schools, mostly left impoverished due to the prolonged conflict, but now needed to support the fast-propelling US$42 billion-size economy (RM126 billion).

Kamarudin led a three-day marketing mission to Sri Lanka, supported by the Malaysian High Commission in Colombo, from December 14 to 16, largely targeting the professional and construction services sector.

“Investor confidence is there and we are upbeat about the sector’s growth because the country still lacks infrastructure like resorts, hotels and highways,” he said.

Malaysia-Sri Lanka two-way trade tipped US$424 million (RM1.27 billion) last year while figures crossed the US$415 million (RM1.24 billion) mark between January and October this year. — Bernama

nazrey

December 23rd, 2010, 02:28 PM

DRB-HICOM set to seal deal with VW
By Francis Fernandez Published: 2010/12/11
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/drbxx-2/Article/index_html

DRB-HICOM Bhd is scheduled to sign a definitive agreement on December 21 with Volkswagen AG, Europe's largest carmaker, to assemble VW cars in Malaysia.

The cars will be assembled in Pekan, Pahang, for local and Southeast Asian markets.

"Tentatively, it is scheduled for December 21 with the signing ceremony being held either in the KLCC area or at DRB-HICOM's (1619) operational headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam," said the source.

It is understood that DRB-HICOM's top officials from its automotive divisions are currently abroad for the final leg of negotiations with VW.

In August, DRB-HICOM signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany's VW to assemble and manufacture Volkswagen vehicles in Malaysia.
An agreement with VW will help boost business and raise its profile among investors further. Although a big chunk of income comes from stable businesses like Islamic banking, insurance and power plant maintenance and plans to expand its property unit, its share price is still well below its net asset value of over RM2.

DRB-HICOM shares closed 9 per cent higher at RM1.80 yesterday.

In August, it was reported that minority shareholders voiced their displeasure at the company's annual general meeting over the undervalued shares.

As a result, the company said it plans to beef up investor relations (IR) activity.

"I do understand the anxiety of the shareholders and the public ... the current share price does not reflect the actual value of the company, which is actually worth more," group managing director Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil reportedly said after the AGM.

Yesterday, HwangDBS initiated coverage on DRB-HICOM with a RM3.55 target price.

The research house said DRB-HICOM is the cheapest conglomerate in the country with a net gearing of 0.3 times.

"With efforts to be more investor-friendly now, we expect a significant re-rating from its bargain basement valuation of 5.5 times 2012 financial year's earnings per share," Hwang said in the report.

The research house added that a key catalyst for DRB-HICOM is the conversion of a letter of intent from the Ministry of Defence for 257 AV 8x8 armoured wheeled vehicles, worth about RM8 billion.

Najib: Malaysia can become manufacturing hub for carmakers
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM Wednesday December 22, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/22/nation/7668333&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has the potential to become the manufacturing hub for global carmakers given the country’s ability to attract foreign investors and ease of doing business, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

“The increasing entry rate of respected multinationals into the Malaysian market reflects the growing confidence that foreign investors have in our economy and investor policies,” he said at the signing ceremony of the collaboration and licence agreement between DRB-Hicom Bhd and Volkswagen AG (VW) yesterday.

Najib said under the National Automotive Policy, the Government provided a range of customised incentives, including tax relief, to entice foreign carmakers to move their operations to Malaysia.

“Our emphasis has been on attracting successful carmakers that utilise high value-added manufacturing techniques and the latest technology – companies like VW.

“We expect global players like VW to create a competitive fervour within the local automotive industry.

“This can push our capabilities to a new level and help us achieve our national objective of becoming an automotive hub for the region,” he added.

Under the collaboration and licence agreement, DRB-Hicom will produce VW vehicles at the former’s production plant in Pekan, Pahang, starting with the Jetta and Passat models, from the fourth quarter of 2011.

The models will initially be produced for the Malaysian market and subsequently for the Asean region.

Najib said by bringing together one of Europe’s best car manufacturers and Malaysia’s own automotive leader, such a venture could transform the country into a VW manufacturing hub for the region.

nazrey

December 23rd, 2010, 06:06 PM

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5281555549_647eb74234.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/najibrazak/5282146198/

nazrey

December 25th, 2010, 01:10 AM

Marking Kazakhstan’s 19th independence day
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ Saturday December 25, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/12/25/central/7670684&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/12/25/central/m_pg08rahim.jpg

Picture perfect: Atamkulov (left) and Abdul Rahim (right), who is wearing the
Kazakhstan traditional costume, posing with guests at the celebration.

IT WAS a day steeped in culture and tradition as the Republic of Kazakhstan celebrated its Independence Day on Dec 16 at the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The guest of honour at the event was Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.

Kazakhstan Ambassador to Malaysia Beibut Atamkulov said he was honoured to receive so many distinguished guests at the celebration of his country’s independence.

The occasion was marked with the singing of the national anthem of Malaysia and Kazakhstan, the last of the former Soviet republics to declare its independence on Dec 16, 1991.

As a mark of respect and in keeping with tradition, the Kazakhstan ambassador presented Abdul Rahim with the taqia, a headgear and the Karakalpak man’s shapan, a lined, long-sleeved coat.

Guests were also invited to savour authentic dishes from Kazakhstan while being entertained by a four-piece band playing traditional Kazakh music instruments like the gobyz, a two-stringed fiddle and the dombra, a pear- shaped long-necked lute.

nazrey

December 27th, 2010, 10:44 AM

Germany keen to help churn out green technology engineers in Malaysia
July 16, 2010, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=48905

KUANTAN: Germany is keen to cooperate with Malaysia’s tertiary institutions in producing engineers to develop green technology in this country.

German Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Gunter Georg Gruber said the green technology that ensured sustainable development and conserved the environment would become important for a developing country such as Malaysia. 1Hence, he said, Malaysia must to start develop the technology at the grassroots level, which was among its students to shape the development for the future generation.

“Malaysian students are welcomed to pursue their studies in Germany as our country is not only interested to share our world-class education but also prefer to forge a long-term relationship,” he told reporters after attending a German Day at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) here, yesterday.

The programme is part of UMP’s internationalisation policy and agenda in developing strategic partners across the globe. Six German-based companies, BASF Petronas Chemicals Sdn Bhd, Elektrisola (M) Sdn Bhd, SGL Group, Siemens Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Q-Cells Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd also took part in the programme.

Gruber said it took Germany 40 years to develop the technology using alternative and clean resources to produce renewable energy.

He said about 80 per cent of the industries now used green technology, noting that Germany was a highly industrialised nation.

“I believe Malaysia will be able to achieve this in 10 years as it has a large pool of smart people who, with proper training and guidance, can help make this possible,” he said. — Bernama

Germany-Malaysia trade to rise 5pc: Envoy
Published: 2010/03/25
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100325153132/Article/index_html

Germany expects its trade with Malaysia to increase by five per cent with more interest in the renewable energy and green technology industries.

"We expect a steady growth in trade and investment between Malaysia and Germany. In December 2009, we already saw activities picking up," German ambassador to Malaysia Dr Gunter Gruber told Bernama on the sidelines of the German Centre launch here today.

"We foresee more business activities taking place in green technology and renewable energy industries as the interest among industry players is increasing," he said.

The German Centre is an investment by the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry to create a physical starting base in Malaysia, especially for small and medium-sized companies.

The centre provides professional, flexible and cost-effective fully furnished office solutions. Gruber said Malaysia was focusing on addressing the need for renewable energy and adopting green technology, and therefore there was room for further collaboration.

"Malaysia needs to enhance these industries to be in tandem with the rapid growing global development," he said. "Moreover, being the world leader in application, innovation and research in these industries, it is an added advantage (for Germany) to foster greater business relationship by investing in the Malaysian market," he added.

Germany and Malaysia registered a total trade volume of 7.2 billion euro last year, down from 8.4 billion euro in 2008, with trade from Malaysia to Germany at four billion euro.

Gruber said the electric equipment and automotive sectors were among the major contributor to last year's trade.

He called on Malaysian companies to penetrate the German market further as many industries and opportunities were available with Germany being the gateway to Europe. -- Bernama

M’sia leads Asean exports to Germany
Monday November 22, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/22/business/7475158&sec=business

BERLIN: Malaysia continued to retain its leading position as Asean’s number one exporter to Germany in the first nine months of the year.

According to the Hamburg-based German-Asia Pacific Business Council, Malaysia’s exports to Germany rose 47.9% to 4.046 billion euros during the January-September 2010 period, from 2.736 billion euros previously.

However, Malaysia’s imports from Germany for the first nine months of the year also expanded 42.5% to 3.168 billion euros from 2.228 billion in the previous corresponding period.

Germany’s imports have been buoyed by the strong economic recovery which the country staged, even as other countries in the West, particularly the United States, continue to be mired in the crisis that has not fully receded.

Total Asean exports to Germany grew 37.7% to 17.11 billion euros while Asean imports into Germany climbed 33.8% to 13.025 billion euros during the period under review.

The Asia-Pacific region’s total exports to Germany amounted to 111.725 billion euros during the January-September 2010 period, up 33.1% from 83.349 billion euros registered a year earlier. — Bernama

German exports to the Asia-Pacific region also jumped 39.1% to 91.312 billion euros from 65.629 billion euros previously.

Its exports to the Asia-Pacific rose twice as fast as the overall German exports in the first nine-months of the year, thanks to demand from China which rose 49.4% to nearly 39 billion euros.

In effect, over 40% of German exports to Asia were absorbed by China.

Germany’s balance-of-trade deficit with the Asia-Pacific region increased slightly, rising from 18.3 billion euros to 20.4 billion euros in the period under review. — Bernama

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5281555549_647eb74234.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/najibrazak/5282146198/

Najib: Malaysia can become manufacturing hub for carmakers
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM Wednesday December 22, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/22/nation/7668333&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has the potential to become the manufacturing hub for global carmakers given the country’s ability to attract foreign investors and ease of doing business, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

“The increasing entry rate of respected multinationals into the Malaysian market reflects the growing confidence that foreign investors have in our economy and investor policies,” he said at the signing ceremony of the collaboration and licence agreement between DRB-Hicom Bhd and Volkswagen AG (VW) yesterday.

Najib said under the National Automotive Policy, the Government provided a range of customised incentives, including tax relief, to entice foreign carmakers to move their operations to Malaysia.

“Our emphasis has been on attracting successful carmakers that utilise high value-added manufacturing techniques and the latest technology – companies like VW.

“We expect global players like VW to create a competitive fervour within the local automotive industry.

“This can push our capabilities to a new level and help us achieve our national objective of becoming an automotive hub for the region,” he added.

Under the collaboration and licence agreement, DRB-Hicom will produce VW vehicles at the former’s production plant in Pekan, Pahang, starting with the Jetta and Passat models, from the fourth quarter of 2011.

The models will initially be produced for the Malaysian market and subsequently for the Asean region.

Najib said by bringing together one of Europe’s best car manufacturers and Malaysia’s own automotive leader, such a venture could transform the country into a VW manufacturing hub for the region.
'Malaysia can be top solar cell maker'
Published: 2010/12/14
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101214204451/Article/index_html

Malaysia has the potential to emerge as the world's second largest manufacturer of solar cells judging from the influx of investments flowing into the sector, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin.

He said Malaysia was third after China and Germany in the manufacture of solar cells.

"But given the increasing global demand and the potential for the production hub to shift to Malaysia, given the high cost in Germany, it is not impossible for the country to soon emerge as the second largest solar cell producer in the world," he told reporters after the ground breaking ceremony of Solar Twin Creeks Malaysia Sdn Bhd (TCMSB) at the Khantan industrial zone near here.

TCMSB is a joint venture between Twin Creeks Technologies Incorporated (TCTI), Perak State Development Corporation and Red Solar (M) Sdn Bhd.

Also present was Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and the Chief Executive Officer of TCTI, Dr Siva Sivaram.
He said Malaysia was capable of drawing large investments into the solar cell industry as there was a chain of related industries and the country was rich in raw materials and had adequate skilled manpower.

"Malaysia has companies that has advanced themselves in this field like those which are manufacturers of solar cells, silicon and module assembly," he added.

Muhyiddin said the government would provide various incentives not only to support the development of the industry but also to draw investors into the expansion of the green energy technology.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the industry, being very capital intensive, required several incentives to ensure it operated smoothly.

He also said the initial cost of providing infrastructure for the development of this technology was rather steep but it provided very good returns on investments in the long-term besides providing opportunities to local companies to become raw material suppliers.

TCMSB has invested about RM1 billion to produce 100 MW of green energy in 2012 and this will be increased to 500 MW in 2014.

The technology used by TCMSB in the manufacture of solar cells differed from those used by other manufacturers in the country as it did not involve toxic metals.

The company has 1,000 employees consisting 500 semi-skilled workers, 200 engineers while managers and supervisors accounted for the rest.

TCMSB aims to become the leading manufacturer of solar cell and solar panels in the country and targetted to export 30 per cent of its products to South East Asia. -- Bernama
Lfoundry to invest RM214m at hi-tech park
Published: 2010/09/25
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100925165720/Article/index_html

A joint venture involving a local company and its German partner will make an initial investment of RM214 million in the wafer fabrication industry at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP).

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the joint venture company, Lfoundry Malaysia Sdn Bhd, was established by Lfoundry GmbH and QT HighTech Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

It had set a target to set up five fabrication clusters in KHTP in the next 10 years which was expected to generate gross income of US$1.3 billion for the country, he said.

The investment would create 6,500 jobs for the people in the Northern Corridor Economic Region, he told reporters after witnessing the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MoU) between Lfoundry Malaysia and QT Hightech and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) in Kulim yesterday.

"The two MoU are the first Entry Point Project under the electrical and electronics cluster implemented under the Economic Transformation Programme spearheaded by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu)," he said.

At the ceremony, NCIA was represented by Chief Executive Officer Datuk Redza Rafiq while Lfoundry Malaysia chief executive officer Dr Hans Dudenhausen and QT Hightech chief executive officer Charlie Yoon signed for their respective companies.

Present was KHTP chairman Datuk Amirudin Hamzah who is also Kedah executive council member.

Nor Mohamed said the RM214 million investment was for the setting up of a Pilot Line whose construction would begin as soon as a formal agreement had been finalised.

The fabrication clusters were expected to attract over 50 integrated circuit design companies which could generate US$1 billion income for the country and create 2,000 job opportunities, he added.

At the function, a HAZMAT (Harzardous Material) vehicle worth RM4.2 million was handed over to the KHTP Fire and Rescue Department while Kulim Hospital received a RM3.8 million Mass Decontamination and Emergency Response System.

Government allocations for the two facilities totalling RM8 million were channeled through NCIA. -- Bernama

RELATED LINK: www.lfoundry.com/
Update Petronas, BASF ink MoU, mull RM4b investment plan
Written by Joseph Chin Monday, 06 December 2010 19:06

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd and BASF will undertake a joint feasibility study to produce specialty chemicals in Malaysia and are considering investing RM4.0 billion (€1.0 billion).

The companies said on Monday, Dec 6 they had signed an MoU for the feasibility study, which would extend the two parties' existing business collaboration in the country.

“The partners are considering a potential joint investment sum of approximately RM4.0 billion (€1.0 billion),” they said in a joint statement.

Petronas and BASF would evaluate the viability of jointly owning and operating the facilities to produce specialty chemicals including non-ionic surfactants, methanesulfonic acid, iso-nonanol as well as other C4-based products.

“The final scope of the investments will be determined following the outcome of the joint feasibility study, which is targeted to be completed in 2011,” they said after the signing of the MoU at the Petronas headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Petronas was represented by its executive vice president of downstream business Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin and vice president of downstream operations Kamaruddin Zakaria. BASF SE was represented by Dr Martin Brudermüller, member of the board of executive directors and who is charge of Asia Pacific and the president, Asia Pacific, BASF, Saori Dubourg.

Wan Zulkiflee said the development of a new specialty chemical products portfolio was an important component of Petronas' plan to further grow the downstream petrochemical business.

He added this was part of its integrated plan to be a key player in the region as well as to spur domestic investment in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

Brudermüller said BASF was expanding our specialty chemical business. The move to expand its local production base in Malaysia, would enable it to further improve its ability to supply its customers in Asia, from Asia."

According to its Asia Pacific Strategy 2020, BASF intends to produce 70% of Asia Pacific sales in the region, with investments of €2.0 billion between 2009 and 2013.

The companies said the proposed move would build on their successful strategic partnership in the country, established since 1997.

The partnership, via BASF Petronas Chemicals Sdn Bhd (in which BASF has 60% stake) own and operate an integrated complex in Gebeng, Pahang that produces acrylic monomers, oxo products and butanediol.

For the subsequent phase of the collaboration, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd and BASF would jointly evaluate the outcome of the feasibility study and will adopt it as part of their strategic growth plans, if technically and commercially viable.
BASF is the largest chemical company in the world and is headquartered in Germany.

http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/function/static:/ci-layout/css/lightblue-blue/images/logo.gif

http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/
SGL Carbon to invest up to RM900m in Malaysian factory
http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/new-straits-times/mi_8016/is_20061103/sgl-carbon-invest-rm900m-malaysian/ai_n44344515/

GERMANY-based SGL Carbon, the world's leading maker of carbon and graphite products, intends to shift some of its production from Europe to Malaysia to tap growing demand from the steel industry in Asia for graphite electrodes.

Chief executive officer Robert Koehler said the company was on the lookout for a comparable base in Asia, and Malaysia fitted its needs.

Graphite electrodes are used to conduct electrical current to melt scrap steel in electric arc furnaces.

SGL Carbon anticipates a total investment of between Euro150 million and Euro200 million (RM700 million to RM934 million) for its project in Banting over the next six years.
B. Braun to invest RM1.75b in Penang plant
by Opalyn Mok,The Sun April 28, 2010
http://www.investpenang.gov.my/portal/component/content/article/1-latest-news/1256-b-braun-to-invest-rm175b-in-penang-plant.html

GEORGE TOWN: B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd (BMI) will be investing RM1.75 billion in its Penang plant by 2013 as part of its expansion plans here.

B. Braun vice-president of operations Dr Juergen Schloesser said the target growth for BMI is between 10% to 15% a year and with the additional investment, they are looking at expanding capacity and upgrading its plant with a state- of-the-art automation and production technology.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of BMI’s expansion project here yesterday afternoon, Schloesser said to date, B. Braun has invested RM1 billion to provide more than 4,700 employment opportunities in Penang.

The ground-breaking ceremony was for B. Braun Penang’s RM300 million expansion plan for its intravenous catheter plant.

With the expansion, Schloesser said it will increase production capacity by 131% and the construction is expected to complete by the end of 2011.

“We aim to increase production by 50% by the end of 2013,” he said.

In addition to the production expansion plan, B. Braun Penang is being recognised by the headquarters as the centre of excellence for intravenous access and it will embark on the research and development expansion of new product portfolios.

B. Braun Penang will also be completing phase 1 B. Braun Business School’s facility in the next four months to complement its expansion project.

The school will provide comprehensive training and development programmes for all levels of employees and it will also be equipped with in-house training facilities.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed officiated the groundbreaking ceremony together with German Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Guenter Georg Gruber.

Q-Cells invests RM5b in solar cell plant
Tuesday June 3, 2008
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/3/business/21431772&sec=business

SEPANG: Germany-based Q-Cells AG is investing RM5bil to set up a plant at the Selangor Science Park 2 to manufacture solar cells.

Chief executive officer Anton Milner said the plant would begin production by the second quarter next year.

“The plant will help us supply solar cells to our markets around the world,” Milner said at a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday.

Milner said Malaysia was an ideal location for the plant, given the country's “great infrastructure, good investment conditions and strong technology potential.”

Malaysia's climate was also conducive to developing solar energy as a source of renewable energy, he said.

Q-Cells' core business is in the development, manufacture and sale of monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar cells. Founded in 1999, it started production in July 2001 and is now the world's largest manufacturer of solar cells.

The Selangor Science Park 2, which spans almost 1,000 acres, is a technology park being promoted by the Selangor government as one of the state's key investment locations.

Malaysian Industrial Development Authority deputy director-general Datuk Jalilah Baba, who was at the ceremony, said Q-Cells' investment here was a testament to Malaysia's competitiveness as an offshore location for foreign companies.

She said talks were currently going on with other foreign investors, particularly with companies from Japan and China.

“We will continue our efforts to attract more foreign investors,” she said.

Malaysian-German ties to remain strong
Published: 2010/12/27
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20101227151442/Article/index_html

Germany hopes to further enhance economic ties with Malaysia and remain its number one trading partner from the European Union (EU).

Its Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr. Guenter Gruber, said Malaysia-German ties have always been excellent with Germany being one of the first countries to recognise Malaysia after its independence.

"Germany is Malaysia's number one trading partner in the EU and is very interested in building on this," he told Bernama here.

Businesses in Germany are also very pro-active about Malaysia, Gruber said.

The Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between Volkswagen AG and DRB Hicom Bhd is one example, he said.

He cited a few more examples of major German interest in Malaysia, including the recent announcement of BASF to enhance their relationship with Petronas, as well as LFoundry's interest to invest in Kulim.

"The major investments by BBraun, SGL Group, Q-Cells... I could go on and on. As you can see, my optimism is well founded," he pointed out.

On his meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Gruber said: "We discussed the potential of our bilateral relations in all aspects. I am convinced that Malaysia will look to all partners, from Europe to the Middle East, the East Asia and the United States, and strengthen the positive ties with all these regions."

He said Malaysia was also among the world leaders in many areas, from solar cell production to its biodiversity.

He said it was also time for the country to leave the "middle income trap".

"Malaysia can pull this of as well, being endowed with rich resources, good infrastructure and great citizens."

Currently, there are about 350 German companies operating in Malaysia.

Germany is also Malaysia’s 9th largest trading partner in the world.

In 2009, trade between Malaysia and Germany amounted to US$9.4 billion, representing a decline of 12.1 per cent compared to 2008 as a result of the global economic slowdown.

However, bilateral trade in 2010 had shown strong signs of recovery with trade in the first quarter amounting to US$2.6 billion, representing a 22 per cent year-on-year growth.--BERNAMA

nazrey

December 30th, 2010, 04:57 AM

Malaysia signs MoU with Nepal
Thursday December 30, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/30/nation/7698774&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Nepal are drawing up a Memorandum of Understanding on various issues including streamlining the recruitment of workers, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subrama-niam.

The memorandum, he said, is expected to be finalised by next year.

Speaking to reporters after a discussion with visiting Nepalese Labour and Transport Management Minister Mohamad Aftab Alam, he said there were 175,810 Nepalese working in the manufacturing sector in the country.

Mohamad Aftab had led a delegation to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Malaysia.

Dr Subramaniam said that Nepal had also requested that the number of maids from their country to Malaysia be increased.

“There are 84 maids from Nepal at present. We have no objection but they have to make sure the maids are trained well,” he said.

He was very happy with the good bilateral relations between the two countries.

“There are many Nepalese workers in Malaysia and we hope they would be given opportunity to work in other sectors including in the health sector,” he said.

nazrey

January 16th, 2011, 11:48 AM

Maybank sizing up Indian market
By ZAZALI MUSA Saturday January 15, 2011
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/15/business/7800966&sec=business

PONTIAN: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) is now in the initial stage of identifying the ideal number of branches it plans to open in India and their locations.

President and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar said the company already had a license to operate commercial banks in India and would make inroad into the country.

He said the company did not set any timeframe when it would open its first branch in India but added it could take place within the next one to two years.

“Definitely, we are going there (India) and we are looking at having our first commercial bank branch in India's financial capital Mumbai,'' Wahid said at the launch of a strategic partnership between Maybank and Pos Malaysia Bhd by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's department Datuk Ahmad Maslan here yesterday.

Also present at the event was Pos Malaysia group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Syed Faisal Albar.

Wahid said the company would be looking at setting up its operations in Thailand via the acquisition of Singapore-based brokerage Kim Eng Holdings Bhd for RM4.3bil.

He said with Kim Eng as the leading regional brokerage and the No. 1 broker in Thailand with 41 branches, Maybank would leverage on its strength to make forays into the Thai financial sector.

“Initially, we'll focus on investment banking and stockbroking in Thailand before going into retail banking,'' added Wahid.

On the partnership with Pos Malaysia, Wahid said Maybank would be able to provide banking services to a larger base of customers especially in rural areas and Sabah and Sarawak.

He said Maybank customer would eventually be able to carry out cash withdrawals and transfers as well as other banking transactions at all Pos Malaysia outlets.

Syed Faisal said at present, there were 10 post offices nationwide which offered such services.

“We have over 700 post offices in the country and we are looking at extending the services to the other outlets within the next one to two years,'' he said.

Syed Faisal said the company was now undergoing an overall transformation with a target to improve its revenue via three core activities mailing, courier and over-the-counter services at the post offices.

He said the mailing segment currently contributed 60% of its total revenue, 20% from the over-the-counter services, 15% from courier services and 5% from other services.

nazrey

January 28th, 2011, 01:59 PM

HELP to set up business school in Switzerland
By June Ramlee Published: 2011/01/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jrchan/Article/

HELP University College will set up a business school specialising in banking and finance in Switzerland by the end of the year.

HELP's director of corporate planning Adam Chan Eu-Khin said the school will be set up along with its Swiss partner, Bridge 2 Think (B2T).

B2T is a company incorporated in Switzerland and is a global learning solutions group with operations in Australia, Germany and the UK. Its headquarters is in Basel, Switzerland.

"We have been in discussion with this company (on a collaboration) for more than one and a half years and managed to finally seal the deal this year as the timing was right," Chan said in an interview with Business Times, recently.

Chan said HELP University has invested RM1.36 million in the Swiss company which translates into a 19.1 per cent interest in the privately held company.

"We also have the liberty to increase our stake in the company but that will be done much later," said Chan. HELP University is the first foreign company to buy into the Swiss company.

B2T chief executive officer and co-founder Andreas M. Dittrich said the company which was set up in 2002 is a paid search engine, only accessible to the corporate sector. It specialises in topics such as leadership and management.

"Our search engine is unique as it gives our clients what they want within minutes. Not that Google doesn't but their search engines are more wide and can be irrelevant most of the times as they capture everything including dead sites," he said.

Dittrich said the company has 70 clients with one million users and expects the number of cliental to increase by another 42 to 60 companies by year end.

He said the partnership will leverage on both the companies strength to provide courses to working adults via a blended learning concept which is a combination between online and traditional teaching methods.

"HELP University will provide teaching experts for this course which is six months long. It will be conducted online and students can then fly to various parts of the world for face-to-face meetings (with other students and lecturers) for a few days. This way professionals interested to get our certificates in management, leadership and finance courses will not have to quit their jobs," he said.

http://www.help.edu.my/

HELP University College (also known as HUC, Malay: Kolej Universiti HELP) is a private university college in Malaysia and is located in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

It was founded by its President, Dr Paul Chan Tuck Hoong, and CEO Mrs Chan-Low Kam Yoke along with some of their academic friends.

HELP first offered twinning programmes with the University of Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom, and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. It currently offers twinning programmes from the University of East London, United Kingdom, and has numerous partnerships with various universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, and in Europe.

HELP University College is a subsidiary of HELP International Corporation Berhad www.hic.com.my (MYX: 7236),a public listed company on Bursa Malaysia.

Diggerdog

January 31st, 2011, 10:34 AM

What about relations with South Africa? When I was in KL, I saw a lot of South African products on the shelves, and a lot of South African wine.

Also quite a few South Africans working in the oil industry. And then there is that big South African restaurant in KL called 'Out of Africa' - really cool place.

idiamindada

January 31st, 2011, 02:08 PM

nazrey

February 1st, 2011, 07:55 AM

Najib visits carbon-neutral Masdar City
Published: Monday January 31, 2011 MYT 2:22:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/31/nation/20110131143151&sec=nation

ABU DHABI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said a study will be conducted on alternative energy being developed by Abu Dhabi to see whether the technologies involved can be adopted in Malaysia.

"If this is the case, then we'll encourage Masdar City and the Mubadala Development Company to invest or collaborate with partners in Malaysia to develop the alternative energy in our country," he said.

He told the Malaysian media this before departing for home after a one-day working visit to Abu Dhabi where he opened the "Invest Malaysia 2011" forum Sunday.

Najib took the opportunity to visit Masdar City, a carbon-neutral development costing billions of dollars in the desert of Abu Dhabi.

Masdar City is a high-density and pedestrian-friendly development where current and future renewable energy and clean technologies are showcased, marketed, researched, developed, tested and implemented.

Elaborating, Najib said the study would look into, among others, the cost aspects of using renewable energy sources like the sun and wind.

"We want to know, for example, the cost of solar energy per kilowatt hour, whether this is a viable option vis-a-vis the energy that is being produced through the national power grid," he said.

Malaysia, he said, was also keen to learn more about UAE's experience in nuclear energy development.

With a planned population of 50,000 as well as hundreds of businesses, Masdar City will integrate the full range of renewable energy and sustainability technologies, across a living and working community.

Masdar, a multi-faceted renewable energy company, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company, the investment vehicle of the Abu Dhabi government. - Bernama

ABU DHABI | Masdar City
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1023149&highlight=masdar+city&page=2

http://www.eco-business.com/media/photologue/photos/cache/Malaysia_Masdar__article.jpg

M'sia moves on renewable energy law
http://www.eco-business.com/news/2010/jan/19/msia-moves-renewable-energy-law/

H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak witness the cooperation agreement signing which will explore the set up of a carbon neutral city in Malaysia in partnership with Masdar.

http://www.treehugger.com/Masdar-PRT-car-photo.jpg

http://www.treehugger.com/PRT-car-on-display-masdar-abu-dhabi-photo.jpg

Abu Dhabi to Debut Personal Rapid Transit “Podcars”
PRT car designed by Zagato, unveiled recently at the World Future Energy Summit.

http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/podcar-abu-dhabi.jpg

nazrey

February 1st, 2011, 08:23 AM

Malaysian navy thwarts Somali pirate attack on MISC tanker
Updated: Friday January 21, 2011 MYT 7:41:52 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/21/nation/20110121190603&sec=nation

GULF OF EDEN: Malaysian navy commandoes thwarted an attempt by Somali pirates to hijack a Malaysian International Shipping Corporation (MISC) (http://www.misc.com.my/) tanker early Thursday.

Sources said the commandoes on board the Royal Malaysian Navy's Bunga Mas 5 were on a routine escort mission of MISC's chemical-laden MT Bunga Laurel and another LPG carrier out of the dangerous gulf waters enroute to Singapore.

But hours out of the danger zone, when the RMN would cease their escort, the pirates struck.

At least seven pirates began attacking the MT Bunga Laurel firing their assault rifles and machine guns when trying to board the vessel.

The crew of MT Bunga Laurel activited the alarm and the commandoes, which were about 30km away, reacted immediately by dispatching a helicopter to the scene.

The sources said the commandoes boarded the tanker and subdued the pirates.

They said the swift action saved the 20-odd Malaysian crew and the vessel. At least three pirates were injured in the shoot out with the commandoes.

