Author: Ken Invest Penang

Ken Invest Penang

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Promising Manufacturing Investment Inflows of RM7.1 Billion in 1Q2020

For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE Driven by the foreign direct investments (FDI), Penang recorded a promising RM7.1 billion approved manufacturing investments in 1Q2020. There are still opportunities in targeted industries for Penang to seize, amidst the dim global FDI outlook. Penang, July 22, 2020 – Penang recorded a promising RM7.1 billion of approved manufacturing investments […]

For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE

Driven by the foreign direct investments (FDI), Penang recorded a promising RM7.1 billion approved manufacturing investments in 1Q2020. There are still opportunities in targeted industries for Penang to seize, amidst the dim global FDI outlook.

Penang, July 22, 2020 – Penang recorded a promising RM7.1 billion of approved manufacturing investments in the first quarter of 2020 (1Q2020), amidst the challenging global macroeconomic environment.  Driven predominantly by foreign direct investments (FDI), the RM7.1 billion performance in 1Q2020 (QoQ: +97.2%, YoY: -19.3%) represents 42% of 2019’s full year approved manufacturing investments.

According to Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Penang successfully garnered 32 manufacturing projects in 1Q2020, which is estimated to create 4,035 new job opportunities in the State.

FDI accounted for RM6.8 billion or 96% of Penang’s manufacturing investment inflows in 1Q20, while the remaining RM321 million or 4% were domestic direct investments (DDI). In 1Q20, Penang contributed a majority of 64% share of Malaysia’s total FDI, signifying that Penang plays a critical role in driving Malaysia’s participation in the global supply chain and multinational corporations’ strong confidence in the State as a conducive and sustainable investment location.

Top manufacturing FDI in 1Q2020 were from Switzerland, the United States and Singapore. Remarkable new investments in Penang included projects from DexCom Inc. and LEM Holding SA.

Penang continued to excel in its key promoted industries with Machinery & Equipment, Scientific & Measuring Equipment (which includes medical devices) and Electronics & Electrical industries collectively constituted 95% of Penang’s total approved manufacturing investments in 1Q2020.

In a press conference today, Right Honorable Chow Kon Yeow, the Chief Minister of Penang, said: “The encouraging investment performance in the first quarter of 2020, which exceeded our expectations, was underpinned by both new investments and re-investments. Being a business-friendly state that emphasises sustainability, the Penang State Government strongly believes that fostering long-term relationships with industries are crucial in the economic development of the State.  The existing companies’ technical capabilities and capacity expansion in Penang translate into talent upskilling, better job prospects and prosperity for local residents. The State’s ability to attract new investors is made possible by its resilient ecosystem and comprehensive supply chain, in which every stakeholder in the industry plays a role.”

Chow added: “The State government would like to express our deepest appreciation to all the investors for their confidence in Penang as well as MIDA for working hand-in-hand with InvestPenang in attracting high quality investments into the State.”

Cautiously Optimistic in the second half of 2020

Despite the satisfactory performance in the first quarter and the pipeline of potential strategic investments that MIDA and InvestPenang are working on to secure, the State estimates that 2020’s investment inflow to Penang will be lower than 2019’s all-time-high of RM16.9 billion. The State government is mindful that the global FDI outlook is on a downtrend until at least 2021 and public health challenges will persist in the near future. Having said that, there are still opportunities for Penang, particularly arising from global supply chain reconfiguration and the emerging industries that will continue to play important roles in the post COVID-19 era. The State government will stay vigilant and continue with its efforts in attracting investments from the targeted industries.

Commitment to Ensure Successful Implementation on the Ground

For the approved manufacturing investments, the State government, through InvestPenang, Penang Development Corporation and other relevant agencies, is committed to assist investors and to facilitate project implementations on the ground. Successful implementation of these projects will bring ripple effects on the local economy in terms of supply chain localisation opportunities, uplifting the skillset of the local technical workforce, as well as having significant economic spill-over and multiplier effects.

END 

About InvestPenang

InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously injecting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including the spawning of viable new growth centres. To support the realization of its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like SMART Centre (to assist SMEs), Penang CAT Centre (to assist talents) and @CAT Penang (to assist start-ups).

