Malaysia - Countries of the World

[nazrey]

Noble Invites Malaysians To Invest In Ghana Gold Project
December 14, 2009 22:31 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Australia- based mineral exploration company Noble Mineral Resources Ltd is inviting institutional investors in Malaysia and other Asian countries to participate in its Bibiani gold investment project in Ghana.

Noble is set to be a major gold producer after it recently won a tender to acquire Central African Gold Ghana Limited (CAGGL) from Investec Bank Ltd.

Noble's chairman Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja'afar said investors could participate in the project via private placement of A$60 million, representing an opportunity to subscribe up to 45 per cent equity shares in Noble or up to 150 million shares.

"There is clearly a serious opportunity for Malaysian institutions to get involved through this private placement option," Tunku Naquiyuddin said at a press conference here Monday.

He said currently, there were ongoing talks with a number of major groups in Malaysia which have expressed interest to participate in the investment opportunity.

Noble, he added, already has a significant Malaysian interest through Global Gold Holdings Ltd, which is the largest corporate shareholder in Noble.

Tunku Naquiyuddin has a stake in Noble through Global Gold Holdings.

Noble's managing director Wayne D. Norris said CAGGL has the gold mine concession at a well-known site called Bibiani in Ghana which is estimated to have current gold resources of 1.624 million ounces, worth US$1.86 billion at the current market price of US$1,150 per ounce.

"CAGGL has a processing plant which can process up to 2.7 million tonnes a year and a significant mining fleet in good working order," Norris said at a media briefing here.

The acquisition of CAGGL includes a mining concession and prospecting licence measuring 100 square kilometres with mine workshops, accommodation, hospital, school and a working fleet of mine vehicles.

Noble's finance director Alan Taylor said the A$60 million raised from the private placement would be utilised for working capital and to upgrade the mine infrastructure.

"Noble will be taking over the debts of CAGGL and is currently negotiating with existing creditors. Noble has taken over the management of the mine and processing plant in Bibiani, Ghana," he said at the media briefing.

According to Noble's company secretary Anthony Ho, there is great potential in terms of the investment in the Bibiani gold investment project.

"Based on the current price of gold of US$1,100 per ounce and cost per ounce of between US$450 to US$550, there is a significant gap in terms of the profit margin," he said.

The company also said that there is potential for more upside in terms of the gold price as major gold producing sites in South Africa are producing less gold and with the continuing instability in world financial markets.

In addition, there is expectation that demand from central banks, including those in India and China, will increase in the coming years as they shift more of their reserves to gold from other asset classes which are mainly denominated in US dollar, it added.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Genting Casinos Is New Operator Of Casino At The Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel, Cairo
December 15, 2009 12:53 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Genting Casinos Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting UK Plc, is the new operator of the casino at The Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel, Cairo.

In a statement here today, Genting Singapore Plc said Genting UK, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, has been awarded the casino concession for an initial period of 10 years.

According to the statement,Genting UK plans to open the new operation under the brand,"Crockfords on the Nile".

It said this step is being taken, as part of the group's strategy to expand its casino resort network as well as strengthen and develop, Genting UK's leading position in the premium market through its key high-end London casino clubs, Crockfords, Coloby and Maxims.

Genting Singapore said the Nile Hotel is owned by Misr Hotels Company, a leading, government-controlled hotel owner and operator in Egypt.

Misr Hotels will shortly be undertaking a major refurbishment of the renowned Cairo hotel on the banks of the Nile.

The hotel, considered an icon in the Egyptian capital, has contributed to the country's travel industry for the past 50 years.It first opened in 1958.

It will be re-opened as The Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel, Cairo, following an extensive renovation and refurbishment plan, expected to be completed in early 2012.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Treasury Of Malaysia, Australia, Thailand Initiate Capacity Building Programme
December 14, 2009 23:06 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- The Finance Ministry together with Australia's Treasury and Thailand's Finance Ministry will be initiating a capacity building programme for APEC finance ministers at Bank Negara Malaysia.

The three-day programme will take off here December 15, a joint statement from the ministries said here.