In another incident, South Korean navy commandos stormed a ship hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean on Friday.

All 21 crew were saved and eight pirates killed.

The hijacking came two months after another Korean supertanker was released by Somali pirates after being held for seven months.

Piracy has surged off lawless Somalia in recent years. Pirates are currently holding 29 vessels and about 700 hostages.
Najib commends Navy team for heroic rescue
Saturday January 22, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/22/nation/7852548&sec=nation

Md06XVsj3MY

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak congratulated the Royal Malaysian Navy on its success in rescuing a Malaysian chemical tanker, saying Malaysia was studying international laws on how to deal with detained pirates.

The Prime Minister said: “We will determine what we should do (with the pirates); whether we are going to bring them here to be tried or take any other appropriate action.”

Speaking to reporters after launching the 1Malaysia Youth Fund here yesterday, Najib said: “I am proud of the success. They had acted efficiently and demonstrated their bravery in rescuing the tanker.”

The navy’s elite team Pasukan Khas Laut (Paskal) recorded a victory when it foiled an attempted hijack by Somali pirates on the MT Bunga Laurel in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday.

Commandos on board the navy’s auxiliary ship Bunga Mas 5, headed by Komander Mohd Nazri Sharif, saved the tanker that was headed for Singapore in the nick of time.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also congratulated the commandos for a job well done.

Somali pirates arrive in Malaysia, remanded (Updated)
By RASHITA A HAMID, A. RUBAN and JOSHUA FONG
Updated: Monday January 31, 2011 MYT 5:32:02 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/1/31/nation/20110131105309&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Police obtained a seven-day remand order Monday from a magistrate's court against seven Somali pirates, captured by the Malaysian navy in the Gulf of Aden on Jan 21.

Earlier Monday, the pirates were brought to Malaysia and taken to the Bukit Jalil detention centre.

All seven are being initially investigated under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, said Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar.

“Since they have no valid travel documents, the Immigration Department will also look into the matter.

“Once police have interviewed the seven, they will go through another medical check-up before we obtain a remand order to facilitate further investigations,” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters.

The ship ferrying the Somali pirates docked at Port Klang at 4am on Monday and the seven were taken to the Port Klang marine police base, at first, and then taken to the Pandamaran police station at 9.55am.

They were then driven to the Klang Hospital for a check-up.

Dressed in orange overalls, they were seen stepping down from a bus which was part of a convoy of about a dozen police vehicles.

The seven were captured when they attempted to hijack a chemical tanker in the Gulf of Aden.

The navy freed the 23 crewmembers of the MT Bunga Laurel after a gun battle on Jan 21 that wounded three pirates. All crew members were uninjured.

As the pirates were arrested in the gulf, 7,000km away where Malaysia is not a littoral state, and none of the crew were Malaysian, the Home Ministry's legal experts, the National Security Council and the Attorney-General's Chambers are studying the case to see how the pirates can be charged in Malaysian courts.

News reports said the Bunga Laurel is a Panama-registered vessel owned by a Japanese shipping company and managed and chartered by the Malaysian International Shipping Corporation.

It was manned by a Filipino crew, carried the cargo of another country and was hijacked in international waters in the gulf off Oman before it was taken by Malaysian commandos.

Somali pirates have made millions of dollars hijacking ships in recent years. The European Union, which has an anti-piracy force, says pirates are holding at least 25 ships with more than 600 hostages.

nazrey

February 2nd, 2011, 11:07 AM

Malaysia-Syria JTC hold 2nd meeting
Published: 2011/02/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110202174039/Article/index_html

THE Malaysia-Syria Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held its second meeting on February 1 in Damascus, Syria where both trade ministers reviewed the bilateral trade and investment performance and exchanged views on the potential to develop and expand trade and investment flows between the two countries.

The meeting was co-chaired by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Lamia Assi, Minister of Economy and Trade, Syria.

According to a statement from Miti, the Ministers discussed the status of projects undertaken by Malaysian companies, and the prospects for further projects by Malaysian companies.

They also discussed Syria’s proposal for a Malaysia-Syria Preferential Trade Arrangement (PTA), the feasibility of Malaysian companies’ participation in Syria’s industrial parks, and bilateral economic cooperation in telecommunications, SME development and technical assistance relating to Syria’s participation at the WTO.

At the sidelines of the meeting, MATRADE and Syrian Export Development and Promotion Agency (EDPA) signed an MoU on Cooperation in Promotion of Trade.

Malaysia’s bilateral trade with Syria grew more than two-fold from US$67.55 million in 2000 to US$177.64 million in 2009.

Major exports to Syria include yarn (42.3 per cent), wood products (12.0 per cent), chemicals & chemical products (8.3 per cent), transport equipments (6.5 per cent), and palm oil (6.3 per cent).

Major imports from Syria, meanwhile, were textile and clothing (12.8 per cent), processed foods (6.3 per cent), and vegetable oil (3.5 per cent).

“Cross-flow of investments between Malaysia and Syria is still relatively minimal,” the statement said.

However, there are construction-related projects in Syria involving Malaysian companies such as WEIDA (M) Bhd (construction of sewerage treatment plants and water treatment plants) and Muhibbah Engineering (rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing Passenger Terminal Building, road, car park and parking apron at the Damascus International Airport).

nazrey

February 2nd, 2011, 11:09 AM

Australia's Avalon raises A$4m via placement to Malaysian investor
By Kamarul Yunus Published: 2011/02/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/avalon/Article/

AVALON Minerals Ltd, an Australian-based minerals company, hopes to raise up to A$10.4 million (RM31.6 million), partly by placing out shares to a cornerstone Malaysian investor to help fund its drilling programme and bankable feasibility study at its copper and iron ore project in Sweden.

In a statement, Avalon said it raised A$4.1 million (RM12.5 million) through a placement of 22,841,542 shares at 18 cents per share to the new cornerstone Malaysian investor.

In addition, it said a fully underwritten one-for-five non-renounceable entitlements issue at 18 cents per share will be made to existing shareholders, raising a total of up to A$10.4 million (RM31.6 million).

The placement, for which the funds have already arrived, is to a company associated with existing shareholder, businessman Datuk Siew Mun Chuang, while Avalon non-executive director Tan Sri Abu Sahid Mohamed has fully underwritten the entitlements issue.

Abu Sahid and Siew are executive chairman and director of Perwaja Holdings Bhd respectively, Malaysia's largest integrated producer of primary steel products. Abu Sahid also holds a 19.9 per cent stake in Avalon as at September 23 2010.

According to the statement, shareholders who apply for their full entitlements may also apply for a proportion of any entitlement shortfall.

The statement said Avalon will apply the raised funds to a bankable feasibility study of its Viscaria copper and iron ore project, resource drilling over the Viscaria A, B and D zones, drilling at the Viscaria D zone south, exploration of surrounding Avalon lease areas, and general working capital.

Avalon is an Australian Stock Exchange-listed mineral exploration company with a portfolio of high quality assets in Sweden, one of the leading metal-producing countries in Europe. It is the first Australian company to develop a copper mine in Sweden.

nazrey

February 2nd, 2011, 11:15 AM

Saudis seek Malaysia's help to develop SMEs
From Hamisah Hamid Published: 2011/02/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/mijdab/Article/

ABU DHABI: Saudi Arabia, which is setting up a body responsible for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), seeks Malaysia's help in developing the SME sector in the country.

Dr Fawaz Al Alamy, the adviser to Saudi Arabia government agencies and the private sector, said the country would like to learn from Malaysia.

"Malaysia is well-known for its SMEs. We appreciate Malaysia's help in this area," he told Business Times in an interview here.

Fawaz was one of the panel speakers at the recent Invest Malaysia 2011 Forum, held in the capital city of United Arab Emirates.

Currently, SMEs form 90 per cent of all Saudi companies, yet the sector only contributes a quarter of total employment and about a third of the country's gross domestic product. Only 2 per cent of banks' total lending goes to its SMEs.

Saudi Arabia's Ninth Economic Plan (2010-2014) recognises the importance of SMEs in the development of the country.

Its Shura Council has approved the creation of an SME Authority to formulate policy and coordinate the SME sector to enhance its contribution to Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil producer and exporter.

So far, Malaysia and Saudi do not have a concrete collaboration in the SME area. But bilateral investment between both countries is increasing, in Saudi Arabia's favour.

Fawaz said Malaysia has invested in Saudi Arabia's industrial sector, information technology (IT) and services.

The country is also seeking foreign direct investments (FDIs) in areas like medical healthcare, food production, halal meat production and education such as in IT and high-tech universities.

"We (Saudi Arabia and Malaysia) have a good relationship and we seek to develop that further," he said.

Fawaz said there is no projection on investment from Malaysia this year, but added that Saudi Arabia has been recognised by the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business as the 11th most competitive investment destination in the world.

He said the country is also the largest recipient of FDIs in the Middle East and the eighth largest globally.

Fawaz said both Saudi Arabia and Malaysia will benefit from the Framework Agreement on Economic, Commercial, Investment and Technical Cooperation, which was signed between Malaysia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Sunday.

"What is important is that the framework agreement will turn into a free trade area (FTA)," he said.

Malaysia and the GCC are expected to start FTA talks as early as this month.

nazrey

February 2nd, 2011, 11:33 AM

Govt may use navy ship to evacuate M’sians in Egypt
Posted on February 2, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=91400

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A00598.jpg

LABIS: The government is mulling over using the navy’s auxiliary ship currently deployed in the Gulf of Aden to assist the evacuation of Malaysian students from troubled Egypt.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the ship would take the students from Egypt to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to enable them to take flights to Malaysia.

“We do have plans to utilise the assets of the armed forces, including the navy ship currently deployed at the Gulf of Aden, to take them out of Egypt,” he told reporters after visiting the flood victims at Kampung Ayer Panas here yesterday.

Najib was asked to comment on the concerns raised by the families of Malaysians in Egypt following the widespread unrest in major Egyptian cities, with demonstrators calling for an end to President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule.

The navy’s auxiliary ship currently involved in anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden is KD Bunga Mas.

There are about 10,000 Malaysian students in Egypt.

The prime minister said the government had sent officers to the country to assess the situation and ensure the Malaysians are safe.

On the possibility of using the C-130 transport aircraft, he said, it was not practical because it could only take 40 passengers.

“We are also not sure of the availability of ground-handling crew at the airports there,” he said.

Present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Najib said the government understood the concern raised by the families of the Malaysian students but said that the government cannot act in a hasty manner.
— Bernama

Diggerdog

February 4th, 2011, 08:25 AM

Out of Africa restaurant and Kudu Bar - South Africa place in PJ - check it out...excellent steaks and ribs, really authentic big thatched African style place.

And the bar is awesome.

http://www.outofafrica.com.my/

sc4

February 4th, 2011, 12:22 PM

^^ That's really quite an unusual location for an African outlet....Hmmmm....

Diggerdog

February 7th, 2011, 09:33 AM

nazrey

February 7th, 2011, 01:24 PM

Top Symphony undertakes US$1b Fiji project
By Kamarul Yunus Published: 2011/02/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/topfiji/Article/index_html

Little-known Top Symphony of Malaysia is undertaking a US$1 billion (RM3.04 billion) project to transform Waila City in Fiji into a self-contained city that will support a population of 25,000 people.

The Waila City project will involve the construction of houses and related facilities for about 5,000 families and the development of 280ha of land at Waila, Nausori, over 10 years.

Fiji Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said the project will be the first of its kind in Fiji where under a design-and-build concept, the contractor will use its own funds and deliver completed housing to the Fiji Housing Authority.

"This project also signifies what we can achieve through collaboration between the public and private sectors. In this instance, it is Top Symphony of Malaysia, Exim Bank of Malaysia, Housing Authority and the government of Fiji," he said in his speech at the launch of the project recently. His speech text was posted on the Fiji government's online portal.

Bainimarama said the development of the Waila City project will see the Housing Authority move towards building communities in a more holistic manner.

"Facilities such as educational-tertiary facilities, commercial and industrial building, hospitals, police stations, religious sites and a sports complex will be part of the project that will be deployed in phases over a period of about seven to 10 years," he said.

The Waila City development will also provide opportunities to many small businesses.

"The multiplier effect of a robust housing industry must benefit all, not just a handful," he said.

In an earlier report posted on this website, Top Symphony managing director Dr Sharifuddin Wahab said Waila City will consist of various housing designs and these houses will be friendly to young couple who are starting life in the form of two-room walk-up flats all the way to families requiring three to four bedrooms.

idiamindada

February 7th, 2011, 01:45 PM

Why is PJ an unusual place for a South African outlet? It is part of that big sports complex there...

Whilst on the subject, do you guys know that Nando's is South African? A lot of people think it is portuguese, but it is one of South Africa's most successful food exports...

damn….i tot it's from portugal…sorry :D

PJ is actually is not a 'tourist-centered' place, only locals hang out there. so it's considered 'unusual'.

sc4

February 7th, 2011, 05:51 PM

^^ I was referring to the exact location beside A&W......if it was located in other parts of PJ like Damansara Perdana or Curve, it would be a more suitable one....

Diggerdog

February 8th, 2011, 08:17 AM

Ok, well, it is a very popular place (with locals it seems, not just SA expats). Worth a visit, especially if there is some sort of big sport on TV - they have DSTV satellite which shows just about everything in the sporting world.

nazrey

February 10th, 2011, 10:55 AM

Bank Negara to invest in Indian bonds
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2011/02/10
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/rup0903-2/Article/index_html

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has registered as a foreign institutional investor (FII) in India, enabling it to invest in the country's debts and bonds.

The move makes it the first central bank to choose to buy rupee-denominated debt issued by the Indian government and top Indian companies.

According to Mumbai-based mydigitalfc.com report, this could be a first for any central bank to invest in India utilising the FII route as others have invested in the republic through the Reserve Bank of India.

It described the move as significant because India does not allow full capital account convertibility.

"A move by a leading central bank of the Islamic nation comes as a vote of confidence in the Indian economy and the monetary management of the Reserve Bank of India."

The report quoted Clearing Corp of India's RH Patil as saying that it had become a global practice as central banks used to invest in the US and UK securities but now were seeking diversification by investing in Indian securities.

It said the Indian government had also raised the limit of FII investment in government securities by US$5 billion to US$10 billion (RM15 billion to RM30.4 billion) late last year.

Two years ago, BNM also won a QFII or qualified foreign institutional investor licence to invest in renminbi-denominated Chinese stocks and bonds.

Diversification of its foreign reserves has been a priority of the central bank following the Asian financial crisis when its reserves sank to US$17 billion (RM52 billion ) before rising to US$30 billion (RM91 billion) post-crisis.

As at end-January 2011,the reserves totalled US$108.1 billion (RM328 billion).

The central bank had spoken about the need to increase and deepen the regional financial integration with the rising prospects of intra-regional trade in Asia and as investment requirements jump to the tune of trillions of dollars.Maybankard 2 Cards. 2 is all you need. Find out more.

Its investments in emerging economies are also significant as both the Chinese and Indian economies are now important growth centres in the global economy.

With China now becoming Malaysia's largest trading partner, BNM and People's Bank of China signed a bilateral currency swap arrangement in 2009.

This swap arrangement serves as a key platform to promote trade and investment linkages between both countries.

nazrey

February 11th, 2011, 03:27 PM

Syria offers US$30b infra jobs
Published: 2011/02/11
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110211205840/Article/index_html

Syria is offering Malaysian contractors US$30 billion worth of infrastructure projects under a five-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme.

Syria Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdullah Al-Dardari said under the programme, which started last year, the government and the private sector would invest US$100 billion for the development of productive sectors, human development and infrastructures.

"Of the US$100 billion, US$30 billion will be spent for infrastructure projects, including building the US$1.8 billion North-South and East-West Toll Road and US$400 million Great Damascus Bypass Road," he told a dialogue with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) today.

Present were CIDB chairman Datuk Ir Hamzah Hasan and Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmad Arnous.

Abdullah said Malaysian contractors, especially highway construction, are welcomed to participate in his country's growing construction sector. - BERNAMA

mbmoncada

February 18th, 2011, 08:31 AM

Pristine Oil to develop storage terminal in Malacca
By Ooi Tee Ching Published: 2009/11/13

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/pristin-2/pix_topright

SOUTH Korean contractor Samjung TCN-MSK Corp Sdn Bhd has secured a RM700 million job from Pristine Oil Capital Sdn Bhd to build 36 petroleum storage tanks on 36.4ha at Pulau Besar, Malacca.

"We're developing Melaka Oil Storage Terminal with Siemens Malaysia and Samjung TCN-MSK Corp," said Pristine Oil group chief executive officer Capt Kamarulzaman Mohamad.

"Siemens will be putting up the 5MW power plant for US$50 million (RM169 million)," he told reporters after awarding the contract to the South Korean contractor in a signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Also present was Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Datuk T Murugiah.

Kamarulzaman said Pristine Oil is seeking to secure a syndicated loan and investment totalling RM900 million from local banks and an investor to fund the venture.

He expects to finalise the loan terms by the first quarter of 2010. The 36-month job is scheduled to kick off in the second quarter and be completed by mid-2013.

A year ago, when Pristine Oil signed Siemens to build the 5MW power plant at Pulau Besar, it was estimated that the petroleum tank farm development will cost about RM700 million and be completed by mid-2010.

Since then, Kamarulzaman said Pristine Oil wanted to increase the storage facility to 36 tanks instead of just 25.

"We're serious about this development. We've paid RM400,000 in land premium and RM100,000 commitment fee to the Malacca state government. Also, there's RM60,000 in ex-gratia for the fishermen association there," he said.

Im wondering what happend to this project. No other updates was publised about this.

nazrey

February 24th, 2011, 04:40 AM

Najib’s visit to enhance Malaysia-Turkey ties
Posted on February 23, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=95550

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A005643.jpg

WELCOME: Gul welcomes Najib (left) at the palace. — Bernama photo

ISTANBUL: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived here yesterday for a three-day official visit to enhance existing bilateral relations and cooperation between Malaysia and Turkey.

This is his first official visit to Turkey since assuming the premiership in April 2009.

The prime minister is accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, as well as Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Amah, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and several members of parliament and senior government officials.

Foreign Minister Anifah had said the visit would provide an excellent opportunity for Najib and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to renew their friendship and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

The special aircraft carrying Najib and his delegation touched down at the Ataturk International Airport here at about 6pm (12pm Malaysian Time).

Najib made a courtesy call on President Abdullah Gul at his Tarabya Residence here before proceeding to Ankara.

In Ankara, his programme includes a private meeting with his counterpart Erdogan as well as a delegation meeting between the Malaysian and Turkish sides, headed by the respective prime ministers.

Najib is also scheduled to witness the signing of an MoU between SME Corp.

Malaysia and KOSGEB (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organisation) of Turkey and an agreement between DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd of Malaysia and FNSS Savunma Sistemleri AS of Turkey.

He is also scheduled to participate in the Malaysia-Turkey Business Roundtable Talks organised by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) and the Global Movement for Justice, Peace and Dignity co-organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) and International Movement for a Just World (JUST). — Bernama

nazrey

February 24th, 2011, 04:41 AM

Visa-free travel among new deals
2011/02/24 Sharif Haron reporting from Ankara
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Visa-freetravelamongnewdeals/Article/

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/Visa-freetravelamongnewdeals/single

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak being welcomed by his Turkish
counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his arrival for the welcoming ceremony
at the Prime Minister’s Office grounds in Ankara on Tuesday.
— Reuters picture

MALAYSIA and Turkey held a bilateral meeting here on Tuesday with both sides agreeing to take their relations to new heights.

MALAYSIA and Turkey held a bilat - eral meeting here on Tuesday with both sides agreeing to take their relations to new heights.

Some of the decisions reached included abolishing visa requirement for citizens of both countries, and resumption of Turkish Airlines’ direct flights to Kuala Lumpur from Istanbul to facilitate people-to-people contact.

Both sides agreed to work on a framework agreement to be concluded this year along with their ongoing free trade agreement negotiations to unleash bilateral trade potential.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan led their respective delegations at the meeting.

Both leaders later declared t his would open a new era in Malaysian- Turkish relations.

Earlier, Najib was given an official welcoming ceremony by Erdogan at the prime minister’s office grounds. It was the first official visit by a Malaysian prime minister to Turkey since 1983.

“This is a special visit,” Erdogan said at a joint press conference after the bilateral meeting.

“After 28 years, this is the first time t he re ’s a visit from Malaysia to Turkey at the prime minister level.

This is significant.” Najib said he was “delighted to be able to make this visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Erdogan”.

He said the decision to lift the visa requirement was significant as it would enhance contacts between people of the two nations.

Prior to this, citizens of the two countries were exempted from visa requirements for t r ave l s of up to 90 d ay s.

In welcoming Turkish Airlines’ re - sumption of direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Najib said Malaysia Airlines might increase its frequency to Turkey, too. At present, MAS flies to Istanbul three times a week.

In another step to promote relations, both leaders agreed to organise “Malaysia Year” in Turkey and a “Turkey Year” in Malaysia soon.

Najib said the proposed framework agreement would be targeted for completion by year-end to coincide with the FTA.

“I have extended an invitation to Prime Minister Erdogan to visit Malaysia at the end of this year so thatwe can sign two momentous and significant agreements that will open a new chapter, in fact, a new era, between the two countries.

“Of course we have much in common.

Some of us also have the same origin andwe need to rediscover that joint heritage.

“We should not take it for granted, we should rediscover that, and it could be a strong basis for closer people-to-people relationship.” Najib said the outcome of the meeting had given the right signals to the business community.

He named the automotive, oil and gas, and defence-related industries as among the areas that would benefit from the bilateral relations.

To Erdogan’s suggestion that bilateral trade volume could be increased to US$5 billion (RM15 billion) a year from the present US$1.2 billi on, Najib said: “US$1.2 billion doesn’t do justice to the importance of bilateral cooperation and I cannot agree more with the prime minister.

“US$5 billion is not too ambitious.” On the uprising and unrest in some Arab countries, Najib said the so common.

Some of us also have the same origin andwe need to rediscover that joint heritage.

“We should not take it for granted, we should rediscover that, and it could be a strong basis for closer people-to-people relationship.” Najib said the outcome of the meeting had given the right signals to the business community.

He named the automotive, oil and gas, and defence-related industries as among the areas that would benefit from the bilateral relations.

To Erdogan’s suggestion that bilateral trade volume could be increased to US$5 billion (RM15 billion) a year from the present US$1.2 billi on, Najib said: “US$1.2 billion doesn’t do justice to the importance of bilateral cooperation and I cannot agree more with the prime minister.

“US$5 billion is not too ambitious.” On the uprising and unrest in some Arab countries, Najib said the solution to ensure stability was for them to adopt good governance based on the principles of democracy.

“But it is important that we listen to the people and the people are given the right kind of avenues for them to express their aspirations and hopes for the future.” Ye st erd ay, Najib was in Istanbul where he attended the Malaysia- Turkey business roundtable talks organised by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority.

He also joined the discussions at the global movement for justice, peace and dignity forum co-organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies and International Movement for a Just World before returning home.

During his three-day official visit, Najib was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, several ministers, members of parliament and senior government officials.

Turkey's Soyut to set up turbine plant in Malaysia
Published: 2011/02/24
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/soyum/Article/

ISTANBUL: Turkey's Soyut Group, which has interests in energy, construction and finance, may apply to regulators in November to list shares in its investment unit, a company official said on Wednesday.

The investment unit will own shares in all Soyut Group companies, Ali Colak, a member of the Soyut Enerji board, said in an interview. Ankara-based Soyut Group had revenues of 65 million lira in 2010, he added.

Colak also said Soyut Enerji, a wind turbine maker, and Malaysia's Melewar Industrial Group plan an initial investment of 30 million euros in a production plant.

The turbine factory will be built in Malaysia and have capacity to produce 40 megawatts annually, Colak said. - Reuters

nazrey

February 24th, 2011, 07:49 AM

PhD student, family return to Christchurch home
2011/02/24
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/8thu/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: Things have returned to normal for English language instructor and PhD student Abdullah Mohd Nawi and his family. Almost.

The Malaysian in Christchurch, his wife and children have returned to their home there.

The family had stayed at a friend's house following the earthquake which hit the Kiwi city after the electricity supply to his home was cut off.

"The electricity supply has been restored and we are now back home," he said in a phone interview from Christchurch.

Asked how his family was managing, Abdullah said they were coping well but his wife suffered from migraines and his 4-year-old son did not want to sleep alone.

"He is afraid to sleep alone and just wants to be close to his parents."

He said he and his friends had gone out at 7am looking for supplies but found the shops and supermarkets damaged, with smashed bottles and other items lying on the roads.

"But, somehow, we managed to find a small bakery and bought five loaves of bread.

"People were slowly beginning to come to the bakery but thankfully, we were early," said Abdullah, adding that he managed to catch two hours of sleep within 48 hours of the earthquake.

Together with some members of the Canterbury and Lincoln University Malaysian Postgraduates (CLUMP) Association, he had gone to the house of the Honorary Counsel of Malaysia and met Malaysian Student Department director Dr Rosli Mohammed and other government officials.

"We have proposed to Dr Rosli to give each CLUMP family NZ$100 (RM228) per week during this crisis and he is looking favourably at the idea," he said, adding that CLUMP has 54 members.

He said the money would be used to buy essential items like bread, flour, milk and other food items.

Abdullah said head counting was also done there together with two undergraduates who took a head count for registered students.

"Unfortunately, they said the names of new students who arrived about a week ago, were not in the system.

Abdullah said students living in hostels were the ones most affected as they now had to live in their communal halls, which have been converted into relief centres.

"Everybody is afraid, especially those who were not here during the first earthquake," he said, referring to the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in September.

nazrey

February 28th, 2011, 04:52 AM

Sime eyes $2.5 bln oil palm expansion deal in Cameroon -- FT
2011/02/28
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Simeeyes_2_5blnoilpalmexpansiondealinCameroon--FT/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby is considering a $2.5 billion plantation expansion deal in Cameroon, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, signalling the global grab for land is well underway as food prices soar.

The Financial Times quoted Sime Darby Chief Executive Mohd Bakke Salleh as saying the project in the West African state will involve 300,000 hectares (741,300 acres) of oil palm estates although discussions have so far led to “nothing conclusive.”

“We are actively looking. We have been shown potential areas in Cameroon, and the development formula is to work with the local communities,” he was quoted as saying.

Sime Darby officials could not be immediately reached for comment on the report.

Bakke told Reuters last week that Sime Darby was on the lookout for more land, with a focus on Indonesia, the world’s No.1 producer.

But plans for a ban on forest clearing and legal hurdles over land acquisitions in Indonesia have prompted planters to also turn to Africa.

Sime, the world’s largest listed planter in terms of land bank, has a 220,000 hectare concession from Liberia and says it needs to expand as Asian rivals such as Singapore’s Wilmar and Olam also scour for land in Africa.

Golden Agri-Resources said last year it was looking at investing in a firm that will control 500,000 hectares of land in Liberia.

Palm oil prices have hit a near three-year high in early February on strong demand chasing supplies wrecked by floods in Malaysia, the second largest palm oil producer after Indonesia. -- REUTERS

nazrey

February 28th, 2011, 04:59 AM

Solutia to build on success of Kuantan plant
By Kamarul Yunus Published: 2011/02/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/crystex/Article/

SOLUTIA Inc, a US-based high-performance materials and specialty chemicals company, plans to reinvest to double the capacity of its plant in Kuantan, Pahang, making the site the largest insoluble sulphur manufacturing facility in the world.

Solutia's director of corporate communications, Melissa Hammonds Zona, said the expansion plan will allow the company to build on the proven success of its Kuantan facility and further strengthen the company's reliability of supply in the broader Asia Pacific region.

"The Kuantan site is important because of growth potential for insoluble sulphur in the Asia Pacific region," she said in response to Business Times' query via email.

In January, Solutia had announced that it will expand the current Crystex insoluble sulphur operations in Kuantan as part of the company's strategic plan to remain the leading global supplier of insoluble sulphur.

"This expansion will double the current capacity, making Solutia's Kuantan site the largest insoluble sulphur manufacturing facility in the world," Zona said.

However, she declined to disclose the current production capacity at the Kuantan site, as well as the amount of investment ready to be poured into the expansion plan.

Zona said that Kuantan was chosen for Solutia's expansion plan following a rigorous selection process, which recognised the site's efficient operations, high quality workforce and its ability to serve the rapidly growing markets of both China and India.

"Besides, the excellent support from the Malaysian federal and state governments ever since our presence here has been one of the key factors for the decision. Solutia is also impressed with the government's high awareness of the importance to protect Solutia's intellectual property," she said.

"We are confident the Kuantan site will continue to operate at the high level it has established in the past years," she said.

Zona said the Kuantan facility manufactures Crystex insoluble sulphur, the vulcanising agent of choice for critical applications in the tyre industry, providing the highest level of quality, consistency and performance.

With its headquarters in St Louis, Missouri, Solutia operates globally with about 3,300 employees in more than 50 worldwide locations. Of these locations, Solutia produces Crystex insoluble sulphur at seven sites around the world, including facilities in Kuantan and Kashima in Japan.

Zona said Crystex insoluble sulphur is the most reliable, cost effective and consistent insoluble sulphur produced.

Insoluble sulphur is a necessary component in the production of a radial tyre.

nazrey

March 2nd, 2011, 10:52 AM

Ukraine keen to enhance trade and investment linkages with M’sia
Posted on March 2, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=97939

KUALA LUMPUR: Ukraine, the former Soviet Union state in Eastern Europe, is keen to share its expertise in nuclear power plant technology with Malaysia as part of efforts to enhance bilateral trade and investment linkages.

Its Ambassador to Malaysia, Ihor V Humennyi, said Ukraine had immense expertise in nuclear power technology, which it could share, given that Kuala Lumpur was keen to develop nuclear power plants.

The move will also enhance efforts by Ukraine to improve two-way trade and investment linkages which are now at almost negligible levels, Humennyi told Bernama after a meeting with the national news agency’s editor-in-chief, Datuk Yong Soo Heong on Monday.

Humennyi was appointed his country’s envoy to Malaysia last August.

A large number of Malaysian students are also pursuing a medical course at the Crimea State Medical University (CSMU).

The second largest country in Europe afer Russia, with its capital in Kiev, Ukraine is a republic whose economy mainly comprises energy, tourism, companies related to industries as well as the manufacture of transportation vehicles and spacecraft.

Ukraine is heavily dependent on nuclear energy with 15 reactors generating about half of its electricity at four nuclear power plants, operated by Energoatom, the country’s nuclear power utility. The ambassador said that although the Ukraine government was currently in business ventures with several companies in Malaysia, including Petronas, commercial linkages had still a long way to go before they became significant.

Ukraine’s main import from Malaysia is palm oil.

He said that Malaysian companies could use Ukraine as a gateway to the regional markets bordering the country including Russia, Poland, Belarus, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.

The Ukrainian envoy also said that his country was currently trying to find sources of green energy as an alternative to nuclear power technology.

