UNDERSTANDING MSBDF AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR MALAYSIAN BUSINESSES
Article by the Cross Border Investment Division, Malaysian Investment Development Authority, MIDA
UNDERSTANDING MSBDF AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR MALAYSIAN BUSINESSES
What is MSBDF?
- • The Malaysia-Singapore Third Country Business Development Fund (MSBDF) is a fund designed to support businesses or associations from both Malaysia and Singapore in jointly exploring business and investment opportunities in third countries. Administered by MIDA and Enterprise Singapore, the fund supports activities such as joint missions, joint feasibility studies and joint pilots, which require participation from both Malaysian and Singaporean entities. This collaborative initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between the private sectors of both countries, enhancing their ability to pursue business and investment opportunities abroad.
- • Both agencies serve as the implementing agencies for the MSBDF and act as a facilitator for businesses to tap into the fund and processes the applications received.
Investments that qualify for MSBDF must:
- • Provide access to new or existing technologies
- • Open new marketing channels or acquire existing ones overseas
- • Access overseas resources that support joint venture expansion or diversification
Key considerations for the MSBDF are that investments should create joint economic benefits for Malaysia and Singapore. Favorable investments include:
- • Enhancing R&D, design and engineering capabilities through new facilities, patents and specialised knowledge.
- • Improving access to overseas resources and marketing channels to boost production, export sales and services from both countries.
- • The Fund supports activities in but is not limited to the following sectors:
manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure development, construction, information technology, trading and services, green technology and digital economy which are deemed suitable by Implementing Agencies.
The activities for MSBDF consist of: –
- 1. Joint Trade Missions
Organise and participate in joint missions to other countries to explore business and investment opportunities.
- 2. Joint Feasibility Studies
Hire independent experts to conduct due diligence and market feasibility studies in other countries.
- 3. Joint Pilots
Run pilot projects in the digital and green economy sectors with activities either in third countries, Singapore or Malaysia reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Activity 1 and 2 must be conducted in third countries with exception to Activity 3. A third country means other country besides Malaysia and Singapore.
The Aims of MSBDF
- 1. To promote economic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore businesses in identifying business and investment opportunities.
- 2. To identify potential business environment, leads and opportunities in third countries.
- 3. To encourage technological innovation and technological advancements via test bedding activities to demonstrate viability and scalability of solution and/or innovate new solutions or products or services for clients.
Involvement of MASSA
The Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) is an organisation that promotes economic cooperation among developing countries. MASSA can play a significant role in leveraging MSBDF for its members by providing:
- • Awareness and outreach by informing members about the opportunities and benefits of MSBDF.
- • Collaborative projects by encouraging joint ventures and collaborative projects between Malaysian and Singaporean businesses.
Tips for Malaysian Businesses to Apply for the MSBDF
- 1. Ensure that the business meets the eligibility criteria set by MSBDF.
- 2. Ensure necessary documents such as business plans, financial statements and project proposals are provided as required in the guideline and application form.
- 3. Submit application by applying through MIDA or Enterprise Singapore. Companies must determine who will lead the activities and Lead Applicants shall submit their application based on the country they are registered in with all required documentation.
- 4. Working closely with MIDA for guidance, feedback and support throughout the application process.
- 5. Utilising MASSA’s network and resources for additional support and partnership opportunities.
Conclusion
The Malaysia-Singapore Business Development Fund (MSBDF) is a valuable resource for Malaysian businesses looking to expand their horizons and strengthen their ties with Singapore businesses. By leveraging the support of MIDA and MASSA, businesses can maximize their benefits from MSBDF, driving growth, innovation and collaboration in the region.
For more detailed information and assistance, businesses are encouraged to contact MIDA.
Diary of Events (August 2024 Issue)
The Malaysian Smart Factory (MSF) 4.0 is an emerging technology centre under SHRDC that provides competency-based smart factory training programs in the areas of industrial and Data Automation, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence.
Smart Factory takes existing manufacturing practices to Industry 4.0 standards that incorporates highly agile, efficient, and automated production lines integrated into a smart logistics and service network. Malaysian Smart Factory (MSF) 4.0 at SHRDC provides hands-on experience, training, technology, and talent development for Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory competencies.