Finance Ministry Secretary General, Tan Sri Dr Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah will officiate the programme which is aimed at upgrading strategies towards stronger fiscal and economic recovery in APEC countries.

During the APEC Economic Ministers Meeting in Singapore in November, the ministers had acknowledged the need to reduce and stabilise the level of public sector debts.

They had also suggested measures to strengthen their respective fiscal policies.

"This capacity building initiative is a practical response to the suggestions made by the ministers," the statement said.

The programme will cover three segments and will be carried out in four months starting in December and concluding March next year.

It would look at fulfilling the needs for technical training for government officers involved in the formulation and implementation of fiscal strategies and policies for their countries.

Among topics to be discussed will be fiscal sustainability, public spending and impact on gross domestic product, public debt and fiscal risk management.

The first segment held in Kuala Lumpur will cover a one-day seminar and two days of workshops for identified APEC countries.

The second segment will cover the topic of functions according to the respective countries while the third segment to be organised by Thailand in March will see a follow up programme and a one-day seminar.

Participants of the seminar and workshops will comprise officers from the finance ministry, central banks, financial services commission and embassy officials from APEC countries.

Experts with experience in public fiscal and monetary management have been invited to facilitate the activities, the statement said.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Malaysia And Ireland Sign Protocol To Avoid Double Taxation
December 16, 2009 19:30 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Ireland Wednesday signed a protocol amending the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income at Putrajaya.

Objective of the protocol is to amend the article on exchange of information, the ministry said in a statement.

"This protocol resulted in Malaysia having six treaty partners, namely Brunei, the United Kingdom, France, San Marino, the Netherlands and Ireland which is in line with the internationally agreed tax standards," it said.

The protocol was signed by the Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah and Ireland's ambassador to Malaysia, Eugene Hutchinson.

It was witnessed by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Qatar Media in talks to invest in Malaysian firms
By June Ramlee Published: 2009/12/17



QATAR Media Services (QMS) is in talks to buy stakes in two Malaysian outdoor advertising companies and plans to wrap up the deals in the first quarter of next year.

Talks are at an advanced stage, said QMS managing director Hedi Smirani. He did not want to name the companies but said that one of them was a listed firm.

"We see tremendous growth and potential in this these companies that is why we are investigating these potential further with these companies," Smirani told reporters after the launch of QMS Asia Pacific in Kuala Lumpur (KL) yesterday.

QMS is the exclusive media representative for the Al-Jazeera Network. Its KL office is its Asia Pacific hub.

"KL serves as an excellent media hub for QMS Asia Pacific as Malaysia is one of the region's fastest developing nations with great investment opportunities especially in terms of media market potential growth," he said.

Smirani added that QMS Asia Pacific would focus on efforts to grow the company across the region, starting with countries in Southeast Asia such as in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.

It also has a network of media representatives in South Korea and Japan.

QMS Asia Pacific will be the gateway to the Middle East for Asian brands and will also grow along the distribution footprints for Al-Jazeera English.

He said the company aims to be a leading regional media partner leveraging on several platforms such as outdoor, print, online and television in markets like Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia in areas of media representation, media buying and consultancy services.

"Our aim is to capitalise on the tremendous expansion of Al-Jazeera English, by achieving 35 per cent year-on-year growth in advertising sales from the region and to double our current revenues by 2012," Smirani said.

[nazrey]

MOU to enhance ties
Published on: Wednesday, December 16, 2009



Kota Kinabalu: TOURISM, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Sabah Cultural Board and Gyeonggi Arts Centre, Korea, at the Pentas Budaya, Kampung Warisan at the State Museum, in Kota Kinabalu, Tuesday.

Representatives for the two cultural bodies were Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai, who is General Manager of Sabah Cultural Board, and Park In Gun, President of the Gyeonggi Arts Centre.

Sabah local coordinator of the Gyeonggi Arts Centre, Lee Hyung Joo, and Sabah Cultural Board Chairman, Datuk Wences Anggang, also signed the MoU.

The objective of the MoU is to promote closer relations between the two cultural bodies as well as to enhance bilateral ties in terms of tourism and cultural exchanges.

