Press Releases 2015
International Biomass Conference Malaysia 2015 (8 December 2015)
International Biomass Conference Malaysia 2015
Building sustainable future industries
KUALA LUMPUR, 8 December 2015 – The International Biomass Conference Malaysia (IBCM) 2015 today witnessed the launch of Sabah Biomass Industry Development Plan (SBIDP) and the establishment of a Federal-State government driven Sabah Biomass Delivery Unit that will serve to execute the plan, serving as a major milestone for Malaysia’s stride towards a regional Premier Biomass Hub.
The signing of the Key Term Sheet between Brooke Renewables, a local Sarawak based consortium and Beta Renewables from Italy is to state the intentions of both parties to enter into a proposed Licensing Agreement for the utilisation of PROESA technology to convert biomass into ethanol for the Sarawak 2G Bioethanol and Biochemical Project. This signifies the certainty that Malaysia is on its way of owning the region’s first of such facility. These two significant developments for Sabah and Sarawak are major leaps for accelerating the nation’s progress towards achieving the goals set up in Malaysia’s National Biomass Strategy (NBS) 2020.
The International Biomass Conference Malaysia 2015 (IBCM 2015) was officially opened at the MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre today marking yet another initiative by the Government to drive the growth of Malaysia’s biomass industry.
Launched by the Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, IBCM 2015 is a joint collaboration between Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM). Aimed at accelerating the integration of Malaysian biomass industry players into the global supply chain, ICBM 2015 congregates key industry players, technology & solution providers, scientists and leading biomass stakeholders to share insights, explore business opportunities and partnership models to move the agenda of the biomass industry forward.
Mustapa described the SBIDP and the Federal-State Delivery Unit as a joint development effort between Sabah State Government and Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM) as part of the National Biomass Strategy (NBS) 2020, setting another great example on the importance of Federal-State collaboration to help accelerate the realisation of a common biomass agenda.
He added that the Sabah plan identified critical state level enablers that would optimise the potential of the state and things that need to be in place to build an ecosystem that would accelerate the development of these biomass industries locally.
A biomass industry study is being conducted by Sarawak State Government and AIM to define its biomass development plan and it is currently in its final stages with the plan scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2016. With both the State Governments of Sabah and Sarawak taking progressive vision and concrete measures to maximise their biomass potential, as they account for more than 50% of the available biomass in the country, both local and international stakeholders shall be able to progress projects and help build the country’s biomass value chain.
Similarly, such initiatives spearheaded under NBS 2020 will be covering other high potential States in Malaysia, as each location has its own suitability of downstream activities based on biomass availability, infrastructure and needs of local industry and community.
Mustapa congratulated MATRADE and AIM for organising the IBCM 2015 as it demonstrated the Government’s commitment to develop the biomass industry that has great potential which can be tapped for the future.
“We have acknowledged the Biomass Industry as one of the key economic area for new wealth creation for the country beyond 2020, as such we are not just promoting investment into the area through MIDA but developing the entire value chain which includes export markets and end uses with MATRADE,†he said.
The SIBDP and Federal-State Sabah Biomass Delivery Unit was launched and announced by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industrial Development for Sabah, Dato’ Raymond Tan. The Board of the Federal-State Sabah Biomass Delivery Unit will be chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister himself, with members from key Sabah State Government representatives and AIM as part of driving the biomass agenda.
The National Biomass Strategy Delivery Unit (1MBAS) under AIM will be part of the working team under the Federal-State Sabah Biomass Delivery Unit as the State develop its capabilities internally. Both Datuk Hj. Hashim, Permanent Secretary of MID Sabah and Mark Rozario, CEO of AIM were on stage to symbolise the close partnership and collaboration.
Also present at the launch was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dato’ Mah Siew Keong. In his special address Mah said the launch of the SBIDP and the Federal-State Sabah Biomass Delivery Unit, a localised execution authority to drive the plan showed how important the Sabah State Government views biomass as a future economic driver, one that is sustainable and would help create new job opportunities.
“The signing of the Licensing Agreement for the 2G Bioethanol Plant in Sarawak by Brooke Renewables and Beta Renewables signifies that Malaysia will have the region’s first 2G Bioethanol Plant despite the challenging economic situation globally. I applaud all the biomass project owners for taking a long term view for aligning themselves to the aspirations laid out in the National Biomass Strategy developed and led by AIM,†he added.
