NCER - Northern Corridor Economic Region | Penang-Kedah-Perlis | Sime Darby

[nazrey]

26 Entry Point Projects identified for Northern Corridor Economic Region
Posted on March 26, 2012, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/03...#ixzz1qOk90xOv

TAIPING: The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has identified 26 Entry Point Projects (EPPs) that would contribute RM17.46 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) and investments valued at RM27.27 billion by 2025 in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the projects were identified through ‘Corridors and Cities’ (C&C) Lab, a federal government initiative aimed at bringing the country’s five economic corridors to the next level.

“These ideas will enhance efforts to develop the region’s economy in a balanced and fair manner,” he said at the launch of C&C Lab’s open day here yesterday.

His speech was read by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

Muhyiddin said the federal government is further enhancing the growth of the corridor, which encompasses Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak, with the C&C Lab programme which identifies sectors with potential.

“From the Northern Corridor’s establishment in 2007 until now, the people of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak have enjoyed the fruits of rapid economic development.

“With the involvement of internatinal companies like Robert Bosch and Intel in Penang, the Northern Corridor has created new job opportunities and businesses, raised the number of local entrepreneurs involved in the supply chain, and facilitated technology transfer to the country,” he said.

Last year, he said, the corridor attracted RM9.91 billion in investments, up from the RM6.08 billion recorded in 2010, while 26,267 jobs were created between January 2010 and December 2011, surpassing the target of 22,000.
Muhyiddin said the developments in each of the corridor’s states have been planned to take advantage of their particular strengths.

He cited Penang, an electronics and electrical (E&E) hub whose manufacturing sector attracted the highest investments among the states in 2010 and 2011, and Perak, which also posted an excellent performance with the corridor’’s highest number of spin-offs.

The corridor has also provided sustainable opportunities for local companies through the setting up of several Centres of Excellence that provide support, training as well as research and development services for such sectiors as LED lighting, solar panels, biotechnology and E&E components, he added. — Bernama

[nazrey]

NCIA to lure investors from Kyoto, Nagoya
23 April 2012 | Last updated at 11:41AM
http://www.nst.com.my/latest/ncia-to...nagoya-1.76848

KYOTO: The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) is participating in a two-day trade and investment mission to Japan beginning here today.

Its chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq is confident of attracting Japanese investors to invest in the Corridor which covers Perak, Kedah, Perlis and Penang.

Speaking to Bernama, Redza said that the authority had a good track record in managing to close deals with potential investors, while participating in past trade and investment missions.

" We have a 100 per cent success rate," said Redza, whose term as chief executive has been extended for another three years, until Dec 31, 2015.
His contract was due to expire on Dec 31 this year.

Redza was previously the managing director of Cyberview Sdn Bhd and had been involved in Cyberjaya's development since 1997.

Under his leadership, the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) attracted the largest investments, with RM15.3 billion approved manufacturing licences last year.

At Kyoto, the NCIA is seeking to lure potential investors where the main industries here are electronics, advanced electronic devices & components, machinery & equipment, engineering services and chemicals & pharmaceuticals.

The NCIA is the statutory body responsible for setting the direction, policies and programmes for the NCER, with four key thrust areas, namely, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and logistics.

Led by the Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, the next stop for the trade and investment mission is Nagoya, tomorrow. -- BERNAMA

[rizalhakim]

NCER set for more reinvestments
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...jpn23/Article/

[nazrey]

NCER sees 21pc jump in investments to RM12b
By Rupa DamodaranPublished: 2012/06/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1z4qresCV



THE Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) anti-cipates a 21 per cent jump in investments to RM12 billion by the end of the year from last year's RM9.91 billion.

For the first six months of this year, the corridor which straddles Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak, attracted RM8.51 billion in investments, which are largely foreign.

According to its implementation authority, the double-digit growth outlook this year is likely despite external uncertainties which have impacted the growth of the economy.

"We've (already) built enabling infrastructure and we've supply chain expertise and talent which are cri-tical," Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq said at a media briefing here yesterday.