Also present to witness the ceremony were Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, Datuk Bolkiah Ismail, Gyeonggi Member of Parliament, Lim Ki Suk, Korean Association of Sabah Chairman, Han Wung Kyo, Gyeonggi Arts Centre Director of Arts, Jo Heung Dong and Sabah Korean Association Vice Chairman, Bae Hak Gi.

[nazrey]

Malaysia to import rice from Pakistan
18th December, 2009
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/34714

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is to import meat, rice and kinno (orange) from Pakistan.

Federal Food and Agriculture Minister, Nazar Mohammad Gondal said Malaysia will import 0.15 million tonnes of rice from Pakistan, besides enhancing imports in meat and orange.

“It will help Pakistan increase the production of meat and improve the packing and processing of orange for export to Malaysia,” he said in a statement from the Pakistan High Commission here.

On Wednesday, Gondal held a joint-press conference with visiting Malaysian Minister for Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, Datuk Noh Omar in Islamabad.

The statement said Noh had indicated that both Pakistan and Malaysia could enhance cooperation in various fields, including agriculture.

Both countries also signed two memoranda of understanding (MoU) in this regard.

According to Gondal, a joint working group would be established to coordinate work in the agriculture, livestock and horticulture sectors.

He also highlighted that there were huge investment opportunities in the agriculture sector in Pakistan.

“There are countless investment opportunities in farm mechanisation, seeds, oil palm production and post-harvest handling, infrastructure development and horticulture for Malaysian investors.

“There is also tunnel farming for growing off-season vegetables and hydroponics for growing fruits and vegetables.We can collaborate to benefit from each other’s strengths, he stated.

During Noh’s visit, a presentation to the Malaysian delegation stressed Pakistan’s future thrust on farm mechanisation, including the manufacture of tractors, farm machinery and equipment, high efficiency irrigation systems (drip and sprinkle) and the solar pumping system.

Gondal said Pakistan desired to upgrade and modernise its farming practices to ensure food security in future.

“The population explosion, rapid urbanisation, climate change, globalization and expanding technology, are the trends that must be considered well before forming any future strategy for our agriculture sector,” he said

[nazrey]

Highest participants for MM2H are Chinese nationals
18th December, 2009
http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/34713

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese nationals comprised the most number of 13,977 people from 107 countries signed up for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme since it was introduced seven years ago.

“The highest number of participants are from China followed by Bangladesh, United Kingdom, Singapore, Taiwan, India, Iran and Indonesia,” Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said in reply to a question by Senator Sharifah Azizah Datuk Syed Zain in Dewan Negara here today.

Ng said MM2H was recognised by International Leaving magazine in its Annual Global Retirement Index 2009 Survey where Malaysia was placed first country of choice in Asia and 16th worldwide by senior citizens.

From 2004 until Nov this year, 811 houses costing RM846.79 million were bought by participants with most choosing to stay in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor and Perak.

She told Senator Tan Sri Jins Shamsudin that under the programme, foreigners could only buy properties costing RM500,000 and above.

“Participants can only buy properties and houses costing RM500,000 and above. They can’t buy properties costing lower than that,” she said.

[nazrey]

UK welcomes Malaysia's offer on greenhouse gas emissions
2009/12/18
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/N...cle/index_html

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's pledge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent by 2020 as compared to 2005 levels demonstrates the seriousness the Malaysian government attaches to climate change, said British High Commissioner to Malaysia Boyd McCleary.

He said the United Kingdom welcomed the statement on this by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Copenhagen climate change summit yesterday.

"The prime minister's willingness to put a figure on the table can only help the talks taking place in Copenhagen," he said in a statement here today.

McCleary said the UK government agreed with Najib that moving towards to a low carbon economy was the only sensible path and offered significant opportunities for emerging economies.

"I hope that Malaysia's pledge and the other offers made by developed and developing countries will help us to achieve an ambitious global agreement in Copenhagen to prevent dangerous climate change," he said.

Yesterday, Malaysia had agreed to reduce its carbon dioxide emission to 40 per cent by the year 2020 compared to 2005 levels subject to assistance from developed countries.