He noted that NBS2020 and 1MBAS led by AIM have played an active and prominent role in the biomass sector. “Forging new forms of industry collaboration, innovative feedstock mobilisation and business models backed with realistic on-ground information add tremendous value in engagements with companies both local and abroad to communicate, progress and accelerate Malaysia’s aspiration towards becoming the regional premier biomass downstream processing hub,†he said.
In the area of development of Municipal Waste opportunity in Malaysia, he said AIM is proud to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Scania in November 2015 to develop a project for turning municipal waste into 2G biofuels, and eventually move towards other downstream products such as biochemical and etc. AIM is in the midst of engaging key stakeholders in this industry to detail out the development plan for 2016 and beyond.
“Another significant development to note in the Municipal waste area is a Joint Development Agreement signed between Renescience (part of Dong Energy) and Kualiti Alam (a wholly owned company of Khazanah Malaysia). This commitment is to secure a successful project that covers both commercial and technical feasibilities that will lead to investment decisions to be made for the project in Malaysia. This shows that we are expanding the biomass utilisation in this country as laid out in NBS 2020,†he said.
The two-day conference featured 27 speakers both international and regional experts in six panel discussions featuring topics such as; Is Biomass Industry a Threat to Environmental Sustainability, Can Malaysia be the Regional Biomass-Based Processing Hub, Gearing Towards an Advanced Bioeconomy, Is it Worth the Risk Accelerating Commercialisation of Biomass Research, and Incentives and Funding – Ways in Achieving Bankable Biomass Projects.
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Work Programme-Strategic Approach To Boost Malaysian Exports In 2016 (7 December 2015)
STRATEGIC APPROACH TO BOOST MALAYSIA’S EXPORT IN 2016
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) at its Work Programme 2016 press conference announced that the trade promotion agency is participating in 150 programmes next year. The work programme has been developed by taking into consideration the global economic performance, the implementation of 11th Malaysia Plan and initiatives laid out by the National Export Council (NEC).
According to MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud, “The strategic orientations in the Work Programme 2016 are based on these elements - increasing responsiveness to market dynamics, partnering industries in the deliberation of trade promotion activities, building export capacity especially in the areas of SMEs development, enhancing the competitive advantage of companies, in export markets, leveraging on e-commerce platforms and focusing on high value sectors such as in Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Maritime & MRO, Medical, Electrical & Electronic, Construction & Professional Services. Complementing these, we will also be organising more programmes in Malaysia, via our signature events.â€
“Malaysia may not be insulated from the on-going challenges in the global economy, but our business environment is well structured to support the existing activities while constantly seeking new growth opportunities and deepen relationship with China and ASEAN countries, especially now that the AEC has been realised,†he added.
The 150 programmes for 2016 comprise both Trade Promotion activities (85) and Exporters Development Programme (65). In 2015, MATRADE’s work programme included 116 programmes organised in 46 countries
Participation of companies will be channelled in a number of targeted programmes slated for next year such as the Go-Ex programme (150 companies), eTRADE (1,000 SMEs), Mid-Tier & Ramp Up programme (150 companies) and Best Exporters Programme (100 Bumiputera companies).
Additionally, there will be 30 outreach programmes under the Services Export Fund and 15 to 20 partnerships under the Large Corporation SME partnership programme.
The trade promotion programmes will take place in 35 countries around Asia, Europe, Americas and the Middle East. Of the programmes, 59% is centred around Asia (with strong focus on ASEAN), Europe (13%), Middle East (13%), Americas (4.7%) and Africa (3.5%). The programmes comprised local and International Trade Fairs, Trade Investment Missions, Specialised Marketing Missions as well as International Sourcing Programmes.
MATRADE will also be assisting the Ministry of International Trade and Industry to organise the 1Malaysia programme, a new initiative announced recently by the Government involving various agencies, GLCs and the private sector. The programme is set to create greater export performance for the country as well as to Brand Malaysia in the global marketplace.
The promotional programmes were also selected to create further leverage on the bilateral and regional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed by Malaysia with countries like Japan, Turkey, China, Korea, India and Australia, New Zealand as well as with ASEAN countries.
“At present, more than 60 per cent of Malaysia’s exports are with countries which Malaysia has FTAs, either bilaterally or through ASEAN,†Dato’ Dzulkifli mentioned.
MATRADE’s Work Programme 2016 will serve as an effective platform for Malaysian manufacturers and professional service providers to promote their world-class products and services globally, ultimately expanding Malaysia’s export markets worldwide.