Key takeaways:
- Smart Factory Technology Demonstration: Participants saw cutting-edge automation and IoT innovations that can enhance manufacturing processes.
- Practical and Cost-Effective Digital Transformation: Participants were given an insight into actionable and affordable strategies for digital upgrades and heard about real success stories from SMEs in various industry sectors.
- Generative AI Applications: Participants also learnt about the use of creative power of generative AI and its impact on design, prototyping, and customer experiences.
The programme was as follows:
Ms Ng Su Fun,
Executive Secretary, MASSA delivering his Welcome Remarks.
Ts. Dr. Chua Wen-Shyan,
Certified COSIRI Assessor (CCA), Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0, SHRDC delivered a presentation on a practical and cost-effective digital transformation.
(from left-to-right) Ts. Dr. Chua Wen-Shyan, Certified COSIRI Assessor (CCA), Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0, SHRDC, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA, YBhg Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad bin Mohd Kenali, Executive Committee Member, MASSA, YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Hon. Asst. Secretary and En Nazuki Abdullah, Director, Cross Border Investment Division (CBI), MIDA.
Following the presentation, the participants were brought to visit the Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0 Centre and Lab to see a demonstration of an application of smart factory technologies & solutions.
The visit concluded with a Group Photo of the participants:
Photo Gallery
Finexus Group in partnership with Malaysia Digital Economic Corporation (MDEC), Baker Tilly, the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and MASSA organized a sharing session on E-Invoicing Implementation and Solutions on 12 June 2024 at Finexus Campus.
The National E-Invoicing Initiative (NEI) aims to promote interoperable E-Invoicing by digitalizing the exchange of invoices among businesses. This facilitates the transmission of e-invoices between different accounting software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in a seamless manner.
The Sharing Session was organised to provide a platform for members and participants, in particular C-suite executives, business manager and personnel impacted by the e-invoicing implementation to know more about the National E-Invoicing Initiative, gain an overview on the business impact and discover potential solutions to meet Income Tax (LHDN) requirements.
YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Hon. Assistant Secretary of MASSA delivered the Opening Remarks.
Group photo of the role-players (from left-to-right):
Pn Yaszrina Mohamad Yassin, Head, e-Invoicing Tech and Standardisation, Digital Transformation Division, MDEC, Mr Leong Chea Hooi, Head of Operations, Finexus Group, Mr Marcus Tan, Executive Director, Tax, Baker Tilly Malaysia, YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Hon. Assistant Secretary, MASSA, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, Mr Sean Ng Kuo Sean, Manager, Technical Engineering, Finexus Group.
The programme was as follows:
The Sharing Session began with Opening Remarks delivered by YBhg Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal (pic below), Vice-President, MAJECA.
Pn Yaszrina Mohamad Yassin, Head, e-Invoicing Tech and Standardisation, Digital Transformation Division, MDEC delivered a presentation titled “e-Invoicing for Business Digitalisation”.
Mr Marcus Tan, Executive Director, Tax, Baker Tilly Malaysia delivered his presentation titled “e-Invoicing for Businesses: Key Insights & Tax Impact”.
Mr Leong Chea Hooi, Head of Operations, Finexus Group presented the theme of “Taxman Compliance Simplified!”.
A Q&A session was held, followed by Closing Remarks delivered by YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir (pic below), Hon. Assistant Secretary, MASSA.
Photo Gallery
(from left-to-right) Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, Executive Committee Member of MAJECA, Mr Clement Loh, Group CEO, Finexus Group, YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Hon. Assistant Secretary, MASSA and Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA.
4) 33rd Annual General Meeting of MASSA held on 24 June 2024
Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA convened the Thirty-Third (33rd) Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MASSA at the Boardroom, 26th Floor, Bangunan Ambank Group, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim delivered his address welcomed members in-person & virtually the meeting proceeded to unanimously adopt the Annual Report (https://www.massa.net.my/massa-2023-2024-annual-report/) and the audited accounts of the Association for the year ended 31st December 2023. The President thanked the Executive Committee and Office Bearers for their continuing support and MASSA members for their participation in MASSA events and activities.