In his speech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 at Copenhagen, Najib said the cut was conditional upon receiving transfer of technology and adequate financing from the developed world.

United Nations data shows Malaysia's carbon emissions in 2006 stood at 187 million tonnes or 7.2 tonnes from each Malaysian. - BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Malaysia, Iran to increase cooperation in human resource matters
2009/12/18
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/N...cle/index_html

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Iran will sign a memorandum of understanding on increasing cooperation in human resource and technical skills in Tehran next week.

Malaysia will be represented by Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam who will be making a four-day visit to Iran starting tomorrow, said a statement from the Human Resource Ministry here on Friday.

The statement added that the visit was upon the invitation by Iranian Labour and Social Affairs Minister Abdolreza Sheikholeslami.

"Both countries believe this cooperation will allow smart partnerships using the good practices approach in supporting institutional capacity building through exchange of experience and skills," said the statement.

It also said the cooperation complemented the efforts of both governments in exploring new markets, which included working together in the fields of labour and technical and vocational training.

The visit will also see Dr. Subramaniam exchanging experiences with Sheikholeslami on employment strategies and policies as well learning about the social security system and rehabilitation programme for disabled workers practiced in Iran.

"Malaysia is expected to benefit from this partnership in terms of techonology in the energy, medical and human resource development industry, among others.

"At the same time, this initiative will create a good image for both countries as members in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) through cooperation in various fields," the statement added. - BERNAMA

[nazrey]

India To Set Up Special Team To Tap Malaysian Road Investments
December 19, 2009 14:08 PM By P.Vijian
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/ne....php?id=463314

NEW DELHI, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- India has proposed to set up a high-powered team to entice more Malaysian road builders to invest in the country's growing highway infrastructure projects.

Road Transport and Highways Minister Kamal Nath said the team would help to facilitate government-to-government support in the sector, where India is seeking large foreign investments and expertise.

"We have discussed the possibility of government-to-government engagement between both countries. A team will be formed with immediate effect to facilitate Malaysian investment in the highway development sector," Nath told the media here.

India is on fast track to complete a massive 7,000 km of roads annually, with a target of 20 km daily, to connect the length and breath of the country with the much needed infrastructure to propel its economy.

India's 3.3 million km road network system is the second largest in the world, after the United States.Indian roads carry 60 per cent of the freight and over 80 per cent of the passenger traffic.

The government had allocated US$92 billion (RM322 billion) until 2012 to develop its highway projects.

"We want Malaysian companies to participate in highways development programmes in the capacity as bidders and consultants.

"We also want to learn from Malaysia's experiences in tolling technologies. Malaysia has been present in this sector for the past 15-20 years and is currently engaged in 35 projects in the country," added Nath.

The team is likely to comprise of the planning commission, finance and the roads ministry.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and India is in the pipeline to bolster cooperation in the sector.

Malaysian Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor held talks with Nath in Delhi earler this week.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Paris- Based Malaysian Designer Wants To Promote Islamic Fashion
December 19, 2009 16:15 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/ne....php?id=463337

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- Making Paris a base for Islamic fashion?

Well, this proposition came from an established Malaysian designer there, who wants to promote the simple idea that has yet to be exploited.

Ng Swee Kuang, 57, the man behind the "Ornel Soie" brand has called on Malaysian designers to work with him, using his Paris-based boutique and workshop as a reference.

This is in addition to them riding on Ng's experience and be trained to incorporate European cutting into Islamic Fashion.

"We can work this out together. This is the kind of fashion that does not exist around here. The Europeans are highly fashionable but they do not know the requirements of Islamic fashion," he told Bernama in a recent phone call from Paris.

The son of a Muar sarong printer, Ng has been based in Paris for more than 20 years.His company manufactures its own apparel at its rue d'Aboukir factory which is equipped with modern technology in pattern making.

His brand of "Ornel Soie" clothing commands top clients, ranging from the boutiques of Marie Claire in Zurich, Gerard Brusse in Holland, Louis Ferraud in Paris, Rosario Miner Maecet in Barcelona, Laura B in London, St Germaine in Berlin, Louis Blanc in Tokyo, Jenny Vo in Kobe and Moga in New York.