RM20Million By TERAJU To Boost Bumiputera SMEs Export Capabilities (1 December 2015)
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION
RM20 MILLION BY TERAJU TO BOOST BUMIPUTERA SMEs EXPORT CAPABILITIES
The “Best Exporters Programme†is in collaboration with SME BANK AND MATRADE Kuala Lumpur, 1st December 2015 – Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) today announced its latest collaboration with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Small Medium Enterprise Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) for “Best Exporters†Programme to promote participation and growth of Bumiputera SMEs in the export markets. The thrust of the “Best Exporters Programme†is to guide and develop potential and existing Bumiputera SMEs through a comprehensive enhancement and enrichment activities which focuses on six primary areas namely production and technical, financial, human capital, export, marketing and legal compliance competencies.
At the document exchange ceremony, Dato’ Husni Salleh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TERAJU said, “TERAJU has allocated RM20 million for the programme which will be developed by MATRADE and will be managed by SME Bank to help Bumiputera SMEs develop their capabilities and capacity to be more competitive at global market. “Best Exporters Programme†will help the Bumiputera SMEs gain enhanced business qualities, improve their development capabilities and support them with valuable insights into building their businesses to export-ready entities.†Dato’ Husni further said that the programme is part of TERAJU’s ongoing initiative to foster and produce more export-based Bumiputera SMEs which in line with government’s aspiration to spur growth of local SMEs in the export markets.
At the event, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed witnessed the document exchange ceremony between TERAJU, MATRADE and SME Bank. The documents were exchanged between TERAJU CEO, Dato’ Husni, MATRADE Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud and SME Bank Group Managing Director, Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus.
Meanwhile, Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE said, “Best Exporters Programme would see the Bumiputera SMEs take part in a comprehensive structured development programme with modules ranging from identifying business needs or gap, operational, strategic planning and potential expansion strategies. The programme will complement MATRADE’s other programmes dedicated for Bumiputera SMEs namely the Bumiputera Exporters Development Programme (BEDP).â€According to SME Bank Group Managing Director, Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus, “We are looking at allocating RM200,000 per participating company for them to explore the opportunities overseas. Once the opportunity is identified and the market is secured, the participants can access the SME Go financing facility that was developed to support the Going Export (Go-Ex) programme under MATRADE.
Participants can use this financing program to ensure they are able to meet the demand coming from their overseas counterparts.â€Datuk Mohd Radzif added, “Best Exporters Programme target is to get at least 50 companies to become new exporters as well as penetrating new markets. Participating companies are expected to improve in export sales and revenue performance during the programme period.†The Best Exporters programme targets participation from 100 Bumiputera SMEs where credible Bumiputera SMEs either under TERAJU or SME Bank’s purview will be given preference to participate in the programme. The companies will also have access to a spectrum of services and programmes organized by agencies under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). The event brought together 150 companies which included TeraS and Bumiputera companies from various sectors. The companies were also given a briefing on the overall program and participation guideline at the event.
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ABOUT TERAJU
The setting up of TERAJU was announced by the Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday 8 February 2011, to lead, coordinate and drive Bumiputera economic participation through existing and new initiatives and to propose institutional reform, to increase effectiveness. TERAJU will undertake strategic alignment of the resources of the government and its agencies. It has been introduced as a “Game Changer†to strengthen and empower the Bumiputera Development Agenda. Its ultimate aim is to enable the Bumiputera community to seize opportunities and equally benefit from rapid economic growth.
TERAJU’s focus will be on the following areas:
- Entrepreneurship & wealth creation
- Funding
- Education & employment
- Institutional & policy instrument review
- Stakeholder management
TERAJU also acts as the Secretariat for the “Majlis Ekonomi Bumiputera†(“MEBâ€).
ABOUT MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on
March 1, 1993 as the external trade promotion arm of Malaysia's Ministry of International
Trade and Industry (MITI). Its functions are:
- To promote, assist and develop Malaysia's external trade with particular emphasis on the export of manufactured and semi-manufactured products and services;
- To formulate and implement export marketing strategies and trade promotion activities to promote Malaysia's export;
- To undertake commercial intelligence and market research and create a comprehensive database of information for the improvement and development of Malaysia's trade;
- To organise training programmes to improve the international marketing skills of Malaysian exporters;
- To enhance and protect Malaysia's international trade investment abroad; and
- To promote, facilitate and assist in the services areas related to trade.