Group photos of the AGM participants:
5) Budget 2025 MITI Dialogue Session with Industry on 6 August 2024
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) convened a Budget 2025 MITI Dialogue Session with Industry on 6 August 2024 at Perdana Hall, Menara MITI, Kuala Lumpur.
Chaired by YB Senator Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz (pic below, 2nd from right), Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. In attendance were YBhg Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob (pic below, 2nd from left), Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary Generals, namely, YBhg Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil (pic below, left) (Investment & Management) and YBrs Pn Mastura Ahmad Mustafa (pic below, right) (Trade). MITI agencies, namely, MIDA and MATRADE were in attendance together with relevant Government ministries & agencies, including the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
MASSA was represented at the Dialogue by its members: Mr Lau Chee Wen (pic below, right), Managing Director, Beijing Healthcare Management Sdn Bhd & Mr Ahmad Ashraf (pic below, left), Senior Manager, Advisory & Research Development, Strategy Office, EXIM Bank.
Mr Lau Chee Wen (left), Managing Director, Beijing Healthcare Management Sdn Bhd with YB Senator Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz (right), Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
MASSA paid a Courtesy Call on the H.E. Lisualdo Gaspar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Malaysia at the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Malaysia on 7 August 2024.
(from left-to-right) Mr Zeisse Lay, Third Secretary, Embassy of Timor Leste, Mr Lau Chee Wen, Member, MASSA, Dr Anthony Dass, Executive Committee Member, MASSA, Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Hon. Assistant Secretary, MASSA, H.E. Lisualdo Gaspar, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Malaysia, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MASSA.
The meeting discussed how the Malaysian business community and MASSA can tap into and avail to the opportunities in Timor-Leste, as well as the industries & sectors of interest and focus of the Government of Timor-Leste. The Ambassador introduced MASSA to TradeInvest Timor Leste, and also highlighted how Timor-Leste has an open tender system which the Embassy will connect MASSA and its members to. The meeting also discussed Timor-Leste’s development interests in the areas of infrastructure development, food security & agritech, and tourism. The Ambassador also expressed his appreciation to MASSA for organising a webinar on Timor-Leste and supporting the promotion of Timor-Leste as an investment destination to its membership.
The meeting ended with an Exchange of Gifts between Datuk Merlyn Kasimir (pic below, left), Hon. Assistant Secretary, MASSA and H.E. Lisualdo Gaspar (pic below, right), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Malaysia.
MASSA made a Courtesy Call on the First Secretary & Commercial and Industry Office of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Malaysia on 14 August 2024.
(from right-to-left) Dr Mohamed Abdi Dahir, Head, Commercial and Industry Office, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mdm Fowzia Sheik Omar, First Secretary, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr Anthony Dass, Executive Committee Member, MASSA, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MASSA.
MASSA was represented at the meeting by Dr Anthony Dass, Executive Committee Member, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive.
The meeting was chaired by the First Secretary, Mdm Fowzia Sheik Omar, and the Head of Commercial and Industry Office, Dr Mohamed Abdi Dahir who was joined by Ms Suhuur Salat, Secretary, Secretary at the Trade Office.
The meeting provided an introduction to the country & economic outlook of Somalia, discussed the contents & highlights of the Country Feature on Somalia for the MASSA e-Newsletter, and highlighted key areas / industry sectors in Somalia.
MASSA 2023 – 2024 Annual Report
The MASSA 2023 – 2024 Annual Report can be read here:
Country Feature – Republic of Djibouti
COUNTRY FEATURE
REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI
(DJIBOUTI)
DJIBOUTI BUSINESS FORUM 2023
by Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad
Date: 28 November 2023 – 3 December 2023
Country: Djibouti
Background:
EXIM Bank Malaysia, in collaboration with WAAFI Bank, Djibouti National Investment Promotion Agency (NIPA), and supported by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), held the “Malaysia Global Connect: Malaysia – Djibouti Business Forum” on 29 November 2023 in Djibouti, bringing together over 28 delegates to foster economic ties and strategic collaborations between Malaysia and Djibouti. EXIM Bank was represented by Cik Nurbayu Kasim Chang, acting President and Chief Executive Officer (previously Chief Business Officer), Dr Liza Mydin, Chief Strategy Officer and Puan Azmin Hamzah, Head of Corporate Communication and International Relations.