Others include Itokin in Japan, Cine International Co Ltd in Taiwan, Al-Akhawain Co Ltd in Saudi Arabia, Krokus in Ukraine, Demtzheu Roman in Russia and Nelly Alexander Fashion in Canada.

"I am a Chinese but there is no barrier in fashion. I can also work with Malay designers who are more knowledgeable to develop Malaysian Islamic fashion," Ng said.

His Islamic fashion idea has received the support of Olga Saurat, the national president of the Society of Best Craftmen of France, who wants him to turn it into a couture fashion, a high class Islamic wear.

He said it was Saurat who had wanted him to transfer his technical know-how to Malaysians, saying he was still young, to promote his country.

"A Paris fashion house will serve as an international showcase and for media publicity in promoting the Islamic Fashion creations by Malaysian designers, while making Kuala Lumpur the fashion capital for the Muslim World," Ng added.

While there is still a need to promote batik, he said there was also the need to support a project to make Islamic fashion wear.

"Recently, I learnt that the First Lady, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is promoting Islamic Fashion, which interests me a lot. This is a good idea and I want to support her," he said.

With his good cutting skills, he said he would be able to turn Islamic fashion into an elegant wear.

In France, he said, Islamic fashion would have a different look as Paris was a place which provided inspiration while attracting many Muslim buyers who could pay for such elegance.

Ng is known to be a master craftsman who uses all kinds of materials and his designs have evoked a strong sense of colour, arrangement and cutting.

He has also the ability to create between 15 to 20 designs a month.

Some of his designs can even be in the market for five years.Up to 40,000 pieces of one design was even produced from a particular material.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

US awaits Malaysia's decision on eight-nation partnership
Monday December 21, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States is still awaiting Malaysia's decision on the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP).

United States Ambassador to Malaysia, James R.Keith said Malaysia has to carefully consider its decision on the TPP, as it would be on the basis of discussions with all eight participating countries," he told Bernama in an interview

Apart from the United States, the other TPP countries are Australia, Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

According to Keith, once the eight countries are ready to start discussions, it would still be at a preliminary stage, and Malaysia has to decide if it was the right time to join in.

"The decision is an important undertaking by Malaysia," he added.

Asked if Malaysia had given any indication on engaging in the TPP, Keith said: "No. However,there were some early comments from the Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed."

President Barrack Obama announced in Singapore on Nov 14 that the United States would engage with the TPP countries, with the goal of shaping a regional agreement that had a broad-based membership and the high standards worthy of a 21st century trade agreement.

While negotiations will be of wide interest, as a route to a more open trade relationship with the United States, its greatest potential from a larger perspective is that of a pathfinder for greater regional economic integration.

The TPP, previously known as "P4", was between Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore.

It was signed in 2005.

The first round of negotiations to expand the TPP to include the United States, Australia, Peru and Vietnam was scheduled to take place in March this year.

However, in February, the United States requested a postponement of the talks, to allow time for a review its trade policy and priorities.

The Nov 14 announcement signalled that the United States is now ready to proceed with negotiations.

The first round of talks is expected to take place in March 2010

"As you may know, we are engaging with the TPP partners and are moving in that direction. It won't be long perhaps you hear some announcement.

"We have to complete our negotiations and consultations with stakeholders at home and not just inform Congress," he explained.

Stating that the TPP could become a model for regional trade cooperation, Keith also said the United States, would invest heavily in it.

"Therefore, I think it is important for Malaysia to think about it. It is also up to Malaysia on whether it intends to be part of this ambitious group

"This will be a very, high quality effort, ultimately aimed at expanding trade volume and increasing efficiency of the global system," he said.

Keith also explained the reason why the United States was turning to the regional perspective in terms of trade.

"With the expansion of bilateral agreements, we found that it may increase trade between two countries but inhibit it overall, globally and regionally.

"We are all committed to the Doha round to improve global trade slowly on an overall basis. This is why we are moving in the direction of regional bilateral agreements," he said.