ABOUT SME BANK
Designed to function ultimately as a one-stop financing and business development centre,
Malaysia’s SME Bank is dedicated to the accelerated growth of Malaysian SMEs. Through
better segmentation of SME financial and non-financial needs by industry, stage of growth
and product and market potential, the Bank will strive to hasten the financing processing of
eligible SMEs to meet their financing needs as well as support their business growth
requirements through the provision of timely advisory services. The principal activities of the
Bank are to provide financing as well as financial and business advisory services to Malaysian
SMEs residing within predefined categories which have been framed within the SME
classification guidelines of the National SME Development Council. SME Bank is celebrating
its 10 years anniversary this year. For more information, please visit: www.smebank.com.my
For further media queries, please contact:
i. Ulfat Khasyi’ah Baharudin
Corporate Communication
TERAJU
Tel: +603-7839 8000
Fax: +603-7839 8093
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ii. Zuhaila Akmar Mohd Sedek
Corporate Communication
MATRADE
Tel: +603- 62077077
Fax: +603- 6203 7194
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
iii. Abdul Latiff bin Puteh
Assistant Vice President
Group Corporate Communication
SME Bank
Tel: +603 2615 2954
Fax: +603-2698 1659
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MATRADE Highlights Export Opportunities In Uganda At Matching Session (2 December 2015)
MATRADE HIGHLIGHTS EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES IN UGANDA AT MATCHING SESSION
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) received a delegation from Barclays Bank Business Group of the Republic of Uganda at the Malaysia Export Exhibition Centre (MEEC) in Menara MATRADE today. The visit was followed by a business matching session between Malaysian companies and Barclays Bank’s premium clients from Uganda.
The bank’s premium clients who participated in the business matching, termed as MATRADE’s International Sourcing Programme, were keen to source products and services from Malaysia as well as to forge strategic partnership with Malaysia’s companies in various business fields. The delegation was headed by Madam Annette Kiconco, Head of Enterprise Banking for Barclays Bank. The visit was Barclays Bank second visit to Malaysia. Previously, the visit took place in 2012.
A total of 14 business meetings were successfully arranged with 10 Malaysian companies. Among the products sourced were industrial machinery, underground cables, paints, home furniture and cooking oils.
Additionally, MATRADE also organised a meeting between Barclays, and EXIM Bank as well as SME Bank. The meeting was to explore potential areas of collaboration with the aim of strengthening trade and investment cooperation between Ugandan and Malaysia’s enterprises as well with African region in general.
Malaysia’s main export to Uganda comprised rubber products, chemicals & chemical products, palm oil & palm based products, manufactures of metal particularly iron & steel products and machinery as well as appliances & parts. The total trade between Malaysia and Uganda for the first 10 months of this year (January to October 2015) were valued at RM149 million, registering 30% increase as compared to same period in 2014.
The visit was timely as MATRADE aims to accelerate exports of Malaysian products and services to Uganda and African market. Malaysia’s exports to the African region in the first ten months this year grew by 4.5 % to RM 17.1 billion as compared to the corresponding period of 2014. Malaysian companies planning to venture into Uganda or its surrounding African countries are urged to leverage on MATRADE’s South Africa trade office located in Johannesburg, that covers the Ugandan market. The office is one of the 46 MATRADE trade offices around the world.
MATRADE Organises Seminar On G-Mark Regulation for GCC Market on 23 NOVEMBER 2015 (19 November 2015)
MATRADE Organises Seminar On G-Mark Regulation for GCC Market on 23 NOVEMBER 2015 (19 November 2015)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian manufacturers or exporters of toys and Electrical & Electronic (E&E) products who wish to access the Gulf Markets are invited to register for a seminar organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) this 23 November 2015 at Menara MATRADE.
The seminar aims to provide insights on the impact of the changes in G-Mark regulation in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market. The amendments to the regulations were imposed by the GCC Standardisation Organisation (GSO) and will take effect on July 1, 2016. The changes are common Technical Regulation for low voltage electrical products.
This Technical Regulation (BD – 142004 – 01) covers safety and electromagnetic compatibility and is applicable in the GCC member states - United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. It will be made mandatory for all Low Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances manufactured in or imported to the Gulf states. In this regard, Malaysian exporters will have to fulfill all necessary requirements listed under the Technical Regulation.
Apart from the highlight on requirements of the amended G-Mark, the seminar will also shed light on various aspects pertaining to this new regulation including the 13 types of electrical household appliances that are not subject to self-certification and the appointed registered Notified Body for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, among others.
Interested Malaysian toys and E&E manufacturers who exporting or are planning to venture into the GCC market are highly encouraged to register as participants at this seminar. For details and registration contact Norzulaila Mohd Dzafri (03-6207 7144) / Sobirin Baharudin (03-6207 7146) and Norshahida Othman (03-6207 7124). Closing date is on 21 November 2015.