Based on news reports, in January this year, an Ukrainian company, Sumy Frunze NPO JSC company, had given Petronas a contract for the supply of a complex gas treatment plant (CGTP) for one of the fields in Uzbekistan.

Sumy Frunze is a machine-building company in Europe manufacturing equipment for oil, gas and chemical industries.— Bernama

nazrey

March 2nd, 2011, 10:53 AM

Matrade to lead delegation to trade fair in Amsterdam
Posted on March 2, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=97937

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will lead a delegation to the ‘World of Private Label’ 2011 trade fair to be held at the Amsterdam RAI exhibition centre in the Netherlands from May 24 to 25.

The ‘World of Private Label’ is Europe’s renowned retail trade fair where buyers and category managers purchase private label branded goods for supermarkets and department stores from Europe and other countries and contract with manufacturers and suppliers from all over the world, both in the food and non-food categories.

At the ‘World of Private Label’ 2010, Malaysian companies conducted negotiations for goods valued at RM1.3 million, said Matrade in a statement yesterday.

“The ‘World of Private Label’ is a very special event, open only to established buyers who are interested in sourcing and contracting for products,” said Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin.

He said Malaysian manufacturers and exporters wishing to expand their markets, without having to invest in costly marketing campaigns in the promotion of their brands, should consider registering with Matrade to participate at ‘World of Private Label’ 2011.

During the two-day event, Malaysian companies can interact with leading international buyers of considerable purchasing power.

He also said Matrade would organise a Malaysian pavilion for local suppliers looking at the ever-growing private label market in Europe and beyond.

Retail statistics show that private label products command a growing share of total retail sales.

Within Europe, Switzerland remains the overall leader where private label products have a 53 per cent market share, followed by the United Kingdom (47 per cent), Germany (41 per cent), France (35 per cent) and Netherlands (26 per cent).

Market share in Spain rose to over 40 per cent for the first time. — Bernama

nazrey

March 2nd, 2011, 01:18 PM

Sime says no deal signed on Cameroon
Published: 2010/03/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110302175756/Article/index_html

Malaysia’s palm-to-property conglomerate Sime Darby said on today that it has not entered into any agreement to invest in Cameroon oil palm plantations.

The company was responding to a media report which said it was considering a US$2.5 billion plantation expansion deal in the African nation.

Sime, the world’s largest palm company by landbank size, said that it continues to explore investment opportunities and would make the necessary public announcements when an agreement has been reached.

The company recently reported its earnings for its second quarter, which saw its net profit more than double on-year owing to strong palm contributions. - Reuters

nazrey

March 3rd, 2011, 03:47 PM

http://upislam.com/images/13276338994984406594.jpg

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (L) holds talks with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard (R) at Parliament House in Canberra on March 3, 2011. Najib is in Australia on an official visit to discuss bilateral issues and preside over the signing of a trade agreement. -- Pictures by AFP/ Andrew Taylor

nazrey

March 3rd, 2011, 03:49 PM

Malaysian ties with Aussie security agencies at its best
Thursday March 3, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/3/nation/8179439&sec=nation

PUTRAJAYA: Cooperation between Malaysian and Australian security agencies is currently at its best, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said the ties, which involved police and immigration departments of both countries, were aimed at tackling terrorism, trans-border crime and human trafficking.

“It involves sharing of information, training and equipment. This has resulted in several achievements, including the arrest of Sayed Omeid, an Iraqi suspected to be the mastermind behind a human trafficking syndicate,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Hishammuddin said Sayed was detained under the Immigration Act.

“He is in the process of being extradited to Australia,” he said.

Hishammuddin cited the Australian Federal Police, Australian Secret Intelligence Services and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation as among the agencies that had close cooperation with their Malaysian counterparts.

He said such ties could only be possible through the commitment of the countries’ leaderships in fostering better bilateral ties.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s three-day visit to Australia was significant as bilateral security would be further boosted between the two countries.

nazrey

March 4th, 2011, 04:49 PM

Aussie firms keen to invest more in Malaysia
Published: 2010/03/04
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110304191256/Article/index_html

Australia-based companies have expressed keen interest to increase investments in Malaysia after they were showed the window of opportunities under the government's Economic Transformation Plan ETP).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who had a roundtable meeting with more than 20 captains of industry in Australia today, informed them of the transformation programmes being initiated in Malaysia and the huge investment opportunities available.

The Prime Minister also intently listened to their problems.

"They are very keen to increase their investments in Malaysia after I explain to them our Economic Transformation Plan, the extent of investments we need. They expressed interest to increase investments in certain sectors," he told Malaysian journalists before concluding his three-day visit to Australia.

Some 200 companies with Australian interests are currently operating in Malaysia.

As at Dec 31, last year, Australian investments in Malaysia totalled US$715.7 million. Companies with investments in Malaysia include Ansell, ANZ, Leighton, Rio Tinto, Bluescope Steel and Ryco Hydraulics. -- Bernama

nazrey

March 8th, 2011, 06:18 AM

YTL to turn Niseko into all-season resort
Published: 2010/03/08
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110308104721/Article/index_html

TOKYO: Niseko Village, the winter resort in Hokkaido, northern Japan which YTL Corp Bhd acquired last April, will be turned into a sophisticated and vibrant all-year-round tourist destination under a 10-year master plan, said Managing Director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh.

"Throughout the year, events and activities will be staged to inject life and vibrancy into Niseko Village. In fact, there is also growing awareness of Niseko in the global news where Niseko was voted the second snowiest resort in the world by Forbes Traveller.

"Niseko was also recently named one of the "top 10 ski resorts to visit in Asia" by CNN and was ranked number 12 out of "41 places to visit in 2011" by the New York Times," he said in an email interview with Bernama facilitated by the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro).

Niseko, located on the foothills of Mount Annupuri, is regarded as one of the best alpine terrains with consistent snow falls of more than 10 metres of light dry powder per season. - Bernama

RELATED LINK: http://www.niseko-village.com/

nazrey

March 8th, 2011, 06:23 AM

Niseko Village, the winter resort in Hokkaido
Niseko village centre
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5493880989_5cd38b3fab_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47846560@N08/5493880989/

Hokkaido - Niseko Village
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4367999990_14777c5cc1_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/colourfulfaces/4367999990/in/set-72157623453858062/

nazrey

March 8th, 2011, 06:33 AM

Niseko Village
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3260004364_db761f61c2_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/irenelam/3260004364
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/irenelam/3259166995/in/set-72157613432190603/
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/irenelam/3260001034/in/set-72157613432190603/

hazlan

March 8th, 2011, 06:52 AM

nazrey

March 8th, 2011, 07:13 AM

Itu Bukit Yotei kt Hokkaido..Ini Bukit Fuji!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Mountfujijapan.jpg/800px-Mountfujijapan.jpg

Mount Fuji as viewed across the Tokyo skyline

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Skyscrapers_of_Shinjuku_2009_January.jpg/800px-Skyscrapers_of_Shinjuku_2009_January.jpg

Mount Fuji lies about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south-west of Tokyo
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/1367827395_6989b285bd.jpg

nazrey

March 15th, 2011, 05:52 PM

Malaysia sedia tambah anggota misi bantuan ke Jepun
15/03/2011 6:48pm
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0315&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_22.htm

KUALA LUMPUR 15 Mac — Malaysia bersedia menambah bilangan anggota misi menyelamat mangsa gempa bumi dan tsunami di Jepun sekiranya pihak berkuasa Jepun memberi kebenaran berbuat demikian, kata Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Beliau berkata, sebagai sebahagian daripada komuniti antarabangsa, Malaysia bersedia memberi komitmen itu sebagai tanda keprihatinan terhadap rakyat Jepun yang ditimpa musibah akibat gempa bumi yang mencetuskan tsunami dengan magnitud 8.9 pada Jumaat lepas.

Katanya, Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) sudah pun berada di Jepun untuk menyertai misi bantuan dan buat masa ini, 50 anggota Pasukan Mencari dan Menyelamat Khas Malaysia (Smart) bersedia berlepas bila-bila masa ke negara itu dengan dua pesawat Charlie C-130.

"Ini merupakan kumpulan pertama, kita bersedia menambah lagi walaupun sehingga satu batalion, tetapi ia (penambahan anggota) tertakluk kepada pihak berkuasa Jepun untuk memberi pelepasan kepada pasukan kita untuk meneruskan misi itu,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis penyerahan cek rayuan Hari Pahlawan 2010 kepada Persatuan Bekas Tentera Malaysia di Parlimen di sini, hari ini. — Bernama

nazrey

March 15th, 2011, 05:53 PM

Ranhill suspends US$1.2b Libyan project
Published: 2010/03/15
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110315175106/Article/index_html

Malaysian builder Ranhill Bhd said today it has halted construction on a $1.2 billion housing project in Libya due to unrest in the North African country.

Ranhill was scheduled to complete the first phase of the Tajura housing project, located on the outskirts of the Libyan capital, by mid-2011. The entire project was slated to be completed by 2013.

“In view of the ongoing unrest in Libya, the matter remains to be in the state of flux...and the Group is still unable to ascertain the financial impact,” Ranhill said in a stock exchange filing. - Reuters

nazrey

March 18th, 2011, 09:12 AM

Takziah kepada seluruh rakyat Jepun
18 Mac 2011 / 13 Rabiul Akhir 1432
Oleh FAIZAH IZZANI ZAKARIA
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0318&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Muka_Hadapan&pg=mh_02.htm

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2011/0318/Utusan_Malaysia/Muka_Hadapan/mh_02.1.jpg

Najib Tun Razak bersama Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin mengetuai upacara
bertafakur tanda penghormatan kepada mangsa tsunami di Jepun sebelum
usul gempa dan tsunami di Jepun dibentangkan pada Mesyuarat Pertama,
Penggal Keempat Parlimen Kedua Belas 2011 di Bangunan Parlimen, semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR 17 Mac – Dewan Rakyat hari ini sebulat suara meluluskan usul bagi merakamkan ucapan takziah dan simpati yang sangat mendalam kepada kerajaan dan rakyat Jepun yang dilanda bencana gempa bumi dan tsunami pada Jumaat lalu.

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yang mengemukakan usul itu selepas sesi soal jawab berkata, Kerajaan Malaysia merakamkan penghargaan kepada Kerajaan Jepun atas segala bantuan yang diberikan kepada rakyat Malaysia terutama penuntut-penuntut yang terjejas oleh malapetaka itu.

Najib berkata, adalah wajar bagi Malaysia menawar dan menghulurkan apa jua bentuk bantuan yang termampu memandangkan Jepun mempunyai hubungan yang akrab dengan Malaysia.

“Saya menyeru seluruh rakyat Malaysia memberikan sokongan dan bantuan dari segi material, emosi dan moral kepada mangsa-mangsa bencana dan malapetaka itu.

“Saya juga merayu masyarakat antarabangsa untuk terus menghulurkan bantuan kemanusiaan kepada rakyat Jepun. Perkara yang berlaku ke atas negara Jepun dan rakyatnya adalah sesuatu yang amat menyedihkan seluruh rakyat Malaysia dan masyarakat antarabangsa.

“Dengan itu, Malaysia sebagai salah sebuah negara yang mempunyai hubungan akrab dengan Jepun turut merasakan beban yang terpaksa ditanggung oleh mereka,” katanya.

Perdana Menteri berkata, kerajaan juga bersyukur kerana kesemua rakyat dan penuntut Malaysia yang berada di Jepun dapat dihubungi dan dilaporkan berada dalam keadaan selamat di pusat-pusat pemindahan yang disediakan Kerajaan Jepun.

“Ini membuktikan pihak berkuasa Jepun mengambil berat dan prihatin terhadap keselamatan bukan sahaja rakyatnya, malah warga asing termasuk Malaysia,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, rakyat Malaysia wajar bersama-sama mendoakan agar Jepun dilindungi daripada bencana gempa bumi dan tsunami serta dapat membangunkan semula kawasan yang musnah dalam malapetaka itu.

Seramai sembilan Ahli Parlimen menyertai perbahasan usul tersebut sebelum Menteri Luar, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman menggulung perbahasan.

Dewan Rakyat sitting observes minute’s silence for Japan disaster victims
Posted on March 18, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=105004

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday tabled a motion at the Dewan Rakyat to express his deepest condolence and sympathy to the Japanese government and family members of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11.

Before beginning his speech, Najib asked the Dewan Rakyat sitting to observe a minute’s silence for the victims of the massive disasters which had killed thousands of people.

The Prime Minister said what had happened to Japan and its people had saddened the whole Malaysian population as well as the international community worldwide, especially in the Asian countries.

Malaysia, as one of the nations that had close ties with Japan, also felt the burden borne by them, he said.

It was only proper that Malaysia offered whatever assistance within its means as Japan and Malaysia had very close relations.

nazrey

March 19th, 2011, 11:47 PM

M’sia to host summit on cyber crime
Posted on March 19, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=105810

KUALA LUMPUR: Business and thought-leaders in cyber crime globally will meet in Malaysia next month to map the next stage in the global confrontation against the crime at the fifth annual Anti-Phishing Working Group’s (APWG) Counter-eCrime Operations Summit (CeCOS V).

The conference, from April 27-29, will focus on the challenges faced by ecrime responders and the development of critical common resources for the forensic professionals as well as business managers who protect consumers and enterprises from electronic crime threats every day.

“CeCOS conferences have one imperative to unite the ecrime responder community so that it can better act in concert against the threats that menace enterprises and consumers worldwide,” CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer, Lt Kol Husin Jazri said in a statement yesterday.

“We are very excited to collaborate with APWG and have the conference in Malaysia for the first time,” he added.

CeCOS V, the second APWG conference held in Asia, is an open conference for members of the cybercrime fighting community.

Hosted by the APWG and its conference partner, CyberSecurity Malaysia, the event is sponsored by HitachiJoho, Google and MarkMonitor. — Bernama

nazrey

March 20th, 2011, 11:33 AM

Envoy: Kazakhstan shares many similarities with Malaysia
Posted on March 19, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=105242

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A00578517.jpg

Beibut B Atamkulov

KUALA LUMPUR: Kazakhstan is impressed with the rapid social and economic changes in Malaysia which are due to the far-sighted vision of its past and present leaders.

Its ambassador to Malaysia Beibut B Atamkulov said Malaysia was fortunate to have visionary leaders like former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had led the country for 22 years.

“Malaysia is one of the strongest economies in Asia and is well-known in the world. It also has a high standard of education and better social life,” he told reporters through an interpreter at the embassy yesterday.

Atamkulov said Kazakhstan actually shared similarities with Malaysia in terms of vision and administration concepts brought by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Dr Mahathir.

“Malaysia has Vision 2020 and we have Vision 2030, and while you have the 1Malaysia concept, we have a similar concept where all the ethnic groups in Kazakhstan live in unity,” he said.

According to him, the country has more than 40 religions, with Islam being the most widespread followed by Christianity.

“Sixty per cent of our population are Muslims, and we are a very tolerant country where more than 100 ethnic groups and nationalities co-exist. We have a small population, only 16.5 million,” he said, adding that the country was currently developing its halal products.

Atamkulov said Malaysia had also become a chosen country for students to further their studies and a famous tourist destination for the people of Kazakhstan.

“There are now more than 2,000 Kazakhstan students studying in Malaysia, especially in business and information technology (IT). Each year, our government gives grants and send 4,000 students to various universities in the world.”

He said Najib was expected to visit Kazakhstan this June and would be signing various memorandums including on tourism, and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Atamkulov said the embassy planned to organise a trip for Malaysian journalists to Kazakhstan this May or June for them to tell other Malaysians about the country through their articles.

On the nuclear crisis in Japan, Atamkulov said like other countries, Kazakhstan was also concerned about exposure to radiation following leaks from the quake-hit nuclear plant in Japan.

“Several years ago, about 480 nuclear testings were performed in the Kazakhstan territory, with the testings being more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II, rendering large areas of land useless while one million people suffered from radiation. That’s why the Kazakhstan people know what nuclear power means and we are fighting against using nuclear weapons,” he said. — Bernama

nazrey

March 21st, 2011, 10:19 AM

Malaysia to join International Criminal Court
BY YUEN MEIKENG Published: Monday March 21, 2011 MYT 1:04:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/21/nation/20110321131409&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has decided to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), said Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz.

"This is a declaration that Malaysia rejects war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide," he said.

The decision, which was made by the Cabinet last Friday, was a historic move.

Malaysia will have to ratify the ROme Statute to join the ICC, which has its headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands.

nazrey

March 23rd, 2011, 02:04 PM

A tale of two Islamic Cities
Wednesday March 23, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/23/central/8284234&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/3/23/central/m_pg09chong.jpg

It’s official: Chong (left) and Jin (right) signing the letter of intent,
witnessed by Dr Yusof (centre).

A LETTER of intent to build an ‘Islamic City’ in Shenyang, China, has been signed and plans are being made to build a similar place, sharing the same architecture in the historic city of Malacca.

The project to create the first Islamic City in China would be undertaken under a joint venture between Sabah-based developer Billion Steps Sdn Bhd and the government of Shenyang’s Shenhe district.

The mixed development project would be in a 181,962sq m area, now known as Huihuiying.

About 5,000 people, the majority of whom are Muslims, currently living there will be relocated but resettled there when the project is completed.

A delegation of top officials of the Shenyang, led by mayor Dr Gu Chun Ming met Billion Steps Sdn Bhd’s chairman, former Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker and Sipitang MP Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob and directors to discuss the development of the Islamic City in Kuala Lumpur recently.

A letter of intent was signed by Shenyang city director Jin Zhao Xiang and Billion Steps Sdn Bhd director Chong Tat Ngean after the meeting.

“The massive project would be undertaken in two phases. Except for an existing mosque and school, all other buildings, structures, public facilities would be cleared for the development.”

“The land cost for the project is RM2.2bil but total cost of the development has not been worked out yet,” said Chong after the signing.

Later, members of the Shenyang delegation went to Malacca, where Billion Steps has proposed plans to build a similar Islamic City.

The company has already identified an area to develop the Islamic City, which would add to the state’s tourist attractions.

The delegation called on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam who briefed them on the state’s development and spoke to them about the visit of China’s President Hu Jintao to Malacca in 2009.

Shenyang’s officials invited Mohd Ali to visit their city and discussed a proposal to put up a 15th Century ‘Malay-Chinese’ themed hotel in Malacca.

nazrey

March 25th, 2011, 10:42 AM

PM: Many ways to help Japan
Thursday March 24, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/24/nation/8333311&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/3/24/nation/LendAhand_japanquake250.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government's plan to send a Special Malaysian Search and Rescue Team (SMART) to Japan to assist those affected by the earthquake and tsunami did not work out but Malaysia is helping in other ways.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he was touched to see so many items collected from Malaysians of all walks of life in such a short time by the Putera 1Malaysia Club for the Japanese.

“Malaysians are known to be generous, hospitable and willing to help their friends in need,” he said.

Najib said Japan had been a long-time friend since independence and Malaysia's economy had benefited from its loans, investments and technical expertise.

“When Japan is facing such an unprecedented tragedy, it's only right that we come forward and help them,” he said in a speech before presenting the Umno Putera 1Malaysia humanitarian aid to Japan Ambassador Masahiko Horie.

“We wanted to send a SMART team earlier but we could not go. Instead, we are going to send this assistance,” he added.

Putera 1Malaysia Club president Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said one million bottles of mineral water, 200,000 cups of instant noodles, 2,000 rubber gloves, 2,000 boots, 20,000 thick blankets and 5,000 sleeping bags were handed over.

He said a team of 50 people comprising doctors, paramedics, volunteers and members of the media would depart on an AirAsia flight and return on April 6.

Its operations centre at Jalan Kampung Attap would be open until April 19 to receive contributions from the public, he said.

nazrey

March 25th, 2011, 10:43 AM

Mercy Malaysia deploys second team to Japan
2011/03/25
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/MercyMalaysiadeployssecondteamtoJapan/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY) deployed a second team last night to support the relief efforts of its local partner Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) in Iwate, Japan.

MERCY Malaysia executive council member Norazam Ab Samah said this was part of its commitment to the Letter of Undertaking (LoU) secured last week.

"As part of our LoU, we are able to channel funds raised in Malaysia to support emergency missions under AMDA.

"As of today, they have deployed 62 relief and medical personnel, 23 doctors, 10 nurses, two midwives, one assistant nurse, two pharmacists and 24 coordinators," he said in a statement here today.

Norazam is leading the second team accompanied by the head of Relief Operations, Hew Cheong Yew.

Meanwhile, MERCY Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said the team was grateful to all who had been calling and writing to offer help.

He said Malaysia Airlines (MAS) had also been responsive by assisting the second MERCY Malaysia team with flight arrangements to Japan.

"We appreciate everyone's support for our work and relief efforts," said Ahmad Faizal.

The first MERCY Malaysia team to Japan was deployed on March 13, comprising four personnel to assess the conditions in Japan.

They arrived back in Malaysia last Saturday. - BERNAMA

nazrey

April 2nd, 2011, 02:45 PM

Najib off to South Korea on Monday
Saturday April 2, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/2/nation/20110402073804&sec=nation

SEREMBAN: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will make a three-day official trip to South Korea from Monday, his first to the republic since becoming Prime Minister two years ago.

The visit is at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who came to Kuala Lumpur in December last year.

Najib, who is expected to hold talks with Lee on bilateral, regional and international issues, will be accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Also in the delegation are Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Science, Technology and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili and Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Najib would also be paying a courtesy call on South Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik. On the second day, he is scheduled to address the country's business leaders and captains of industry.

He is also expected to witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding between the governments and private sectors of both countries.

The ministry said the visit was significant as it reflected the strong ties between Malaysia and South Korea which have been manifested in the areas of trade, investment, education and capacity building through the Look East policy.

South Korea is Malaysia's sixth largest trading partner.

Total trade between both countries last year stood at RM52.9bil (US$16.43bil) with total exports from Malaysia amounting to RM24.21bil (US$7.52bil) and imports from South Korea totalling RM28.69bil (US$8.91bil).

Last year also marked the 50th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.

nazrey

April 4th, 2011, 02:25 PM

PM to boost ties with Seoul
By PAUL GABRIEL Monday April 4, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/4/nation/8408723&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: South Korea hopes Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's maiden bilateral visit to Seoul as Prime Minister will pave the way for closer “political will and unity” between both countries, particularly over North Korea.

South Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia Lee Yong-joon (pic) said his government appreciated that under Najib's leadership, Malaysia had shown more understanding on matters relating to the Korean peninsula.

He said a joint communiqu by Najib and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, issued during the latter's visit here last December, deplored the North's artillery attacks on Yeonpyeong island that killed civilians and members of the South Korean military, and also called for Pyongyang to halt all nuclear activities.

Lee said at a recent United Nations' Human Rights Council vote on North Korea, Malaysia abstained together with 10 other nations, with 30 in favour and only Russia, China and Cuba opposing.

“This is a significant change in the position of Malaysia which had opposed the UN vote previously.

“Malaysia's position is important and we hope to get your support with regards to the North Korea issue.

“For us, it's not just economics and trade that matter but also political co-operation,” the envoy said in an interview before leaving for Seoul to prepare for Najib's visit.

He said it was significant that Najib's visit to the republic today was the first in eight years of a Malaysian Prime Minister, pointing out that two South Korean presidents had visited Malaysia during that period.

Lee said three MoUs would be signed involving co-operation between the respective chambers' of commerce, ministries' of education, and Malaysian Highway Authority and Korean Expressway Co-operation.

Bilateral trade had risen by 31.5% last year, which brought the figure US$15.6bil (RM47.23bil) closer to the highest total amassed US$15.7bil (RM47.5bil) in 2008, he said.

He said green technology, energy and banking were new areas of co-operation, adding that South Korea was willing to provide its expertise if Malaysia decided to go ahead with plans to build a nuclear reactor.

nazrey

April 8th, 2011, 10:33 PM

Khazanah eyes more of Apollo
By Shahriman Johari Published: 2011/04/09
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/kapolof/Article/index_html

Kuala Lumpur: Khazanah Nasional Bhd may raise its stake in India's largest hospital chain, Apollo Hospitals, as it seeks to benefit from the country's growing healthcare market.

The state investment arm holds some 12.1 per cent of Apollo, which is close to the general offer trigger of 15 per cent. This means that once it has 15 per cent, it must buy another 20 per cent under Indian takeover rules.

"All I can say is, watch this space," said a Khazanah spokesperson.

Khazanah will soon make some RM1.32 billion from the sale of a 12 per cent block in Integrated Healthcare Holdings Sdn Bhd (IHH), its healthcare holding company, to Japan's Mitsui & Co Ltd.

Mitsui is also buying another 18 per cent of IHH in a new share sale for some RM1.98 billion. The two deals would bring its total stake to 30 per cent.

According to India's Business Standard newspaper, Apollo plans to invest about RM600 million over the next two years to add 2,500 beds.

It plans to raise the money from a placement exercise and other modes, the paper said, quoting Dr Prathap C Reddy, founder and chairman of Apollo.

Chennai-based Apollo now has some 8,500 beds in India.

IHH also has plans to invest some RM1 billion or about half of its new share sale money to expand in Malaysia. This would include new hospitals in Johor, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Perak, Penang, Klang, Selangor as well as upgrades for existing ones in Bangsar and Ampang in Kuala Lumpur.

It may also build a nursing and health campus.

Khazanah entered the healthcare sector in 2005, identifying the industry as a core investment. IHH now owns all of Singapore's Parkway Holdings - the biggest hospital operator in the region - and Malaysia's Pantai Holdings, International Medical University and Apollo Hospitals.

It has invested some RM6.8 billion in the healthcare sector since then but has been able to sell IHH shares at a much higher price tag, valuing it at RM11 billion in total.

"There is a premium to Malaysian companies that have a regional platform. That's a case for all Malaysian companies," the spokesperson said.

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/kapolof/pix_bottom

nazrey

April 12th, 2011, 11:57 AM

Muslim BRIC has arrived
Published: 2011/04/12
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/SAMI/Article/

THE investing and financing world is about country linkages that are economic and financial opportunities clustered as growth stories. The most recognised country linkage is BRIC (Brazil, Russia India and China): it conjures mental images of geographies, growth, size, demand, etc.

Another term that is increasingly invoked by businesses looking for opportunities is 'RDE,' or Rapidly Developing Economies, and includes examples of Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and so on. To put theory into practice, globally committed firms, like Thomson Reuters, have established positions like Global Head of RDE.

But, as this column is about Islamic finance, Halal industry, and Muslim countries, we now need to think a 'Muslim BRIC.' But, why? The simple answer is 'why not,' but the relevant answer is the present Muslim country clusters news and information is more about coverage than investing and trading opportunities.

The acid test is this; are Muslim country investors, from middle class to high net-worth to institutional, investing in a meaningful way in fellow Muslim majority OIC countries like Albania, Benin, Comoros, Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Niger, Somalia and/or Yemen?

Today, we have 57 Muslim countries and 1.6 billion Muslims, we need a Muslim BRIC that conjures similar focused images of potential, opportunity, and accessibility. We can look at the Silk Road countries, OIC (Organisation of Islamic Conference) countries, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, and so on, yet, outside of conferences in or about Muslim countries, such clusters are not capturing the investors' imagination or attention.

SAMI

On April 4, Thomson Reuters, along with their partners, IdealRatings, and World Halal Forum launched the SAMI Halal Food index. The SAMI Halal food index stands for Socially Acceptable Market Investments.

The index is about the beginning of convergence between Islamic finance and Halal industry. But, more importantly, its about Muslim country inward investing as Muslims, presently as 'consumer investors' in these halal food firms become shareholder investors.

Now, within the 'BRIC context,' SAMI stands for Saudi, Ankara, Malaysia and Indonesia. Without getting into the multitude of economic and financial numbers for these four countries on GDP growth, inflation, foreign direct investment, exports, debt capital market development, population growth patterns, and so on, we have a compelling established emerging market that happens to be Muslim countries on the old Silk Road.

Branding

The question is why the SAMI acronym? As with any branding exercise, it comes down to recall, recognition and reach whilst conveying a visual message of sustainable and scalable opportunities. The opportunities have become increasingly de-linked from the political minefield commonly found in emerging markets, which happen to be all Muslim countries.

Some general observations about SAMI countries include:

1. Three countries are G-20 countries: Saudi Arabia, Turkey (Ankara), and Indonesia. But, these countries are also the anchors for their respective geographies; Saudi Arabia for GCC (6) countries, Indonesia for Asean (10) countries, and Turkey for (5) CIS countries and beyond. These regions, especially GCC and CIS, may be viewed as pre-RDE countries.

2. Malaysia is the recognised global leader in both Islamic finance and Halal Food. Much has been written about Malaysia's achievements, but the real take away message for any country, Muslim or non-Muslim, wanting to be a hub, is the holistic and consistent approach of the country on the two inter-related sectors.

3. Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil producer and largest halal food importer. The political crisis in the Arab world has shown the importance of Saudi Arabia, as the country stepped up oil production to offset the loss of Libyan oil from the markets.

4. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population and growing

Meanwhile, Turkey is the 'sizeable' bridge to the east and west, as led by the present Islamist party.

Indexes & MNEs

One of the many spin-off possibilities here is a four country SAMI equity indexes for syariah-compliance, halal and conventional food.

Much like BRIC indexes convey a pulse of health, opportunities, fund flows, etc, the SAMI indexes will present not only 'conventional,' but Islamic and halal food (consumer non-cyclical sector) opportunities, information and insights.

From Indexes come firmsthat become the alter-ego of the country. The Financial Times had an interesting observation on Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) from RDEs, like Petro-China, Embraer (Brazil), Wipro (India), as these firms have become global brands and country ambassadors in a short time.

The 'good will' created and disseminated globally by such firms about their countries has detached them from the political landmines associated with emerging markets.

In the Muslim world, according to Dinar standards (DS), Muslim MNEs, as part of the DS-100 index, may be the next hidden gems for all investors. Thus, firms like Petronas, Emirates Airlines (Dubai), Kuwait Finance House (Kuwait), Ulker (Turkey), Indomie (Indonesia), and others represent tomorrow's Muslim country global ambassadors of investable opportunities.

Thus, the Muslim BRIC, SAMI, has arrived in Malaysia.

The writer is global head of Islamic Finance for Thomson Reuters, based in New York.

nazrey

April 13th, 2011, 05:16 AM

Malaysia's Mata Brait to invest RM50m in PNG
By June Ramlee Published: 2011/04/13
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jrpng/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/jrpng/pix_middle

KUALA LUMPUR: Mata Brait (PNG) Ltd, a wholly owned Malaysian company is investing RM50 million to plant rubber trees for the next five years in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Its executive chairman Tan Siew Heng said the company has identified an area of 14,000 hectares in PNG.

At present, the company is waiting for the necessary approval from the government of PNG, which they are confident of receiving within the next 12 months before they start logging the area and eventually planting the crop.

"We are confident that we will be able to get approval from the government and the relevant departments, and expect to plant rubber trees by next year while the yield is expected to come within the next two to three years," he said at a press conference at a hotel here yesterday to announce the project.