Through its private sector engagement, there is an enabling eco-system in place which not only enables purpose-built facilities for businesses but also has matching education and human capital requirements.

Besides Japan, which provided a large flow of investments last year, the NCIA is also looking at investors from Germany as well.

Foreign participation has been the mainstay of the anchor as well as broadening private sector investment scene in the northern region. For the first six months, it provided 9,467 jobs through firms such as Infineon Technologies, Panasonic Solar to E-Arowana Trading Sdn Bhd.

So far, the NCER has registered the largest number of investments in projects, valued between RM15.3 billion and RM20 billion, vis-a-vis the other growth corridors.

The first phase of Koridor Utara will soon be completed and the second phase, spanning between 2013 and 2020, will broaden private sector investments. They include networks of businesses and foreign and domestic linkages. The third phase hopes to achieve regional leadership with market-led growth from 2021 through 2025.

Meanwhile, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said industry players must be more proactive to remain competitive while the government undertakes measures to spur the electrical and electro-nics sector.

The manufacturing sector, he said accounted for the largest share of foreign direct investment inflows, followed by the services sector.

Agilent Technologies Inc and Infineon Technologies were among foreign companies which expanded their operations in the northern region last year.

The bulk of investments remain foreign although the government has been aggressively pushing for domestic investments to grow significantly.

Mukriz witnessed the exchange of documents between NCIA and Global Outreach Energy Sdn Bhd (GOE) as well as with National Instruments and Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).

NCIA has collaborated with Global Outreach Energy, a local company involved in solid state lighting/light emitting diodes products, particularly the T8 and T12 LED Tube. It is also working with National Instruments Inc, a world-class research and development outfit which focuses on manufacturing and supply chain, as well as PSDC, the provider of facilities and support services.

GOE, together with its Japanese partner, is pumping in RM107.5 million investments and creating 2,304 jobs within the next five years. Its current operation capacity is inadequate to support the orders that it has received and is keen to lease a 30,000 sq ft within Koridor Utara.

National Instruments' investment totalling RM2.38 billion spanning 10 years, will create 1,500 job opportunities.

[nazrey]

NCER draws RM8.5bil in investments in first half
Saturday July 14, 2012
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story...&if_height=202

BUTTERWORTH: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) drew private investments worth RM8.51bil in the first six months of this year.

Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive officer Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said the investments were in the three main sectors of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

“In line with the 10th Malaysia Plan, NCIA has raised the involvement of the private sector to catalyse the nation’s economic growth, besides enhancing the existing economic relations including with foreign investors,” he told reporters after the presentation of Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) skill competency certificates here yesterday.

The ceremony was officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop. In 2011, NCER drew RM9.91bil in investments, up from the RM7.48bil between 2008 and 2010. Redza Rafiq said a total of 9,467 jobs and businesses were created in NCER between January and June this year. “More jobs will be offered from now to December, as we believe we can achieve this year’s target of RM12bil in private investments,” he said. — Bernama

[johan is]

Suntikan berganda DDI

Oleh Hafiz Ithnin
hafizithnin@hmetro.com.my



PIHAK Berkuasa Pelaksanaan Koridor Utara (NCIA) mencatatkan penyertaan pelaburan langsung domesik (DDI) lebih dua kali ganda kepada 21.9 peratus di Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara (NCER) pada separuh pertama tahun ini berbanding kurang sepuluh peratus pada keseluruhan tahun lalu.

Wilayah berkenaan menerima jumlah pelaburan keseluruhan sebanyak RM8.51 bilion daripada pelaburan langsung asing (FDI) dan DDI pada separuh pertama dan dijangka meningkat sehingga RM12 bilion menjelang akhir tahun ini.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Redza Rafiq berkata, peningkatan peratusan DDI di NCER bersandarkan usaha yang dilaksanakan pihaknya dalam menyediakan peluang perniagaan berpotensi untuk jangka masa panjang kepada golongan terbabit.