Among the key highlights from the event are:
- 1. Engaging discussions on economic policies, trade facilitation, and investment incentives.
- 2. Closed-door dialogue with Djiboutian Ministers addressing Malaysian delegates’ queries.
- 3. Breakout sessions focusing on Constructions, Health, Power, and Education sectors
EXIM Bank is committed to fostering international trade and investment. The forum signifies the Bank’s dedication to creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration between businesses, government entities and investors.
Key Highlights:
Djibouti Business Forum 2023 witnessed several noteworthy highlights, including:
Networking Opportunities: Delegates had the chance to network with government representatives, business leaders and local entrepreneurs, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships.
Interactive Sessions: The event featured interactive sessions, allowing participants to engage in Q&A sessions and had one-to-one consultations with local companies.
Success Stories: The success story shared by Golden Africa when investing in Djibouti served as guide for the delegates.
Government Assistance: Delegates gained a deeper understanding of the Djibouti market and the support available from government agencies and financial institutions.
Conclusion:
Djibouti Business Forum 2023 proved to be a pivotal event in opening business opportunities for Malaysian companies into the East Africa region, as the information provided by the Djibouti Ministries and agencies’ input on the way forward, as well as Djibouti’s government policies on foreign direct investment, proved to be insightful.
The Malaysian delegates need to continually communicate and follow-up with their respective potential partners, ministries and government agencies to formalise proposals and the transactions to be made.
EXIM Bank played an important role in bridging the financing gaps for Malaysian companies that may seek financing into Djibouti. The financing request may come from Djibouti Government or its agencies. Hence, delegates have the first mover advantage to undertake potential projects or contracts in Djibouti.
Djibouti serves as a platform for Malaysian companies penetrating the East Africa market that has a bigger population of 220 million. The Government looks highly on Malaysia to undertake FDI into the country.
EXIM Bank should undertake the same approach in connecting Malaysian companies into other non-traditional markets in 2024, such as the Central Asia or West Africa regions by working with MITI and MATRADE. This is part of the Malaysia Global Connect Programme’s objective.
Media Coverage on Malaysia and Djibouti Business Forum
Additional Links:
- •https://www.exim.com.my/resource-centre/exim-bank-fosters-economic-ties-with-djibouti-after-successful-business-forum/
- •https://www.exim.com.my/resource-centre/exim-bank-leads-efforts-to-foster-economic-ties-between-malaysia-and-djibouti/
MASSA congratulates EXIM Bank, MASSA’s member and Executive Committee member for the successful Malaysia Global Connect: Malaysia – Djibouti Business Forum on 29 November 2023, and extends its appreciation to EXIM Bank for consenting to share with MASSA members & readers, EXIM Bank’s report on the Forum.
Prior to the Forum, EXIM Bank had organised a Briefing in the lead-up to the Forum at EXIM Bank’s premises wherein MASSA and its members had participated. MASSA’s report on the Briefing can be read in the December 2023 issue of the MASSA e-Newsletter. At the Briefing, information and data on Djibouti was shared by the presenters, excerpts from which are enclosed below:
BRIEFING ON MALAYSIA-DJIBOUTI BUSINESS FORUM 2023
We record our appreciation to Waafi Bank and the National Investment Promotion Agency (NIPA) for the above information.
2024 April Issue
‣ Country Feature: Republic of Djibouti
‣ Diary of Events
‣ 17 January 2024
Meeting with InvestPerak
‣ 18 January 2024
SHRDC-MASSA-MAJECA Webinar: COSIRI Framework for ESG towards Sustainable Manufacturing
‣ 22 February 2024
Meeting with the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI)
‣ 29 February 2024
Visit to IJM IBS Sdn Bhd
‣ 27 March 2024
SHRDC-MASSA-MAJECA Webinar: Smart Factory and Industry 4.0: A Practical and Sustainable Approach towards Digital Transformation
‣ 29 March 2024
MASSA Courtesy Call on H.E. Md Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia
Editorial
Greetings from MASSA !