Learn more about InvestPenang at our website: www.investpenang.gov.my

For media enquiries, please contact:
Yeoh Bit Kun / Lee Siu Ming
bitkun@investpenang.gov.my / siuming@investpenang.gov.my

InvestPenang

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Press Statement by the Chief Minister of Penang on 2nd May 2020 at Komtar, George Town

Penang Future Foundation (“PFF”) started in 2015 as the Penang State Government’s initiative to aid outstanding and deserving Malaysian youths to pursue tertiary studies in public/private universities in Malaysia. With valuable contribution from the private sector and donors, especially the Penang Turf Club, and recognizing the importance of education and the need to retain local […]

Penang Future Foundation (“PFF”) started in 2015 as the Penang State Government’s initiative to aid outstanding and deserving Malaysian youths to pursue tertiary studies in public/private universities in Malaysia. With valuable contribution from the private sector and donors, especially the Penang Turf Club, and recognizing the importance of education and the need to retain local talents, PFF has awarded approximately 500 scholarships over the last 5 years. Selected scholars come from a diverse range of backgrounds and are enrolled in fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Accountancy and Finance.

Entering its sixth year, this scholarship fund intends to help the Penang State Government achieve our objectives of attracting, building and retaining human talent. Based on the recently released approved investment report for year 2019 by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Penang has successfully recorded the highest amount of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country for the manufacturing sector which is RM15 billion. The total amount of approved investment (domestic and foreign) in the manufacturing sector for the state is RM16.9 billion involving 166 projects. These two figures, to date, are Penang’s highest achievement in our state’s history. This is a proven testament of foreign investors’ high confidence towards the investment ecosystem which Penang offers. By materializing the 2019 approved manufacturing investments of RM16.9 billion, it is estimated that 18,886 new job opportunities will be created in Penang, according to MIDA. While Penang has no natural resources, we have a skilled workforce and talents which are often envied and a great pull factor for investors.

In light of the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic which has financially affected many Malaysian households, the PFF scholarship programme becomes a critical platform that ensures our scholars are not denied of educational opportunities during this challenging time. At the same time, the Penang State Government will continue to work hard in ensuring that our state economy remains resilient in face of the new normal due to this pandemic.

Since its inception in 2015, the availability of a stable and skilled workforce is a key criterion in attracting capital investments. Investors are attracted to locations that have a suitably skilled talent pool, and PFF’s scholarship awards and workforce development initiatives are part of the State Government’s efforts to foster a sustainable and conducive ecosystem that will attract high-quality, strategic investments, in line with the State’s industrial development goals. Since its inception five years ago, PFF has disbursed scholarships to more than 500 scholars and 170 PFF scholars who have graduated from their respective universities have also successfully secured employment with companies of their choice in Penang.

Prospective students may apply to be either a ‘PFF Penang Scholar’ or ‘PFF Mutiara Scholar’. Interested candidates are advised to check the eligibility requirements for each category. Both categories have different eligibility criteria based on, among others, candidates’ financial background and scholastic record. ‘PFF Penang Scholar’ caters for those with CGPA of 3.67 and above whereas ‘PFF Mutiara Scholar’ is available for applicants whose CGPA is between 3.00 to 3.66. Successful applicants will receive benefits that correspond with the scholarship awarded to them. Detailed information on benefits and terms of the scholarship is available at PFF’s website (www.penangfuturefoundation.my).

Application window for PFF Scholarship 2020 will open from 1 June 2020 to 22 June 2020. Interested students are encouraged to keep a lookout for periodic announcements through PFF’s website at www.penangfuturefoundation.my; Buletin Mutiara’s distributed free copies; and social media websites including Facebook and Twitter.

CHOW KON YEOW

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PFF Bootcamp 2019

PFF Bootcamp 2019 was held on 23 and 24 August 2019 at Olive Tree Hotel Penang. The main objectives for the bootcamp are: To align scholars on PFF’s objectives and State’s vision, plans and programs To develop the scholars through soft skills training eg: leadership and communication skills To encourage camaraderie amongst scholars and strengthen […]

PFF Bootcamp 2019 was held on 23 and 24 August 2019 at Olive Tree Hotel Penang. The main objectives for the bootcamp are:

  • To align scholars on PFF’s objectives and State’s vision, plans and programs
  • To develop the scholars through soft skills training eg: leadership and communication skills
  • To encourage camaraderie amongst scholars and strengthen the alumni bond

Various programmes had been arranged for the scholars during this 2 Days 1 Night bootcamp in order to achieve the objectives of the event. PFF Bootcamp 2019 started with concurrent site visits to Penang-based companies i.e. Intel and Vitrox, followed by an “Emotional Intelligence” training by Leaderonomics. Bootcamp participants were also divided into 12 teams to work on Bootcamp Challenge 2019 – “Realization of Penang2030”, a project designed for them to develop a captivating public awareness campaign to promote Penang2030 vision as a family-focused green and smart state that inspires the nation to their fellow university mates.  After the elimination round, the top 4 teams were selected to present their projects during PFF Luncheon 2019 on 24 August 2019.

Site Visit to Intel

Site Visit to Vitrox

Trainers from Leaderonomics

Emotional Intelligence Training

Bootcamp Challenge Elimination Round

On the second day of the bootcamp, Mr. Ng Sang Beng from Aemulus Corporation Sdn Bhd was invited as a speaker to share on a topic “F for Fundamentals, Not for Fun”.

