Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

THURSDAY, 8 AUGUST 2019, KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Aker Solutions in Malaysia have established a partnership to further grow the global footprint of Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the energy industry.

The collaboration, which is part of MATRADE’s Global Sourcing Programme initiative, is targeted at getting local companies to leverage world-renowned companies such as Aker Solutions’ local and global procurement network. This is done by initiating a customised business matching engagement programme between Malaysian manufacturers and different procurement teams within Akers Solutions at Menara MATRADE today.

The first phase of engagement involved about 50 participants from 35 local SMEs. They were preselected and involved in a series of customised briefings and workshops sessions with Aker Solutions’ team in Malaysia, focusing on products and services required by the multinational company such as complex and medium complex machining, cladding, coating and fabrication, among others. The briefings and workshops were organised to enable the participants to understand Aker Solutions’ sourcing needs and be part of the company’s supply chain network.

MATRADE’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Puan Sharimahton Mat Saleh said the initiative exemplifies the strategic synergy between MATRADE and the local industry. “We trust such programmes will provide further impetus for the local oil and gas and related sectors to seek new customers and markets, amidst a very competitive landscape brought about by low crude oil prices.

“MATRADE sees this programme as an effective method to match local SMEs with a global name such as Aker Solutions. The company is also one of Malaysia’s long term investor and has been making Malaysia their regional hub since the late 1980’s. With their strong network in over 20 countries, we are sure Malaysian companies that are selected to be Aker Solutions’ suppliers will be able to serve Aker Solutions’ other hubs around the world too,” Sharimahton said.

“Our engagement with existing and potential Malaysian suppliers are part of our commitment to develop local competencies and provide opportunities into the energy industry,” said Managing Director and Country Manager of Malaysia and Brunei of Aker Solutions, Hatta Kamaruzzaman.

“We are growing our supplier base in Malaysia to provide products and services to our customers globally. Our suppliers are vital to our continued success in this region, they add value to our solutions,” he added. Aker Solutions in Malaysia provides solutions to a global customer base in regions such as Africa, China, India, the Middle East, Norway and South Korea.

Malaysia’s trade of the oil and gas products in 2018 was RM266.26 bil. In the first six months of 2019, the trade was recorded at RM125.94 bil. Key markets include Republic of Singapore, People's Republic of China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia and United Arab Emirates.

“I would like to urge Malaysian companies to reach out to MATRADE to find out how they can expand their business abroad. We have various Exporters Development and Export Promotion Programmes they can take part in. These efforts are targeted to boost their export capabilities and secure them business deals with foreign buyers,” Sharimahton shared.

Malaysian oil and gas companies keen to know more about the collaboration can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or write to any of MATRADE’s social media channels.