2023 was an eventful year. The economic trends favouring the Asia Pacific, especially ASEAN bodes well for Malaysia.
In this April newsletter, we feature the Republic of Djibouti, a republic with a population of just under 1 million located in a strategic position on the edge of the Red Sea where 60% of worldwide traffic passes through. Under Djibouti’s Vision 2035, Djibouti had conveyed its aspirations to become the Singapore of Africa, leveraging its strategic location, and ground access via international road corridors & railways to the greater East African region.
The Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank) had shared their report on the Malaysia Global Connect: Malaysia-Djibouti Business Forum on 29 November 2023 where EXIM Bank, in collaboration with WAAFI Bank, the Djibouti National Investment Promotion Agency (NIPA), and supported by MATRADE led a delegation to Djibouti. This Forum brought Malaysian delegates to Djibouti with the aim to foster economic ties and strategic collaborations between the two countries. The Forum also saw closed-door dialogues with Djiboutian Ministers, networking & breakout sessions and insights into Djibouti as a gateway for the East African market with a population totalling 220 million.
This newsletter reports on MASSA’s various engagements that included meetings with the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) and a Courtesy Call on H.E. Md Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia. The core theme of these meetings was on promoting business, trade and investment between Malaysia and the South-South developing countries.
MASSA is also focusing its efforts to feature discussions, innovations and insights on digital transformation and green transformation. Through our three-part collaboration with the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC), two webinars had been organised on the themes of sustainable manufacturing and smart manufacturing. Do look out for our announcement & registrations for the 3rd instalment of this collaboration soon.
MASSA led a visit to IJM IBS Sdn Bhd in Rawang, Selangor. This visit brought MASSA & its members and network to learn about Industrialised Building System (IBS) and robotic assisted manufacturing that combines the values of sustainable and smart manufacturing affording a flexible and low-waste manufacturing system.
We want to thank our members, ex-officio, contributors, and partners for your support to date. MASSA remains committed to present to members, trade and investment leads from the South-South countries.
To that end, several events including visits and seminars to keep an eye out for are in the works. Do look out from our weekly Circulars and postings in our website www.massa.net.my.
We look forward to meet members at MASSA’s upcoming events.
Thank you.
Ng Su Fun
Editorial MASSA
President’s Message
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
MASSA
2023 was a challenging year. Numerous headwinds resulting from geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and trade restrictions amongst others dampened the initially positive expectations for the year. Nevertheless, the global economy still performed better than expected with Japan’s remarkable post-pandemic recovery, the US aversion of recession and the Asia Pacific’s robust performance.
In spite of the challenging global context, Malaysia’s economy in 2023 grew by 3.7%, normalising from the 8.7% rebound in 2022. Headline and core inflation for 2023 averaged 2.5% and 3% respectively. Resilient domestic demand, labour market improvements, recovery in the tourism sector and supportive domestic policy are among some of the key factors that buoyed the domestic economy against headwinds that included weak external demand, commodity production & global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
In 2024, the Malaysian economy is expected to grow at a projected 4.3 – 4.4% owing to favourable conditions in domestic expenditure, recovery of trade activity, and the upturn in the global technology cycle especially benefitting Malaysia’s E&E and semiconductor sectors.
The global outlook for 2024 is underpinned by the challenging global environment under the strain of wars, geopolitical conflict & uncertainty. The World Bank projected that global growth for 2024 to be 2.4%, while the OECD and IMF projected 2.9% and 3.1% respectively. It is expected that a soft landing would be possible owing to broadly balanced global growth particularly driven by strong optimism for growth in the Asia Pacific region, recovery of global supply chains and rising real income supported.
MASSA will continue its business engagements and collaborative efforts with Government agencies, fellow business associations, both old and new, and most importantly, with our South-South developing country partners towards raising awareness and building business preparedness for incoming trends, changes and especially, business opportunities for its membership.