Beliau berkata, NCIA melihat bantuan seperti geran dan kemudahan pinjaman perniagaan tidak mencukupi bagi menggalakkan peningkatan DDI di wilayah berkenaan, tetapi memberi peluang kepada pelabur swasta tempatan menyertai sektor yang berpotensi mendapat permintaan tinggi di pasaran.

“Sebagai contoh, di NCER kita memperhebatkan sektor agrikultur seperti perniagaan ikan kerapu dan udang putih kerana ia mempunyai permintaan tinggi dan menjana pendapatan dalam jangka masa panjang kepada pelabur domestik.

“Selain itu, kita mementingkan penambahbaikan ekosistem pelaburan di NCER yang mana sebelum pelabur asing menyuntik pelaburan di sini NCIA akan meneliti keupayaan mereka bagi menjana pendapatan usahawan tempatan dan memberi kesan positif kepada penduduk di sekitarnya,” katanya ketika ditemui Bisnes Metro.

Redza berkata, NCER mempunyai empat sektor pelaburan utama iaitu pelancongan, pembuatan, agrikultur dan logistik. Walaupun sektor pembuatan dilihat penyumbang majoriti kepada keseluruhan pelaburan setiap tahun, namun sektor agrikultur mempunyai potensi tinggi untuk menjana perniagaan kepada pelabur tempatan.

Katanya, sektor pembuatan dilihat mempunyai pelaburan yang besar kerana ia membabitkan pelbagai aspek keperluan pembangunan perniagaan seperti kajian dan pembelian peralatan. Namun, dari segi limpahan ekonomi di sekitarnya, sektor agrikultur mempunyai ruang lebih luas untuk disertai oleh pelbagai pihak.

[johan is]

NCIA dilihat aktif mencari pelabur untuk melabur dalam bidang pertanian di NCER. Tak dapat dinafikan walaupun NCER tak banyak projek mega infrastruktur seperti Iskandar Malaysia, NCER juga sangat penting. NCER akan jadi zon pengeluaran makanan dan produk pertanian yang penting kepada Malaysia apabila mencapai status negara maju nanti. Kita tak sepatutnya terlalu bergantung kepada import, sebab tu NCER akan bertindak sebagai zon pengeluaran makanan Malaysia...... brilliant

[johan is]

NCER terus aktif

Oleh MOHD. FIRDAUS ISMAIL
utusanpenang@utusan.com.my

PULAU PINANG 10 Sept. _ Pihak Berkuasa Pelaksanaan Koridor Utara (NCIA) terus menerima pelabur asing yang berminat untuk bekerjasama dengannya dalam bidang pertanian.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif NCIA, Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak berkata, perkembangan itu merupakan sesuatu yang positif dan diyakini mampu memberi nilai tambah kepada pihaknya dalam usaha meningkatkan taraf hidup penduduk setempat.

"Kita tidak pernah menjangkakan bahawa syarikat swasta dari Korea Selatan dan Jepun akan melabur dalam bidang pertanian di Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara (NCER).

"Perkembangan ini sudah pasti sesuatu yang bagus untuk penduduk setempat," katanya.

Beliau bercakap pada sidang akhbar ketika menghadiri majlis Rumah Terbuka NCIA di sini kelmarin.

Dalam perkembangan sama, Redza Rafiq menjelaskan, FDI swasta juga menunjukkan peningkatan memberangsangkan sejak 2010 dan dijangka akan mencapai tempoh tertinggi bagi tiga tahun akan datang.

"Pada 2010, jumlah pelaburan yang diterima adalah sebanyak RM6.08 bilion dan meningkat kepada RM9.11 bilion pada tahun lepas.

"Bagi tahun ini pula, sehingga Julai lalu, jumlah FDI adalah sebanyak RM8.51 bilion dan saya yakin ia akan terus meningkat menjelang hujung tahun ini," katanya.

Menurutnya, kekuatan NCIA tidak hanya bergantung kepada satu negeri, malah keempat-empat negeri iaitu Perak, Pulau Pinang, Kedah dan Perlis mempunyai keistimewaan masing masing untuk menarik perhatian pelabur dan berkembang.

