South Africa “Trade and Investment Opportunities Seminar” on 27 November 2018 at Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

The South African High Commission in Malaysia organised a “South Africa Trade and Investment Opportunities Seminar” at Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
The Seminar was held in line with the President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa’s successful Investment Conference held on 25-27 October 2018 in South Africa which was attended by some of the top global corporations such as Alibaba, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen, Anglo American and Microsoft that mobilised R1.2 trillion in new investments from various multi-national corporations over the next five years.
The aims of the Conference were to:-

 • Improve investor confidence in South Africa;
• Reinforce South Africa’s investment profile;
• Investment opportunities in South Africa;
• Showcase unique features, strengths, competitiveness and attractiveness of South Africa as investment destination and
• Profile the country as the most industrialised country on the African continent and also a gateway into the large African and other international markets.

 
H.E. Samkelisiwe I. Mhlanga, High Commissioner of the South African High Commission in Malaysia presented a 40-minute presentation on the “Many Opportunities for Investment and Trade that South Africa offers to Malaysian Investors and Corporations” at the Seminar.

MASSA members who attended the Seminar were later invited to a private lunch hosted by the South African High Commission at the hotel.  Ms Florence Khoo, Asst. Executive Secretary represented MASSA Secretariat at the event.

Appended below  are some of the slides presentation at the “South Africa – Trade and Investment Opportunities” Seminar for your information.

Season’s  Greetings  and  a  Happy  New  Year  2019  from  the MASSA Secretariat!

MASSA  was  priviledged   to   end  2018   with  an  eventful  27th   MASSA  Anniversary Dinner with YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and YABhg Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali as our Guests-Of-Honour.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of our members, the dinner was successfully organised wherein guests from 16 Embassies and High Commissions, Government officials and our associates from the developing countries, Uganda, Bangladesh and Vietnam joined MASSA members in the celebrations.

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad also unveiled a MASSA publication entitled “27 Years South-South Co-operation”.  The publication of this commemorative book was aimed at documenting MASSA’s 27 years journey to the developing countries.  MASSA is grateful to the steadfast support of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad who encouraged the formation of this Business Association and gave his support for Malaysian businesses to venture to the developing countries of the South.  27 years on, MASSA is proud that its members have made significant inroads and have established a Malaysian footprint in these countries and it is still growing.

Please visit our website at www.massa.net.my to read the book online and to view the corporate videos and pictures highlights of the anniversary night.
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in his speech at the dinner applauded MASSA for its achievements todate, for its perseverance to stay the course, be a catalyst and the first mover to do business in the countries of the South.  He encouraged members to keep the pioneering spirit and build upon our business experience and continue to learn  and innovate with the technological advancements that the digital world presents us, so that we can do more business, more efficiently and with better productivity and consequently improve our business profitability.

Bearing in mind Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s advise, MASSA will endeavour to highlight to members, events and news to guide members towards opportunities for networking and business opportunities.   Please look out for MASSA notices for events in our weekly circulars.

We take this occasion to thank all our members, associates, sponsors and contributions for assisting us in bringing you interesting articles in the publication of our E-Newsletter throughout 2018.

We look forward to your continuing support as we endeavour to add value to your South-South connections.

We wish all our members and readers “Season’s Greetings” and best wishes for a “Happy and Healthy New Year 2019”.

Ng Su Fun  
MASSA Secretariat

Greetings and Best Wishes for 2019!

2018 has been a watershed year for Malaysia. 

The world economy began 2018 on an upbeat mode when global growth was broad-based and synchronised.  However, global growth slowed on account of many on-going concerns that included the geopolitical tensions in the middle east, the rising US economy,  slowing manufacturing growth in China, Brexit and the on-going US-China trade wars. 

Malaysia created top global news when YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad re-emerged once again as Malaysia’s 7th Prime Minister following the nation’s 14th General Election to form a new Government for Malaysia.  As the new Government got down to work, many challenges were revealed, especially legacy challenges from the former Government while having to contend with a weakening domestic economy, partly due to unfavourable global trends.

Bank Negara has lowered Malaysia’s economic growth forecast for 2018 to 5% from its earlier estimate of 5.5%-6%.  This softer growth was partly attributed to the moderating performance of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and crude palm oil (CPO).  The agriculture sector was affected by production constraints and adverse weather conditions. The construction sector has also been affected due to the cancellation or postponement of mega projects, thus affecting overall economic growth.  However, the services and manufacturing sector remained supportive of growth.

We can expect challenging economic headwinds in 2019 and uncertainties ahead.  This is not a new phenomena and our past experiences should help us to ride through the turbulence as we  seek out new business opportunities, especially in the developing countries.

Towards this end, MASSA will endeavour to bring to members’ attention areas, sectors and regions where there may be viable business propositions for your consideration.