MASSA is also cognisant of the developments in the sphere of human capital development, green transformation, climate change & ESG, digital transformation & AI amongst others, and we hope to bring to our readers and members’ attention these pertinent topics in an effort to raise awareness and preparedness for their respective innovation journey. I do encourage your active participation in the value-added events organised by MASSA and to deliberate their resulting opportunities.
I appreciate the continuing support and cooperation of all members, especially my fellow Executive Committee members with your attendance, participation and contributions at our regular meetings.
I also wish to thank all our supporters who have contributed valuable and insightful articles, and our sponsors of our Newsletters for 2023.
I wish everyone a happy, healthy and successful 2024. Best wishes for a ‘Selamat Hari Raya’.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
9 April 2024
Diary of Events (April 2024 Issue)
MASSA, represented by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive met with the Management Team of InvestPerak on 17 January 2024.
Mr Mohamad Hashim bin Abdul Ghani, Chief Executive, Dr Ahmad Shahir bin Abdul Aziz, Senior Manager and Mr Mohamad Shahriman Arif bin Mohd Shariff, Investor Relations Manager represented InvestPerak at the meeting.
The meeting discussed how InvestPerak and MASSA could collaborate to raise awareness amongst the Malaysian and South-South developing countries’ business community about the business opportunities in Perak State.
From left-to-right:
Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MAJECA, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MAJECA, Mr Mohamad Hashim bin Abdul Ghani, Chief Executive, Dr Ahmad Shahir bin Abdul Aziz, Senior Manager and Mr Mohamad Shahriman Arif bin Mohd Shariff, Investor Relations Manager
The Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) with the support of MAJECA and Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) organised a webinar titled “COSIRI Framework for ESG towards Sustainable Manufacturing” on 18 January 2024. The webinar saw the participation of over 100 attendees. YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MAJECA and MASSA delivered the Welcome Remarks.
At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos, the International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT) launched its Consumer Sustainability Industry Readiness Index, or COSIRI. The first of its kind, COSIRI is an independent, manufacturer-centric framework that is set to benchmark the sustainability maturity of global industry players and their ESG transparency and reporting.
The Consumer Sustainability Industry Readiness Index (COSIRI) is a comprehensive framework and set of tools designed to assist manufacturers, regardless of size or industry, to embed sustainability into all their operations. COSIRI serves as an independent benchmarking system to assess the sustainability maturity of manufacturers, help guide future roadmaps, and enhance Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) transparency and reporting for manufacturing organisations.
The programme of the webinar was as follows:
|
Time |
Item |
| 10.00 am |
Opening Remarks |
| 10.05 am |
Welcome Remarks YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA & MASSA |
| 10.10 am |
ESG Webinar: Eager to Begin your Sustainability Journey? Ts. Dr. Chua Wen-Shyan Certified COSIRI Assessor (CCA), Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0, SHRDC |
| 11.40 am |
Question & Answer Session |
|
12.00 pm |
Closing Remarks & Announcements. |
YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim,
President, MAJECA & MASSA delivering his Welcome Remarks.
Ts. Dr. Chua Wen-Shyan,
Certified COSIRI Assessor (CCA), Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0, SHRDC giving his presentation.
The new leadership of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) met with MASSA at its office on 22 February 2024. The BMCCI delegation, led by its President, Mr Shabbir A Khan was accompanied by Mr Pranab Kumar Ghosh, First Secretary (Commercial), Bangladesh High Commission.
MASSA was represented by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary. Representatives from the Expertise Resource Association (ERA), led by President, Mr Wong Lian Kee were also present at the meeting.
(from left-to-right)
Mr Rubaiyat Ahsan, Joint Secretary General, BMCCI, Mr Pranab Kumar Ghosh, First Secretary (Commercial), Bangladesh High Commission, Mr Shabbir Ahmed Khan, President, BMCCI, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA, Mr Wong Lian Kee, President, ERA, Ms Toh Bee Ling, Hon. Treasurer, ERA, Mr Chen Kok Song, Hon. Asst. Treasurer, ERA, Mr Andy Oh, ERA and Mr Mahbubul Alam, Vice-President, BMCCI.