"The soil in PNG is of high quality and that's why we choose to go there instead of investing in other places like Indonesia," he added.

Tan said the investment for the agro-forestry project in PNG was coming from his own pocket via his company called Zhun Ling Enterprise Sdn Bhd and other angel investors.

He added that rubber planted in PNG will be brought over to Malaysia for internal use and will not be exported.

"We also plan to acquire new land to plant paddy in PNG but that will be a separate venture altogether," he added.
PNG High Commissioner to Malaysia Veali Vagi who was also present at the event said to date total Malaysian investments into PNG had amounted to RM3 billion.

"Malaysian companies that have invested in PNG range from the timber sector, oil palm, media, real estate and even finance and banking," he said.

Vagi added the investments from Malaysian companies had increased rapidly in the last 15 years with an increase of trade between 5 to 10 per cent a year.

nazrey

April 13th, 2011, 05:18 AM

SapuraCrest plans US$900m expansion
By Kamarul Yunus Published: 2011/04/13
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/sapgas/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: SapuraCrest Petroleum Bhd (8575) expects to spend some US$900 million (RM2.72 billion) within the next two years to build more capacity and grow in the region.

Its executive vice chairman Datuk Shahril Shamsuddin said the investments would be used to buy assets, hire people as well as to open up more offices.

"We plan to expand our office in Penang and regionally, in Australia and South America. We are also looking at expanding our presence in Vietnam and Myanmar," he said on the sidelines of Invest Malaysia 2011, here yesterday.

He noted that jobs from overseas market had increased by 30 per cent last year and hoped to maintain the level this year.

"This year, we will continue to bid. As a contracting company, we will be chasing projects in the region.

Last couple of years, we have executed closed to US$1.2 billion (RM3.64 billion) in the region," Shahril said.

Citing that the company's current order book stands between RM7 billion and RM8 billion, Shahril said the outlook for the company this year was good but stressed that SapuraCrest needed to execute its contracts well.

Kencana Petroleum Bhd head of corporate affairs Abdul Rahim Awang shared the same sentiment, saying the company was positive with the outlook of the industry.

Asked whether Kencana Petroleum is looking for more marginal field contracts, Abdul Rahim said the company now needed to focus on the Berantai field.

Late in January, Petronas awarded the country's first risk service contract to a consortium comprising Kencana Petroleum, SapuraCrest and UK's Petrofac to develop the Berantai field.

Abdul Rahim said development work on the Berantai field had started, with the first drilling of a well to start either late this year or early next year.

"Now we are doing engineering and construction works," he said.

RELATED LINK: http://www.sapuracrest.com.my/

triple-j

April 19th, 2011, 06:46 AM

HH Sheikha Lubna opens Malaysia Services Exhibition 2011

more at... http://www.ameinfo.com/262487.html

triple-j

April 19th, 2011, 06:50 AM

source http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidGN_17042011_180437

Monday, Apr 18, 2011

Gulf News

Abu Dhabi Of the $14.8 billion (Dh54.32 billion) construction and infrastructure projects globally undertaken by Malaysian companies last year, 74 per cent were in the Middle East, a top Malaysian official said yesterday.

“As of last year, Malaysian construction companies completed a total of 556 construction and infrastructure development projects globally, valued at more than $14.8 billion. About 74 per cent of the projects are in the Middle East,” Y.B. Dato Mustapa Mohammad, Malaysia’s Minister of International Trade and Industry, said.

He was inaugurating the fourth edition of the Malaysia Services Exhibition (MSE 2011), along with Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

“Among the notable projects involving Malaysian contractors in the Middle East are the Jamarat Bridge, Makkah; Bahrain International Circuit; Abu Dhabi F1 circuit; and Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi,” the minister said.

Malaysia received substantial investment in the electronics and electrical industry of around $4 billion or 41 per cent of the total foreign investments approved in 2010, he said. The total approved foreign investment in 2010 was $9 billion.

“To date, a total of 33 projects with investments amounting to $1.26 billion have been approved in the GCC countries.

“The investments are mainly in basic metal products, petroleum products including petrochemicals, food products, machinery and equipment, and chemical and chemical products,” the minister said.

He added that Malaysian ICT (information and communication technology) companies have captured over $200 million worth of ICT projects which are in various stages of implementation including those at Abu Dhabi International Airport, smart card and biometric solutions for the City of Abu Dhabi, software development solutions and services for the Nakeel Group in the UAE and for Alquera Group Holding (Abu Dhabi).

The minister also noted that Malaysia can provide world-class medical services at affordable prices. For example, a heart bypass costing $130,000 in the US would cost less than one sixth that in Malaysia”

He said Malaysia is the first country to have a full-fledged Islamic banking system operating in parallel with the conventional banking system.

The Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) offers a platform for financial institutions to conduct Islamic financial activities.

After the official opening, the ministers also launched the ‘Malaysia UAE Business Directory’, an initiative by the Malaysia-UAE Business Council with a listing of 100 businesses.

main market

UAE-Malaysia bilateral trade

“In 2010, UAE’s overall non-oil trade with Malaysia was $ 3.1 Billion, registering a 7% increase from the year before,” Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi said.

Current UAE exports to Malaysia mainly comprise crude petroleum and refined petroleum products, and chemicals and chemical products, while imports from Malaysia include electrical and electronic products, machinery, appliances and parts, jewellery, and palm oil.

In 2010, exports from Malaysia to UAE totalled $3.953 billion whilst imports from UAE to Malaysia reached $2.465 billion, Mustapa Mohammad said. Malaysia’s chief exports to the UAE include electrical and electronic products, machinery, appliances and parts, jewellery, and palm oil. In return, Malaysia imports petroleum and chemical products from the UAE.

Exhibition

Malaysia Services Exhibition (MSE 2011) will end on Wednesday (April 20). Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), it brings together as many as 100 Malaysian companies from a diverse range of services.

By Binsal Abdul Kader?Staff Reporter

© Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.

nazrey

April 19th, 2011, 05:10 PM

EU, Malaysia to record higher bilateral trade
Published: 2011/04/19
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110419150056/Article/index_html

The European Union-Malaysia bilateral trade is expected to be higher this year compared to the 31.9 billion euros (1 euro = RM4.31) recorded last year, Ambassador and Head of European Union Delegation to Malaysia, Vincent Piket said today.

Exports from EU to Malaysia amounted to 11.2 billion euros in 2010, while Malaysia's exports to the EU stood at 20.7 billion euros.

Piket said demand for green component products were bound to increase this year as the EU has unilaterally committed itself to a 20 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission by 2020.

As the EU vigorously promotes biomass as an alternative fuel and as a resource for eco-products, demand for solid biomass fuel in Europe is expected to double by 2020, he said at the launch of EU-Malaysia Biomass Entrepreneurs Nurturing Programme (EU-BENP), here.

Piket said 44 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with market value of about RM55 million have been selected under the programme, which will be managed by EU-Malaysia Biomass Sustainable Production Initiative (Biomass-SP).

Biomass-SP is one of 30 projects selected across Asia last year under the EU's Switch Asia Programme, that funds projects for sustainable consumption and production.

Technical Advisor at Biomass-SP Datuk Leong Kin Mun said the nurturing programme was aimed at helping the SMEs to gain market and financing access and to establish partnership such as export-import joint venture and technology collaboration with the EU companies through business matching facilities provided under the programme.

Leong said the selected SMEs will also receive complementary environmental and business coaching in selected areas relevant to biomass supply and utilisation activities.

He said to support the programme, the government is providing up to RM4 million in grants to the SMEs for research & development purposes with local universities as well as soft loans.

Chairman of Biomass-SP, Tan Sri Ahmad Zaharuddin Idrus said the launch of the EUM-BENP has also kick started a series of nine Capacity Building Programmes, which will be organised throughout this year and next year on subjects relevant to biomass commercialisation. - BERNAMA

nazrey

April 20th, 2011, 03:05 PM

KL-Riyadh security pact sealed
Wednesday April 20, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/20/nation/8515669&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/4/20/nation/n_pg08riyadh.jpg
Fighting crime: Hishammuddin exchanging documents pertaining
to the agreement with Prince Ahmad in Riyadh.

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to tackle security threats in a more effective and orderly manner.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein inked the security pact for Malaysia while Saudi Arabia's Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmad Bin Abdulaziz did so on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

The agreement would allow both countries to cooperate on tackling international crimes, especially those related to terrorist activities, terrorism funding and organised crime, said Hishammuddin in a statement yesterday.

The minister said the pact was a serious commitment by both countries to forge closer links in dealing with security-related issues such as terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, forgery of travel documents, cyber crime, arms trafficking, treason and economic crimes.

The agreement, he said, would also pave the way for official collaboration in prisoner exchange and extradition.

“It will result in more frequent contacts between senior officers from the two countries and serve as platform to assess programmes agreed to by both sides,” said the minister, who is on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from yesterday.

He said due to Saudi Arabia's strategic location and being a country that commanded international attention, the kingdom could share its experience in handling threats of violence with Malaysia.

Similarly, Hishammuddin said Malaysia's success in addressing security threats in the South-East Asian region could also benefit the Saudis, especially in terms of intelligence sharing.

“I'm hopeful that the agreement will enable us to enhance security, not only in Malaysia but across Asia,” he said. - Bernama

nazrey

April 20th, 2011, 03:14 PM

Malaysia hopes for tie-up with top Chinese academy
By CHELSEA L.Y. NG Wednesday April 20, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/20/nation/8515553&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/4/20/nation/n_pg03experiment.jpg
Educational visit: (From left) Cai, Dr Chua and Muhyiddin being led into one of
the classrooms during a tour of The Experimental High School in China.

BEIJING: Malaysia wants an exchange programme with one of the most excellent schools in China to improve its students' overall performance, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“It is my fervent hope that Malaysian schools can have an exchange programme with your school so that we can learn more on how to improve our sports programme and enhance our students' overall performance.

“A particular area of interest is curriculum development, integrating sports activities into academic programmes,” he said yesterday.

He added that Malaysia was also interested in having teacher capacity building programmes to share expertise on integrated sports education.

Muhyiddin was on an official visit to The Experimental High School, which is attached to Beijing Normal University and has won accolades for its excellent international exchange programme.

He said Malaysia hoped that cooperation between the schools of both countries would benefit their students.

“I learnt that this school, which is one of the most excellent schools in China, has demonstrated stellar performance not only in academic field but also in sports.

“This is an important area for Malaysian schools to learn as we embark on a nationwide initiative the 1Student, 1Sports programme,” he said.

He added that students' participation in sports activities would improve their ability to learn and contribute towards developing wholesome individuals.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, was later given a tour of the school by its principal Cai Xiaodong.

Speaking to reporters later, Muhyiddin said he would send his officers to see how well Malaysia could emulate China in the programme.

“What they have here is an education template that is quite holistic and is producing national athletes. They have a single session school and their premier has asked that all students be subjected to an hour of physical education activity each day. This is in line with our 1Student 1Sport programme,” he said.

Earlier, Muhyiddin received a courtesy call from Chinese Education Minister Yuan Guiren and attended a bilateral meeting and luncheon with Vice-Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People here.

He said both leaders discussed economy, trade and investment during the meeting and agreed that the South China Sea issue be approached “diplomatically”.

nazrey

April 22nd, 2011, 12:44 AM

Malaysia eksport senjata Itali
Oleh AHMAD FADZIL ZAINOL ARIFFIN 22 April 2011
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0422&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Ekonomi&pg=ek_01.htm

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2011/0422/Utusan_Malaysia/Ekonomi/ek_01.1.jpg
Azhar Abdul Rahman (kiri) bersama Pengarah Eksekutif Genting Etika Sdn.
Bhd., Abdullah Thani Zainal Abidin bersalaman dengan Ulderigo Rossi di
samping Pengurus Pemasaran dan Jualan Wilayah Oto Melara, Luca Lonoce
memeterai kerjasama antara kedua-dua pihak di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR 21 April - Malaysia bakal menjadi pengeksport senjata perang syarikat Itali, Oto Melara dengan adanya rancangan untuk membina pusat penyelenggaraan dan ibu pejabatnya di Lumut, Perak.

Pusat yang dijangka beroperasi pada awal tahun depan itu dibina di bawah perjanjian antara syarikat itu dengan Genting Etika Sdn. Bhd. (Genting Etika) dengan kos pembinaan sebanyak RM5 juta.

Lumut merupakan satu-satunya lokasi Oto Melara beroperasi di Asia Pasifik dan ketika ini, pusat seumpama itu hanya terdapat di Poland, Brazil, India dan Emiriyah Arab Bersatu (UAE).

Naib Presiden Oto Melara (Pemasaran dan Jualan), Ulderigo Rossi tidak menolak pusat penyelenggaraan itu akan berkembang untuk dijadikan pusat pemasangan kelengkapan perang Oto Melara, seterusnya menjadi pengeksport ke pasaran serantau.

"Cadangan itu merupakan salah satu perkara yang ditawarkan kepada TLDM semasa perjumpaan diadakan bagi memperkukuhkan kerjasama Oto Melara dengan mereka," katanya semasa membentangkan prospek syarikat itu dengan Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) di sini hari ini.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Urusan Genting Etika, Kapten Azhar Abdul Rahman berkata, pusat itu akan menjadi lokasi penyelenggaraan senjata keluaran Oto Melara yang digunakan oleh TLDM.

Beliau bagaimanapun berkata, pihaknya masih belum mendapat kata putus daripada TLDM bagi mengadakan pusat itu untuk menyelenggara kapal milik TLDM yang mempunyai kelengkapan senjata Oto Melara.

"Ia perlu disiapkan terlebih dahulu barulah (keputusan dibuat) sama ada ia menjadi dilantik sebagai wakil penyelengaraan rasmi kapal milik TLDM diputuskan," katanya.

Ketika ini, TLDM memiliki meriam Oto Melara jenis 30 milimiter (mm) dan 76/62 SR pada 12 buah Kapal Peronda Pesisir Pantai (OPV).

Tambah Azhar, pusat tersebut juga bersedia menjadi lokasi bagi menyelenggara komponen Oto Melara yang dipunyai oleh mana-mana negara jiran.

Oto Melara akan menyediakan kepakaran bagi melatih jurutera tempatan, memindahkan teknologi dan beberapa alat ganti bagi menjadikan pusat itu lengkap sebagai pusat menyelenggara bersepadu.

nazrey

April 22nd, 2011, 02:37 PM

RM7.2b helicopter deals inked
By Zurinna Raja Adam Published: 2011/04/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/westys/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/westys/pix_middle

Weststar and MHS Aviation will provide 14 choppers in deals worth RM7.2 billion from oil firms in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Two local helicopter service providers have won deals worth RM7.2 billion from oil firms in Malaysia and one is already planning to use this as a stepping stone for regional expansion.

Privately-held Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd is keen to become a bigger player in Southeast Asia and it may raise money from an initial public offering.

"There is a great potential for Weststar's growth in the oil and gas sector and we fully intend to expand," group managing director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim told reporters at a briefing yesterday.

In fact, it has been invited to bid for services in Thailand and Myanmar.

Weststar Aviation will provide nine helicopters in a deal worth RM4.2 billion to Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc, Newfield (Malaysia) Incorporated, Petrofac (Malaysia-PM304) Ltd and Talisman (Malaysia) Ltd.

Syed Azman said the tender had called for 14 helicopters and Weststar had allocated RM1.5 billion to fund the project.

"We won the bid to provide nine helicopters and with the surplus in budget, we will now prepare the company to tap into the regional market," he said after the signing ceremony yesterday.

It plans to buy four more helicopters this year with a minimum investment of about RM80 million for each of the new Agusta Westland AW 139. This will bring its fleet to 23 helicopters by year-end.

Established in 2003, the company now has 19 helicopters of which seven are used for general aviation activities and 12 for its offshore business division based in Kerteh, Terengganu and Kota Baru, Kelantan.

MHS Aviation Bhd, meanwhile, sealed the remaining RM3 billion contract to provide five choppers to Petronas Carigali, ExxonMobil Exploration and Newfield.

The contract is valid for a period of 10 years between April 1 2011 and March 31 2021 with an option to extend to March 31 2026.

MHS Aviation, which will soon be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boustead Holdings Bhd, will provide its services to more than 100 offshore oil rigs and installations via Kerteh Airport in Terengganu.

"With five new additions of Eurocopter EC225 helicopters to our fleet, we look forward to cater to our customer needs by utilising the latest technological equipment and facilities," chief executive officer Ir Ma'som Mahadi said.

"These five new helicopters will be the main carriers during the tenure of this contract," he added.

Founded in 1983, MHS also charters aircraft including helicopters and airplanes in addition to providing flight training, engineering and technical services.

nazrey

April 22nd, 2011, 02:39 PM

Peugeot top-selling European make in Malaysia
Published: 2011/04/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jrper/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time, it was not Mercs and Beamers that claimed the top spot for the most sellable European make in Malaysia. It was Peugeot, with a whopping 1,538 units sold in the first quarter ended March 31.

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot cars here, said sales represented a 167 per cent jump from the 576 units sold in the same period last year.

"We thank customers, dealers, vendors and partners all over the country for having faith in the revival of the brand.

"This could not have been done without the support of the Malaysian government and the decisive move by Automobiles Peugeot, in making Malaysia their right-hand-drive production hub," Nasim chief executive SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said in a statement.

Coming in at second place is Mercedes Benz with 1,260 units sold followed by BMW (1,248), Volkwagen (1,099), Volvo (209), Audi (178), Porsche (73), Renault (35) and Land Rover (28).

Peugeot's sales volume in the first quarter gave the French carmaker a leading share of 26 per cent among European brands in the market, according to the latest figures released by the Malaysian Automotive Association.

Nasarudin said the company's first quarter sales volume was in line with its annual sales target of 7,000 units that it plans to achieve by the end of this year.

Peugeot's most popular model was the 308, which contributed 38 per cent of sales or equivalent to 588 units. For the same corresponding period last year, it sold 458 units.

"With the demand for European makes on the rise in Malaysia, Peugeot is now being viewed in a different light. We are optimistic about the future and will introduce five new sales and service outlets, increasing our network size to 23 nationwide.

"Our Q1 results, along with the upcoming introduction of two new models puts us on the right track towards achieving our sales target of 7000 units this year," Nasim chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George said.

nazrey

April 22nd, 2011, 02:39 PM

ETP can help broaden Malaysia-EU trade
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2011/04/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/rup22e0/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can expand its trading areas with the European Union with the help of its Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

Almost two-thirds of Malaysian exports to EU and half of imports from the EU consist of electrical and electronic (E&E) products and machinery, appliances and parts.

"We can do much more to diversify this trade pattern and explore emerging sectors, which have high potential for higher growth," said Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers president Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur.

He was speaking at the one-day EU-Malaysia Trade and Investment Forum 2011 here yesterday.

Trade with Europe accounts for 11.5 per cent of Malaysia's overall trade volume.

Mustafa identified several industrial cooperation initiatives and opportunities under the ETP which could be of interest to European businesses.

They include improving water and sewerage systems, rejuvenating existing oil fields, improving upstream palm oil productivity, building sustainable energy platform, revitalising the E&E sector as well as strengthening global marketing efforts for processed food.

A total of RM1.3 trillion in additional investment is required from the private sector to fund the entry point projects and business opportunities under the ETP.

nazrey

April 22nd, 2011, 05:46 PM

IRIS secures US$149m Tanzanian job
Published: 2011/04/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110422205213/Article/index_html

IRIS Corporation Bhd has been awarded a US$149 million (RM451 million) contract by the National Identification Authority (NIDA), an institution under Tanzania's Ministry of Home Affairs.

In a statement today, the company said the contract was for the procurement, supply, design, implementation, test, maintenance, support and commissioning of the national ID system for 25 million cards based on Smartcard Technology.

The contract period is for five years, and the project will be funded by internally generated funds and bank borrowings. - Bernama

RELATED LINK: http://www.iris.com.my/

nazrey

April 23rd, 2011, 02:18 PM

nazrey

April 24th, 2011, 09:36 PM

ECE Tech to list in London by end-May
By Zaidi Isham Ismail Published: 2011/04/25
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ECELIST-2/Article/index_html

KUALA LUMPUR: Electrical and electronics company ECE Technologies Sdn Bhd aims to list on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange by the end of next month, raising RM45 million in proceeds from the initial public offering (IPO).

AIM is the alternative investment market for smaller and growing companies, of which there are now 18 Malaysian companies.

ECE group managing director Norjannah Zainal said the listing entails the floating of 60 million new ordinary shares of 15 pence each worth a total of STG9 million or RM45 million.

"Half of the proceeds will be used for our expansion plans in both domestic and overseas market especially in Indonesia, while the other half is for working capital and listing expenses.

"The bulk of the RM45 million will be used to set up our third and fourth plant in Medan and Bogor, respectively, in Indonesia," Norjannah told Business Times and Berita Harian in an interview recently.

ECE, which makes electrical home appliances such as cathode ray televisions and air conditioners, owns two plants in Shah Alam, Selangor and Taiping, Perak.

Norjannah said the firm chose to list in London instead of Bursa Malaysia because it wants to position its brand in Europe as part of its long-term plan to be a global player.

"We want to penetrate deeper into the European market and are in the process of signing agreements with foreign counterparts to assemble and co-produce electrical appliances with major international brands," said Norjannah.

ECE's IPO will be handled by the UK's Daniel Stewart and Co, the same investment bank which handled the IPO of renowned shoemaker Jimmy Choo.

Once listed, it will be known as ECE Zaira Ltd.

Norjannah is confident that the flotation will be oversubcribed as to date, 80 per cent of the IPO had been snapped up.

The IPO, however, is not open to the Malaysian public except via institutional investors such as the Employees Provident Fund.

Established in 1973, ECE (East Coast Electronics) was previously known as AIC Display Sdn Bhd and makes audio visual products such as cathode ray, LCD and LED televisions, DVD players and home theatre systems.

It also makes home and kitchen appliances such as air-conditioners, washing machines, mist fans, vacuum cleaners, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances such as gas burners, blenders and juice extractors under brand names such as ECElectronis, Plaxio and AE Tech.

The company has a niche market in the Northern Corridor Economic Region and East Coast states such as Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah with its competitively-priced products.

Employing 70 workers, ECE exports its products to India, African countries and Indonesia and allocates 10 per cent of its yearly revenue on research and develoment.

With an authorised paid-up capital of RM10 million, of which RM9.5 million is paid-up, the company churns out some 250,000 units of cathode ray televisions and 30,000 LCD televisions a year.

It aims to garner a bigger market share to 12 per cent from a few per cent last year of the local in electrical and electronics industry, which is worth some RM4 billion a year.

This is by rolling out more innovative products and aggressive marketing via its 700 distributors and dealers.

ECE now has a US$100 million (RM301 million) job order, which includes assembling electrical products for a Saudi Arabia-based electrical products supply company.

The company made a revenue of RM15 million last year and is forecast to grow to RM100 million by the year-end.

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ECELIST-2/pix_bottom

nazrey

April 24th, 2011, 09:39 PM

Europe-based client to boost K-One
By Goh Thean Eu Published: 2011/04/25
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/k1111-2/Article/index_html

PETALING JAYA: K-One Technology Bhd, a component designer and manufacturer, expects another strong performance this year as it adds new clients.

The company, which designs and makes mobile phone accessories and computer peripherals, among others, recorded a net profit of RM8.04 million last year, up from RM1.28 million a year ago.

Revenue jumped 57 per cent to RM134 million.

It expects to win new clients in the household appliance sector this year.

"Last year, we did exceptionally well. We expect the strong performance to continue this year. Of course, we take note that it's against the uncertain global economy. On our part, we expect to do well this year for a few reasons.

"One, we have gathered enough experience over the last 10 years, and we have proven ourselves to our key customers that we can deliver products that are superior in quality, innovative in design, and also have the production capacity to do it," said executive chairman Edwin Lim Beng Fok in a Business Times interview recently.

While the company's three main pillars - mobile phone accessories, computer peripherals and consumer products - will continue to grow this year, Lim said new sectors like household appliances and healthcare will give it another boost.

"This year, we shall be streaming a major customer in the household appliances sector. This is a new engine which we started recently and we expect this new engine to contribute significantly to our top line and bottom line," he said.

The new client, a European-based company, was not easy to get. It took K-One two to three years of "courtship" before the design and manufacturing job was awarded to them.

"Finally, they are convinced that we have the capabilities. So, they have loaded us with orders.

Since end of last year, we started delivering. So this year, we can see the ramp up coming from this household appliances customer," he said.

Currently, the company's production capacity is running at about 80-90 per cent, but Lim said the company has room to ramp it up.

"We are currently running two shifts, if we need to ramp up capacity, we can always switch on the third shift. It is a happy problem to have," he said.

http://www.k-one.com.my/

nazrey

April 25th, 2011, 05:16 PM

CapAsia in Kazakhstan electricity utility deal
Published: 2011/04/25
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110425153202/Article/index_html

CapAsia, a joint venture private equity fund manager between CIMB Group and Standard Bank Group, today entered into a participation agreement to provide US$50 million in equity capital to Central Asian Power and Energy Company (CAPEC) in Kazakhstan.

CapAsia, a Singapore-based leading private equity fund manager, entered into the agreement via its Islamic Infrastructure Fund (IIF), it said in a statement today.

The IIF, managed by CapAsia, is a US$262 million private equity
infrastructure fund jointly sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Since its inception in 2006, CapAsia's assets under management grew to approximately US$485 million and it currently employed 18 investment professionals with over 90 years of private equity experience between them.

The firm has offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Johan Bastin, said the investment was the company's first in Central Asia.

"We see Kazakhstan as a primary market for IIF because of the government's commitment to furthering private sector involvement in the provision and financing of infrastructure," he was quoted in the statement.

Meanwhile, CAPEC Chairman Alexander Klebanov said IIF's equity investment in the company was important for its development and had great significance for the electricity sector in Kazakhstan. - Bernama

CIMB Standard Now Known As Capasia
SINGAPORE, June 7 (Bernama) — CIMB Standard on weekday undraped its newborn branding, CapAsia, in a advise to compound its strikingness as the directive contestant in Asia.

nazrey

April 25th, 2011, 05:20 PM

US tribe keen to work with Genting on casino
Written by Kathy Fong Monday, 25 April 2011 11:30
http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/highlights/185608-us-tribe-keen-to-work-with-genting-on-casino.html

KUALA LUMPUR: The Shinnecock Indians are reported to be keen on working with Genting Malaysia Bhd to manage the casino that the tribe intends to build on Long Island, New York.

Shinnecock Indian, a federally recognised tribe in Suffolk, New York, also cast their eyes on the racino for which Genting Malaysia was granted an operation licence last year.

Quoting sources, the New York Post reported that the Shinnecocks hoped to establish a casino in Nassau and one closer to their reservation. The possible sites for the Suffolk County facility include a parcel in Yaphank and Brookhaven Airport in Shirley, the newspaper said.

“The tribe is also factoring into its plans the new racino that will soon open at Aqueduct, next to JFK Airport. As of now, that facility will be able to take bets only on horses and video slots,” the newspaper wrote last week.

According to the daily, a tribal source said an MoU between the Shinnecock Indians of Southampton and Nassau County executives on using all or part of the site for a gaming facility is close to completion.

And the tribe would prefer not to host gaming on its Hamptons reservation and offered to settle a pending claim on thousands of pricey East End acres in exchange for off-site gaming rights, it added.

The newspaper said there was already “back-channel discussions” between the Shinnecocks and Aqueduct’s operator Genting group, about a possible joint operation of both the racino and casino that would be built by the tribe.

Also, it reported the American tribe would be lobbying to have table games at Genting Malaysia’s racino should the two parties work together.

But, the Genting group has denied such talks.

Genting Malaysia did not respond to The Edge Financial Daily’s query on the matter above.

Commenting on the news report, Citigroup said: “If this materialises, it will be a positive for Genting Malaysia, in our opinion. We believe the Shinnecock could be another force in pushing for legalising table games in New York if the tribe manages to secure this casino deal, which could enhance ROIC (return on invested capital) on Genting (Malaysia)’s Aqueduct project.

“In addition, co-developing the Aqueduct slot parlour with the tribe in our view will expand the customer base to native Indians. This is also consistent with Genting Malaysia’s preference for investing outside Malaysia,” it noted in a report.

Genting Malaysia has been on the exploring path to utilise its war chest for expansion abroad after hoarding the ballooning cash pile for years.

As at Dec 31, 2010, the casino operator’s cash balance dropped to RM2.8 billion from RM5.25 billion after the two major investments overseas.

Last year alone, Genting Malaysia spent £351.5 million (RM1.74 billion) to acquire the loss-making UK casinos from its sibling, Genting Singapore plc.

Also it poured in US$380 million (RM1.14 billion) as upfront licensing fee for the operation of a video lottery facility at the Aqueduct Racetrack in New York City, a short distance from JFK Airport.

The licence is for 30 years. Genting Malaysia told Bursa Malaysia that the opening of the preliminary phase is expected by spring this year. The project is called Resorts World New York.

These are the sizable investments that Genting Malaysia has made since the group bought into Star Cruises Ltd, which is now known as Genting Hong Kong Ltd, in 1998.

Nearer to home, Genting Malaysia is also looking at undertaking a massive casino holiday resort in Vietnam’s ancient city, Hoi An. The casino operator said it had been collaborating with a partner for purposes of exploring such opportunities in Vietnam.

Apparently, in December, Vietnam’s online newspaper VnExpress reported that a joint venture formed by the Genting group and the local fund manager Vina Capital had obtained approval from the central government for a US$4 billion casino resort project in Hoi An city.

The news portal reported that the large-scale project features a five-star hotel, resort villas and a casino.

nazrey

April 25th, 2011, 11:15 PM

Integrax wants to revive deal with Brazil's Vale
By Zurinna Raja Adam Published: 2011/04/26
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/intery/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: Integrax Bhd wants to revive its transshipment deal with Brazil's Vale International SA, following the resignation of its director and chief executive officer (CEO) last week.

Pending shareholders' approval on the new board of directors lineup at the group's extraordinary general meeting (EGM) next month, its non-independent non-executive director Amin Halim Rasip said Integrax plans to invest up to RM400 million over the next three years for its expansion.

"Once the EGM is over and we have taken care of our housekeeping, we hope to revive the transshipment agreement with Vale," he said.

Integrax owns and operates ports in Lumut, namely Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd and the Lekir Bulk Terminal Sdn Bhd (LBT).

Former director and CEO Harun Halim Rasip, who is also Amin's elder brother, had recently sold his entire 22.12 per cent stake in Integrax to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) for RM106 million. This saw the entry of TNB as a major shareholder of the company.

The brothers had reportedly been at loggerheads over the company's direction, especially with regards to the 10-year interim contract from Vale.

While Amin wanted to pursue the contract, Harun opposed the idea, as the cost of setting up a facility for Vale would be in the region of RM280 million, with no certainty of securing another client the size of Vale.

