Latest news with #SikhShamsulIbrahimSikhAbdulMajid
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia sharpens its focus on becoming regional aerospace and shipbuilding hub
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is sharpening its focus on becoming a regional aerospace and shipbuilding hub, banking on high value investment, technical capability and geostrategic positioning to elevate its industrial profile over the next decade. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said the country is well positioned to serve as a competitive ASEAN aerospace base, driven by its strength in engineering, maintenance services and systems integration. 'At MIDA, our strategy hinges on high-quality investments, fostering local global partnerships and advancing key enablers such as industrial digitalisation and sustainability,' he said in an interview with Bernama. To date, Malaysia's aerospace sector has secured RM26 billion in approved investments, with more than 18,000 jobs generated, affirming the nation's growing significance in the regional aerospace value chain. In 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted RM1.5 billion spproved investments, of which 71.3 per cent was from foreign sources, with the remainder driven by domestic capital. These projects are expected to create more than 550 skilled jobs, primarily in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, particularly among Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Malaysia already hosts Boeing's only wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, Boeing Composites Malaysia (BCM), which produces composite parts for all Boeing commercial aircraft. President of Boeing Southeast Asia, Penny Burtt regards Malaysia as a valued partner across Boeing's commercial aviation, defence and services businesses. She said Boeing's efforts in Malaysia include advancing aviation safety, supporting sustainability initiatives, strengthening the supply chain, engaging the community and nurturing the aerospace workforce of the future. 'Boeing's 78-year presence in Malaysia is a testimony to our longstanding commitment to the country and the broader Southeast Asia region. BCM in Kedah, Boeing's first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, taps the country's growing capabilities and talented workforce. 'Today, with all-Malaysian employees, BCM supplies composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplanes,' she said. Strategic Shift to Maritime While aerospace remains the headline, Sikh Shamsul said Malaysia's ambitions extend offshore, while pointing to the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector as an emerging pillar, underpinned by targeted investment and sustainability mandates. 'Malaysia should always remain vigilant of rising competition from lower cost yards in neighbouring economies such as Vietnam and Indonesia,' he said, adding that cost competitiveness alone will not secure the country's long-term standing. Instead, he said, Malaysia should start focusing on reducing reliance on foreign automation tools, by approaching local robotic manufacturing in Malaysia that could build a whole new automated system integration to improve productivity in the SBSR manufacturing landscape. Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd group managing director Mac Ngan Boon said Malaysia's geography gives the company a natural edge - over 4,600 kilometres of coastline and the domestic needs for various vessel and strategies. 'Innovation is central to our operations. We have adopted advanced technologies such as computer numerical control (CNC) laser cutting, virtual ship prototyping, and real-time simulations. These tools improve design precision, reduce production costs and enhance overall efficiency. 'We are also taking proactive steps towards sustainability, including exploring green vessel designs powered by solar and electric energy. These initiatives reflect our long-term commitment to building vessels that meet both market and environmental demands,' he said. Looking ahead, he said the group's upcoming Kuantan Maritime Hub will be a game-changer — featuring a larger shipyard, defence and training facilities, as well as maritime partners and vendors. 'This is part of our long-term strategy to strengthen the maritime ecosystem and position Malaysia as a future leader in the sector. 'We also aspire for Malaysia to place strong emphasis on developing the entire maritime industry — from establishing dedicated maritime institutes to cultivating the necessary talent and building a robust vendor and supply chain network' he said. Flagship Maritime Developments Taking Shape Malaysia is developing flagship projects such as Lumut Maritime Industrial City, Kuala Linggi International Port and Kuantan Maritime Hub to transition its maritime sector from traditional shipbuilding to advanced technologically integrated manufacturing and logistics, aiming to boost competitiveness, create jobs and foster sustainable practices. To date, MIDA has approved RM1 billion in investments for the SBSR sector. In the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted an additional RM574.8 million, signalling sustained investor confidence. Industry growth has been driven largely by demand in the leisure and security vessel segments, with Malaysian yards now producing high specification yachts and defence-related boats. Exports have reached markets as diverse as Australia, Europe, Nigeria and Brazil. Charting a Dual-Engine Future With its twin ambitions in aerospace and maritime manufacturing, Malaysia is signalling a shift from cost-driven industrialisation to value-based engineering and strategic export leadership. As global supply chains recalibrate in response to geopolitical shocks and regional fragmentation, Malaysia must reframe its role as a high-trust systems integrator. This means anchoring local firms in design, integration, and value-added services — particularly for MRO, naval systems and advanced composite manufacturing. On the aerospace front, the country must accelerate its ambition to build sovereign capabilities in composite structures, avionics and sustainable aviation technologies. This requires stronger integration between SMEs and OEMs, not just as contract manufacturers but as co-development and IP-owning partners. Malaysia's strategy for these industries must adapt to global geopolitical changes, including; reconfiguring trade alliances, the emergence of dual-use technologies, and the trend of nearshoring, to define its desired strategic autonomy.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia sharpens its focus on becoming regional aerospace