He said the TPP includes the kind of economic rehabilitation talked about in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiation with Malaysia.

He said the FTA discussions, wherever it led, would have helped Malaysia determine where it should draw the line Keith pointed out that Malaysia is the United States' 18th largest market and "an important contributor", to its economy.

The balance of trade is in Malaysia's favour, against the total value of US$45 billion.

The United States is the largest investor in Malaysia at present. - Bernama

[nazrey]

German recovery good for trade with Malaysia
Published: 2009/12/28
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New.../gmny/Article/

MALAYSIA considers Germany an important market and the latter's economic recovery in the third quarter of this year augurs well for Malaysia in terms of trade.

Malaysian ambassador to Germany Datuk Zakaria Sulong said Germany was Malaysia's biggest trading partner and biggest source of investment in Europe.

Globally, Germany is Malaysia's ninth biggest trading partner and second biggest investor after Japan, he said in Berlin recently.

"Germany is the biggest economy in Europe. Compared to traditional partner UK, its growth is more consistent. Its further recovery in the third quarter is a good sign for Malaysia in terms of trade," he said.

It was reported that Germany's gross domestic product (GDP) grew, on a quarter-to-quarter basis, by 0.4 per cent in the second quarter and a further 0.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2009.

Meanwhile, trade between Malaysia and Germany, both in the first nine months of 2009 stood at RM23.47 billion against RM28.35 billion registered in the same period of 2008, with exports accounting for RM10.32 billion and imports at RM13.15 billion.

In 2008, total trade stood at RM37.83 billion with electrical & electronic products, rubber products, optical & scientific equipment making up the major export products from Malaysia.

In terms of investment, Zakaria said the largest German investment in Malaysia was received in 2008 from Q-Cell, to build a new photovoltaic solar-cell factory with investments of over ?1 billion (RM4.90).

In 2008, German investments in Malaysia totalled RM4.43 billion as against RM3.7 billion in 2007.

Zakaria pointed out that the largest Malaysian investment in Germany today was the RM600 million Tropical Islands Resort theme park by Tanjong Plc which opened its doors to the public in late 2004.

Of recent, KNM Group through its subsidiary had acquired Germany's Borsig Bbtev for RM1.669 billion in 2008.

Borsig is a leading process heat exchanger in Europe with a strong market and technological leadership in the field of waste heat recovery systems and quenched coolers.

In terms of tourism, Zakaria said the number of tourists from Germany to Malaysia saw a huge jump to 111,000 in 2008 from 78,500 arrivals a year ago.

Germany is an important destination for education with over 700 Malaysian students studying there, mostly government or Mara-sponsored, in the fields of science and techno-auto engineering.

"We have signed between three to four MOUs with the universities here to develop relationship in education," said Zakaria. - Bernama

[nazrey]

Sri Lanka invites Maxis, TM to invest in satellite project
Published: 2010/01/05
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...axtel/Article/

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka is inviting two top Malaysian teleco operators Maxis Communications Bhd (6012) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) to invest in its US$150 million (RM525 million) maiden satellite project.

Plans are in the pipeline to launch the nation's first geostationary satellite after it signed a deal with UK-based Surrey Satellite Technologies Ltd (SSTL) last December.

"We have invited Maxis (Communications) and Telekom Malaysia, both of which have already invested in Sri Lanka," Priyantha Kariyapperuma, director-general of Sri Lanka's Telecom Regulatory Commission, said in a telephone interview from Colombo.

"They have expressed interest and said they will invest if the project is commercially viable."

Dialog, a subsidiary of Axiata Group Bhd (formerly known as TM International), is the top telecommunications service provider in Sri Lanka, with the largest mobile network.
Maxis became another major Malaysian player in the island after its parent company Usaha Tegas purchased a sizeable stake in Sri Lanka Telecom.

Kariyapperuma said the invitation is still in a preliminary stage and nothing constructive had emerged yet from the two firms.

"It is still in preliminary stage, we should be able to get more details later this year," he said.