The offer has since lapsed and the Perak government has agreed to allow Vale to construct its own jetty in Lumut to accommodate its proposed iron ore transshipment project.

At a media briefing, Amin said the plan is to build an eco industrial zone around LBT, which would be a multi-user facility catering to limestone, coal, biomass, cooking oil and palm oil.

"This will all tie-up nicely with the business model we are trying to form with Vale. There are only three other ports that can accommodate vessels as large as Vale's, namely in Brazil, China and Rotterdam, Netherlands," said Amin.

Via eco-industrial zone, it plans to gather a group of users to share common infrastructure facilities, which will be cost savings, besides supporting the CO2 emission initiative.

The EGM on May 6 is called by Golden Initiative Sdn Bhd, which has a 17 per cent stake in Integrax and is the investment arm of Amin and Chang Bar Kuei.

It is proposing to remove Datuk Onn Hamzah, Wong Joon Hian and Chan Kok Keong as Integrax directors.

They are also proposing the appointment of Shireen Ann Zaharah Muhiudeen, Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, Chan Wan Siew, Abdul Manap Ali Hasan and Loong Foo Ching to the board.

www.integrax.com.my/

nazrey

April 27th, 2011, 02:35 AM

Bukan contoh terbaik
27 April 2011
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0427&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Ekonomi&pg=ek_01.htm

KUALA LUMPUR 26 April - Jepun, Korea Selatan dan Singapura bukanlah contoh terbaik kepada negara untuk membangunkan ekonomi, para peserta persidangan diingatkan hari ini.

Ini kerana ketiga-tiga negara itu kerap mengalami krisis ekonomi serta rakyatnya hidup tertekan akibat kos sara hidup yang tinggi.

Peringatan itu diberikan dalam Persidangan Meja Bulat bertajuk 'Jawapan umat Islam kepada era keruntuhan sistem ekonomi kapitalisme' di Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM) di sini hari ini.

Menurut Pensyarah Universiti Malaya (UM), Profesor Mohd. Nazari Ismail, Malaysia pernah meniru corak pembangunan Jepun dan Korea Selatan.

Bagaimanapun kata beliau, nasib menyebelahi negara, kerana tidak mencapai kemuncak prestasi ekonomi seperti mana kedua-dua negara itu yang kemudiannya terjerumus ke dalam krisis ekonomi.

"Pertumbuhan Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) bukanlah keutamaan sebenar kerana ukuran itu tidak menggambarkan agihan ekonomi yang baik," kata beliau yang membentangkan kertas kerja bertajuk 'Ke mana hala tuju dasar pembangunan ekonomi negara'.

Tambahnya, Malaysia perlu mengawal peningkatan hutang isi rumah dan syarikat kerana ia merupakan punca beberapa negara telah muflis disebabkan masalah tersebut.

Tegasnya, walaupun pertumbuhan ekonomi Jepun, Singapura dan Korea Selatan memberangsangkan dicapai dalam tempoh singkat, rakyatnya tidak menikmati sepenuhnya kelebihan itu.

"Penduduk di negara-negara tersebut merekodkan kes bunuh diri tertinggi iaitu purata 10.3 orang bagi setiap 100,000 penduduk berikutan tekanan hidup seharian," katanya.

Katanya, Malaysia perlu berwaspada terhadap status negara mewah kerana negara yang mempunyai status itu seperti Ireland, Iceland dan Greece telah muflis.

Mohd. Nazari membayangkan Malaysia mungkin menghadapi situasi sosial lebih kritikal akibat kemelesetan ekonomi kerana komposisi kaumnya jelas berbeza, tidak seperti negara lain apabila menghadapi situasi muflis.

Antara panel lain dalam persidangan itu ialah, Ketua Pengarah IKIM; Datuk Nik Mustapha Nik Hassan dan Pensyarah Ekonomi Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM); Profesor Dr. Abdul Ghafar Ismail.

nazrey

April 27th, 2011, 06:49 AM

Chinese premier to visit Malaysia next week
Posted on April 23, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=125535

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will visit Malaysia on April 27 and 28 to enhance the bilateral ties and conclude several agreements on economic, education and security.

Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Chai Xi said the visit was at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“This is Wen’s second visit to Malaysia since 2005 and marks another important high-level exchange after President Hu Jintao’s state visit to Malaysia and Najib’s official visit to China in 2009, as well as (Deputy Prime Minister) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s ongoing visit to China,” he told a press conference at the embassy here.

Chai said that Wen would hold talks with Najib on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of shared interest.

He said that Wen and Najib would attend the China-Malaysia Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum and witness the signing of documents of cooperation.

Wen will visit Universiti Malaya and meet lecturers and students, Chai said.

Chai referred to the traditional and economic ties between the two countries, and added: “We are fully confident that the Premier Wen’s visit will usher in every success and further advance China-Malaysia strategic cooperation.” — Bernama

M’sia a good brother and close neighbour – Wen
Posted on April 27, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=126273

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/4829.jpg
SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Wen speaking to journalists during an interview on
the bilateral ties between Malaysia and China. — Bernama photo

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has described Malaysia as a “good brother and close neighbour” and that bilateral relations between China and Malaysia would have a bright future.

He also said the same of Indonesia in a special interview with Bernama, The Star and three Indonesian media representatives ahead of his official visit to Malaysia and Indonesia beginning today.

Wen said he believed that Malaysia and China would enjoy a bright future in their bilateral relations due to the historical links and mutual trust that existed between the two countries.

When it comes to Malaysia-China relations, he recalled two important historical episodes — Malaysia was the first Asean country to establish diplomatic ties with China and the role that Malaysia played in building the Asean-China Dialogue relations.

“We’ve never forgotten these historical episodes between our two countries,” Wen said at Ziguangge,Zhongnanhai where Chinese leaders often meet their foreign guests.

The venue that was chosen for the interview also reflected the great importance that Wen placed on the special relationship that China has with its two Asean neighbours.

On efforts to strengthen Malaysia-China relations in the years ahead, Wen said it must be based on mutual trust.

“You asked about the future of Malaysia-China relations and I agree with you that mutual trust comes first and it is foremost in developing state-to-state relations.

“The Chinese have a saying, when developing a relationship, it is essential that we increase mutual communication so that we can have mutual trust, and it is essential that we tell people what is truly on our mind,” he said.

Wen also commented on what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had said during his official visit to China in June 2009 in that the future success of bilateral ties between Malaysia and China must be based on trust.

The Chinese leader said China and Malaysia needed to enhance their cooperation in important areas like business, science and technology, and education.

“Malaysia has become China’s biggest trading partner in ASEAN. According to China’s statistics, our two-way trade reached US$74.2 billion last year.

“What we need to do now is to sustain the momentum and have a balanced, coordinated and sustainable growth of our trade, and at the same time, increase the science and technology content in our trade,” he said.

Wen said that he found that there had been much coverage in Malaysian newspapers recently about the signing of mutual recognition of academic degrees during his forthcoming visit to Malaysia.

“Why are those newspapers paying so much attention to this? I believe that it is because exchanges between us in education and in science and technology represent the future of our bilateral relationship. Particularly the exchanges between the young people because it is the young people who will carry the historical mission of enhancing the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”

He said China would also enhance mutual investment with Malaysia, including in key projects that were of special interest to Malaysia like the Second Penang Bridge, Sarawak paper mill as well as cooperation in other infrastucture development projects.

“One of the biggest steps in terms of progress that we have made recently in enhancing such cooperation is to strengthen the financial support for our cooperation. During my visit to Malaysia, the Chinese side will put forward specific proposals for better mutual reinforcement of financial and business cooperation between us.

“I believe that we will open a new page in cooperation between Malaysia and China,” he added.

Wen also took the opportunity to talk about territorial claims in the South China Sea and disputes between China and some Asean countries.

“Although both China and Malaysia have some disputes over the relevant islands and reefs in the South China Sea, the disputes have not impeded our efforts to have peaceful coexistence between us,” he stressed. — Bernama

Malaysia And China Agree To Increase Bilateral Trade
November 11, 2009 11:17 AM

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7381/1211_P2C.jpg?1258001293

Najib with Chinese President Hu Jintao (right) at
the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya yesterday

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and China have agreed to increase bilateral trade and investment linkages especially in the area of palm oil and Malaysian timber, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak announced here Wednesday.

"Both nations agree that there is enormous hope for our bilateral relations and we are agree that we should work together to increase bilateral trade and investment.

"China has become one of Malaysia's largest trading partners and we hope that trade and investment will increase with China. China intends to increase trade in respect of palm oil and Malaysian timber," he told a joint press conference with Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is on a one-day visit to Malaysia, at the Prime Minister's office.

Earlier, the two leaders met for a delegation meeting which lasted for about an hour at the same venue.

This was Hu's second visit to the country, having visited Malaysia as vice-president in May 2002. His visit also commemorates the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

-- BERNAMA

China and Malaysia agree to enhance strategic cooperation
Published: Wednesday November 11, 2009 MYT 11:56:00 AM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/11/nation/20091111120038&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/11/11/nation/latestnajib-china.JPG

Chinese President Hu Jintao, left, speaks as Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak listens during a joint press conference at the prime minister's office in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/11/11/nation/latestzetisignsmou.JPG

Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz shaking hands with Chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission Liu Ming Kang at the Sugning of Memorandum of Understanding between bank Negara Malaysia and China Banking Regulation Commission Cooperation at Perdana Putra, Prime Minster's office. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chinese President Hu Jintao witnessed the signing. = Starpic by Rohaizat Md Darus

Najib’s visit heralds a new era of diplomatic ties with China
By WONG SAI WAN and CHOW HOW BAN Thursday June 2009
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?sec=nation&file=/2009/6/4/nation/4046940

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/6/4/nation/n_p1najib.jpg
Historic visit: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reviewing an honour guard at a welcoming ceremony near Tiananmen Square in Beijing Wednesday. Najib is in China on a four-day state visit. — AP

BEIJING: A new era of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China has begun with the first official visit of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here as Prime Minister – retracing the steps his father made 35 years ago.

Najib and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao went out of their way to express the importance of the already strong relations between the two nations which were established by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Zhou Enlai in 1974.

Najib’s visit marks milestone in Malaysia-China friendship
Thursday June 4, 2009
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/4/nation/4043502&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/6/4/nation/n_04najib.jpg

High honour: Najib receiving an honorary doctorate in international relations
from Prof Hao Ping in Beijing Wednesday. — Bernama

nazrey

April 27th, 2011, 08:18 PM

2nd Muslim World BIZ to reap US$60m deals
Published: 2011/04/27
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110427160327/Article/index_html

The "2nd Muslim World BIZ - Business and Investment Zone 2011", to be held at the Putra World Trade Centre here from June 8 to 11 is expected to generate US$60 million worth of trade, double last year's US$30 million (US$1=RM2.98).

Themed "The Forces of Many, the Vision of One", the event will promote economic cooperation and increase intra-trade among the 1.6 billion global Muslim markets, said its organiser OIC International Business Centre Sdn Bhd in a statement today.

The event, comprising two days of conference and four days of exhibition with almost 500 booths, is expected to draw over 50,000 trade and consumer visitors both locals and foreigners.

Todate, there has been a take up of more than 50 per cent for the booths with participation coming from 30 countries including Indonesia, Australia, Pakistan, Kuwait, Turkey, Cyprus, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Canada. -- Bernama

nazrey

April 27th, 2011, 08:56 PM

Malaysia to host Forbes CEO meet
Published: 2011/04/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110427232643/Article/

MALAYSIA will host The Forbes Global CEO Conference in Kuala Lumpur on September 12-14 2011, for the second time.

More than 35 business leaders and entrepreneurs have confirmed to speak at the event, which will examine how world leaders and global CEOs are confronting critical policy and business decisions that impact global prosperity.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will join Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes, in a dialogue session at the gala dinner at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

nazrey

April 27th, 2011, 09:02 PM

Malaysia to take lead in heavy construction
By Audrey Dermawan Published: 2011/04/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/setre/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/setre/pix_middle

TASEK GELUGOR: Malaysia will soon emerge as the global leader in tunnelling and heavy construction works following the setting up of MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture's construction training centre.

The centre is set to provide tunneling and construction skills training for workers involved in the Klang Valley mass rapid transit (MRT) project.

MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture director Datuk Ng Kee Leen said the centre would provide up to 4,000 training places a year.

"We hope to raise the competencies and skills of Malaysians to be the global players in tunnelling and heavy construction works," he told reporters during a visit to the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified double-track project site in Jarak Atas near here yesterday.

A total of 61 site supervisors working on the electrified double-track project received site supervisor accreditation certificates from Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia chairman Datuk Hamzah Hasan.

The accreditation by CIDB involves modules on industry practices and practical training based on the National Occupational Skill Standard (NOS) and is aimed at increasing the standards of site supervisors.

MMC-Gamuda was picked as the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) for the MRT project as the group is the only local contractor qualified for the task and has a proven track record which includes the SMART Tunnel, Penchala Tunnel and Kaohsiung MRT.

Construction of the RM36 billion project will begin in July and will take about 5 or 6 years to complete.

The MRT project is one of the economic entry points identified in the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley National Key Economic Area under the Government's Economic Transformation Programme.

www.gamuda.com.my/

nazrey

April 28th, 2011, 08:16 AM

Malaysia and China sign eight agreements
By LESTER KONG Updated: Thursday April 28, 2011 MYT 12:32:31 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/28/nation/20110428111415&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/4/28/nation/018047600.jpg
Najib speaking to Wen during the welcoming ceremony. (EPA)

PUTRAJAYA: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who is on a two-day visit to Malaysia, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak witnessed the signing of eight agreements between the two countries on Thursday.

The agreements include a mutual recognition of higher education qualifications, a memorandum of understanding on resolving traffic congestion on Penang island between the state government and Beijing Urban Construction Group Co. Ltd and a joint venture between Smelter Asia Sdn Bhd and Aluminium Corporation of China Ltd.

The full list of agreements are below.

Wen is accompanied by a 118-member delegation, including four ministers.

The premier was accorded an official welcoming ceremony at Dataran Perdana Thursday.

After the national anthems of both countries were played, Wen inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by a detachment of the Royal Malay Regiment witnessed by most of the Federal Cabinet.

The two premiers then went in for their meeting.

Earlier, Wen spent some time meeting China nationals living in Malaysia, as well as those from the Malaysian Chinese community.

The gathering was attended by more than 400 people, including Chinese embassy staff and their family members, investors, businessmen and students.

Among those who attended were Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Tan Sri William Cheng, and Malaysia-China Friendship Association secretary-general and Hai-O Enterprise Berhad group managing director Tan Kai Hee.

Tan said that among others, Wen advised the Chinese community from China in Malaysia to co-exist peacefully with locals.

Tan described the Chinese premier as a man with a good heart.

"I think that he's a concerned leader. He asked that chairs be provided to the elderly at the gathering. He pays attention to seemingly small details," he told Bernama.

The list MoUs, contracts and agreements signed by Malaysia and China on Thursday.

- Agreement between Malaysia and China on Framework Agreement to Facilitate Mutual Recognition in Academic Higher Education Qualifications. Signed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin and China Foreign Affairs Minister Yang Jiechi.

- Agreement to expand and deepen economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and China. Signed by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and China Commerce Minister Chen Deming.

- MoU between Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and Universiti Malaya (UM) on joint Chinese Studies Centre between UM president Ghauth Jasmon and BFSU president Chen Yulu.

- MoU on resolving traffic congestion on Penang Island between the state government and Beijing Urban Construction Group Co. Ltd. Signed by Penang state secretary Datuk Farizan Darus and the company chairman Liu Longhua.

- MoU on MSC Malaysia Human Capital Development Programme in ICT industry between Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDeC) and Dream Catcher Consulting Sdn Bhd with Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. Signed by MDeC CEO Datuk Badlisham Ghazali and Huawei CEO Dai Jingyue.

- Contract between Janakuasa Sdn Bhd and China Huadian Engineering Co. Ltd. (CHEC) signed by Janakuasa chairman Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh and CHEC chairman Sun Qingsong.

- Frame Contract for supply of network infrastructure and services between DiGi Telecommunications (M) Sdn Bhd and ZTE Corporation China signed by DiGi CEO Henrik Clausen and ZTE CEO Shi Lirong.

- Joint Venture Agreement between Smelter Asia Sdn Bhd and Aluminium Corporation of China Ltd. (CHALCO). Signed by Smelter chairman Mohamed Ali Rasjed Alabbar and CHALCO deputy general manager Zhang Chengzhong.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/28/nation/8568312&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/4/28/nation/n_01wen.jpg

Warm welcome: Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao (second from right) inspecting the guard of honour upon
arrival along with Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifa Aman at the VIP terminal of the KL International Airport Wednesday. -AFP

This is his second visit to Malaysia after attending the first East Asia Summit and the ninth Asean-China Summit and Asean Plus Three Summit in 2005.

nazrey

April 28th, 2011, 12:09 PM

CIMB TCA makes first Australian investment
Posted on April 28, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=126645

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/T04841.jpg
BUSINESS DISTRICT: Photo shows tall bulidings lining up the La Trobe Street
in Melbourne. CIMB Trust Capital Australian Office Fund No 1 LP has already
acquired the property for A$84 million from Investa.

KUCHING: CIMB TrustCapital Advisors Singapore Pte Ltd (CIMB TCA), a Singapore-based fund manager, has made its first investment in Australia. CIMB TCA – a joint venture between CIMB Real Estate Sdn Bhd and Singapore-based TrustCapital Advisors Pte Ltd – is the investment manager of CIMB Trust Capital Australian Office Fund No 1 LP.

The fund is a unique Asian-based fund established with the objective of investing in high grade commercial office buildings in the key cities of Australia. It already acquired 469 La Trobe Street, Melbourne for A$84 million (A$1=RM3.23) from Investa Property Group (Investa).

Investa is one of Australia’s largest owners and managers of quality real estate controlling assets worth approximately A$11.7 billion across the commercial, industrial and residential sectors.

With a long history of managing A-grade office buildings in core central business district (CBD) markets, Investa controls more than 60 commercial office buildings valued at approximately A$8.3 billion.

CIMB TCA’s executive director David Tan commented, “We are happy to have inked this deal with Investa. The fund has the clear intent, the will and the necessary resources to embark on acquisitions that will deliver strong returns to our investors as we continue to establish our presence in Australia.”

The La Trobe Street property is located at the centre of Melbourne’s legal precinct with views of adjacent Flagstaff Park and Victoria Harbour from the upper floors. It is a 19-level, A-grade office building with 19,779 square metres of net lettable area and a five-star NABERS Energy rating. Major tenants include Russell Kennedy, CPG and Rigby Cooke.

Commenting on the transaction, Investa’s group executive of commercial property investments Michael Cook said, “The Melbourne CBD is leading the recovery in the Australian office market, which is being driven by strong market fundamentals and comparatively low levels of supply.

“The purchase of 469 LaTrobe Street is a clear indication that investors are willing to secure Australian quality assets now, to take advantage of the anticipated rental growth that is forecast to occur over the short-medium term.”

CIMB TCA is jointly helmed by chief executive officer Christopher Cheah, former head of property (Asia) for ANZ Bank; and executive director David Tan, former chief executive officer of CapitaCommercial Trust. CIMB TCA is part of the CIMB Group, one of Southeast Asia’s leading universal banking groups.

nazrey

April 28th, 2011, 02:35 PM

Bank Negara to set up office in Beijing
Published: 2011/04/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110428153841/Article/index_html

Malaysia will establish a Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) presentative office in Beijing to facilitate bilateral trade growth and to settle transactions in the local currency.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said it was noticed that the quantum of trade settled in local currency had exceeded in the first quarter of this year than the whole of last year.

“Both parties recognised the growing relationship particularly between the central bank of Malaysia and China.

The agreement to settle trade in local currency is a huge step forward,” he told a joint press conference with visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia.

Earlier, the two leaders had bilateral discussions.

“I’m delighted that Prime Minister Wen is very positive about the central bank's intention to establish a representative office in Beijing,” said Najib, who is also Finance Minister. - Bernama

nazrey

April 29th, 2011, 04:28 AM

Green agenda at Malaysia Europe Forum
By Presenna Nambiar Published: 2011/04/29
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/mef/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: The third edition of the Malaysia Europe Forum (MEF) Spring Dialogue in Vienna, Austria, next month will see it go green.

Themed "Malaysia: Your Green Economy Hub in Asean", the dialogue will feature a keynote address by Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin.

Other notable personalities from GreenTech Malaysia, Malaysian Industrial Development Authority, Sarawak Corridor on Renewable Energy and Kuala Lumpur regional Centre of Arbitration will also be participating in the event that starts on May 9.

"Foreign direct investment (FDI) coming from Europe is generally scarce right now because of the economic problems they are having.

So we have to be more aggressive (in promoting Malaysia), to make sure that whatever little is coming out should be coming to Malaysia," MEF patron and adviser Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz told reporters here yesterday.

The event will push the merits of Malaysia's green agenda, its policies and objectives, in the hope of encouraging and facilitating green FDIs into Malaysia.

"We want to not only help get messages across, both ways, but also listen effectively," Rafidah said.

The dialogue is hosted in partnership with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.

This time around, business-to-business meetings have also been arranged for about 15 Malaysian companies that are travelling to Vienna to participate.

Following the dialogue, the MEF will also kick off "The MEF Roundtable Series on Sustainability," and host a roundtable in Vienna, focussing on renewable energy.

The Vienna roundtable will be held in collaboration with Siemens AG at its headquarters in Vienna.

nazrey

April 29th, 2011, 08:39 AM

China keen to expand investments in Malaysia
By Rupa Damodaran and Ooi Tee Ching Published: 2011/04/29
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/tokpe/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/tokpe/pix_middle

KUALA LUMPUR: China, Malaysia's largest trading partner, is keen to play a bigger role in Malaysia development and is eyeing resource-rich Sarawak as one of its investment destinations.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said China was keen to expand its footprint from investments in a pulp and paper mill and an aluminium smelter in Sarawak.

"It now wants to be more actively involved in the construction scene as well as in industrial parks in Sarawak," he told a media briefing after a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Commerce Minister Chen Denming.

Both ministers signed an agreement in Putrajaya earlier in the day, on expanding and deepening economic and trade cooperation.

Both countries will set up a joint working group within the next month or so, to identify and coordinate projects.

Mustapa said China had active presence in 10 economic sectors in Malaysia.

China's investments have been sizeable in the area of infrastructure such as the Penang Second Bridge and it is also playing an important role in growing the Malaysian solar energy sector.

"We would like to see China play a bigger role in our services sector too," he said.

The China-Asean FTA, which came into effect last year, pushed up bilateral trade to a record US$74.3 billion (RM219.93 billion) in 2010.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) director general Datuk Jalilah Baba said foreign direct investments from China were expected to jump 10 times this year.

"Two companies are scheduled to announce their plans in the next four months while another four companies are also expected to do the same later this year - to an accumulated RM6.2 billion, from RM600 million in 2010."

According to MIDA, Chinese businesses invested in 43 projects in Sarawak last year to a tune of RM3.9 billion. Of the total, RM3 billion was invested in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy or Score.

Apart from the agreement signed between the trade ministers, four other agreements were also signed.

They include between DiGi Telecommunications (M) Sdn Bhd and ZTE Corp for the supply of network infrastructure, engineering, procurement and construction contract for a coal-fired power plant between Janakuasa Sdn Bhd and China Huadian Engineering Co Ltd and human capital development programme between Multimedia Development Corp Sdn Bhd and Dream Catcher Consulting Sdn Bhd with Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

nazrey

April 30th, 2011, 11:20 PM

Anthology Of Malay-German Poems Launched
April 30, 2011 23:10 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=583206&cat=ct

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- An anthology of 100 poems written by 35 Malaysians and 31 Germans which were translated into Bahasa Malaysia and German was launched here Saturday.

Titled "Tautan: Sajak Kontemporari Malaysia-Jerman/Verknupfungen: Zeitgenossische Malaysische Und Deutshe Lyrik" the anthology is the result of a collaboration between Institut Terjemahan Negara Malaysia (ITNM) and Goethe-Institut Malaysia.

Speaking at the launch, ITNM Mohd Khair Ngadiron said it was hoped the work would help enrich culture in Malaysia and Germany.

The book was launched by National Laureate Prof Emeritus Dr Muhammad Salleh.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

May 1st, 2011, 07:46 AM

AP Land’s Hokkaido Resort Project Still On
Posted by Thinkproperty.my News Team in The Edge, News
Extract from The Edge (05/04/11)

http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/images/stories/FinancialDaily/2011/April/05042011/low_filepix.jpg
Low: About 30% of the 69 planned residential units were sold prior to the disaster.

KUALA LUMPUR: Asia Pacific Land Bhd (AP Land) said construction of its ¥5.8 billion (RM208.6 million) Shiki Niseko ski resort in Hokkaido, Japan is on track despite the recent earthquake and tsunami which hit northeast Japan last month.

AP Land Joint Managing Director Low Su-Ming said construction of the 69 condominiums and penthouses under the project is scheduled to start this month for completion in December next year.

“We are getting the facts on the situation across. This is not the best time to talk about selling,” Low told a media briefing on the status of Shiki Niseko following the natural disaster.

Shiki Niseko is situated within the village of Hirafu, a two-hour drive from the New Chitose Airport within the Niseko enclave of Hokkaido prefecture. Hokkaido is in the northwest Japan.

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20110404234834/pix_middle

nazrey

May 1st, 2011, 08:14 AM

Najib's schedule full in New York
2011/05/01
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/225KualaKedahPASmembersjoinUmno/Article/

With the United States being the largest investor in Malaysia, analysts say, it is important to keep up the momentum of the investment flow.

NEW YORK: A busy programme awaits Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his two-day visit to New York on May 17 and 18.

A major business event will be on May 17 when an Investment Malaysia New York (IMNY) 2011 Day will be held at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), according to both New York based sources.

There will be one-on-one meetings between Malaysian corporate executives and their US counterparts. Malaysian companies will be represented, largely by their chief executive officers, including top executives of Petronas, Khazanah Nasional, Maybank and CIMB.

The event is being organised jointly by Bursa Malaysia, CIMB Investment Bank, J.P. Morgan and the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA).

IMNY 2011 purports to set the tone for the global investment community to adapt their investment strategies to Malaysia’s investment opportunities.

During 2010, the Malaysian government introduced the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) in an effort to elevate the nation to a high-income economy by 2020.

IMNY’s aim is to crystallise the government’s “message of transformation” into a “passage of transformation”, focusing on the critical next phase of the so-called “Malaysian story” – namely, implementation and execution.

Besides the one-on-one meetings, there will also be meetings between small groups. The one-on-one meetings, an integral part of the conference, will last for about 50 minutes.

Some of the Malaysian participants in a panel discussion are likely to be Khazanah Nasional Managing Director Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, MIDA Director-General Datuk Jalilah Baba and Securities Commission Chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar.

Najib will, later, have lunch with captains of the US industry at the NYSE. After the lunch, he will deliver a keynote address to investors followed by a visit to the trading floor at the NYSE and then give interviews to television reporters.

In the afternoon of May 17, Najib will participate in the inaugural meeting of the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) for Malaysia. The GSIAC is seen as a value-added attempt on the part of the Malaysian government to facilitate the country to make what is described as a “quantum leap” from a middle-income to a high-income economy in consonance with the Economic Transformation Programme and the New Economic Model.

The council members, who include top-ranking Nobel laureates, ministers, experts, corporate leaders and representatives of both the Malaysian and New York Academy of Sciences, will provide advice and guidance on Malaysia’s aspirations to become a high-income country through creation of wealth and societal improvement and welfare.

Najib will announce programmes and projects conceived by the GSIAC, with a view to elevating local companies into global players by 2013. This could be done by enhancing Malaysia’s capabilities in science and innovation, and sharpening competitive edge in science and innovation against technologically advanced countries.

The GSIAC meeting, according to the calculation by the Malaysian side, will be to generate and increase US-Malaysia trade and investment.

The idea behind holding a GSIAC meeting in New York is to enable its members to interact with the New York Academy of Sciences. However, the thrust will be on what is described as “technology-driven industries” such as information technology, biotechnology, etc.

The finale of the day will be a meeting at the Forbes headquarters in New York where Steve Forbes, the chairman of Forbes Inc, and a former presidential candidate, will be the host.

A private cocktail reception, organised by Steve Forbes and Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Jamaludin Jarjis, will also be held in the evening of May 17 at the Forbes Galleries. There will be a private dinner with Steve Forbes.

On May 18, Najib will hold one-on-one meetings with top executives of US companies engaged in manufacturing and having made large investments in Malaysia. This will be followed by a meeting and luncheon with the top executives of the US Chamber of Commerce and, also possibly, executives of US companies in New York.

Najib leaves for Washington DC on May 19 on a private visit.

The purpose of the meetings in New York, according to some analysts here, is to provide a strong impetus to bilateral trade and investments between Malaysia and the United States, particularly at a time when the economic recovery seems to be picking up steam after the recent recession.

With the United States being the largest investor in Malaysia, analysts say, it is important to keep up the momentum of the investment flow.

The United States is the largest foreign investor in Malaysia. American companies are particularly active in the energy, electronics, and manufacturing sectors.

The cumulative value of US private investment in Malaysia exceeds US$10 billion. The United States is Malaysia's largest trading partner while Malaysia is the 10th largest trading partner of the US. Annual two-way trade amounts to US$49 billion.

The Malaysian government does not view the United States only as an export market for Malaysian manufacturers but also as a source of technology and talent, especially in the areas of technology and finance.

During his April 2010 trip to the US, Najib had said: "There is a host of economic opportunities that we can leverage on if we have good bilateral relations with the US." Malaysia is also seeking more investment from the United States.

Najib hailed the decision of Coca Cola to invest RM1 billion in a new bottling plant in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, as a “model for future ventures”. -- BERNAMA

nazrey

May 2nd, 2011, 06:53 AM

Europeans keen on biomass projects in Malaysia
By June Ramlee Published: 2011/05/02
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/JRBIOX/Article/index_html

There are 10 investors keen to fund biomass projects where plantation wastes like fruit bunches are used to produce electricity

Kuala Lumpur: It appears to be a case of communication breakdown.

European investors are lining up money to fund biomass projects in Malaysia but the local oil palm plantation industry doesn't seem to know this.

According to the European Union (EU)-Malaysia Biomass Sustainable Production Initiative (Biomass-SP), an EU-led industry body, there are 10 investors keen to fund biomass projects where plantation wastes like fruit bunches are used to produce electricity,

"These investors from France, Ireland, the UK, Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong have approached me. Some of these investors have at least RM40 million to RM50 million set aside (for biomass power plant projects) but the problem is, I don't have any projects to show them," Biomass-SP technical adviser Datuk Leong Kin Mun told Business Times in an interview recently.

The appeal of renewable energy plants is well documented. The plants are friendlier to the environment and a lot cheaper to run over the long term as their fuel, unlike natural gas or coal, are virtually free. Owners can get such plants certified as good for the environment and sell the papers, known as carbon credits, on a climate exchange.