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is sharpening its focus on becoming a regional aerospace and shipbuilding hub, banking on high value investment, technical capability and geostrategic positioning to elevate its industrial profile over the next decade. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said the country is well positioned to serve as a competitive ASEAN aerospace base, driven by its strength in engineering, maintenance services and systems integration. 'At MIDA, our strategy hinges on high-quality investments, fostering local global partnerships and advancing key enablers such as industrial digitalisation and sustainability,' he said in an interview with Bernama. To date, Malaysia's aerospace sector has secured RM26 billion in approved investments, with more than 18,000 jobs generated, affirming the nation's growing significance in the regional aerospace value chain. In 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted RM1.5 billion spproved investments, of which 71.3 per cent was from foreign sources, with the remainder driven by domestic capital. These projects are expected to create more than 550 skilled jobs, primarily in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, particularly among Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Malaysia already hosts Boeing's only wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, Boeing Composites Malaysia (BCM), which produces composite parts for all Boeing commercial aircraft. President of Boeing Southeast Asia, Penny Burtt regards Malaysia as a valued partner across Boeing's commercial aviation, defence and services businesses. She said Boeing's efforts in Malaysia include advancing aviation safety, supporting sustainability initiatives, strengthening the supply chain, engaging the community and nurturing the aerospace workforce of the future. 'Boeing's 78-year presence in Malaysia is a testimony to our longstanding commitment to the country and the broader Southeast Asia region. BCM in Kedah, Boeing's first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, taps the country's growing capabilities and talented workforce. 'Today, with all-Malaysian employees, BCM supplies composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplanes,' she said. Strategic Shift to Maritime While aerospace remains the headline, Sikh Shamsul said Malaysia's ambitions extend offshore, while pointing to the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector as an emerging pillar, underpinned by targeted investment and sustainability mandates. 'Malaysia should always remain vigilant of rising competition from lower cost yards in neighbouring economies such as Vietnam and Indonesia,' he said, adding that cost competitiveness alone will not secure the country's long-term standing. Instead, he said, Malaysia should start focusing on reducing reliance on foreign automation tools, by approaching local robotic manufacturing in Malaysia that could build a whole new automated system integration to improve productivity in the SBSR manufacturing landscape. Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd group managing director Mac Ngan Boon said Malaysia's geography gives the company a natural edge - over 4,600 kilometres of coastline and the domestic needs for various vessel and strategies. 'Innovation is central to our operations. We have adopted advanced technologies such as computer numerical control (CNC) laser cutting, virtual ship prototyping, and real-time simulations. These tools improve design precision, reduce production costs and enhance overall efficiency. 'We are also taking proactive steps towards sustainability, including exploring green vessel designs powered by solar and electric energy. These initiatives reflect our long-term commitment to building vessels that meet both market and environmental demands,' he said. Looking ahead, he said the group's upcoming Kuantan Maritime Hub will be a game-changer — featuring a larger shipyard, defence and training facilities, as well as maritime partners and vendors. 'This is part of our long-term strategy to strengthen the maritime ecosystem and position Malaysia as a future leader in the sector. 'We also aspire for Malaysia to place strong emphasis on developing the entire maritime industry — from establishing dedicated maritime institutes to cultivating the necessary talent and building a robust vendor and supply chain network' he said. Flagship Maritime Developments Taking Shape Malaysia is developing flagship projects such as Lumut Maritime Industrial City, Kuala Linggi International Port and Kuantan Maritime Hub to transition its maritime sector from traditional shipbuilding to advanced technologically integrated manufacturing and logistics, aiming to boost competitiveness, create jobs and foster sustainable practices. To date, MIDA has approved RM1 billion in investments for the SBSR sector. In the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted an additional RM574.8 million, signalling sustained investor confidence. Industry growth has been driven largely by demand in the leisure and security vessel segments, with Malaysian yards now producing high specification yachts and defence-related boats. Exports have reached markets as diverse as Australia, Europe, Nigeria and Brazil. Charting a Dual-Engine Future With its twin ambitions in aerospace and maritime manufacturing, Malaysia is signalling a shift from cost-driven industrialisation to value-based engineering and strategic export leadership. As global supply chains recalibrate in response to geopolitical shocks and regional fragmentation, Malaysia must reframe its role as a high-trust systems integrator. This means anchoring local firms in design, integration, and value-added services — particularly for MRO, naval systems and advanced composite manufacturing. On the aerospace front, the country must accelerate its ambition to build sovereign capabilities in composite structures, avionics and sustainable aviation technologies. This requires stronger integration between SMEs and OEMs, not just as contract manufacturers but as co-development and IP-owning partners. Malaysia's strategy for these industries must adapt to global geopolitical changes, including; reconfiguring trade alliances, the emergence of dual-use technologies, and the trend of nearshoring, to define its desired strategic autonomy.