Sharing Session from Mr. Ng Sang Beng

The bootcamp concluded with PFF Luncheon 2019 hosted by Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow to thank PFF Selection Committee members and co-interviewers/industry leaders in making PFF a success. All scholars, PFF Selection Committee members and co-interviewers/industry leaders, PFF Secretariat and invited guests had joined PFF Luncheon which was founded as a great platform for all to establish friendship and networking opportunities. PFF Luncheon 2019’s itinerary included certificate-giving to 66 PFF Graduates, performances from PFF Scholars and networking session between industry players and PFF Scholars.

Once again, congratulations and well done to our 66 PFF Graduates:

  1. Aaron Koe Zhen Yao – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Chemical Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
  2. Ang See Ping – Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia
  3. Ang Wei Keong – Bachelor of Science (Housing, Building and Planning) (Honours) Construction Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  4. Chan Jye Ming – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Cognitive Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
  5. Chan Swee Mei – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Actuarial Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  6. Cheang Yeu Huang – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Environmental Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  7. Cheng Z-Ker – Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia
  8. Chong Ka Fan – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Applied Chemistry, Universiti Malaya
  9. Choo Jie Liang – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Electronic Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  10. Choong Chia How – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Mechatronics Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  11. Fatin Nadhirah binti Abdul Aziz – Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) Information System Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Mara
  12. Fatin Nur Adilah binti Md Idris – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Geology, Universiti Malaya
  13. Foo Kim Hui – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Industrial Chemistry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
  14. Foong Pooi Chee – Bachelor of Business (Honours) Accounting and Finance, Kolej Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
  15. Galvin Ooi Yeow Boon – Baachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Northumbria at Newcastle
  16. Gan Xu Yang – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Electronic Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  17. Hazwan bin Anuar – Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with Honours, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  18. H’ng Yap How – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Industrial Chemistry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
  19. Husema A/P Murugiah – Bachelor of Business (Honours) Accounting and Finance, Kolej Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
  20. Isamuddin bin Mohamed Iqubal – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Materials Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  21. Kang Huay Wei – Bachelor of Finance (Honours), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
  22. Khe Jia Ming – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Chemistry, Universiti Malaya
  23. Khor Chia Yee – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Chemistry, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  24. Khor Yee Shuan – Bachelor of Science Industrial Mathematics with Honours, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  25. Koay Hui Ling – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biohealth Science, Universiti Malaya
  26. Kok Kian Yuen – Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia
  27. Lee Che Keat – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University
  28. Lee Kah Wei – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Computing Studies, University of Northumbria at Newcastle
  29. Lee Yuan Jun – Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with Honours, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  30. Liew Wei Chong – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), AIMST University
  31. Lim Wun Xin – Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia
  32. Lim Yong Fong – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Electrical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  33. Loh Wai Kei – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Construction Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  34. Loh Zi Ting – Bachelor of Science (Hons) Industrial Chemistry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah
  35. Loo Ri Ying – Bachelor of Technology (Honours) Food, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  36. Lukhman Nur Hakim bin Ahmad Ridzuan – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Mara
  37. Muhamad Syazwan bin Md Aris – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  38. Muhammad Daniel bin Haris Nasation – Bachelor of Sport Science (Honours), Universiti Teknologi Mara
  39. Ng Kia Kheng – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
  40. Ng Tze Hong – Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) Applied Statistics, Universiti Sains Malaysia
  41. Nur Nasuha binti Bakar – Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Honours), Universiti Teknologi Mara
  42. Nurul Syahirah binti Asrul Effendi – Bachelor of Accountancy (Honours), University Teknologi Mara
  43. Ooi Kean Lee – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Mechanical Engineering, University of Sunderland
  44. Ooi Lim Seong Liang – Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia
  45. Ooi Yan Xin – Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) Industrial Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang
  46. Ooi Yong Xuan – Bachelor of Nutrition (Honours), Management & Science University
  47. Poornakala A/P Rathakrishnan – Bachelor of Accounting with Honours, Universiti Utara Malaysia
  48. Seah Ciao Hern – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Mechanical Engineering (Automative), Universiti Malaysia Pahang
  49. Seah Jia-Min – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Computing Studies, University of Northumbria at Newcastle
  50. Seah Min Ni – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Computing Studies, University of Northumbria at Newcastle
  51. Shantini A/L Chandra Logan – Bachelor of Business (Honours) Accounting and Finance, Kolej Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
  52. Sim Chee Hoe – Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia
  53. Sim Jia Wei – Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia
  54. Sim Zhenzhao – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
  55. Tan Chong Gee – Bachelor of Computer Sains (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia
  56. Tan Hang Yan – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Electronic Engineering, Unersiti Sains Malaysia
  57. Tan Kean Hong – Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with Honours, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  58. Tan Ya Sze – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Chemical, Monash University
  59. Tan Yuen Syan – Doctor of Dental Surgery, Mahsa University
  60. Teh Shu Hui – Bachelor of Business (Honours) Accounting and Finance, Kolej Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
  61. Teoh Yet Yi – Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Accounting, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
  62. Thow Ting Ting – Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia
  63. Tiew Soo Wei – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Architecture, Universiti Malaya
  64. Trishal Ashvin Kaur A/P Ranjit Singh – Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation
  65. Wong Kah Liang – Bachelor of  Engineering (Honours) Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis
  66.  Yeong Choy Shan – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Applied Chemistry, Universiti Malaya