4) Visit to IJM IBS Sdn Bhd on 29 February 2024
Following the CILT-MAPAN-MASSA Webinar on ESG that was held on 27 September 2023, one of the speakers at the Webinar, IJM IBS Sdn Bhd had kindly consented to host a visit to their IBS facility located in Bestari Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
The visit on 29 February 2024, led by MASSA comprised 20 participants from the membership of MASSA, businesspersons from the construction & development sector, as well as representatives from MATRADE, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) and Expertise Resource Association (ERA) amongst others. Representing MASSA was YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng, JP, Hon. Treasurer and Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary.
Industrialised Building System (IBS) refers to the industrialization of the construction industry, where building components or modules are manufactured in a factory and transported to the site for easy installation.
IBS aims to enhance industry productivity, address skilled labour shortages, improve quality, and reduce site wastage by offering an end-to-end digital precast building solution, covering design, costing, fabrication, delivery, and installation onsite.
Mr Chan Huan Ong, Assistant General Manager, IJM IBS Sdn Bhd gave an in-depth overview presentation of IJM’s SMART Factory and SMART IBS solution.
The presentation highlighted how IJM IBS Sdn Bhd’s robotic assisted manufacturing plant enabled high output & productivity, while being less labour-intensive and low-waste. The presentation also demonstrated how, IJM IBS, through its adoption of IR4.0 smart factory technologies, was also able to maintain flexibility, to customize and adapt its outputs to suit its clients’ requirements.
Participants listening to the presentation by Mr Chan Huan Ong, Assistant General Manager, IJM IBS Sdn Bhd.
Group photo of the participants.
Following the presentation & safety briefing, the participants were guided on a tour of IJM IBS Factory via the skybridge to have a firsthand exploration of IJM IBS’s innovative facilities.
Group photo of the participants on the skybridge to the IJM IBS Sdn Bhd factory floor.
Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA delivered the Closing Remarks.
YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng, JP, Hon. Treasurer (centre-right), accompanied by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary (leftmost), MASSA presented a token of appreciation to En Faizal Amir Mohd Zain, Senior General Manager, IJM IBS Sdn Bhd (centre-left), accompanied by Mr Chan Huan Ong (rightmost), Assistant General Manager, IJM IBS Sdn Bhd.
MASSA records its appreciation to IJM IBS Sdn Bhd for hosting MASSA and its participants for a visit to IJM IBS Sdn Bhd.
5) SHRDC-MASSA-MAJECA Webinar on 26 March 2024: Smart Factory and Industry 4.0: A Practical and Sustainable Approach towards Digital Transformation
The Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) with the support of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) organised a webinar titled “Smart Factory and Industry 4.0: A Practical and Sustainable Approach towards Digital Transformation” on 26 March 2024. This webinar is the second instalment of a three-part series of engagements with SHRDC with the view to equip members of MASSA and MAJECA, clients of SHRDC and the greater business community with relevant and timely insights to enhance businesses in their DX (digital transformation), GX (green transformation) and innovation journeys.
Smart Factory takes current manufacturing processes to Industry 4.0 standards. Highly effective and efficient machines are capable of data generation, visualization, and analytics. The integration and collaboration-based concept provides a holistic approach towards integration of technologies related to Industry 4.0 and beyond in a manufacturing process.
The webinar session provided an overview of these concepts and a unique perspective towards the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies towards a Smart Factory. Ts. Dr. Chua Wen Shyan, shared a practical and sustainable approach towards accelerating adoption of digital transformation within organizations. The approach and concepts shared were tailored towards supporting the industries (especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)) to accelerate their growth towards effective and sustainable digital transformation.
The programme of the Webinar was as follows:
| Time | Item |
| 10.00 am |
Opening Remarks
|
| 10.05 am |
Welcome Remarks – MAJECA & MASSA
|
| 10.10 am |
Smart Factory and Industry 4.0: A Practical and Sustainable Approach towards Digital Transformation – Ts. Dr. Chuan Wen-Shyan, Certified COSIRI Assessor (CCA), Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0, SHRDC
|
| 11.00 am |
Q & A Session
|
| 11.30 am |
Closing Remarks and Announcements
|
Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA and MAJECA delivered the Welcome Remarks.