Leong said most of the investors were from the EU and very keen on funding biogas projects, where gas from fermented wastes is trapped and used as fuel, and could invest about RM3 million to RM4 million per venture.

But the industry has not heard about Biomass-SP. Malaysian Palm Oil Council chief executive officer Tan Sri Yusof Basiron believed that many palm oil millers would be interested to partner these green investors but believed that many are not in the know about their existence.

"We are definitely looking for opportunities. Everyone has money. We are looking for opportunities with or without banks' support. So my advice to them is to do their homework and spread the word around," he added.

But Leong said businessmen in Malaysia, especially those who own palm oil mills, have low-risk appetite when it comes to investing in biogas projects as they are afraid that the investment will disrupt the day-to-day running of their palm oil plantation, while the rest is not interested.

"Unless the government comes up with some sort of policy, I am afraid that the biogas project would remain an unpopular venture among the palm oil millers," he said.

Renewable energy is in line with the country's overall policy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel and increase the use of renewable resources in its energy-generation capacity to 2,000 megawatts (MW) in 2020.

Leong said the palm oil industry, being the country's major plantation crop with a total of 417 palm oil mills and plantations, covering 4 million hectares of land, holds the key role to meeting such objective.

Apart from generating electricity from solid wastes like empty fruit bunches and palm kernel shell, power generation can also be achieved through the capture of palm oil mill effluent (POME) biogas.

"Based on fresh fruit bunch yield in 2009, an estimated 57.42 million tonnes (1607.76 million m3) of POME are produced annually. In terms of total power generation capacity, this translates into potential power output capacity of 261.1 megawatts.

"At the current rate of 21sen/ kWh Tenaga Nasional (Bhd) is buying renewable energy, the potential of electricity sales is worth RM394.8 million. Upon implementation of the feed-in tariff system, the higher renewable energy purchase price could be an added incentive for palm oil millers to convert their POME biogas to electricity," he added.

nazrey

May 3rd, 2011, 12:41 PM

KL-Delhi pact to boost services sector
Published: 2011/05/03
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110503171059/Article/index_html

The services sector of both Malaysia and India is poised for further growth, pending the implementation of the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (MICECA) on July 1.

"The inclusion of services in this agreement is a breakthrough development and has now paved the way for greater integration of the services sector of the two countries," said International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed today.

Aimed at allowing easier movement of goods, services and investments, the agreement will enable skilled professionals of both nationalities to travel and provide contractual work with lesser restrictions.

"You can expect to see in the years ahead a greater movement of expertise between the two countries in areas such as education, training, telecommunications, transport, construction and environmental services," he said at the Malaysia-India CECA Unleashing Business Opportunities conference here today.

Mustapa also said human capital movement was consistent with Malaysia's desire to grow its services industry and to make it a larger component of the country's Gross National Product.

He added some forecast suggested that bilateral trade between both countries may double by 2015 after the CECA is fully implemented.

"Both governments have worked hard to create this enabling environment for business, but it is the private sector that will have to capitalise on the market access and investment opportunities that CECA creates," he said.

Two-way trade between Malaysia and India increased 27 per cent
to US$9 billion in 2010.

Organised by the Consortium of Indian Industries in Malaysia (CIIM), the conference aimed to increase the awareness of the business community to changes taking place with the implementation of MICECA.

"With the information in their hands, businesses can leverage on this and have the first mover advantage to benefit from the new bilateral agreement," CIIM Chairman Umang Sharma said. -- Bernama

nazrey

May 3rd, 2011, 01:23 PM

Incheon / Songdo - SOUTH KOREA

http://img.blog.yahoo.co.kr/ybi/1/a7/9c/sndgreat/folder/2090935/img_2090935_1344_2?1196071767.jpg

Incheon International Airport and Korea's longest bridge.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Asian%20Tour%202009%20-%20Busan%20Airport%20and%20Korea%20Aerials/33-1217-34-1.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Asian%20Tour%202009%20-%20Busan%20Airport%20and%20Korea%20Aerials/33-1217-37-1.jpg

Putrajaya / Cyberjaya - MALAYSIA

http://www.kiat.net/msc/images/cyberjaya-map.gif

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2602434029_db015c9b6b_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliansim/2602434029/

Agak nak sama tpi nampaknya Malaysia masih tertingal lagi..Go Malaysia!

nazrey

May 5th, 2011, 10:43 AM

Taiwan's CPC mulls oil depot in Malaysia
Published: 2011/05/05
http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20110505115502/Article/

CPC Corp, Taiwan’s state-owned oil company, is considering spending NT$60 billion to NT$100 billion to build oil depots in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and at home, Jessica Tang, deputy director at company’s Industrial Relations Division, said by phone today. -- Bloomberg

nazrey

May 5th, 2011, 10:44 AM

World population expected to reach 10.1 billion in 2011, fertility as main driver of population rates
Posted on May 5, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=127895

UNITED NATIONS: World population levels are expexted to reach 10.1 billion at the end of the century, according to a new UN report released here.

According to the report, titled ‘2010 Revision of World Population Prospects,’ the figure of the expected increase in global population is projected to come from 58 ‘high-fertility countries’ in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.

The report was prepared by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

“Fertility is the main driver of population rates in the world,” Hania Zlotnik, director of the DESA’s Population Division, told reporters here.

“The world hasn’t collapsed by adding so many people, but what is important is that most of these people are being added in the poorest countries of the world,” said Zlotnik.

Based on the medium projection, the number of people in the world, currently close to seven billion, should pass eight billion in 2023, nine billion by 2041 and then 10 billion at some point after 2081, the report said.

Between 2011 and 2100, the population of high-fertility countries was expected to more than triple in size, going from 1.2 billion to 4.2 billion, the report noted.

During the same period, the report projected, the population of low-fertility countries would decline by around 20 per cent – from 2.9 billion to 2.4 billion.

At present, 42 per cent of the world population live in low-fertility countries that include all countries in Europe except Iceland and Ireland, 19 countries in Asia including China, 14 in the Americas, two in Africa and Australia. — Bernama

nazrey

May 6th, 2011, 04:36 AM

Lesotho looks to M’sian expertise and investments
Friday May 6, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/5/6/nation/8630204&sec=nation

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/5/6/nation/n_02najib.jpg
Specially for you: Najib presenting a souvenir to Mosisili at Seri Perdana in
Putrajaya Thursday. With them are Lesotho Foreign Affairs and International
Relations Minister Mohlabi K. Tsekoa and Deputy Defence Minister Datuk
Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Lesotho has invited Malaysian companies to develop its water resources which holds huge investment potential.

Besides supplying treated water for domestic and industrial usage, the world's major producer of diamond is keen to see Malaysian companies venture into hydro power generation.

Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili said there was a huge potential in hydro power generation waiting to be tapped in the country.

“Our hydro power generation centre has the capacity to generate 72 megawatts of electricity but we need more so there is a potential for investment,” he said in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Perdana Putra Building here.

The two leaders earlier held bilateral discussions where both countries pledged to strengthen human capital development besides exploring new areas of investments.

Najib said Malaysia would help train Lesotho's police force and invite its diplomats to enrol in the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).

“Since we launched the MTCP, we have received 94 officers from Lesotho for various types of training,” he said.

On the police training, Najib said Mosisili had made a specific request that the Royal Malaysian Police train their officers especially in the area of public order and security as well as to help upgrade their capacity.

“The Malaysian government is ready to support this request by sending a few of our trainers soon. The training programme for Lesotho's diplomats at the IDFR here will begin in October,” he added.

Mosisili, who in on his first official visit to Malaysia, later opened the country's high commission in Kuala Lumpur.

nazrey

May 7th, 2011, 01:11 AM

KL, Seoul to conduct separate studies on potential FTA
Published: 2011/05/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/mitisk/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and South Korea have agreed to conduct separate studies to assess the feasibility of commencing free trade agreement negotiations, says the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

This is a follow-up to the decision by the leaders of both Malaysia and South Korea to explore means to further enhance and strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations, it said in a statement yesterday.

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry said the objective of the study is to identify the implications of the establishment of an free trade agreement between the two countries and assess the economic benefits and challenges that may arise.

Based upon the assessment, both countries should develop concrete policy recommendations for the possible initiation of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, it added.

The study will be conducted over 12-month period starting May 1. - Bernama

nazrey

May 7th, 2011, 11:30 PM

Women should support each other in business
Posted on May 7, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=128559

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A005799266.jpg

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES: Rosmah delivers her speech at Ministerial
Roundtable: Public/Private Sector Partnerships Advancing Women’s Economic
Opportunities at the 2011 Global Summit of Women at Istanbul, Turkey here yesterday.
— Bernama photo

ISTANBUL: The Prime Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, called on delegates attending the Global Summit of Women 2011 to support fellow women in business by sharing expertise and information while providing opportunities for international experience.

She said women entrepreneurs should engage the wider economy and seek to expand to regional markets like the Asean countries, China, India, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries and the Muslim world.

She said women must be brave to venture further into the services industries and knowledge-based activities such as communications, education and tourism.

“They should capitalise as well on Information Communications Technology (ICT) and e-commerce to reach potential customers beyond expectations, which at the same time, allows them to give attention and care to the family,” she told about 1,000 participants from 81 countries attending the Summit.

More importantly, Rosmah said women must explore green technology products, which are very much in demand because of the greater consumer consciousness about mitigating climate change and environmental protection.

“Women in business should not be content to be successful merely at the domestic level. I truly believe that women entrepreneurs in the 21st century will become important transformational drivers of innovation and job-creation for economic growth,” she said in her address at the opening ceremony.

In her speech, she also shared some of the critical factors that contributed to the success of Malaysian women in business and the economy.

Rosmah, who is the patron of the Permata Negara Programme, said that access to education, right from early childhood to university was the most important factor.

Beyond formal education, Rosmah said there were also opportunities provided for self advancement.

For example, the SME Corporation has assisted women entrepreneurs to avail themselves of the financial schemes and support facilities provided by various ministries and government agencies.

She also noted that microcredit agency, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), has helped elevate the businesses of more than 200,000 women entrepreneurs across the three major economic sector of services, agriculture and manufacturing since 1987.

“Business and entrepreneurial know-how training programmes help women gain new skills, confidence and opportunities to improve and expand their businesses.

“They also provide business counseling, financing, market information and access as well as business networks that are so essential for business development,” she said.

Rosmah said that although participation as corporate executives at top management and in the Board of Directors was still not high in Malaysia, women are becoming a force to be reckoned in entrepreneurship.

“They dominate major sectors of the economy such as health, social work and education.

Some are in businesses that were once considered ‘inappropriate’ for women, such as construction, security, oil and gas, engineering and shipping,” she added. — Bernama

nazrey

May 9th, 2011, 09:58 AM

Sime Darby Motors kembang perniagaan di lapan negara
2011/05/09
http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/SimeDarbyMotorskembangperniagaandilapannegara/Article

SIME Darby Motors Sdn Bhd, bahagian perniagaan automotif Sime Darby Bhd, akan membuat pelaburan yang besar dalam tempoh lima tahun ini untuk menyokong pelan perluasan operasinya di pasaran domestik dan luar negara.

Enggan menyatakan peruntukan bagi pelaburan itu, Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Lawrence Lee bagaimanapun menegaskan, perluasan operasi itu akan membabitkan usaha menjalinkan kerjasama dengan rakan niaga baru serta pengembangan perniagaan ke pasaran baru di lapan negara yang diterokai syarikat itu ketika ini.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya merancang untuk menaik taraf kemudahan sedia ada di negara yang berkenaan bagi meningkatkan keselesaan dan keyakinan pengguna kepada jenama kenderaan premium yang dipasarkan syarikat itu.

"Kehadiran kami di luar negara sudah cukup besar dan pertumbuhan operasi seterusnya akan menumpukan kepada pasaran besar dan utama seperti China selain pasaran baru di ASEAN yang sudah dikenal pasti.

"Selain mengukuhkan perniagaan teras di pasaran Malaysia, sinergi kami akan turut dipacu ke pasaran baru muncul berpotensi, serta sentiasa peka dengan permintaan pasaran dalam pengenalan produk baru," katanya dalam temubual dengan Berita Harian di Kuala Lumpur, baru-baru ini.

Mengenai rakan niaga baru, Lee berkata, beliau yakin pihaknya dapat menarik beberapa rakan jenama baru sesuai ke dalam rangkaian perniagaan syarikat itu dalam tempoh dua hingga tiga tahun ini.

Katanya, ketika ini, Sime Darby Motors sedang mengadakan beberapa siri rundingan dengan beberapa rakan jenama baru yang mempunyai produk yang berpotensi dan berdaya saing.

"Agak sukar untuk saya mengkhususkan jenama baru yang cuba kami cari kerana setiap pasaran mempunyai kehendak dan keperluan yang berbeza, ada tempat mempunyai permintaan tinggi dalam kenderaan penumpang, manakala yang lainnya mungkin lebih memilih MPV.

"Kami sentiasa mengadakan rundingan dengan pihak ini bagi melihat kesesuaian produk dan jenama mereka, sebagai sebahagian langkah mencari rakan jenama yang sesuai dan mempunyai produk berdaya saing," katanya.

Bagi tahun kewangan berakhir Jun 2010, operasi luar negara Sime Darby Motors menyumbangkan kira-kira 83 peratus daripada jumlah pendapatannya.

nazrey

May 9th, 2011, 12:55 PM

Some international events which held in Malaysia 2010-2011
Sarawak to host Financial Freedom Expo 2011
By ZORA CHAN Saturday August 14, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/8/14/sarawak/6853846&sec=sarawak

COMPANIES related to banking, financial planning, investment management, investment and tourism products are invited to take part in an expo next January, arguably the first and most comprehensive financial event to be held in Sarawak.

The Sarawak Financial Freedom Expo 2011 which is themed, “Plan, Act, Enjoy!” will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on January 8 and 9 next year. UCSI Extension is support event partner.

Event manager Eagle Interactive Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Tiong Soon King said the expo is aimed at creating public awareness on the principles and applications of wealth management and financial planning.

“We hope that through this expo the public will know how to plan and manage their finances prudently and will not fall victims to financial scams and heavy credit card debts,” he said.

It is also aimed at providing a venue where the needs and aspirations of exhibitors and consumers on financial freedom related products and services were met, he added.

“The expo will be the first and most comprehensive financial expo ever in Sarawak, and possibly in Sarawak and Sabah, featuring 123 booths,” he told a press conference in Kuching yesterday.

Tiong said among others, exhibitors were expected to provide free financial health checks or consultation, financial literacy seminars for secondary students and undergraduates, financial freedom seminars to working adults, investment games, financial career fair and corporate presentations/Investors’ Day to visitors.

“This expo is promoted as a family event to encourage the young and old to learn more about financial products and services that are of relevance to them,” he said adding that some 10,000 people were expected to visit the expo.

He said an early bird discount of 10% would be given to exhibitors who registered and paid for their booths by end of this month.

For booth bookings and enquiry, contact Eagle Interactive Sdn Bhd at 017-2200151 (Tiong) or Alwin Tan (013-8118509), visit the official event website at www.Eaglevents.com or email to financialfreedomevent@gmail.com. Admission to the event is free.

Malaysia To Host International Peat Congress In 2016
July 16, 2010 15:53 PM

KUCHING, July 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will host the 15th International Peat Congress 2016, an event that will generate over RM2.2 million for local hospitality and tourism sectors.

The Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) said the five-day event, scheduled to be held in August 2016 will be attended by more than 700 local and foreign delegates.

It would be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, it said in a statement here Friday.

Tourism Deputy Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit, who is also Malaysian Peat Society president, said it would be the first time the congress was being held outside Europe and North America.

-- BERNAMA

KL to host World Cup of entrepreneurship
By Rupa DamodaranPublished: 2010/07/08
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/rup0602/Article/#ixzz0t3pRn6LD

MALAYSIA will host the World Cup of entrepreneurship for students in 2011, an event that is expected to draw 2,500 international participants.

Dubbed the Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE) World Cup 2011, it promotes the teaching and advancement of free enterprise and entrepreneurship in the world.

The Malaysian government has approved RM2 million to host the high-profile event, which has only been hosted by major cities like London, Mainz, Toronto, Paris and New York.

Trade Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said Malaysia will pay RM1 million as a hosting grant, saying there was value in the investment.

"We want to encourage entrepreneurship in schools and universities, as this competition has been successful in bringing young people together throughout the world," he told a press briefing in Putrajaya on Tuesday.

Mustapa said the gesture will enhance Malaysia's position as an ideal location for international and regional businesses.

"We hope to raise the profile of Malaysia through this event which attracts students from 40 countries," he told a press briefing in Putrajaya on Tuesday.

Miti (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) secretary-general Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat and executive vice-president of SIFE Worldwide Bruce Nasby, were also present at the event.

SIFE Malaysia which was introduced a decade ago, is collaborating the programme for undergraduate enterpreneurship with Miti.

A national level competition will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre from July 12-13, from which the winner will represent Malaysia at the SIFE World Cup 2010 in Los Angeles from October 10-12.

Miti hopes more multinational companies and government-linked companies (GLCs) will be involved in the programme by providing assistance to the students in the various SIFE projects.

Malaysia to host first global conference on riba
By June Ramlee Published: 2010/10/20
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/konfe/Article/

THE first World Conference on Riba (interest) will be held in Malaysia from November 1 to 2 at the Putra World Trade Centre with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad presenting the keynote address.

The conference aims to attract scholars, business and industry leaders, politicians, government officers, policymakers and regulators, the general public and students worldwide.

"It is more important now than before to discuss the issue of riba amid signals of another financial crisis brewing," conference chairman Professor Dr Ahamed Kameel Mydin Meera said at a press conference yesterday.

Despite constant reports on the economic recovery, Ahamed said many economists believed that the world is up for another crisis as unemployment rates remain a prickly issue in most developed countries.

"Bailouts and economic stimulus packages but minus debt relieves seem not a truly economic solution but rather a political one, that is likely to continue to pull down the global economy," he added.

Among the speakers for the two-day conference are British writer-scholar Rodney Shake-speare, who will be delivering a talk on "Global Economic Crisis: Causes and Responses from a Christian Perspective" and Leader of the Islamic Party of Britain David Musa Pidcock, who is expected to deliver a talk on "Riba and the New Global Order."

Others include Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Kolej Universiti Islam Selangor rector Professor Datuk Dr Aziuddin Ahmad, Associate Professor Dr Yassin Dutton from the University of Cape Town and chairman of Ansar Co-operative Housing Ltd, Toronto Pervez Nasim.

Ahamed added that the findings from the conference would be compiled into a book.

He added that there was an overwhelming response to the conference including from the US, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Canada, Jordan, Indonesia and Singapore with 200 registered participants so far.

KL to host Women in Leadership forum
Published: 2011/02/12
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/naseba/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/naseba/pix_topright

THE young but fast expanding Women in Leadership forum (WIL) which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on February 22 is expected to see a gathering of some of the region's most influential women.

The WIL forum was initiated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2009 and immediately attracted huge response from businesswomen. The inaugural forum also played host to Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of Malaysia's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Chief executive of Abu Dhabi-based Naseba, Sophie Le Ray, said that when participants at the forum asked to organise an Asian chapter, the company instantly thought of Malaysia after witnessing the support from the government and the business community within the country. Le Ray is the initiator of the WIL forum series.

"Today, the brand Women in Leadership series does not represent a single standing chapter but a global movement, a gathering which through its chapters addresses regional needs of advancing the businesswomen community," she told Business Times.

Le Ray said the challenges faced by women in the workplace are the same anywhere in the world. They range from between balancing work and family; the ever-present glass ceiling and gender inequality and access to education.

"In Asia, there is a long tradition of entrepreneurship and a strong family structure, which has given historically, opportunities for women to exercise their business acumen as well as a possibility to be mothers and businesswomen at the same time. The best part is that there is no need to sacrifice either sides," she said.

The upcoming forum in Kuala Lumpur has invited women who are at the top of their respective fields.

Le Ray said with the glass ceiling being shattered progressively and with political support and legislation framework already in place in major parts of the world, it is now time for women to break the glass ceiling by supporting each other, perpetuating that idea of mentorship.

"WIL Asia therefore aims at creating a 'gentlewoman's club' to support and inspire one another," she said.

The forum is a platform to network, to learn, to inspire and be inspired but moreover to do business. Although the forum is essentially for women, Le Ray said, it also encourages men to attend and discuss the changes in society.

KL to host corporate governance summit
Published: 2011/02/18
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/icgno/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/icgno/pix_topright

KUALA Lumpur will host this year's International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) summit from February 28 to March 2.

The conference is expected to attract leading investors to the city to discuss the next steps in Asian corporate governance.

The ICGN Kuala Lumpur Conference will be hosted by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) with Malaysia's Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group (MSWG).

It is expected that institutional investors representing over US$12 trillion (RM36.5 trillion) in assets under management will be attending the high-level conference.

More than 35 speakers will speak on a wide range of subjects, including Asian growth, governance and initial public offerings, and how these benchmark against international standards of corporate governance.

Among the speakers are MSWG chairman Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali (picture) and EPF chief executive officer Tan Sri Azlan Zainol.

Others include Asian Corporate Governance Association secretary-general Jamie Allen and Securities Commission chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar.

Malaysia to host Forbes CEO meet
Published: 2011/04/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110427232643/Article/

MALAYSIA will host The Forbes Global CEO Conference in Kuala Lumpur on September 12-14 2011, for the second time.

More than 35 business leaders and entrepreneurs have confirmed to speak at the event, which will examine how world leaders and global CEOs are confronting critical policy and business decisions that impact global prosperity.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will join Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes, in a dialogue session at the gala dinner at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Malaysia keen to host Asem 2013
2011/05/08
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/4asem/Article/

MALAYSIA is offering to host the next Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) Conference of Ministers of Education in 2013.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said yesterday that it would be the fourth biennial meeting.

"The conference will allow us to see the standards of practice in Europe and the approach they are taking in education. In this era of knowledge, we must not only compete but also cooperate."

The conference aims to enhance Asia-Europe educational cooperation, engaging business and industry in education, quality assurance, the recognition of educational qualifications, balanced mobility and lifelong learning.

Asem is an informal process of dialogue and cooperation bringing together the 27 European Union member states and the European Commission with 16 Asian countries and the Asean Secretariat.

Khaled also announced that Malaysian Qualifications Agency chief executive officer Datuk Syed Ahmad Hussein has been appointed the first president of the Association of Quality Assurance Agencies of the Islamic World.

"Our role is to help Islamic countries ensure the quality of their educational programmes."

Khaled earlier met Malaysian scholars in Denmark pursuing doctorates in engineering and landscaping.

"We hope to send more doctoral students to Denmark, and also to Sweden and Finland, as these Nordic countries are advanced in technological and technical fields.

"Our students also find it easy to adjust in these countries."

nazrey

May 10th, 2011, 04:07 AM

Malaysia-Canada trade set to increase further in 2011
by Justin Yap. Posted on May 6, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=128443

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A005799233.jpg
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES: (From left) Canada Trade Commissioner John
L Nojey; Second Secretary for Political, Economic and Public Affairs Section
Stuart Shaw; Mank and Senior Trade Commissioner Douglas Bingeman during
the exclusive interview.

KUCHING: Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Canada is expected to increase further this year after having recorded more than RM10 billion in 2010, with the balance of trade largely in Malaysia’s favour.

The High Commissioner of Canada for Malaysia, Randolph Mank said that the growth would be propelled by, among others, the high demand for commodities like soybean and wheat.

“But it goes beyond just commodities. Even the existing Canadian companies here are talking about additional business that they will get,” he told The Borneo Post in an exclusive interview.

“An aviation service supplier, CAE Inc, a company based in Montreal, has started slowly by selling the flight simulator equipments to AirAsia and Malaysian Airlines. With sales set to increase in the near term, we will see a bigger impact of bilateral trade between both countries.”

On the investment front, he noted that the numbers were harder to pin down because of the cumulative investment between the two countries.

“We estimate that Canadian have about RM15 billion stocks of cumulative investment here while Malaysian have about RM3 billion in Canada.

“The fact is, trade and investment links between Canada and Malaysia are steadily broadening in 2011. I am confident that this positive trend will continue in the future with Malaysia also being Canada’s largest trading partner in Asean,” he added.

Mank said in terms of trading interest, Canada was focusing on the oil and gas sector, agrofood industry and information and communications technology (ICT) area. He highlighted over 70,000 Malaysians were graduates of Canadian educational institutions and every year over 500 more travel to Canada to study.

“Canada is a premier educational destination with 10 Canadian universities ranked in the top 200 in the ‘QS World University Ranking’. Canada’s average tuition fee for undergraduate students is lower than the US, Australia and the UK and post-secondary students can work up to 29 hours per week during their studies,” said Mank.

Moving forward, he encouraged more Malaysian to look at Canada as an investment destinations.

“We have so much energy and natural resources as well as a very good supply of labour services. We can produce lots of engineer and technical specialist in every field.

“Businessmen who would like to set up a business in Canada usually have a very inexpensive factors of productions in terms of energy, water and labour, to help them go through the initial stage,” he said.

In 2009, Canada’s trade in goods and services was equivalent to 59 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP), making it one of the world’s most open economies. During the year, foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in Canada was equivalent to about 36 per cent of GDP.

“Between 2003 and 2009, Canada was the world’s seventh largest recipient of FDI flows, ahead of Germany, Italy and Japan. At 3.1 per cent, our share of global inward FDI inward flows between 2003 and 2009 was well above its 2.3 per cent share of global GDP in 2009,” Mank pointed out.

On the international front, Canada-Asean total trade was RM39.6 billion and Canadian investment in the region reached RM23.5 billion in 2009.

“We are one of Asean’s longest dialogue partners, with over 30 years of partnership dating back to 1977.”

In July 2010, Canada acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and agreed to a new five-year Canada-Asean Plan of Action.

“Canada is building a new Asean network by deploying eight Asean dedicated experts to our mission across the region who are working to support Canada-Asean business ties,” he concluded.

nazrey

May 10th, 2011, 04:09 AM

M’sian investors encouraged to invest in Algeria, says Mukhriz
Posted on May 6, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=128364

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A005799224.jpg
Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian investors, especially in the services sector, are encouraged to invest in Algeria, as the country is currently undergoing rapid infrastructure and industrial development.

International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said Malaysian investors were welcomed to partake in the country’s housing, public works, agricultural and rural development, higher education, health and transportation sectors.

“The strategic reform initiatives under this plan will focus on improving and upgrading the Algerian quality of life, enhance sources of growth and ensure the sustainability of its economic growth.

“The Algerian government is also sincere in its interest to develop the country, and like in Malaysia, they are implementing the “people first concept,” he told reporters after officiating a business seminar on Algeria here yesterday.

Mukhriz said the Algeria Minister of Housing and Urban Planning has invited Malaysian companies to participate in housing and township development projects in Algeria as an two million houses were required by 2015.

“This indicates the goodwill and trust the Algerians have towards Malaysian capabilities.

“They have seen our products, of course not as cheap as in China and India, but they are of better quality than those countries, in fact, we can match European standards,” he added. Recently, the Algerian government announced a five-year investment Plan, between 2010 and 2014, under which US$286 billion has been allocated for infrastructure and industrial development programmes.

Mukhriz said the Algerian government has established mechanisms to revitalise investment financing, including the setting up of a National Investment Fund, various leasing facilities and the consolidation of credit guarantee funds for small-and-medium enterprises.

A Muslim country of 35 million people, Algeria provides an ideal investment location for Malaysian investors who can also tap into the Middle East, North Africa and European markets. — Bernama

nazrey

May 10th, 2011, 04:10 AM

‘Greater M’sia-Turkey ties’
Posted on May 6, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=128366

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A005799223.jpg
BUSINESS TIES: Rosmah deliver her speech at Malaysian-Turkey networking
session and directory of women entrepreneur during the 2011 Global Summit
of Women at Istanbul.

ISTANBUL: The wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, has assured Turkish women entrepreneurs that Malaysia offers a lot of business opportunities.

With an annual economic growth of six per cent, she said, opportunities for ventures and joint ventures were also aplenty for women entrepreneurs.

Out of the half a million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the SME Corporation’s watch list, 15 per cent or 80,000 companies were women-owned and out of these, almost 90 per cent were in the services sector while the rest in manufacturing and agriculture, she said.

Moreover, she said, the Malaysian government believes in a market-oriented economy and has introduced pro-business policies.

“Ours is a business friendly country and ranks 21st out of 183 economies in the world in terms of ease of doing business.

“I assure you, you will be most welcomed,” she said in a speech at the Turkey-Malaysia Women Entrepreneurs Networking Session here.

Rosmah said she hoped the networking session could act as a starting point to share best practices and also served as an avenue for the women entrepreneurs to learn from each other to embrace new and better ways of doing business.

She also invited Turkish women entrepreneurs to participate in the SME Innovation Showcase 2011 that will be held in Kuala Lumpur from June 7 to 9.

She said the event was aimed at providing an avenue for the Malaysian SMEs to network and market their products and services to other local and foreign SMEs, large companies and multi national corporations.

The networking session involved 33 Turkish and 25 Malaysian entrepreneurs from various business sectors including education, healthcare, advertising and media, ICT and textiles.

“As accomplished women entrepreneurs, you need to widen further your business contacts and dealings.

I hope this network session can result in the identification of new or emerging sectors where women can collaborate and succeed,” Rosmah said. — Bernama

nazrey

May 10th, 2011, 04:11 AM

M’sian firms invited to develop Lesotho’s ‘white gold’ resources
Posted on May 6, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=128386

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A005799229.jpg
FRIENDLY CHAT: Photo shows Najib having a friendly chat with Mosisili during
his visit to the Prime Minister’s office yesterday. — Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister of Lesotho Pakalitha Mosisili has invited Malaysian companies to develop its ‘white gold’ industry.

“In our country, we call water as ‘white gold’.

“That’s how we treasure water and that’s how we see the use of the precious water for industrial, agriculture, domestic and and export.

“For us in Lesotho, water is a very important resource, One that holds great potential for investment and development,” he told a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Earlier, Najib and Mosisili had a bilateral meeting.

Mosisili, on a four-day working visit to Malaysia which began yesterday, was accompanied by First Lady Mathato Mosisili, two cabinet ministers and eight senior officials.

Mosisili said power generation using water or hydro power was indeed “an area available waiting to be tapped in Lesotho.”

“It holds great potential.Currently, Lesotho only generates about 72MW (megawatt) electricity via hydro.

“We need more than that for rural electricity.”

Mosisili said through a study conducted, there was also great potential using wind power to generate electricity as well.

The prime minister also said opportunities were abound for investments in the region.

He is also inviting the Malaysian private sector to participate in other sectors where Malaysian companies have the skills, expertise and know-how to invest and develop.

“The scope in other economic areas is also vast and promising.

“The sky is the limit as far as investment prospects are concerned for Malaysian investors,” he said.

As an assurance to Malaysian investors, Mosisili said the Lesotho administration would play a facilitator role for investments to trickle in.