"Di Perlis misalnya, kekuatannya bergantung kepada sektor pertanian berasaskan buah-buahan serta teknologi hijau, manakala di Kedah kita mempunyai kepakaran dalam bidang tenaga solar dan akuakultur.

"Pulau Pinang juga mempunyai potensi besar dalam bidang kejuruteraan, begitu juga dengan Perak," ujarnya.

[nazrey]

NCER expects slew of US investments in 2013
MARINA EMMANUELPublished: 2012/10/27
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz2AYlutmkJ

Northern Corridor Implementation Authority says the foreign direct investments are expected to flow into Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.

GEORGE TOWN: The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) is set to welcome a slew of US investments beginning next year.

Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq said the foreign direct investments are expected to flow into all four states of the corridor comprising Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.

“We are looking at potential investments in biotechnology which will address ways our agricultural crops can be protected,” Redza told Business Times.

He did not delve into investment figures or time-frame, except to say that at least one investment may be realised as early as next year.

“Other potential investors from the US keen on establishing a presence in NCER include firms which are engaged in the mechanical and electrical side of the transportation industry.

“Interest was also expressed by US firms keen to leverage on the manufacturing excellence found in the four states by investing in
the electrical and electronics sector,” he added.

Redza was in the US this month as part of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) trade and investment mission that was headed by chairman Tan Sri Amirsham Abdul Aziz. The mission covered NewYork, Boston and Minneapolis.

US investments in the NCER rank third after Japan and Europe. Among the US investments and reinvestments that have been NCIA-facilitated include a collaboration with AMD Export (M) Sdn Bhd to build a development facility for micro-processor testing in Penang.

Last year, NCIA inked an agreement with US based World Micro Inc to set up its first overseas base in Penang, where the company will transfer counterfeit detection and abatement skills sets, best practices and standards to the electrical and electronics sector within the NCER.

[dean87]

NCER proving the sceptics wrong
Published: 2012/11/26

FIVE years after it was launched as an economic corridor aimed at increasing Malaysia's competitiveness by improving the standard of living in the states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak, the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) has emerged as a region with continued investment opportunities.

Apart from tried and tested sectors like manufacturing and tourism, areas like agriculture and logistics are now emerging as viable economic contributors with vast and yet untapped opportunities for both foreign and domestic investments and employment opportunities.

The ambitious blueprint unveiled for the corridor or "Korridor Utara" as it is also known, had initially left many sceptical on whether the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) would be able deliver.

The agency was established under the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority Act 2008 as the authority responsible for providing direction and devising policies and strategies for socio-economic development within the economic corridors which encompasses 21 districts in Kedah, Perak, Perlis and Penang.

If detractractors had initially viewed the NCIA which works with selected groups and has been playing Santa Claus with multinational corporations, luxury resorts and public-listed companies with assisting grants, this image is one which no longer holds any water.

The role of the NCIA in going down to the ground in little districts and villages to improve the lot of single mothers or to nurture high-potential students from poor families to excel have been acknowledged and highlighted repeatedly.

It has facilitated several foreign direct investments in sectors like contract farming and aquaculture which has resulted in spin-offs such as the creation of local business opportunities and multiple new jobs.

Since the launch of the corridor five years back, investments totalling RM25.9 billion have been facilitated by the authority and for the first six months of this year, RM8.5 billion in investments have been realised within the NCER.

By tapping into the manufacturing excellence, synonymous with the four northern states over the past decades, valued investors have been further acknowledged for their commitment to Malaysia via new partnerships forged with the NCIA.

From working with just small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in commercial agriculture and high-technology industries, the next phase of Koridor Utara's evolution is set to see more SMEs in the northern states benefitting millions of ringgit from jobs farmed out by the aerospace, automotive and potentially even biotechnology.

This move will be in sync with fresh and reinvestments which are set to make their way into the northern corridor from countries such as the US, Europe and Southeast Asia, along with Japan.

