American investments in Malaysia

[nazrey]

MAG to retire Airbus A380 fleet, takes delivery of Boeing 737 Max
By Ayisy Yusof May 4, 2021 @ 3:19pm

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) will retire subsidiary Malaysia Airlines' Airbus A380 services by the year-end.

Group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said MAG was exploring ways to dispose all six units of the superjumbo from its aircraft fleet.

Izham said MAG's management was convinced that the A380 did not fit the airline's group future plan.

"A380 will not be in place. We plan to retire the entire fleet in the next coming months," he added.

Malaysia Airlines used the A380 for umrah and haj charters under the "Project Amal" in the third quarter of 2018.

The double-decked aircraft had been unprofitable for MAG, which had been gradually phasing out its service and replaced them with the A350, servicing London-Kuala Lumpur routes, among others.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021...boeing-737-max

[nazrey]

KEDAH, PENANG
Intel unveils its largest solar farm outside US in Malaysia
By NST Business April 22, 2021 @ 9:32am

KUALA LUMPUR: Intel Malaysia has acknowledged World Earth Day by officially unveiling its largest solar farm outside the United States in Malaysia.

The solar farm will help power Intel Malaysia's operations at its Kulim and Penang factories.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021...de-us-malaysia

[nazrey]

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan: Asia School of Business
KUALA LUMPUR (COMPLETED 2020)

MIT President L. Rafael Reif and Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz at the April 8 signing ceremony for the Asia School of Business
http://mitsloan-ldweb1.mit.edu/newsr...-kuala-lumpur/

From Google Maps

[nazrey]

Microsoft data centre in Johor is 40% complete
Monday, 24 Aug 2020

JOHOR BARU: The Johor state government has announced that global technology giant Microsoft is building a data centre in Kulai district.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said the construction of the centre is now 40% complete, and the development would be able to stimulate the economic sector and provide job opportunities in the state.

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/...is-40-complete

[nazrey]

'Huge potential for Microsoft's Malaysian data centre region'
By Adib Povera April 19, 2021 @ 5:11pm



Microsoft Malaysia managing director K Raman during press conference after the launching of Microsoft together with Malaysia Global Event. - BERNAMA pic

PUTRAJAYA: Microsoft Corp's first data centre region in Malaysia possesses huge potential for not only the domestic but also global market.

Microsoft Malaysia managing director K. Raman said the data centre region, which will be developed under the newly-launched 'Bersama Malaysia' (Together with Malaysia) Initiative, would be connected to the existing 60 data centre regions around the world.

"The data centre region here is a combination of several data centres interconnected via a low latency network to deliver the best cloud solutions for Malaysia," he told reporters after the launch of the 'Bersama Malaysia' initiative here today.

Asked on Microsoft's upcoming data centre in Kulai, Johor, the construction of which is 40 per cent complete, Raman said the data centre in Johor was an extension of the new data centre region.

"The new data centre region will be (located) in the greater Kuala Lumpur area. We intend to then extend that data centre in Johor as part of our regional data centre," he said.

He said the new data centre region would also have Microsoft's Azure Availability Zones, providing additional resilience options for available applications and support its sustainability goals.

On Microsoft's participation in the government's aim to migrate 80 per cent of government data to the cloud by the end of next year, he said the company would be working closely with the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU).

"Microsoft is one of the cloud service providers appointed by the government to support the MyDigital (Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint) initiative. At the moment, we are working closely with MAMPU in mapping (out) the 80 per cent migration, in what area that Microsoft can contribute," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2...-centre-region

[nazrey]

Spirit AeroSystems
https://www.spiritaero.com/company/g...ions-contacts/
Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. ("Spirit"), based in Wichita, Kansas, USA is the world's largest first-tier aerostructures manufacturer. The company builds several important pieces of Boeing aircraft, including the fuselage of the 737, portions of the 787 fuselage, and the cockpit section of the fuselage (referred to as "Section 41" by Boeing) of nearly all of its airliners. Spirit also produces fuselage sections and front wing spars for the Airbus A350.
https://www.eturbonews.com/24401/spi...ility-malaysia