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
CGS, CGS International sign pacts for Asean-China business partnerships at Asean Business Forum 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: China Galaxy Securities Co Ltd (CGS) and CGS International Securities Group signed five strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and one letter of intent (LoI), with top corporations, development partners and investment managers across Asean and China on May 29. These landmark agreements were signed at the inaugural Asean Business Forum 2025 (ABF2025) and witnessed by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid on behalf of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) executive chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak and CGS chairman Wang Sheng. They aim to promote the growth of the Asean region as an integrated and cohesive regional economic powerhouse, deepen cross-border collaboration and accelerate capital flows across high-growth sectors. The signings reflect growing confidence in Asean's long-term growth prospects and the role of Malaysia – under its Asean chairmanship – to facilitate China-Asean and intra-Asean business and capital flows. Spanning access, private equity and investment in solutions for technology, healthcare, industrial development, investment promotion and wealth management family-office facilitation, the agreements reflect CGS and CGS International's broader mission and capability to bridge capital and opportunities within the region. These signings also build on their commitment made during the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Partners' Dialogue on May 19, where CGS International committed to a target of RM6 billion – comprising RM3 billion in facilitation of foreign direct investment within three years and RM3 billion in assets under management in the establishment of single family office ventures. The signing parties and scope of partnerships of the LoI and the MoUs signed by CGS and CGS International include: • LoI for China-Asean Investment Programme – Establish a private equity fund to invest in high growth sectors such as healthcare/medical devices, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture/food security and consumers throughout Asean with Malaysia as a key regional anchor and to facilitate the transfer of industry knowledge and technology from China to Asean. ARROW -- MoU with Mida to jointly promote Malaysia as an investment hub, support investor facilitation and collaborate on fundraising, business matching and supply chain development for high-value industries. ARROW -- MoU with Fullgoal Asset Management (HK) Limited (Fullgoal HK) and Bursa Malaysia Bhd. Fullgoal HK and CGS International will jointly list exchange-traded funds on Bursa Malaysia, with the aim to provide Malaysian investors with access to a wider range of investment options, and exposure to global markets. ARROW -- MoU with GL Capital Management Limited to jintly establish a closed-end private equity fund dedicated to healthcare/medical devices sector in Asean to tap its high growth opportunities. ARROW -- MoU with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd to jointly facilitate China and Asean trade and investment flows by supporting regional clients with banking, treasury and investment banking services. ARROW -- MoU with Zhongguancun International Holding Limited (Hong Kong) to facilitate the entry of Chinese companies in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, digital technology, food security and healthcare, into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and selected Malaysian industrial parks. CGS International Group CEO Carol Fong, said: 'These signings are more than just intents and agreements – they signify our strong confidence in the investment and growth potential of Asean and Malaysia. CGS International is proud to play the role of connector and catalyst, and to leverage our wider Asean presence and Chinese parentage to help our clients and partners accelerate cross-border strategic collaborations, capital and talent mobility for business growth.' ABF2025 was co-organised with Asean-BAC Malaysia and Mida, supported by partners MBSB and OCBC Malaysia. The forum was held in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit 2025 and Sean-GCC+China Summit 2025. Over 500 regional policymakers, investors and corporate leaders attended the full-day event which featured strategic panels, high-level keynotes, and closed-door business matchmaking.