The Sri Lankan government is in the process of setting up its space agency and plans to launch its first satellite, to be named after the famous British physicist Sri Arthur C. Clarke, who made the island his home until his death. - Bernama

[nazrey]

Malaysia Proud To Contribute To The Development Of India, Says Shaziman
January 04, 2010 23:30 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/ne....php?id=466040

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is indeed very proud to contribute and be part of the development of India and will definitely look forward to continuing its cooperation and assistance in helping India attain its infrastructure goals, said Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Mansor.

He said in terms of roads, highways and bridges, Malaysian construction companies had completed 40 projects to the tune of RM6.02 billion and were currently implementing nine projects with a total value of RM1.05 billion, making the total value at RM7.07 billion for road infrasructure projects in India.

"Through smart partnerships and various means of technology transfer, the ventures made by the Malaysian construction companies during the last few years have produced a large number of Indian construction companies possessing the capability of undertaking challenging highways projects," he said at a dinner held in honour of India's Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Kamal Nath, here Monday night.

"In this relation, we are very keen to enhance the cooperation between players from both countries and to undertake projects together for mutual benefit, this will indeed go a long way in strengthening our relationship, " he added.

Shaziman said the synergistic partnerships between both countries with complementary capabilities would benefit both sides through the sharing of knowledge, experience, skills and technology.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Malaysian Exports To Bangladesh To Breach US$1 Billion This Year
January 04, 2010 20:39 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/ne....php?id=466016

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's exports to the People's Republic of Bangladesh is expected to breach US$1 billion (USD1=RM3.39) in the 12 months ending June this year.

Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Malaysia, A.K.M. Atiqur Rahman said between July 2008 and June 2009, Malaysia's exports to the republic stood at US$691.2 million.

"Bangladesh is expected to sign a huge deal to buy crude palm oil from Malaysia.

"If this happens, Malaysia's exports to Bangladesh, for the first time, will exceed US$1 billion," he said.

Atiqur Rahman was speaking to reporters after a briefing on the upcoming "Showcase Bangladesh 2010", an exhibition of various Bangladeshi products and services.

He said crude palm oil would continue to remain the main import from Malaysia after petroleum and diesel.

The High Commissioner was also optimistic that Bangladesh exports to Malaysia would reach US$35 million in June 2010, from US$31.28 million recorded in the same period last year.

Atiqur Rahman said although the trade imbalance was huge and in Malaysia's favour, the Bangladeshi government was working hard to attract more investments and imports from Malaysia and other developed countries.

He also said Malaysia was the sixth largest investor in Bangladesh with investments totalling US$1.34 billion in the telecommunication and infrastructure sectors.

"The Bangladeshi government has introduced many incentives and interesting packages to foreign investors.

"The significant ones are the duty-free rule imposed on foreign investments and a new system to ease the current obligations imposed on foreign investors to repatriate 100 per cent of their profits back to their origin country," said Atiqur Rahman.

He said Malaysia can now diversify its investments rather than invest in the same sectors.

"For instance, Malaysia can really assist Bangladesh in the tourism sector as it is an expert in this field," he said.

In a related development, Atiqur Rahman said he had made a request to International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed that the Malaysian government reduce tax, which was between 30 and 40 per cent, on Bangladeshi imports into the country.

Atiqur Rahman pointed out that there should be zero tax on some beneficial products imported from Bangladesh like ceramic, pharmaceuticals and silk material.

"We are not disputing the quality of products in the Malaysian market but we are sure Bangladesh can produce better products at cheaper prices," he said.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Cream: Malaysian construction technology draws foreign interest
By Kamarul Yunus
Published: 2010/01/05
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...cream/Article/

SAUDI ARABIA and Nigeria have shown interest to use Malaysia's homegrown technology of producing semi-precast lightweight flooring slabs from oil palm shelves, in their construction industry.

This technology is one of eight research and development products and method of production that has been identified as ready for commercialisation by the Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (Cream), the research arm of Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

"We are in contact with our partners in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, who are very keen in our technology to utilise oil palm shelves as a substitution material in producing flooring slabs," a spokesman with Cream told Business Times.