“We’ll provide a level playing field for investments to flow in terms of joint ventures.

We’ll put in place necessary infrastructure development, legal framework and legal legislations,” he added.

Meanwhile, Najib urged the Malaysian private sector to invest in Lesotho’s water industry as “it is an important resource that can be translated into a productive investment.” “Something that I hope the Malaysian private sector would look into,” he said.

Najib said there were two Malaysian private sector initiatives so far, one by the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology which has set up a branch campus in that country.

Najib said Mosisili was also engaging Iris Corp Bhd, a Malaysian company which has a capacity to produce advanced passports and identity cards.

“This is also one area in which there can be very positive participation by the Malaysian private sector,” he said.

On bilateral meeting, Najib said the meeting was a very useful discussion.

“I hope this visit will open up more avenues for cooperative engagement with Lesotho,” he said. — Bernama

nazrey

May 10th, 2011, 04:12 AM

Matrade may open another office in Africa
by Ghaz Ghazali. Posted on May 7, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=128449

KUCHING: The Malaysia Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) might be opening another full-fledged office in West Africa to add on its current two in the region.

“Matrade has one full-fledged office each in Cairo and Johannesburg, with a smaller marketing office in Nairobi, Kenya. We will likely to open another office in West Africa, hopefully within this year or next year, pending current discussion,” said its trade commissioner in Cairo, Wan Ahmad Tarmizi Wan Idris.

“We wish to reach out to more countries there, as well as having more Malaysian companies to invest in Africa,” he said in an interview here.

While unable to give an offhand figure on the number of Malaysian companies operating in Africa, Tarmizi said based on Matrade’s ongoing promotional activities, the agency would meet at least 20 companies from the region; where the agency would would connect these companies with their Malaysian counterparts for business matching sessions and discussions.

On a separate note, Tarmizi also urged homegrown companies especially those from the state to register with Matrade. He added that for any international businesses, or those planning to go global; they would naturally face challenges.

“It can be on a company’s lack of capabilities and resources, or the different regulations they need to comply when entering a foreign market. What’s more important is that if a company is serious enough in going global, it will find a way to overcome or address these matters.

“Everybody has the opportunity to be successful, provided that one does the necessary homework and finds the right partner apart from making sure the products’ quality is within the necessary standards. As a government agency, Matrade will definitely assist these serious businesses to expand their global reaches, through the agency’s 42 offices worldwide.”

Further, Tarmizi reiterated on the importance for a company to register with Matrade, even if it did not plan to conduct any export activity in the near future.

“We have the resources and information for companies to refer to, not only for doing exports but also on ongoing programmes that they can participate in. When the time is right for them to export, at least they are ready. We at Matrade can be that platform,” he said.

nazrey

May 10th, 2011, 04:13 AM

Malaysia’s exports reach new high at RM64.06 bln
Posted on May 7, 2011, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=128558

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s exports in March reached a new high at RM64.06 billion, an increase of 7.8 per cent from the same month in 2010, says International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

Imports rose by 12.1 per cent to RM50.53 billion, resulting in a total trade of RM114.59 billion, up 9.6 per cent from the corresponding month in 2010, he said in a statement yesterday.

A trade surplus of RM13.52 billion was registered, making it the 161st consecutive month of trade surplus since November 1997.

On a month-on-month basis, exports in March 2011 increased by 23.7 per cent.

Imports rose by 28.9 per cent and total trade expanded by 25.9 per cent.

During the first quarter this year, Mustapa said total exports registered an increase of 3.5 per cent to RM170.67 billion compared with the fourth quarter of 2010.

Imports contracted 3.4 per cent to RM134.59 billion and total trade increased by 0.4 per cent to RM305.26 billion.

Compared with the first quarter of 2010, exports and imports in the first quarter this year were higher by 7.5 per cent and 12.4 per cent respectively, while total trade increased by 9.6 per cent.

Mustapa said the increase in exports in March this year of RM4.64 billion from a year ago was largely contributed by higher exports of electrical and electronic products, refined petroleum products, palm oil, crude rubber as well as chemicals and chemical products.

The minister said China, Singapore, Japan, the US and Hong Kong were the top five export destinations, accounting for 50.9 per cent of Malaysia’s total exports in March 2011.

Exports to Asean was valued at RM15.48 billion, accounting for 24.2 per cent of Malaysia’s total exports in March 2011.

Total exports to this region fell by 2.6 per cent compared with RM15.89 billion a year ago due to lower exports of transport equipment and electrical and electronic products, Mustapa said.

In March this year, exports to China breached the record value of RM7.98 billion registered in March 2010, with an increase of 19.4 per cent to reach a new high of RM9.53 billion.

The increase was contributed mainly by higher exports of electrical and electronic products, especially integrated circuits and crude rubber, said the minister.

However, exports to the US declined 9.4 per cent in March to RM5.22 billion from RM5.77 billion in March 2010 due to lower exports of electrical and electronics products, machinery appliances and parts as well as crude petroleum.

Exports of palm oil to US, however, registered an increase of 32 per cent from March 2010.

Mustapa said total exports increased by 7.5 per cent to RM170.67 billion during the January-March 2011 period compared with the corresponding period in 2010.

During the first quarter of this year, total exports to Asean increased marginally by 0.1 per cent to RM41.65 billion or 24.4 per cent of Malaysia’s total exports, he added. — Bernama

nazrey

May 10th, 2011, 04:21 AM

M’sia, Australia reach deal on asylum seekers
Posted on May 8, 2011, Sunday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=128644

KUALA LUMPUR: In a move to combat people smuggling and irregular migration in the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia and Australia yesterday announced a new bilateral arrangement which entails among others, an agreement for a cooperative transfer of asylum seekers.

In a statement issued by both governments, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said that under the new arrangement, asylum seekers arriving by sea in Australia would be transferred to Malaysia.

In exchange, Australia would expand its humanitarian programme and take on a greater burden-sharing responsibility for resettling refugees currently residing in Malaysia, the statement said.

Both prime ministers agreed that the core elements of the arrangement would include the transfer of 800 irregular maritime arrivals, who arrived in Australia after the date of effect of the arrangement, to Malaysia, for refugee status determination.

“In return, over four years, Australia will resettle 4,000 refugees already currently residing in Malaysia,” the statement added.

The statement added that the transferees would not receive any preferential treatment over asylum seekers already in Malaysia.

“Transferees will be provided with the opportunity to have their asylum claims considered and those in need of international protection will not be refouled,” it said.

Both governments also pledged to treat transferees “with dignity and respect and in accordance with human rights standards.” Australia would fully fund the arrangement, it added.

Both leaders said the bilateral agreement signed by both of them was part of the Regional Cooperation Framework agreed to at the Bali Process Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia on March 30 this year.

They said that both countries were working closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to operationalise the arrangement.

Najib and Gillard said the complex nature of irregular migration, which they said was closely linked to the crimes of human trafficking and people smuggling, cannot be solved by acting alone but “must be tackled by countries forming cooperative arrangements under the auspices of regional and international frameworks.”

They said the implementation of this one-off pilot project would be important “to undermine the business model of transnational criminal syndicates” particularly in people smuggling and human trafficking in this region.

The Malaysian and Australian governments had asked senior officials to finalise a memorandum of understanding in the near future to set out detailed arrangements, the statement added. — Bernama

nazrey

May 11th, 2011, 07:57 AM

Oil, gas sector to fuel Malaysia-Canada trade
By Sharen Kaur Published: 2011/05/11
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/OIL100/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/OIL100/pix_middle

KUALA LUMPUR: Trade between Malaysia and Canada is expected to increase further this year, surpassing the C$3.5 billion (RM10.99 billion) recorded last year.

Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia Randolph Mank said the growth would be fuelled by new business opportunities in oil and gas (O&G) sector in the two countries.

"There has been a flood of foreign investments in the O&G sector in Canada. We have the second largest oil reserves in the world after Saudi Arabia and oil price being as high as it is now will certainly be very profitable for the companies," Mank said.

Mank said there are more Malaysian firms investing in Canada in the areas of plantation, property and O&G sector.

Among those, like Felda has a RM760 million canola processing facility in Quebec; KNM Group Bhd with its RM108 million investment in Alberta to design, engineer and manufacture equipment for O&G sector; Sunrise Bhd's RM915 million property project in Richmond.

In Malaysia, there are more than 20 companies involved in O&G and energy, the biggest player is Talisman Energy Inc of Calgary, which provides 10 per cent of Peninsular Malaysia's energy needs.

Mank was speaking here after officiating at the launch of the Malaysia Canada Oil & Gas Council (MCOGC) yesterday.

MCOGC, set up by the Malaysian Oil & Gas Services Council (MOGSC), will bring together key stakeholders from the Malaysian and Canadian service providers in the O&G sector and increase collaboration between the two countries.

MOGSC president Sofiyan Yahya said it will also be a platform to increase the level of participation of Canadian companies and activities towards Malaysia's economic growth and nation building by supporting the government initiatives to make Malaysia a regional hub for products, resources and services in the O&G sector.

nazrey

May 12th, 2011, 05:50 PM

nazrey

May 13th, 2011, 02:47 AM

Excellent Sudan-Malaysia ties despite North-South separation
Posted on May 10, 2011, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=129052

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite Southern Sudan seceding from the North, its relations with Malaysia continue to be excellent, both at the economic and political level, as well as people-to-people relations.

Little wonder why Sudan’s Ambassador to Malaysia Nadir Yousif Eltayeb describes the Khartoum-Kuala Lumpur relations as a ‘strategic relationship’.

He expressed satisfaction with the political and economic ties which bind the two countries.

“Our relations continue to be strategic and good even after the separation of South…strategic because we have very close relations in the last 20 years,” he told reporters when asked about the current bilateral relations after the North and South separation.

Earlier, Nadir called on Senate president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang at the latter’s office in the Parliament building here yesterday.

More than 98 per cent of Southern Sudanese voted to secede from the North, in a referendum held from Jan 9 to 15.

The split will make Southern Sudan as the world’s newest country on July 9.

South Sudan has been chosen as the name, but this will require approval by the Southern Sudan parliament. On the political level, Nadir said, the leadership of the two countries engaged in close contact.

He said the countries also enjoyed good coordination on various issues at international fora, such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), where they were
members.

Nadir said that on the economic level, despite the separation, Malaysian national oil company Petronas, which had been operating successfully in the African country for the last 15 years, continued to involve in the oil and gas sector.

He said Petronas was involved in new discoveries in about three states in the North. On the people-to-people relationship, Nadir said Sudan’s community in Malaysia now numbered more than 3,000, mostly students, and the numbers were increasing.

“They chose Malaysia because it is a good hub for education…because of the quality of the education.

“The hospitality of the people and also the environment which is very good and also relatively cheap,” he said.

He said the number of Sudanese tourists visiting Malaysia was also on the rise, with some 11,000 visiting in 2009. Nadir also said that Sudanese participating under the Malaysia, My Second Home programme was also on the increase.

“All these reflect Malaysia’s very special relations with Sudan, in terms of people-to-people, as well as government-to-government relations,” he said.

Nadir also said that Khartoum had welcomed and recognised the referendum results, and would cooperate with the government of the South in the interest of the peoples of both sides. — Bernama

nazrey

May 13th, 2011, 03:05 AM

International events in Malaysia

Annual Latin American festival is back
Posted on May 12, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=129509

KUALA LUMPUR: The annual Latin American Festival will be held on May 22 at the BB Park in Bukit Bintang.

Making its appearance for the third time, the event will showcase all things Latin American, including culture, food, arts and craft as well as music and dance.

Cuba’s ambassador to Malaysia, Carlos Amores, said the embassies of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela had joined hands to organise the festival in collaboration with the Latin Ladies Association of Malaysia. – Bernama

Kuching to host first clown convention in 2013
by Zoee Hillson. Posted on May 11, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=129293

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A005799326.jpg
Dr Richard Snowberg as Junior

KUCHING: For the first time in Asia, the city will be host to The World Clown Association Annual Convention (WCAC) which would expect to see a gathering of about 250 clowns from all over the globe.

According to World Clown Association past president Dr Richard Snowberg, the six-day event will be held in March 2013 to promote the art of clowning and humanitarian acts.

“The purpose of WCAC is to share the gifts that we have and secondly to provide opportunity for us to experience working alongside the host community.

“We’re doing something where clowns can really make a difference for the community,” he said during an interview at a hotel here.

Snowberg added that WCAC is unique from other conventions because of its coverage on other aspects of clowning.

“It is unique because we do so many different things. We usually have 30 different classes in the convention.

“These classes don’t have to be on clowning per se, so we have classes on juggling, magic, face painting, story telling which are all skills that clowns use. WCAC participants will also be going out to the community and engaging them with fun activities,” he said.

The 34-year old veteran in the clowning business also mentioned that for the first time ever, WCAC would be dedicating one whole day for their ‘Humanitarian Day’.

“We will either be going out into the community or we’re going to have groups come to us and we’re going to provide a clown for them. We are also planning to have a gathering of various charitable organisations for a ‘celebration of life’ event and will provide them with an enjoyable experience,” he added.

Snowberg’s clown persona is known as Junior or Snowflake. He is a professor and the founder of Clown Camp at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he teaches the art of clowning.

In addition to founding and running Clown Camps, Snowberg is also involved in establishing Wishland Pony Express, a ‘make-a-wish’ style organisation for chronically and terminally ill children.

Meanwhile, owner of Uncle Button Clown Supplies, Sam Tee, who was also at the interview said that Malaysia would have the largest number of Asian representatives in the association.

“At the moment, Japan has the highest number with not more than 15 members. We will have 17 new members plus two existing members, so we are going to have 19 members from Malaysia,” said Tee.

Tee, who is known as Uncle Button as a clown, is in-charge of bringing the WCAC convention into the state.

According to him, the event will also look into establishing an “Asia-Pacific Clown Alley” to encourage cooperation between clown communities across the globe.

Australia’s Tropfest comes to M’sia
Posted on May 12, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=129522

KUALA LUMPUR: Tropfest, billed as the largest short film festival in the world, is coming to Malaysia for the very first time.

Founded by award-winning actor and director John Polson, Tropfest began as a short film festival for friends and family at the Tropicana Cafe in Sydney, Australia, in 1993.

Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Miles Kupa, said he was excited to see an iconic Australian cultural event coming to this Southeast Asian nation.

“Tropfest has inspired a generation of Australian independent film-makers. We hope that it will be a new source of inspiration for Malaysian film-makers too,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The public can see a collection of Australian short films at the Annexe Gallery located on the second floor of the Central Market Annexe in Jalan Hang Kasturi, here, at 5.30pm and 8.30pm on May 21 and 22.

Entry is free. — Bernama

Asean Australian Engineering Congress 2011 to be held on July 25-27
Posted on May 11, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=129377

KUCHING: Engineers from Australia, Malaysia Chapter and Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus will be holding the Asean Australian Engineering Congress 2011 themed ‘Engineering for Sustainability’ on July 25-27.

The congress will be held at Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching.

The congress will bring together experts to deliberate on a range of topics like Planning & Policy, Climate Change, Sustainable Buildings & Infrastructures, Green Technology, Sustainable Waste & Water Management and Community & The Environment.

Engineers Australia has nominated 2011 as the Year of Humanitarian Engineering, with the goal to promote the significance and importance of humanitarian engineering to both the engineering profession and the wider community.

One of the keynote speakers, National President of Engineers Australia Merv Lindsay will be deliberating on this issue in detail in
his presentation ‘Humanitarian Engineering in a Community Context’.

The congress has confirmed keynote speakers from Singapore, Malaysia, India and Germany.

Among them are Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Authority,United Nations; and Lee Sui Fung, Senior Development Executive, Building Construction & Authority, Singapore.

Locally, there will be speakers from Sarawak Energy Berhad and State Planning Unit.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will be delivering the opening remarks on ‘Engineering for Sustainability’ on the opening day of the congress.

The congress will also feature more than 100 paper presentations through the parallel sessions, in both oral and poster presentations.

Prior to the congress, a workshop on ‘Embedding Sustainability in Engineering Subjects’ will be held at Swinburne.

Early bird registration for the congress is not open until the end of May 2011. During the early bird period, members of affiliated engineering associations are entitled to a fee of RM1,100 while it’s RM1,400 for non-members. The normal registration fee is RM1,200 and RM1,500 respectively. Student rate is RM800.

In conjunction with the congress, exhibition booths are also available to showcase the latest engineering innovations and services. Exhibition fee is RM5,000. Further details on the congress, pre-congress workshop and exhibition are available at www.aaec2011.com.

International Conference on IT July 11
Posted on May 11, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=129290

KUCHING: The International Conference on IT in Asia (CITA) is an international forum run by the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).

The conference aims to bring together professionals and executives to share and exchange ideas and information pertaining to the roles of ICTs within the prevailing challenges of development faced by the region.

This international forum also aims to investigate how the technology can be adapted to improve local needs as well as to bring technology within reach of the communities.

The theme for the 7th CITA will be ‘Emerging Convergences and Singularity of Forms’.

For this year’s event, CITA ’11 Keynote speakers include Prof Bebo White of Stanford Linear Accelerator Centre (SLAC), from renowned Stanford University, USA; Prof Dr Leon Sterling, from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia; and Prof Dr Yoshiyori Urano from Waseda University,
Japan.

They will be presenting their keynote addresses on ‘Preparing for the Web of Things’, ‘Agent-Oriented Modelling for Converging Devices and Systems’, and ‘Building Lifelong Learning Schemes for Seniors’ respectively.

Additionally, CITA’11 is co-sponsored by IEEE Computer Society and is collocated with the International Workshop on Internalisation of Products and Systems (IWIPS 2011).

CITA’11 participants will also be able to listen to IWIPS 2011 keynote speaker, Dr Patrick Larvie of Google USA, who will be talking on ‘What trade history reveals about the Internet, and how ketchup can teach us to do our jobs better’.

Various workshops covering state of the art topics will be conducted on July 11 at the faculty’s impressive labs by experts.

Topics covered ‘Workshop on Mathematical Modelling’ by Assoc Prof Dr Jane Labadin from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak; ‘The Art of Agent Oriented Modelling for Agent Oriented Software Development’ by Prof Leon Sterling from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia; ‘Experiential and Exploratory Stimulation via A Virtual Environment’ by Dr Sylvester Arnab from Serious Games Institute, UK; ‘How to Deploy Technologies (ICT, Solar Power) to Remote and Rural Communities’ from Center of Excellence for Rural Informatics; ‘Multilingual Knowledge Management Workshop’ by Prof Dr Ahmad Zaki bin Abu Bakar from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and ‘Joining the World of Linked Open Data’ by Prof Bebo White.

For more information, the public are advised to refer to the conference website http://www.cita11.org or email queries directly to the conference secretary at secretary@cita11.org

nazrey

May 13th, 2011, 08:31 AM

Qantas said may start carrier in Malaysia
Published: 2011/05/13
http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20110513111253/Article/

Qantas Airways Ltd., Australia’s biggest airline, said it’s considering “all options” for its long-haul operations amid media reports it may start new carriers in Singapore and Malaysia.

A team led by Qantas executive Lesley Grant is studying the company’s international operations and will report back to the board by the end of the year, Sophia Connelly, a spokeswoman for Sydney-based Qantas, said by phone today. No decision has been made and talk of any specific plans would be “speculation” at this stage, she said.

Qantas may start a premium Singapore-based carrier with about 20 jets to expand in Asia and take advantage of lower costs, the Australian Financial Review reported today, citing unidentified people close to the company. The carrier may start a Malaysian-based airline for corporate travel, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

“We are looking at our international business as it’s not performing to expectations,” Connelly said. “The project team is looking at possible new routes and ways to reinvigorate that business.”

Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce formed the task force in February to address losses of international market share to Middle Eastern carriers including Emirates, domestic rivals such as Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd and budget airlines like AirAsia Bhd.

Qantas and its Jetstar budget brand carried 27 percent of international passengers to and from Australia in February, according to the most recent government data. That compares with 30.4 per cent two years earlier.

During the same period, Emirates increased its market share to 8 per cent from 6.2 per cent.

Qantas said this week it’s seeking regulatory approval for a joint business agreement with AMR Corp.’s American Airlines to expand an alliance for services to North America and to add flights to Dallas after Virgin Blue made a similar deal with Delta Air Lines Inc.

The pact would include cooperation on prices, schedules and frequent flyer programs.

Brisbane-based Virgin Blue, headed by former Qantas executive John Borghetti, has also signed alliances with Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand Ltd. to gain international routes. -- Bloomberg

nazrey

May 15th, 2011, 11:07 AM

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/PixFront/pix_top_051214

BACK AT THE HELM... Aircraft maker, Euroala Industries Sdn Bhd, expects to deliver four two-seater light Jetfox aircraft per month with production slated to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Euroala plans to increase the production within a year or two, to between 100 and 200 annually. Euroala Industries acquired the Italian JetFox aircraft manufacturing technology from Euroala SRL of Italy last year. -- NST Picture by Zulfadhli Zulkifli. Story by Bernama.

Euroala to start JetFox production in Q4
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2011/05/13
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/rup12001/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/rup12001/pix_middle

KUALA LUMPUR: Euroala Industries Sdn Bhd, which has bought the design and technology of Ita-lian light aircraft JetFox, expects to start production of four aircraft per month in the fourth quarter, said its chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"We are planning to gradually increase the production to between 100 and 200 annually in a year or two, depending on the demand," Dr Mahathir said at a media briefing after the launch of the JetFox aircraft here yesterday.

The company received 200 orders so far.

Also present was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha.

Dr Mahathir, who has a 50 per cent stake in the company, and its director David Chew holding the other 50 per cent, said investments were not very big.

He described the presence of the light aircraft as important for the sport aviation industry. There are some 150 JetFox owners all over the world.

"Its sleek look and good safety record, its success in Europe and the potential in new markets were the reasons why we acquired the exclusive rights (design and manufacturing technology from Euroala S.R.L. of Italy)," Dr Mahathir said.

Euroala is also eyeing the regional markets to export the aircraft since JetFox does not have a significant presence in the Southeast Asian region.

A JetFox costs RM300,000. It will be manufactured at a leased factory on a 14,000 sq ft site near Subang Airport and it is estimated that it will have a 60 per cent local content.

Powered by Rotax 912 ULS engine, it can take off on a 100-metre long grass trip and with its top speed at 115 miles per hour, it can fly for a maximum of four hours.

It can fly to Langkawi in two and a half hours, Dr Mahathir said.

The amphibious JetFox model, which can perform functions such as collecting spill samples and monitoring ships dumping oil, will be launched at a later date.

Euroala is working closely with the Department of Civil Aviation on a joint initiative to benchmark JetFox for future Special Light Sport Aircraft standard in Malaysia.

"Our vision is to make aircraft affordable and flying accessible and enjoyable without becoming professional pilots," Dr Mahathir said, adding that the pilots need to have only 20 flying hours in order to fly a JetFox.

Sharing his flying experience, former prime minister quipped: "It is a smooth flying aircraft and easy to fly with dual control for two pilots. I was not so skillful when landing it in the water."

nazrey

May 18th, 2011, 01:47 AM

Najib's schedule full in New York
2011/05/01
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/225KualaKedahPASmembersjoinUmno/Article/

NEW YORK: A busy programme awaits Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his two-day visit to New York on May 17 and 18.

A major business event will be on May 17 when an Investment Malaysia New York (IMNY) 2011 Day will be held at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), according to both New York based sources.

There will be one-on-one meetings between Malaysian corporate executives and their US counterparts. Malaysian companies will be represented, largely by their chief executive officers, including top executives of Petronas, Khazanah Nasional, Maybank and CIMB.

The event is being organised jointly by Bursa Malaysia, CIMB Investment Bank, J.P. Morgan and the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA).

IMNY 2011 purports to set the tone for the global investment community to adapt their investment strategies to Malaysia’s investment opportunities.

During 2010, the Malaysian government introduced the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) in an effort to elevate the nation to a high-income economy by 2020.

IMNY’s aim is to crystallise the government’s “message of transformation” into a “passage of transformation”, focusing on the critical next phase of the so-called “Malaysian story” – namely, implementation and execution.

Besides the one-on-one meetings, there will also be meetings between small groups. The one-on-one meetings, an integral part of the conference, will last for about 50 minutes.

Some of the Malaysian participants in a panel discussion are likely to be Khazanah Nasional Managing Director Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, MIDA Director-General Datuk Jalilah Baba and Securities Commission Chairman Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar.

Najib will, later, have lunch with captains of the US industry at the NYSE. After the lunch, he will deliver a keynote address to investors followed by a visit to the trading floor at the NYSE and then give interviews to television reporters.

In the afternoon of May 17, Najib will participate in the inaugural meeting of the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) for Malaysia. The GSIAC is seen as a value-added attempt on the part of the Malaysian government to facilitate the country to make what is described as a “quantum leap” from a middle-income to a high-income economy in consonance with the Economic Transformation Programme and the New Economic Model.

The council members, who include top-ranking Nobel laureates, ministers, experts, corporate leaders and representatives of both the Malaysian and New York Academy of Sciences, will provide advice and guidance on Malaysia’s aspirations to become a high-income country through creation of wealth and societal improvement and welfare.

Najib will announce programmes and projects conceived by the GSIAC, with a view to elevating local companies into global players by 2013. This could be done by enhancing Malaysia’s capabilities in science and innovation, and sharpening competitive edge in science and innovation against technologically advanced countries.

The GSIAC meeting, according to the calculation by the Malaysian side, will be to generate and increase US-Malaysia trade and investment.

The idea behind holding a GSIAC meeting in New York is to enable its members to interact with the New York Academy of Sciences. However, the thrust will be on what is described as “technology-driven industries” such as information technology, biotechnology, etc.

The finale of the day will be a meeting at the Forbes headquarters in New York where Steve Forbes, the chairman of Forbes Inc, and a former presidential candidate, will be the host.

A private cocktail reception, organised by Steve Forbes and Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Jamaludin Jarjis, will also be held in the evening of May 17 at the Forbes Galleries. There will be a private dinner with Steve Forbes.

On May 18, Najib will hold one-on-one meetings with top executives of US companies engaged in manufacturing and having made large investments in Malaysia. This will be followed by a meeting and luncheon with the top executives of the US Chamber of Commerce and, also possibly, executives of US companies in New York.

Najib leaves for Washington DC on May 19 on a private visit.

The purpose of the meetings in New York, according to some analysts here, is to provide a strong impetus to bilateral trade and investments between Malaysia and the United States, particularly at a time when the economic recovery seems to be picking up steam after the recent recession.

With the United States being the largest investor in Malaysia, analysts say, it is important to keep up the momentum of the investment flow.

The United States is the largest foreign investor in Malaysia. American companies are particularly active in the energy, electronics, and manufacturing sectors.

The cumulative value of US private investment in Malaysia exceeds US$10 billion. The United States is Malaysia's largest trading partner while Malaysia is the 10th largest trading partner of the US. Annual two-way trade amounts to US$49 billion.

The Malaysian government does not view the United States only as an export market for Malaysian manufacturers but also as a source of technology and talent, especially in the areas of technology and finance.

During his April 2010 trip to the US, Najib had said: "There is a host of economic opportunities that we can leverage on if we have good bilateral relations with the US." Malaysia is also seeking more investment from the United States.

Najib hailed the decision of Coca Cola to invest RM1 billion in a new bottling plant in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, as a “model for future ventures”. -- BERNAMA

Busy schedule ahead for PM on visit to New York
REPORTING FROM NEW YORK
By WONG SAI WAN Wednesday May 18, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/5/18/nation/8705685&sec=nation#13056758338861&if_height=491

NEW YORK: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has arrived here to begin a two-day working visit to the world's biggest financial centre, where he is expected to address top investors and scientists on the major transformation programmes taking place back home.

Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor touched down at the Newark Liberty International Airport at 1.15am yesterday after a working visit to Britain.

They were received by Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis and senior officials.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, will have a busy programme, starting with the launch of Invest Malaysia New York 2011, where he is expected to deliver a keynote address at a luncheon organised by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Describing it as a great honour, Dr Jamaluddin told The Star ahead of Najib's arrival: “Usually this kind of financial roadshow luncheons are organised by investment banks.

“But in our case, it is organised by the local stock exchange that happens to be the biggest in the world Wall Street.”

“Those coming for the luncheon include top fund owners and chief executives and they want to hear the Malaysian story,” he said.

The highlight of Najib's visit is the inaugural meeting of the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council for Malaysia (GSIAC) at the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS), which he will chair.

The GSIAC is a joint initiative between the Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology and NYAS in the pursuit of transforming Malaysia into a high-income economy through enhancing Malaysia's capabilities in science and innovation.

Najib is scheduled to meet NYSE Euronext chief operating officer Lawrence Leibowitz, have a luncheon meeting with leaders of the financial industry and hold a series of individual meetings with corporate leaders of high-profile multinational companies as well as officials from Wall Street and Dow Jones.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/editorspick/images/018207109_02najibNewYork1805.JPG

Out to woo Wall Street
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has arrived in New York to begin a two-day
working visit to the world's biggest financial centre. He is expected to
address top investors and scientists on the major transformation
programmes taking place back home.

nazrey

May 20th, 2011, 06:02 PM

Malaysia Smelting to explore tin in Congo
Published: 2011/05/20
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110520211246/Article/index_html#ixzz1MuQTN2F3

Malaysia Smelting Corporation Bhd (MSC) has entered into a Confidentiality Agreement with the Ministry of Mines of Congo.

The agreement, signed in Kinshasa yesterday, was in connection with the disclosure of confidential information on certain prospective tin mining areas for a possible joint venture cooperation in exploration and development of tin and related mineral resources in Congo, MSC said in an announcement to Bursa Malaysia.

It said the MSC management had an audience with the President of Congo, Joseph Kabila Kabange, together with the Minister of Mines, Martin Kabwelulu.

It said the President expressed his wish for MSC to assist in sustainable development of the tin industry in Congo that would bring socio-economic benefits to the local communities as well to overcome the negative image and perception of the country’s mining industry.

"Congo is currently faced with ‘conflict mineral’ issues which have disrupted the livelihood on thousands of people who rely on small-scale and artisanal mining," it added.

The discussions with the Government of Congo also enhanced collaborative efforts to improve the effective implementation of the due diligence process and transparency system under the International Tin Supply Initiative (iTSCi) scheme, it said.

Kabwelulu and delegation from Congo had in April visited the MSC
Group mining operations and smelting facilities in Malaysia and Indonesia, and were encouraged by the experience and capability that MSC has to offer.

"The follow-up visit to Congo by the MSC team is a further step forward towards entering into a possible joint venture in the exploration, mining, smelting and marketing that would enhance the Company’s long term growth in the tin industry," it said.

MSC’s smelting facility in Butterworth has, for many years, been receiving Congo tin concentrates which contributed about 15 per cent of the total metal produced in 2010. -- Bernama

nazrey

May 21st, 2011, 06:03 AM

Sime Darby to invest US$3.1b in Liberian estates
From Ooi Tee ChingPublished: 2011/05/21
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ooix/Article/index_html#ixzz1MxLxOVR0

MONROVIA (Liberia): Sime Darby Bhd expects to invest as much as US$3.1 billion (RM9.3 billion) in its Liberian estates until 2025, chairman Tun Musa Hitam said.