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
CGS , CGS International sign pacts for Asean-China business partnerships at Asean Business Forum 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: China Galaxy Securities Co Ltd (CGS) and CGS International Securities Group signed five strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and one letter of intent (LoI), with top corporations, development partners and investment managers across Asean and China on May 29. These landmark agreements were signed at the inaugural Asean Business Forum 2025 (ABF2025) and witnessed by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid on behalf of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) executive chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak and CGS chairman Wang Sheng. They aim to promote the growth of the Asean region as an integrated and cohesive regional economic powerhouse, deepen cross-border collaboration and accelerate capital flows across high-growth sectors. The signings reflect growing confidence in Asean's long-term growth prospects and the role of Malaysia – under its Asean chairmanship – to facilitate China-Asean and intra-Asean business and capital flows. Spanning access, private equity and investment in solutions for technology, healthcare, industrial development, investment promotion and wealth management family-office facilitation, the agreements reflect CGS and CGS International's broader mission and capability to bridge capital and opportunities within the region. These signings also build on their commitment made during the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Partners' Dialogue on May 19, where CGS International committed to a target of RM6 billion – comprising RM3 billion in facilitation of foreign direct investment within three years and RM3 billion in assets under management in the establishment of single family office ventures. The signing parties and scope of partnerships of the LoI and the MoUs signed by CGS and CGS International include: • LoI for China-Asean Investment Programme – Establish a private equity fund to invest in high growth sectors such as healthcare/medical devices, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture/food security and consumers throughout Asean with Malaysia as a key regional anchor and to facilitate the transfer of industry knowledge and technology from China to Asean. ARROW -- MoU with Mida to jointly promote Malaysia as an investment hub, support investor facilitation and collaborate on fundraising, business matching and supply chain development for high-value industries. ARROW -- MoU with Fullgoal Asset Management (HK) Limited (Fullgoal HK) and Bursa Malaysia Bhd. Fullgoal HK and CGS International will jointly list exchange-traded funds on Bursa Malaysia, with the aim to provide Malaysian investors with access to a wider range of investment options, and exposure to global markets. ARROW -- MoU with GL Capital Management Limited to jintly establish a closed-end private equity fund dedicated to healthcare/medical devices sector in Asean to tap its high growth opportunities. ARROW -- MoU with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd to jointly facilitate China and Asean trade and investment flows by supporting regional clients with banking, treasury and investment banking services. ARROW -- MoU with Zhongguancun International Holding Limited (Hong Kong) to facilitate the entry of Chinese companies in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, digital technology, food security and healthcare, into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and selected Malaysian industrial parks. CGS International Group CEO Carol Fong, said: 'These signings are more than just intents and agreements – they signify our strong confidence in the investment and growth potential of Asean and Malaysia. CGS International is proud to play the role of connector and catalyst, and to leverage our wider Asean presence and Chinese parentage to help our clients and partners accelerate cross-border strategic collaborations, capital and talent mobility for business growth.' ABF2025 was co-organised with Asean-BAC Malaysia and Mida, supported by partners MBSB and OCBC Malaysia. The forum was held in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit 2025 and Sean-GCC+China Summit 2025. Over 500 regional policymakers, investors and corporate leaders attended the full-day event which featured strategic panels, high-level keynotes, and closed-door business matchmaking.
New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia secures RM4.7bil in investment leads from Japan at Osaka Expo
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has secured RM4.68 billion in potential investment leads from Japan through a recent mission tied to Expo 2025 Osaka, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida). The leads, secured through engagements in Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka and Tokyo, make up nearly 57 per cent of the RM7.39 billion in total potential investments linked to Malaysia's presence at the expo so far. "This achievement reflects the strength of Malaysia's investment proposition and the strategic trust placed in us by Japanese partners," Mida chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said in a statement. He said Mida would continue to facilitate high-quality investments aligned with national priorities in clean energy, innovation and sustainability. The investment promotion effort included one-on-one meetings with Japanese companies and a seminar in Osaka highlighting opportunities in green and high-value sectors. Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong, who officiated the Malaysia Pavilion, said the Expo is a platform to demonstrate the country's positioning as a "future-ready, innovation-driven and sustainability-conscious partner." A key outcome so far is the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sarawak Energy Bhd and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to advance clean energy collaboration. The Malaysia pavilion, expected to host over 150 business engagements during the six-month expo, is part of the government's broader strategy to generate RM13 billion in investment and trade outcomes.