The spokesman said from 2001 to 2009, Cream conducted 39 research and development programmes on both soft and hard issues in construction, of which eight products and the methods of production are ready for commercialisation or will undergo pre-commercialisation activities.

"Recently, the products and methods have obtained patent pending status and also patent number, which should be ready for commercialisation," the spokesman said.

Apart from the flooring slabs from oil palm shelves, other products and methods of production that are ready for commercialisation include producing micronised amorphoous biomass silica ash; lightweight ferro-cement cellular panel for modular housing and industrialised building system (IBS); and slag cement based aerated lightweight concrete blocks for IBS.

Triaxial seismo-accelerometer device, which is an earthquake measurement device; precast concrete beam-to-column connection with moveable steel hollow section; performance of connections in precast concrete wall panels under variable loads; and methods of the use of partial strength joints and composites connections on multi-storey frames.

The spokesman said the products and methods of production are relatively new and have only recently received patent pending status.

"We have received some enquiries on the research products especially from industries in Sabah on our by-products, on method of producing micronised amorphous biomass silica ash and its by-products, and the usage of semi-precast lightweight flooring slab in housing development project in Sabah," the spokesman said.

Other than that, the spokesman said, the triaxial seismo-accelerometer device has won local and international recognition, including the Malaysian Construction Industry Achievement Awards for research and development and gold medal in Geneva Award, which has attracted potential users locally and internationally.

In trying to encourage more utilisation of these research products and method, Cream is inviting interested parties, local and foreign, to take these products and methods of production for mass application and commercialisation.

"The CIDB will help in terms of promotion and pre-commercialisation activities, which might involve further testing to suit the market demand. Makmal Kerja Raya Malaysia, which operates under Cream is capable to do such testings," the spokesman said.

Interested parties could commercialise their products and generate revenues from it and in return CIDB will get the royalty based on product licensing or any type of agreement that mutual benefits for both parties.

Income generated from such commercialisation activities will be ploughed back to funding future research and development projects for th benefit of the construction industry, the spokesman said.

The spokesman also said CIDB has invested almost RM19 million for the past eight years, which is equivalent to RM2.5 million per year since then.

[nazrey]

PetroSaudi plans buyout of Malaysia's UBG
Published: 2010/01/11

Majestic Masterpiece Sdn Bhd (MMSB), a unit of Abu Dhabi-Kuwait-Malaysia Investment Corporation (ADKMIC), will sell its 52.62 per cent interest in UBG Bhd to PetroSaudi International Ltd (PSI).

In a statement today, MMSB said it has accepted the offer from PSI to acquire its entire stake in UBG, which is subject to approval from its shareholders.

Two other major shareholders of UBG, Concordance Holdings Sdn Bhd and PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, have also agreed to accept offers from PSI, subject to approval from its shareholders.

The two companies, both subsidiaries of Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMS), hold a 28.29 per cent and 8.92 per cent interests in UBG respectively.

"Since MMSB emerged as a major shareholder of UBG, we have helped chart new growth areas for UBG such as in the oil and gas sector," MMSB said.

Having considered several offers, MMSB said it found that the offer from PSI was in the best interest of all stakeholders.

The company began to evaluate offers for its stake in UBG after the financial crisis impacted on construction projects in the Middle East.

This has also prompted ADKMIC to re-evaluate its involvement in the construction sector and it is looking to deploy its capital in other growth sectors in Malaysia. -- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Malaysia, China in US$11b projects
Published: 2010/01/11

1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) has sealed an agreement to jointly venture in major projects in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score).

"I understand that these projects will have a potential value of US$11 billion (US$1=RM3.34)," said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

1MDB is wholly-owned by the Malaysian government, set up recently to drive strategic initiatives for long-term sustainable economic development and promote foreign direct investment into the country while SGCC ia China's leading power transmission and distribution company.

A cooperation framework agreement was signed between them, witnessed by Najib in Kuala Lumpur today.

Present were Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Minister in the Prime Minister''s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, SGCC president and chief executive officer Liu Zhenya and IMDB chairman Tan Sri Che Lodin Wok Kamaruddin. - Bernama