I appreciate the continuing support and cooperation of all members, especially my fellow Executive Committee members with your attendance at our regular meetings and your generous contributions.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful 2019.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President

4th Showcase Bangladesh 2019 – Go Global   

4^th Showcase

Bangladesh 2019

-Go Global

                   Date: To be announced

Introduction

SHOWCASE BANGLADESH 2019 – GO GLOBAL  is set to become the most exciting event for the 4th times in Kuala Lumpur, organized by Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) in collaboration with the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

The main objective of the showcase is to promote and project strong Bangladeshi products for export. Bangladesh has definite export product lines that are of export quality.  They include Readymade Woven & knit Garments, Frozen fish, leather goods, Jute and Jute products, Tea, Pharmaceutical products, Ceramic tableware, Halal products, Leather products, ICT.

(1)  17 May 2018 – Meeting with Director, ASEAN &

       Oceania Section, Exports Promotion & Market

       Access Division, MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur 

MASSA Secretariat together with FMM Secretariat representative, Ms Koh Wee Leng, met the Director, ASEAN & Oceania Section, Exports Promotion & Market Access Division, MATRADE, Encik Raja Badrulnizam Raja Kamalzaman and his team at MATRADE on 17 May 2018. 

The meeting discussed the potential to do business in the Oceania countries.  Encouraged by MATRADE, the meeting discussed the possibility to organise a business mission to Fiji and New Zealand.  Working together with MATRADE and its offices in the region, MASSA and FMM members can explore these markets for Malaysian products and services.

(left to right) Puan Jamilah Ibrahim, Senior Manager, Lifestyle Unit, Trade and Services Promotion Division, Puan Anisah Ali, Senior Manager, ASEAN & Oceania Section, Exports Promotion & Market Access Division, Encik Raja Badrulnizam Raja Kamalzaman, Director, ASEAN & Oceania Section, Exports Promotion & Market Access Division, Ms Koh Wee Leng, FMM, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA and Ms Florence Khoo, MASSA

(2)  17 May 2018 – Meeting at BRINS Secretariat, MITI 

MASSA (MAJECA) Secretariat met Mr Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, Senior Principal Assistant Director of BRINS and Mr Kiew Chia Meng (from Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations Division) on 17 May 2018 at MITI Tower, Kuala Lumpur.

The meeting discussed the roles and objectives of the BRINS Secretariat and how MASSA can work alongside BRINS to encourage MASSA members to tap the business opportunities arising in the 71 countries connected under the Belt & Road Initiative.

(3)  25 June 2018 – Selangor Human Resource

       Development Centre (SHRDC)’s presentation

       on the “Roles, Functions and Programmes”

       and Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0” 

Mr Tan Beng Teong, Executive Director of the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) gave a presentation on SHRDC’s roles, functions and programmes aimed at training, retraining and upskilling our industrial labour force to meet current industry needs, with special emphasis on alignment to the Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0 concept to MASSA members on 25 June 2018. 

Mr Tan Beng Teong, Executive Director of the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC)

Mr Tan Beng Teong, Executive Director of SHRDC sharing his presentation with MASSA members

MASSA Members attended the SHRDC’s presentation

The Selangor Human Resource Development Centre  (www.shrdc.org.my) or SHRDC is an industry-driven training and development centre located in Shah Alam.  The SHRDC was founded in 1992 as a smart partnership with the Industry and the Federal and State Government. 

SHRDC’s partners comprise the following:

• Digital citizenship institute
• International Thought Leader Network
• Swiss Smart Factory
• Kotter International
• SEDA (Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia)
• SAS (business analytics software and services)
• IHK (Industrie-und Handelskammer, German Chamber of Commerce)
• IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries)
• Box Hill Institute
 
The programmes offered at the SHRDC include:

• Aviation MRO
• Microsystem
• Solar Technology
• ICT
• Industry 4.0
• Leadership & Change Management
• Engineering, Design and Mechatronics

Following are some of the SHRDC slides on the “Roles, Functions and Programmes of SHRDC & Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0” presented on 25 June 2018:-

Contact Details:-

Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC)
No. 1, Ground Floor, Block 2
Pusat Perniagaan Worldwide
Jalan Tinju 13/50, Sect 13
40100 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: +603-5513 3560
Fax: +603-5513 3490

Email: info@shrdc.org.my
Website: www.shrdc.org.my

(4)   18th July 2018 – Technical Visit to MIMOS by 

         MASSA & MAJECA Members 

MIMOS Berhad (or MIMOS) is a research and development centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia under purview of the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC).  The company was founded as the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems in 1985.  MIMOS Berhad provides applied Research and Development (R&D) service in Information and Communications technology, Industrial Electronics Technology and Nano-Semiconductor Technology.

MIMOS conducts R&D in the areas of advanced analysis and modelling, such as developing and analysing mathematical models and computer simulations of research problems; advanced computing, including spearhead R&D activities in large-scale computing, cloud computing and services delivery platform; information security solutions focusing on trusted computing group specifications; intelligent informatics solutions, such as the processing and representation of information in image processing and pattern recognition; and knowledge technology solutions focusing on activities in semantic Web and semantic technologies.