Musa said since Sime Darby Plantation Liberia Inc's (SDPLI) entry into Liberia two years ago, it had shown that it is serious in being part of the community where the estates are located.

Thus far, SDPLI had rebuilt 15 schools, stocking them up with new furniture as well as paying the teachers' salaries.

It had also refurbished three new school buses to ferry the children to the schools within its estates.

SDPLI has purchased an ambulance unit and expanded the sick wards at the hospital ground within its estates.

"We're here for the long haul and we believe the win-win approach is the best way to do business with our partners here. After all, the oil palm is proven to be a crop of peace and prosperity," Musa said.

Also present was Sime Darby Plantation senior vice president I of agribusiness division Helmy Othman Basha.

Helmy said SDPLI had already established four plots of nurseries that will generate 780,000 seedlings. This will kick-start the first planting of 5,200ha at Grand Cape Mount County.

"For the next 15 years, we're scheduled to invest in infrastructure like roads, bridges, electricity and piped water. We'll also put up the mills," he said.

Yesterday, in a briefing, he explained to visiting Malaysian reporters that, by 2025, SDPLI intends to plant up to 170,000ha with oil palms across four counties namely Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Bong and Gbarpolu.

Helmy said Sime Darby, a firm believer in good agriculture practice, will undertake social and environmental impact assessments before any development begins.

For example, it will maintain riparian buffer zones between water bodies and planted areas.

By 2015, the group will start to put up 15 mills, for every 10,000ha. These mills, while extracting crude palm oil and fueled by biomass, are self sustaining. This is because they will able to generate steam and electricity for use within the estates.

"Each of the 90-tonne an hour mill is budgeted to cost around RM90 million because of costlier building materials and logistics here," he said.

By 2025, SDPLI should be fully-operational.

"We estimate that our operations here will create and support 35,000 jobs. There will also be spillover impacts in uplifting the livelihoods of surrounding communities of the estates," he said.

He explained that under the Liberian government's concession to develop 220,000ha until 2072, SDPLI is required to work with smallholders to plant up another 44,000ha under an Outgrowers Scheme.

"This scheme is to help smallholders and surrounding communities, a programme similar to Felda that has tremendous multiplier effect on the local economy. Here, we will provide management expertise while the Liberian government accord financing to the smallholders."

nazrey

May 22nd, 2011, 11:24 AM

Malaysia, Poland to set up friendship group
Posted on May 20, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=131532

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia and Poland will be setting up a friendship group to discuss issues affecting both countries and the world.

According to Dewan Negara Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, the group will comprise members of parliament from both countries.

Pandikar said this after receiving a courtesy call from Poland Deputy Speaker Jerzy Wenderlich and State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Said at the state assembly building in Likas here yesterday.

“I sought the cooperation of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to welcome Jerzy and the delegation from Poland,” he said, adding that it was nothing out of the norm as governments all over the world conduct courtesy call between each other.

“It’s only a courtesy call … as every nation always seeks cooperation among each other, particularly between parliaments.

“So we decided to form a friendship group and the reason is because any issues, particularly the current issues like environment, human trafficking invariably will be discussed in all parliaments in the world,” Pandikar said.

He also said that members of the group would be parliamentarians who have knowledge in the specific issues which affect both countries.

Pandikar disclosed that currently, 115 MARA students are studying medicine in Poland and the bilateral trade between the Republic and Malaysia is about RM1.3 billion.

nazrey

May 23rd, 2011, 05:41 AM

Najib visits new OXCIS building under construction
Posted on May 18, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=131081

OXFORD: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Monday visited the new construction site of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OXCIS), an associated institution of Oxford University.

Accompanied by Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Datuk Zakaria Sulong, Najib was greeted on arrival by OXCIS director Dr Farhan Ahmad Nizami and Malaysian architects Datuk Kamal Ariffin Zaharin and Abdul Rahman Zaharin.

The centre, established in 1985 with the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, as the patron, aims to encourage scholarly study of Islam and the Islamic world.

The centre’s new building is situated next to Magdalen College.

The centre is a recognised independent centre of the Oxford University which contributes to the multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary study of the Islamic world.

Malaysia is one of the contributors, along with a few other Islamic countries, namely Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Turkey, to the development of the new OXCIS building in Marston Road, an initiative that symbolises tolerance between the Islamic world and the West.

Providing a focal point of international collaboration, the centre is designed to accommodate the academic, social and residential facilities essential for the collegiate life of a community of scholars.

Malaysia contributed a sum of RM12 million for the development of an auditorium at the centre, particularly on the wood carving interior design.

Beautiful and intricate carvings of Malaysian Islamic motifs from “Merbau” timber adorn the auditorium, designed by renowned master carver Norhaiza Noordin from Terengganu’s Seni Ukir Bakawali.

Malaysia’s auditorium, which can accommodate about 200 people, is also a symbol of bilateral cooperation between the Malaysian government and OXCIS.

Najib spent about 45 minutes touring the site of the new OXCIS building, which plans to feature a Kuwait library and an Istanbul forecourt, based on the contributions of those countries.

Najib also announced Bank Rakyat’s contribution of 2.4 million pounds (about RM11.8 million) for the creation of the Tun Abdul Razak Fellowship at the University of Oxford.

Speaking to Malaysian journalists later, the prime minister said the Tun Abdul Razak Fellowship provided an opportunity for Malaysians to pursue specific courses of study at Oxford University.

He said he hoped that several Malaysian students would be given the opportunity to study at the prestigious university from this year’s academic session.

On his visit to the new construction site of the OXCIS building, Najib said the auditorium portrayed Malaysia’s artistic heritage and would showcase Malaysia’s image in the midst of Oxford University.

“This shows that Malaysia can contribute to increased understanding of Islam, particularly in the context of the relationship between the Islamic world and the West,” he said.

Meanwhile, architect Kamal Ariffin said the wood carving and design work on the auditorium started five years ago and was completed in November last year.

The design of the carved wood furnishings portray ancient Malay works such as of the Langkasuka era. — Bernama

Najib calls on the world to embrace moderation
Posted on May 18, 2011, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=131082

OXFORD: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on the world community to embrace moderation as the best course of action and way forward.

He said moderation was not an alien concept to mankind and neither was it only theoretical in nature.

Moderation could help to create a better future for mankind as manifested by leaders in earlier civilisations, he said.

“The real divide is not between East and West or between the developed or developing worlds or even between Muslims and non-Muslims.

“It is between moderates and extremists of all religions,” he said when delivering a lecture at Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford here Monday.

His lecture was entitled “Coalition of Moderates and Inter-Civilisational Understanding”.

The Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies (OXCIS).

Quoting and citing testimony of moderation embraced in earlier civilisations of Islam, the West and renowned leaders such as Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela, Najib said the principle of moderation was not new in Islam and it was also advocated in Christianity and other faiths.

“There is no such thing as liberal Islam or extremist Islam, a conservative Islam or an enlightened Islam, a jihadist Islam or an appeasing Islam, a modern Islam or a medieval Islam.

“There is only Islam, a complete way of life. Being moderate cannot in any way be equated to a wimp, unprincipled, weak or appeasing,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that diversity, dialogue and peaceful co-existence were important themes in Islam.

“In the holy Quran, Allah SWT expounds, that the very reason He created human beings into distinct nations and tribes was as a blessing so that humanity may embrace and celebrate its diversity,” he said.

Najib said that those who strapped explosives on their bodies and blew themselves up were not matyrs and did not represent Islam.

He said a world free from terrorism was possible but it needed goodwill among the faithful of all creeds, required a vanguard of moderates, demanded from being a silent majority and to start reflecting the courage of conviction.

“We must address the underlying causes of global violence and able to differentiate between the symptoms and the root causes. Only then we can achieve a lasting solutions.” The Prime Minister said the responsibility to voice out solutions was not only on the Muslims but also from other religions and faiths.

There was a need to hear concerted voices from moderates in all countries and people from all walks of life, stressed Najib.

He urged those who cherished moderation, dignity and justice everywhere to stand firm and ensure their voices were heard. — Bernama

nazrey

May 23rd, 2011, 05:50 AM

PM: First batch of Peace Corps to arrive this year
Posted on May 20, 2011, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=131474

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/A005799713.jpg
PM IN NEW YORK: Najib delivering his speech at the US Chamber of
Commerce in New York yestserday. — Bernama photo

NEW YORK: The United States has agreed to revive the Peace Corps programme and is expected to send the first batch of 30 volunteers to Malaysia this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The US government through the White House has taken action to implement the programme under the Fulbright student exchange programme to teach English in rural areas, he added.

Speaking to Malaysian journalists covering his three-day working visit here, Najib said US Ambassador to Malaysia, Paul Jones, had told him that the programme had been revived and plans were underway to execute it this year.

“They will start with 30… but I have also asked them to send more, if possible, 100 or 200 volunteers, especially to rural areas.

“I asked for more because there are many rural schools in Malaysia,” he added.

However, it would not be a regional peace corps, he said.

The proposal to revive the Peace Corps programme, which was popular in the 1960s, was made by Najib when he met US President Barack Obama during the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September.

At the meeting with Obama, Najib proposed that the US-sponsored Peace Corps be introduced to help raise proficiency in the English language among the peoples of Asean countries.

Obama’s late mother, Ann Dunham, was reported to have taught English in Indonesia.

Najib was also asked about the conditions of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Najib said he was told that Dr Mahathir was stable.

“I pray that Tun recovers and be back to normal and continue to contribute to the nation.” — Bernama

nazrey

May 25th, 2011, 01:15 PM

Netherlands expects influx of Malaysian investments
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2011/05/24
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110523233720/Article/

GEORGE TOWN: The presence of Malaysian investors in The Netherlands is expected to be raised by the end of this year, with the entry of four potential companies.

Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) area director Linnie Mackenzie said yesterday the four potential investors are home-grown companies from the bio-based, electronics and cocoa manufacturing sectors.

She did not name the firms but said the chocolate manufacturer is expected to plough in e8 million (RM34 million) into the Netherlands to set up its operations.

“Two of the four companies are close to establishing their operations already while the other two are in the preliminary stages of their proposed investments,”Mackenzie told reporters in Penang on the sidelines of “The Netherlands — Your Gateway to Europe” seminar.

Present were the Netherlands embassy deputy head of mission Jan Soer, TNT Malaysia managing director Jerry Power and Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (northern region) chairman Datuk O.K. Lee.

There are now more than 20 Malaysian companies investing in the Netherlands which include IOI Corp Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, Petronas and MISC Bhd.

Mackenzie said the four potential local investors are part of 10 new investments from Southeast East Asia which are being targeted by the Netherlands government.

Soer said bilateral trade between Malaysia and the Netherlands last year stood in Malaysia’s favour with exports totalling e5.5 million (RM23.6 million.

“This was in contrast to the e800 million (RM3.4 billion) worth of imports from the Netherlands which came into Malaysia,” he added.

The Netherlands was seventh largest foreign investor here in 2010 and its direct foreign direct investment into Malaysia doubled to around RM1 billion in 2010 from RM500 million in 2009.

Pointing to the Netherland’s low corporate tax of 25 per cent per year, Mackenzie said that the Dutch authorities are in constant dialogue with the over 6,000 foreign investors operating in the country.

“There are also current talks of the corporate tax being lowered to improve the investment climate in the Netherlands,” she added.

nazrey

May 26th, 2011, 03:22 AM

MyCEB wins bids for 25 global conventions
Published: 2011/05/26
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/23MyCEB/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) (www.myceb.com.my/), in partnership with its affiliates, has won bids for over 25 international and regional conventions, which are expected to generate more than RM430 million income for Malaysia between 2011 and 2016.

MyCEB general manager of sales and marketing Ho Yoke Ping said the events are estimated to attract 40,000 dele-gates during the six years.

Announcing the company's 2010 re-sults at a media conference held in conjunction with the IMEX1 2011 trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, recently, Ho said the events secured include the International Federation of Surveyors General Assembly and International Congress 2014, the 16th Teochew International Convention 2011 and the 4th World Conference in Science and Technology Education 2013.

She said Malaysia's achievements demonstrate the strength of the colla-borative efforts of the industry partners, including Tourism Ministry and various government agencies, local host associations, the Sarawak Convention Bu-reau, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and Malaysian Airline System Bhd.

MyCEB was established in 2009 by the Tourism Ministry to strengthen the country's business tourism brand and position for the international meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) market.

MyCEB chief executive officer Zulkefli Sharif said the commitment from the government for the business tourism industry has significantly improved its position in a highly challenging market.

He said last year, MyCEB provided support towards 189 business events, comprising 124 meetings and conventions, 49 incentives and 16 trade shows, which attracted 71,075 participants.

During the year, Malaysia's business tourism arrivals rose to 1.3 million from 1.2 million in the previous year.

This is in line with Malaysia's vision to achieve 2.9 million international business tourism arrivals by year 2020, and to position the country as one of the top five destinations in Asia Pacific for international meetings, Zulkefli said.

nazrey

May 26th, 2011, 03:27 AM

US to remain top investor in Malaysia
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2011/05/26
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/hoze/Article/

SAN JOSE (California): Malaysia expects the US, its top investor of foreign direct investments (FDIs), to be a strong contributor this year in the oil and gas, renewable energy, petrochemical and advanced technology sectors.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) senior director of investment Phang Ah Tong said investments are also expected to be significant in solar, aerospace, biomass and advanced electronics.

"It was a good year for the US investments in Malaysia in 2010 where we observed a 456 per cent jump compared to the previous crisis year.

"In comparison, Malaysia attracted US$3.8 billion (RM11.59 billion) in FDIs from 47 projects compared to 19 projects totalling US$685 million (RM2.08 billion) previously," he said in an interview here.

Mida, together with the US-Asean Business Council, held a breakfast meeting for businesses from San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley.

To date, US investments in Malaysia are most significant in the electrical and electronics industry, led by names like Dell, making up a total 73 per cent, followed by the oil and gas sector, which contributes 13 per cent of the total.

Motorola Solutions Inc (formerly Motorola Inc) also announced the setting up of the Global Excellence Centre in Malaysia for services support from various parts of the world to provide 24/7 technical support to its internal and regional customers more effectively.

During his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in New York last week, Motorola Solutions' executive vice president (product and business operations) Gene Delaney described Malaysia as a critical part of the company's regional and global business growth for over 37 years now.

Motorola Solutions will be an active contributor to the nation's growth through the Collaborative Research in Engineering Science & Technology (CREST) initiative, a component of the Economic Transformation Programme.

To date, Motorola Solutions has invested RM4 billion, providing job opportunities for 7,000 people including 1,000 locally-trained engineers.

Meanwhile, technology players told the Multimedia Development Corp (MdeC) roundtable that while Malaysia has been ahead of others in terms of adoption of technology with the Multimedia Super Corridor in place, a more detailed analysis was needed.

There must be a degree of change to create a culture of innovation and make it relevant by getting to know mega trends and the kind of healthcare needed.

E-commerce is still within the means of the merchants, one commented, and there is a need for the small- and medium-sized enterprises to rise.

They also expressed their concern with data protection, security and privacy issues.

The roundtable, which was chaired by MDeC CEO Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, sought feedback from many of the leading players in the Silicon Valley on Digital Malaysia, the country's strategic tool to hasten its transformation agenda.

nazrey

May 26th, 2011, 03:30 AM

Zeti quashes talk linking her to IMF top post
By Kamarul Yunus Published: 2011/05/24
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/zetimf2-2/Article/index_html

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz has dashed suggestions linking her as a candidate for the top post in the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Zeti said she had extended a contract with Bank Negara for five years and was very determined to help ensure Malaysia's transition to become a developed economy.

She also suggested that the next IMF head would not be an Asian.

"I am going to be here in Malaysia. It (the next IMF managing director) will likely be a European," she told reporters on the sidelines of the ICLIF Leadership and Governance Centre's leadership talk here yesterday.

A Bloomberg columnist recently picked Zeti as one of his four nominees to head the global institution. The other nominees were Japanese economist Haruhiko Kuroda, former Indonesian finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and former head of the IMF's indepen-dent evaluation office, Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

The columnist, William Pesek, proposed that an Asian take over the role at the global institution that has traditionally been filled by Europeans and shortlisted candidates which he felt could bring a fresh perspective to the IMF.

Zeti was the first woman in Malaysia and Asia to head a central bank and scored an "A" in the annual Central Banker Report Card by the New York-based Global Finance magazine.

The top position at the IMF became vacant following the resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn who is facing charges of sexual assault.

It was reported that the managing director nomination registration, which opened yesterday, will run until June 10. An election will then be conducted on June 30.

Zeti said selection of the new head should be based on merit, rather than the country or continent the individual represents.

"It should be someone who will work towards the greater good of this world," she said, in response to suggestions that the IMF should be led by an Asian.

As to whom Malaysia prefers for the job Zeti said: "We have not really made any discussion with the Ministry of Finance. We jointly participate in the IMF. Traditionally, it has been a European and most likely it (the next IMF chief) is going to be a European," she added.

Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz

http://www.livetradingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/Zeti-Akhtar-Aziz.jpg

nazrey

May 26th, 2011, 09:51 AM

PM pays tribute to the Japanese
By MERGAWATI ZULKAFAR Updated: Thursday May 26, 2011 MYT 2:11:10 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/5/26/nation/20110526101434&sec=nation

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/editorspick/images/najibMAIN.jpg

Tribute to the Japanese
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has paid tribute to the people of
Japan for their honour, discipline and fortitude in facing the aftermath of the
March earthquake and tsunami.

TOKYO: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has paid tribute to the people of Japan for their honour, discipline and fortitude in facing the aftermath of the March earthquake and tsunami.

The Prime Minister, in expressing Malaysia's deepest sympathies for the calamities that have befallen Japan, said such Japanese qualities that have steered Japan to dizzying heights of economic success would continue to play a big part in the country's recovery.

"This is important, because utimately any effort to meet Asia's challenges and to rise above adversity will start, as it will end, with our people.

"Yes, we will need to put in place the physical structure, the industrial capacity, the technology and of course the finance.

"But above all, we will need dynamic and resilient human capital, so we must nurture and develop the very best of human capital," he said in his address at the 17th Nikkei International Conference here.

Najib said Malaysia would continue to support Japan's efforts to tackle a situation that has been described as the toughest since the Second World War.

"But Malaysia's commitment to Japan in your hour of need is much more that just a dialogue between governments, it is an understanding between peoples.

"Malaysia and the whole of Southeast Asia is of one mind and of one purpose.

"Whereas in the past we have been bound by our interests and economic partners, today, in the face of crisis and adversity, we are bound to each other as friends and members of one community - a community that is far from being imagined as some would have it, is tangible and real," he added.

Najib is scheduled to meet Japanese captains of industries later before returning home.

Stand united to face adversity: Najib
Published: 2011/05/26
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110526113228/Article/index_html

TOKYO: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has appealed to Asia’s diverse nations to hasten regional integration, so that they can stand united not only to climb the development ladder, but overcome adversity in a world where natural disasters do not discriminate between friends or foes.

Citing the suffering the Japanese people are undergoing after the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and consequent nuclear fallout which killed more than 15,000 and affected hundreds of thousands, he cautioned regional countries against disunity which will make it difficult, if not impossible, for Asia to face down challenges.

"Think with one mind and act as one common enterprise," he said in his keynote address themed,"Overcoming Asia’s Challenge and Rising Above Adversity Through Regional Integration", at the prestigious 17th Nikkei International Conference on the Future of Asia here today.

The conference is organised by the international media group, Nikkei Inc. Of Japan.

"So, whether at a regional or at a national level, and in spite of all our differences and the unique issues we face, we must do more to foster a sense of common purpose and be part of a larger community, that is, the East Asia community," Najib told a captive audience comprising political leaders, economists and captains of industry at the Imperial Hotel in downtown Tokyo.

Also present at the function was his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Shaharuddin Md. Som, Ryoki Sugita, the chairman of Nikkei Inc and Tsuneo Kita, the President and Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Nikkei Inc.

Najib said while physical infrastructure, industrial capacity and technology were necessary, what Asia needed most was dynamic and resilient human capital, which it should nurture to develop the very best of human talent.

He spoke highly about how the work ethics and perseverance of the people of Japan would help the country recover from the current crisis and which was why Malaysia had emulated its working culture via the Look East Policy in the early days.

Central to this process was Asia doing more to overcome poverty, equipping and empowering people through quality education, so that they can prosper through an entrepreneurial spirit while providing opportunities to make fulfilling and rewarding careers for themselves.

The Prime Minister noted that if Asean, as part of Asia, pulls in the same direction, then it will emerge as an even stronger player in the world economy.

"If we continue to adapt and grow, the prize is great, with the total gross domestic product in Asia set to reach US$148 trillion in 2050," he said, emphasising the need for regional institutions to enhance their roles.

On its part, Malaysia would host the Asean-Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry meeting to foster a deeper and sustained regional integration.

Najib said constant cooperation and, even more importantly, communication with each other will be hugely important if Asia is to move beyond simple economic integration and towards a regional community.

"Now is the time to explore new ways for us to work together," he added.

He stressed the importance of Asian countries viewing each other as partners in today’s highly interconnected and integrated world rather than allies or enemies as in the past.

He also said: "If we are to meet the challenges we face and rise above adversity, we have no choice but do so in a climate of openness and integration, a unison movement in moderation rather than protectionism and isolation.

"Productive economic partnerships are being established at a rapid rate, and I am determined to see this continue."

While Malaysia was fully committed to the achievement of a viable and substantial Asean Economic Community by 2015, he said it is also, well-placed to act as a bridge to countries both in the region and outside of it.

Furthermore, based on Malaysia's strategic geographical location and strong connectivity networks with Asean, Najib said it is the ideal nation to facilitate business activities across the region. - Bernama

nazrey

May 26th, 2011, 09:54 AM

PM: Japanese firms to invest RM3.8bil up to 2012
Published: Thursday May 26, 2011 MYT 3:38:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/5/26/nation/20110526154305&sec=nation

TOKYO: Japanese firms have confirmed investing RM3.8bil in Malaysia in various sectors between this year and 2012, reflecting Tokyo's continuing faith in Malaysia as a top-notch investment destination in the region, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Thursday.

Over the long-term, between 2013 and 2015, they will invest to the tune of RM5.22bil in projects related to electrical and electronics, metallic, biomass and subtrates used in the making of hard-disk drives, he said.

The long-term investments include Tokuyama Corporation of Japan's project in Bintulu, Sarawak, which manufactures polysilicon, a material used to make solar cells and electronics.

The plant's first phase, comprising investments of RM3.7bil, will be completed in 2013.

Najib, who is Finance Minister, also held a meeting with Japan's Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto as well as discussions with captains of industry from the Japan-Malaysia Economic Association (Jameca).

He also delivered a keynote address at the 17th Nikkei International Conference.

Najib said Matsumoto had urged Malaysia to consider Japanese companies for investment in infrastructure projects, including the Mass Rapid Transit system and other opportunities arising from the Economic Transformation Programme.

Matsumoto had also expressed Tokyo's appreciation for Malaysia's move to cancel the travel advisory issued following the nuclear tragedy after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Malaysia was then concerned over radioactive contamination of Japanese food imports.

Henceforth, to facilitate imports from Japan, especially food products, Najib said Malaysia decided that a certificate of origin would suffice which means there was no need to check every cargo imported into Malaysia.

Matsumoto had also expressed Tokyo's support for the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology which would be operational in September. He confirmed that a special loan would be given by the Japanese government to ensure the project's success.

Najib said initially, six lecturers would start giving lessons on Japanese-style engineering technology with the number increased to 40 eventually.

He said Malaysia could act as intermediary for Japanese companies to invest in the Middle East. That aside, Islamic financing could also be a diversified source of funding for non-Muslim countries such as Japan.

nazrey

May 27th, 2011, 12:51 PM

China, Malaysia to develop industrial park
Published: 2011/05/27
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20110527105827/Article/index_html#ixzz1NY5VRyrY

China is looking to incorporate a joint venture company with Malaysian developers to undertake the construction of the Qinzhou Industrial Park (QIP), said Deputy Director Qinzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau Xiao Xiao.

She said the joint venture company would cooperate in land acquisition, infrastructure construction and investment promotion.

"We chose Malaysia as our JV partner as it our biggest trading partner in the China-Asean Free Trade Agreement with bilateral trade having grown eight times since 2000.

"Qinzhou offers easy access via multiple options, including direct sea route, Pan-Asia railway and the highway network," she told Bernama in an interview today.

She said the QIP was planned to focus on equipment manufacturing, electronic information, new energy and materials, agriculture products, food processing and modern services industries.

"In terms of industrial layout, we welcome any constructive suggestion and advice from Malaysia," Xiao added.

She also said to formulate preferential policies, the bureau has defined three aspects which included sharing land development profits, local tax revenue and to strive for early harvest.

"Tax revenue retained for local public finance, in the start-up stage, will be granted to the JV company as follow-up development funds," she said.

In order to promote practical progress in the joint development of QIP, Malaysians enterprises that invest in Qinzhou can enjoy a favorable industrial land price of RM35 per square metre.

QIP, to be sprawled over 50 square kilometres, will be developed over 10 to 15 years close to port and high-tech industries, and have an anticipated population of between 300,000 and 350,000. -- Bernama

nazrey

May 27th, 2011, 04:07 PM

UPDATE: THE WORLD TITANS
As May 2011

1 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DUBAI | Burj Khalifa | 828m | 2716.5ft | 162 fl | Com
2 INDIA - MUMBAI | India Tower | 720m | 2362ft | 125 fl | U/C
3 CHINA - SHENZHEN | Ping'an International Finance Centre | 648m | 2126ft | 115 fl | 307m | 1007ft | 66 fl | U/C
4 CHINA - SHANGHAI | Shanghai Tower | 632m | 2073ft | 128 fl | U/C
5 SAUDI ARABIA - MECCA | Abraj Al-Bait Endowment | 601m | 1972ft | 95 fl | U/C
6 CHINA - TIANJIN | Goldin Finance 117 | 597m | 1959ft | 117 fl | U/C
7 SOUTH KOREA - SEOUL | Lotte World Premium Tower | 556m | 1823ft | 123 fl | U/C
8 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - NEW YORK | One World Trade Center | 541m | 1776ft | 108 fl | U/C
9 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DUBAI | The Pentominium | 516m | 1693ft | 122 fl | U/C
10 SOUTH KOREA - BUSAN | Lotte Town Super Tower | 510m | 1674ft | 107 fl | U/C
RUSSIA - MOSCOW | FederationTower | 510m | 1673ft | 93 fl | U/C
11 TAIWAN - TAIPEI | Taipei 101 | 508m | 101 fl
12 CHINA - SHANGHAI | Shanghai World Financial Center | 492m | 101 fl
13 CHINA - HONG KONG | International Commerce Center | 484m | 108 fl
14 MALAYSIA - KUALA LUMPUR | Petronas Towers | 452m | 88 fl
CHINA - NANJING | Greenland Plaza | 450m | 1476ft | 89 fl
CHINA - SHENZHEN | Kingkey 100 | 442m | 1449ft | 100 fl | T/O
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - CHICAGO | Willis Tower 442 m
CHINA - TIANJIN | Tianjin R&F Guangdong Tower | 439m | 1440ft | 93 fl | U/C
CHINA - GUANGZHOU | Guangzhou International Finance Center 437.5 m
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DUBAI | DAMAC Heights | 426m | 1398ft | 100 fl | U/C
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - CHICAGO | Trump International Hotel & Tower 423.4 m
CHINA - SHANGHAI | Jin Mao Tower | 420.5 m | 93 fl
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DUBAI | Princess Tower | 414m | 1358ft | 101 fl | U/C
KUWAIT | Al Hamra Tower | 414m | 1356ft | 80 fl | T/O
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DUBAI | Marina 101 | 412m | 1352ft | 102 fl | U/C
CHINA - HONG KONG | Two International Finance Centre | 412 m | 90 fl
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - NEW YORK | 2WTC (200 Greenwich Street) | 411m | 1350ft | 79 fl | U/C
SAUDI ARABIA - RIYADH | Capital Market Authority Headquarters CMA | 400m | 1312ft | 80 fl | U/C

NOTE:
COMPLETED
COMPLETING SOON
UNDER CONSTRUCTION

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_image3mg.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/image3mg.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_25k1wr7.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/25k1wr7.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_sht3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/sht3.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_1244804535240244100.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/1244804535240244100.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_project296_41264652632l.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/project296_41264652632l.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_128973lotte2big.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/128973lotte2big.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_oneworldtrade.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/oneworldtrade.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_Pentominium-tower-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Pentominium-tower-1.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_20110512162230676581.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/20110512162230676581.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_207.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/207.jpg)

DUBAI | Burj Khalifa | 828m | 2716.5ft | 162 fl | Com
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5680755390_d12d458e14_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lafullpicture/5680755390/sizes/l/in/photostream/

MECCA | Abraj Al-Bait Endowment | 601m | 1972ft | 95 fl | U/C

http://www.upislam.com/images/07183261235655162055.jpg

Taipei 101
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3865124545_478300df57_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lololuan/3865124545/

Shanghai World Financial Center
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/3048414825_8fe6554439_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99352586@N00/3048414825/

Hong Kong International Commerce Center
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5456047319_bc3e2c20ba_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deutschebank/5456047319/

Petronas Twin Towers
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/259540634_5d17c645c5_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenscorner/259540634/in/photostream

Greenland Plaza

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/04D1F011.002C
pictures by 只宣传南京 from xinhuanet

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_Kingkey_Finance_Tower.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Kingkey_Finance_Tower.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_2695GoettschPartnersUnwrapTianjinSupertall_pic2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/2695GoettschPartnersUnwrapTianjinSupertall_pic2.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_damac_heights_1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/damac_heights_1.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_071300princess_tower_1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/071300princess_tower_1.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_al-hamra-tower-kuwait2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/al-hamra-tower-kuwait2.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_Marina-101---Final.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/Marina-101---Final.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_01-fosterrogersmakiri.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/01-fosterrogersmakiri.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/th_picture3ko.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v608/nazrey/picture3ko.jpg)

Kingkey 100

http://pic.gaoloumi.com/attachments/day_110312/1103121536095077e8a13a4595.jpg
by 福田一心

Willis Tower
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/475960290_f64350bce9_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/atelier_tee/475960290/

Guangzhou International Finance Center

http://upic.me/i/92/1clip_2.jpg

Trump International Hotel & Tower

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/my%20photos/SGP_3239.jpg
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=128533&page=348

Jin Mao Tower
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5421590581_08e893a5a7_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/indieaner/5421590581/

Al Hamra Tower
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/5147896347_dedafc38f4_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eric_tan_q8/5147896347/in/photostream/

Two International Finance Centre
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1346/608791246_de6d1a6a47_b.jpg
http://www.*************************/608791246/