Ts. Dr. Chua Wen-Shyan, Certified COSIRI Assessor (CCA), Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0, SHRDC giving his presentation.
(from left-to-right)
Ms. Nur Syuhaida, MASSA Secretariat, Ms. Rehana Parvin, First Secretary (Political), Mr. Pranab Kumar Ghosh, First Secretary (Commercial), Ms. Farhana Ahmed Chowdhury, Counsellor (Political) and Head of Chancery of the Mission, H.E. Md Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, Ms. Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MASSA, Mr. Wong Lian Kee, President of ERA, Ms. Toh Bee Ling, Honorary Treasurer of ERA, Mr. K.S. Chen, Assistant Treasurer of ERA and Mr. Andy Oh Ah Hock, Executive Committee Member of ERA.
2023 December Issue
‣ Country Feature: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste)
‣ Country Feature – Timor-Leste
‣ Diary of Events
‣ 5 September 2023
6th Showcase Malaysia – Seminar: Deepening Bangladesh and Malaysia’s Economic Relationship: Role of a Trade Agreement
‣ 12 September 2023
Meeting at EXIM Bank
‣ 13 September 2023
Country Presentation by the Economic Development Board (EDB) Mauritius at EQ Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
‣ 15 September 2023
e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (eCAB) and eCAB Women Forum Courtesy Call on MASSA
‣ 27 September 2023
MASSA-CILT-MAPAN Webinar: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and its Adoption in Malaysia via Zoom
‣ 9 October 2023
Briefing on the Malaysia – Djibouti Business Forum at EXIM Bank Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Editorial
Greetings from MASSA !
2023 had been another eventful year. This edition of the Newsletter, we report on several of MASSA’s engagements with South-South countries.
The International Cooperation and Development Division (ICADD), Department of Multilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia had facilitated a discussion between MASSA and the Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste on 3 August 2023. Following that, through the good office of the Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste, MASSA is pleased to feature The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in this newsletter issue. We are also further pleased to receive a Message from His Excellency Amarjit Singh Sarjit Singh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste addressed to the readers of our Newsletter. We place on record our appreciation to His Excellency and the good office of the Embassy of Malaysia in Dili for the message and article on Timor-Leste. MASSA looks forward to further engagements to bring MASSA members and readers to discover more about Timor-Leste.
The December edition reports on MASSA’s engagements with Bangladesh through its participation at a seminar on the occasion of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI)’s 6th Showcase Malaysia on 5 September 2023 and a Courtesy Visit on 15 September 2023 from the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (eCAB) and eCAB Women Forum.
Additionally, MASSA had also engaged in discussions with EXIM Bank on 12 September 2023 and, this culminated in a Briefing on the Malaysia – Djibouti Business Forum on 9 October 2023 at EXIM Bank premises. MASSA and its members were also invited to participate in a Country Presentation by the Economic Development Board (EDB) Mauritius on 13 September 2023 at EQ Hotel.
This December issue also reports on MASSA’s collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and the Malaysian Association of Public Advocacy for Nature (MAPAN) wherein a webinar on ESG and its Adoption in Malaysia was organised on 27 September 2023. This webinar featured opening remarks by MASSA President, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim and experience sharing by MASSA’s member, IJM Corporation Berhad and its subsidiary, IJM IBS Sdn Bhd.
As we come to the close of 2023, we are thankful to MASSA members, article contributors, and collaborators for their persevering support throughout the year. MASSA will continue to highlight to members, trade, investment and business leads from the South-South countries.
To this end, several events are in the works with our partners and collaborators for the year ahead. They include a series of webinars on IR4.0 Smart Factories and ESG compliance. For more information, please do look out for our Circulars and Forthcoming Events announcement on the MASSA website.
We also welcome members’ initiatives to work with the Secretariat on innovative programmes that may be beneficial to members and the business community.
We wish all members and readers, season’s greetings, a happy new year 2024, stay safe and keep well.
Thank you.
Ng Su Fun
Editorial MASSA