FACILITIES

• Wichita, Kansas (Headquarters, ex-Stearman/Boeing)
• McAlester, Oklahoma (ex-North American/Rockwell/Boeing)
• Tulsa, Oklahoma (ex-North American/Rockwell/Boeing)
• Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (Short Brothers , ex-Bombardier)
• Samlesbury, England, United Kingdom (Small office on a BAE Systems site)
• Prestwick, Scotland, United Kingdom (ex-Scottish Aviation/BAe/BAE)
  
• Subang, Malaysia (Manufacturing Plant)
• Kinston, North Carolina (Manufacturing Plant, Global TransPark)
• Saint-Nazaire, France (Manufacturing Plant)
• Moscow, Russia (Joint Venture)

https://www.kansas.com/news/business...157330229.html

https://twitter.com/spiritaero/statu...44320601960448

[nazrey]

https://27.group/electrical-electron...e-value-chain/

Intel Penang Plant (since 1972)
The first Intel international plant
@ Bayan Lepas Hi-Tech Park





Bayan Lepas Hi-Tech Park & Penang International Airport

Penang aerial by A satan incarnate, on Flickr

https://appuals.com/intel-acknowledg...-with-matisse/

Malaysia becomes a critical hub for Intel's global operations
By Bernama
February 15, 2021 @ 3:18pm
https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021...bal-operations

[nazrey]

Dell Technologies sets up largest on-site solar panel globally in Malaysia
Bernama June 09, 2021 01:40 am +08

KUALA LUMPUR (June 8): Dell Technologies has announced the implementation of its largest on-site solar panel installation globally at the Dell Technologies Asia Pacific Customer Centre in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Dell Technologies said the solar photovoltaic system worth RM2.25 million is also a first in Southeast Asia for a Dell Technologies facility.

“The 700 kilowatts peak (kWp) rooftop system consists of 1,590 highly efficient panels that are designed to produce nearly 1,000 MWh of renewable electricity annually.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/artic...bally-malaysia

[nazrey]

US firm Applied Engineering to set up high-tech ops in Penang
By NST Business July 15, 2021 @ 10:21am

KUALA LUMPUR: US-based Applied Engineering (AE) from San Jose, California will be establishing a joint venture (JV) plant with Malaysian counterpart, QES Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (QES) at Batu Kawan Industrial Park in Penang later this year.

Both parties signed an agreement to establish Applied Engineering Technology (M) Sdn Bhd (AET) to provide high-tech electromechanical contract manufacturing services.

This ranged from prototyping to high volume, through its New Product Introduction (NPI) process and advanced custom solutions, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) said in a statement today.

"The JV is designed to cater to the specific needs of clients in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing, life science and medical devices, defence, and aerospace market segments, not only in Malaysia, but also to Asean countries and China," Mida added.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021...ech-ops-penang

[nazrey]

Shattuck-St. Mary's Forest City International School Malaysia Campus
Forest City, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
https://schooladvisor.my/schools/sha...t-marys-school
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City International School welcomed their first students in the fall of 2018. American Shattuck-St. Mary's School - Forest City. As the school's first global campus outside USA in Southeast Asia, the establishment of Shattuck-St. Mary's Forest City International School is in line with the Malaysian government's efforts to provide access to quality education of international standard, as set out in the Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013-2025). This American top boarding school brings with it a 160-year legacy as well as a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by acclaimed bespoke programmes.

[nazrey]

Gov’t to announce investments similar to Microsoft’s US$1 bln data centres investment soon – Tengku Zafrul
POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2021, THURSDAY AT 11:48 PM

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 2): The government is expected to announce investments similar to Microsoft Corporation’s US$1 billion data centres investment in the near future, said Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Microsoft has in April this year announced that it will invest US$1 billion in the country over the next five years as part of a new partnership with the government agencies and local companies.

“We believe, and I know for a fact that, more global players are finalising similar investments in Malaysia, which we will announce soon under the MyDIGITAL initiative,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said this in a virtual interview with Singapore’s The Straits Times titled “Beyond the Pandemic: Malaysia’s Way Forward” today.

According to the Finance Minister, Malaysia is confident of attracting more global players in building data centres in the country moving forward.

On the cabotage issue of which Facebook and Google had reportedly announced that their new subsea cable would bypass Malaysia entirely, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia’s current cabotage policy is sufficient in ensuring its sovereignty.