Bootcamp Challenge 2019

Violin Performance by PFF Scholar

Singing Performance by PFF Scholars

PFF Luncheon 2019 Group Photo

Group photo of PFF Graduated Scholars and Selection Committee

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PFF 2019 Selection Interview

PFF 2019 Selection Interview was held on on 1 August (Mutiara Scholar), 5 and 6 August (Penang Scholar) 2019 at Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC). This is a face-to-face panel interview headed by members of the PFF Selection Committee and leaders from industry, academia and community. Shortlisted PFF 2019 applicants were required to attend the interview […]

PFF 2019 Selection Interview was held on on 1 August (Mutiara Scholar), 5 and 6 August (Penang Scholar) 2019 at Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC). This is a face-to-face panel interview headed by members of the PFF Selection Committee and leaders from industry, academia and community. Shortlisted PFF 2019 applicants were required to attend the interview for their final round of evaluation for PFF Scholarship 2019.

Waiting Area

Waiting Area

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PFF 2019 Press Conference

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has announced that application for PFF 2019 will be opened from 31 May to 20 June 2019 during a press conference held on 25 March 2019. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shared, “PFF provides fruitful opportunities for our future Malaysian leaders. We hope to attract, build and retain human talent […]

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has announced that application for PFF 2019 will be opened from 31 May to 20 June 2019 during a press conference held on 25 March 2019.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shared, “PFF provides fruitful opportunities for our future Malaysian leaders. We hope to attract, build and retain human talent in Penang. We intend to engage industry players and form strategic partnerships”.

 

Buletin Mutiara’s video link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=407257523426077

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2018 PFF Bootcamp

In our effort to have continuous engagement and to build stronger bond between all PFF scholars (PFF 2017, 2016, and 2015 batches) and the state of Penang, a 2 Day 1 Night 2018 PFF Bootcamp has been organized on 17 and 18 August 2018 at Olive Tree Hotel. A training on “Interpersonal Skills Through DISC” […]

In our effort to have continuous engagement and to build stronger bond between all PFF scholars (PFF 2017, 2016, and 2015 batches) and the state of Penang, a 2 Day 1 Night 2018 PFF Bootcamp has been organized on 17 and 18 August 2018 at Olive Tree Hotel. A training on “Interpersonal Skills Through DISC” has been conducted by Leaderonomics during the bootcamp. Scholars had been given a Bootcamp Challenge – “Greener Penang”, a project for them to develop a marketing campaign to promote Penang as a livable green city and to present their projects during the bootcamp. Among the 12 teams formed by the bootcamp participants, the top 3 selected teams were to perform their projects during PFF Luncheon on 18 August 2018 in front of around 300 audiences.

On the second day of the bootcamp, PFF has invited Mr. Bock Kim Lee from Sandisk/WD, Dr. Lim Kim Hwa from Cammillion, Mr. Heng Fook Main from Ceedtec, Ms. Azian Wahab from National Instruments, and Mr. Walter Lee from Venturetec as speakers for sharing sessions to speak on the topics of “Industry 4.0 – Will Robot Takeover Our World”, “Blockchain and Fintech: Is this the new world order”, “Dare to Dream? Entreprenuer Journey”, “How To be A Star Employee?” and “The entrepreneurial journey of an accidental chef” respectively.

The main highlight of the bootcamp was PFF Luncheon on 18 August which was hosted by the Right Honorable Chief Minister of Penang, also the lead PFF Selection Committee – YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow to thank PFF Selection Committee members and co-interviewers/industry leaders to making PFF a success. All attended PFF scholars, PFF Selection Committee members and co-interviewers/industry leaders, PFF Secretariat and invited guests had joined for the PFF Luncheon which was found as a great platform for all to establish their networks. Programs for the evening had also included Souvenirs-giving to PFF Graduates, Performances from PFF Scholars and Networking Session between Industry Players and PFF Scholars.

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