Also promising in the next phase of NCIA's participation within the four northern states will be greater prominence being given to the logistics sector.

Apart from facilitating the establishment of an automotive hub at Batu Kawan, on mainland Penang, plans are in place by NCIA in helping to bring more flights and passengers into Penang International Airport via direct flight incentive programme.

The scheme, which is set to be launched by the end of this year, will see NCIA collaborating with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, to incentivise more airlines and charter flights to land at the Penang airport.

These new initiatives, along with those already in place, are now poised to sustain the momentum of the NCER's growth and keep it on track in uplifting the north into a logistics, food processing and tourism powerhouse by 2025.

[johan is]

NCER jangka tarik pelaburan RM10b

KUALA LUMPUR 26 Mac - Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara (NCER) menjangka menarik pelaburan berjumlah RM10 bilion tahun ini dengan pewujudan 8,000 peluang pekerjaan.

Tahun lepas, wilayah itu menarik pelaburan berjumlah RM12.3 bilion dengan 16,355 peluang pekerjaan.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Pihak Berkuasa Pelaksanaan Koridor Utara (NCIA), Datuk Redza Rafiq (gambar) berkata 25 peratus sasaran dijangka dijana daripada sektor swasta tempatan.

Beliau menjangka sektor pelancongan lebih menonjol dalam menarik pelaburan tahun ini berbanding pertanian dan pembuatan yang cemerlang pada 2012.

"Wilayah utara Malaysia mempunyai dua destinasi pelancongan yang menjadi tarikan utama di Langkawi dan Pulau Pinang. Kami menyasar menyediakan dua lagi tahun ini agar pelancong mempunyai pilihan lebih luas.

"Destinasi baharu itu ialah Hutan Tropika Belum dam kawasan bandar Warisan Taiping," katanya.

Redza berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas pertukaran Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) antara DreamEDGE Sdn Bhd dan Ingeliance Groupe, disaksikan oleh Timbalan Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr. Mahathir, di sini, hari ini.

DreamEDGE ialah syarikat perkhidmatan reka bentuk dan kejuruteraan manakala Ingeliance Groupe syarikat yang berpangkalan di Perancis. MoU itu dimeterai bagi perkongsian pengetahuan strategik untuk membangunkan lagi reka bentuk digital dan keupayaan kejuruteraan tempatan dalam aeronautik dan domain marin.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif DreamEDGE, Khairil Adri Adnan berkata, syarikat itu akan melabur RM1.5 juta setiap tahun bagi pembangunan modal insan dan menyasar pendapatan RM15 juta bagi kedua-dua pihak menerusi kerjasama tersebut. - BERNAMA

Artikel Penuh: http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/Ekon...#ixzz2PBDpcEUu
© Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd

[nazrey]

BiotechCorp opens new satelite office in northern region
Posted on April 2, 2013, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/04...#ixzz2PKCzFTXo

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp) has opened a new satellite office in Penang and is confident of attracting more investments in the bio-based industry in Peninsular Malaysia’s northern region.

“Announcements of international and local companies that have decided to invest in the bio-based field in the northern region are expected to multiply the potential of the regional bio-based industry.

“Penang houses the second largest medical devices industry in our country, so setting up the satellite office is the most strategic step towards a more conducive ecosystem and facilitating opportunities for the investor and the industry.

“Looking at the local medical services market size of US$808 million in 2011, we hope to streamline and coordinate project implementations,” said chief executive officer Mohd Nazlee Kamal in a statement yesterday.

The satellite office, located at the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Biotech Centre, represented BiotechCorp’s commitment to support the Biotechnology Transformation Programme and facilitate the country’s bio-based industry, he said.

He said the rapid development of the biotechnology industry in the northern region had spurred the growth of biotechnology centres like the NCER Biotech Centre and Penang Science Park, creating the right ecosystem for the industry to flourish.

BiotechCorp is the lead development agency for the biotech industry in Malaysia and acts as a central contact point providing support, facilitation and advisory services for biotech and life sciences companies. — Bernama