Over the past 12 years, MIMOS has filed more than 2,000 Intellectual Properties in various technology domains and across key socio-economic areas. Serving a central role in Malaysia’s transformation journey and ICT Vision, MIMOS endeavours to create a culture of innovation by nurturing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, in the spirit of smart partnerships and inclusive growth models and strategies.

Through its Technological Leadership, MIMOS role and objectives have been defined to grow key economic sectors, provide innovative solutions to enhance productivity, support local industries and improve capacities through technology, and above all, position Malaysia in the global market as an advanced, regional centre of excellence.

MASSA in collaboration with MAJECA jointly organised a Technical Visit to MIMOS for a briefing and tour of their facilities.

20 representatives from 14 companies/ organisations participated in the Technical Visit to MIMOS on 18 July 2018.

Introduction and Welcome

The CEO & President of MIMOS; Mr Ahmad Rizan Ibrahim welcomed all participants and introduced the role, objectives and vision of MIMOS.

Mr Ahmad Rizan, CEO & President of MIMOS interacting with participants after his welcoming speech.

Mr Ng Kwan Ming the Senior Director, Corporate Technology gave an overview of MIMOS and showcased some applications of solutions created resulting from its R&D analysis – the National High-Performance Computing GRID platform, known as KnowledgeGRID Malaysia.

Presentation by Mr Ng Kwan Ming, Senior Director, Corporate Technology

Mr Wan Azli Bin Wan Ismail, Vice President, Nanofab & Semiconductor introduced our group to graphene wafer production that can have the potential to boost the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector by enhancing high value-added electronics applications.

(left) Mr Wan Azli Bin Wan Ismail, Vice President, Nanofab & Semiconductor briefing MASSA & MAJECA members about the silicon ingot

MIMOS Technology Venture and Incubation

MIMOS Technology Venture and Incubation

Group photo taken at Big Data Analytics Lab

 Tour of Laboratory facilities

* Big Data IoT Technology Accelerator (BITX) Lab
* Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) Lab
* Electronics Prototyping Lab
* Reliability Lab – which provides strategic, internationally-compliant hardware reliability testing services
* Failure Analysis (FA) & Material Analysis (MA) Lab
* Wafer Pilot Line

Mr Chong Foo Boon, Senior Director of Wireless Innovation giving a briefing at BITX Lab

Dr Hon Hock Woon, Senior Principle Researcher briefing members at BITX Lab

(center) Dato’ Chew Chee Kin, President of Sunway Berhad experimenting with the
VR3D device in the Virtual Reality (VR) Lab

Silicon Ingot display at the Semiconductor Lab

Silicon wafers display at the Semiconductor Lab

Graphene Wafer Technology Chart

Sample of Nano-Crystalline Graphene Schottky Diode

(left) Dr Pannirselvam, Director, Wireless Technology & System Design Lab giving a briefing at Electronics Prototyping Lab

MIMOS Performance Highlight chart

(left) Mr Wan Azli Bin Wan Ismail, Vice President, Nanofab & Semiconductor presenting a souvenir to (right) Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MASSA

Group photo taken at MIMOS Lobby

We would like to thank MIMOS Berhad for hosting the informative tour for MASSSA & MAJECA members.

Contact Details

MIMOS Berhad (336183-H)
Jalan Inovasi 3,
Technology Park Malaysia
57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 603- 8995 5000
Fax: 603- 8996 2755
E-mail: info@mimos.my
Website: http://www.mimos.my

(5)  25 July 2018 – Courtesy Call on Tan Sri Azman

       Hashim, President of MASSA by Ambassador of

       Bosnia and Herzegovina to Malaysia 

H.E. Emir Hadzikadunic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Malaysia made a courtesy call on President of MASSA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim on 25th July 2018 at his office.

The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Amer Bukvic, Chief Executive Officer, Bosna Bank International and Mr. Mirza Vejzagic, Advisor to President and Project Management Office of Bosna Bank International.

(left to right) H.E. Emir Hadzikadunic, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Malaysia, Tan Sri Azman Hashim and Mr. Amer Bukvic, Chief Executive Officer, Bosna Bank International

(6)   9 August 2018 – Meeting with BMCCI and ERA

         at MASSA Secretariat

Mr Syed Moazzam Hossain, President of Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) and Mr Ar. Md. Alamgir Jalil, Former President 2016-2017 of BMCCI visited MASSA’s Secretariat.  The meeting discussed amongst others, the promotion of the “4th Showcase Bangladesh 2019 – Go Global” next year. 

Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Ms Florence Khoo, Asst. Executive Secretary of MASSA met them together with YBhg Datin Paduka Yong Dai Ying, Past President of Expertise Resource Association (ERA), Mr L T Lim and Mr PrameKumar VNP Nair, both EXCO member of ERA at the meeting.   

(left to right) Ms Florence Khoo, YBhg Datin Paduka Yong Dai Ying, Ms Ng Su Fun, Mr Syed Moazzam Hossain, Mr PrameKumar VNP Nair, Mr LT Lim and Mr Ar. Alamgir Jalil