“I believe there are geopolitical considerations… when it comes to undersea cable connectivity, I cannot comment as much, but Malaysia’s current cabotage policy is sufficient in ensuring our sovereignty,” he said. – Bernama

https://www.theborneopost.com/2021/0...tengku-zafrul/

[nazrey]

https://news.microsoft.com/en-my/202...onomic-growth/

Investment Monitor's 2020 Data Centre Ranking
(World Ranking) - Asia

12 Japan
22 Malaysia
24 China
29 Kazakhstan
34 Thailand
38 India
39 Indonesia
40 Vietnam
46 Philippines
50 Sri Lanka
53 Pakistan
54 Bangladesh

[nazrey]

Strong momentum in Malaysia-US bilateral relations to continue, says Saifuddin, Blinken
Bernama October 01, 2021 13:34 pm +08

PUTRAJAYA (Oct 1): Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a telephone conversation on Thursday night, where both expressed their determination to continue the momentum of the existing strong bilateral relations.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra), the aforementioned bilateral ties include multifaceted areas, including health and security.

Saifuddin and Blinken also discussed international and regional issues, including the Australia-UK-US trilateral security partnership (AUKUS), the situation in Myanmar and Afghanistan and the South China Sea.

The complex and unpredictable effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have served as a harsh wakeup call for decision-makers. Now, more than ever, the issue of societal wellbeing and sustainable development will take centre stage in social, political and business affairs.

Regarding AUKUS, the statement said Saifuddin shared Malaysia’s concern over potential escalation of the arms race in the region and reiterated Malaysia’s firm commitment to maintaining ASEAN as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN).

The minister also reiterated the call for all concerned parties to respect and comply with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and ASEAN’s Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty.

He hopes all concerned parties would strengthen existing cooperation so as to ensure peace, security and stability in the region as espoused in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

"Saifuddin also reiterated Malaysia’s utmost appreciation for the US’ generous contribution of one million doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine delivered to the government of Malaysia in July, and the US$800,000 (about RM3.35 million) financial aid through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in support of Malaysia’s National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme," the statement said.

The US, through its Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, has also been extending various other assistance and contributions worth US$2.85 million to Malaysia since the outbreak of the pandemic.

"Both leaders expressed their commitment to maintaining continuous engagement between the two countries, including exchange of visits to capitalise on the vast potential of the Malaysia-US comprehensive partnership," said the statement.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/artic...fuddin-blinken

[nazrey]

TPG, Johor Corp weigh taking Malaysia's KPJ Healthcare private
By BLOOMBERG - October 1, 2021 @ 1:40pm

U.S. private equity firm TPG Capital and Malaysian state-owned investment company Johor Corp. are considering a plan to take Malaysia's KPJ Healthcare Bhd. private, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The San Francisco-based firm and the investment arm of the Johor state government are in talks with banks to finance the potential deal involving Malaysia's largest private-hospital operator, said the people. Shares in KPJ jumped as much 12% in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

Deliberations are still ongoing and the firms could decide not to go ahead with the plan, said the people.

A KPJ spokesperson said in response to a query that the matter concerns their shareholder and they are not privy to it, and directed Bloomberg News to Johor Corp. A representative for Johor Corp. couldn't immediately respond to a request for comment, while a TPG representative in Hong Kong didn't immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment on a holiday.

Friday's rally took this year's advance in KPJ's shares to 28%, giving it a market value of 5.5 billion ringgit ($1.3 billion).


Johor owns nearly 36% of KPJ as of April, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Other major shareholders include Malaysian state pension funds the Employees Provident Fund Board and Retirement Fund Inc, or KWAP.


KPJ started in 1981 as the first specialist private hospital in Johor, according to its website. Today, it has more than 28 specialist hospitals located throughout the Southeast Asian nation.

The health-care provider also has investments in hospitals in Indonesia, Bangkok and Bangladesh as well as in a retirement resort in Australia.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021...thcare-private

[nazrey]

Petronas, ExxonMobil form pact to quicken Malaysia's emission goal
By Azanis Shahila Aman - November 9, 2021 @ 8:37am



Petronas said it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ExxonMobil to jointly explore opportunities in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has partnered with ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc (ExxonMobil) to accelerate Malaysia's net zero emissions ambition.

Petronas said it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ExxonMobil to jointly explore opportunities in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

"This will help decarbonise Malaysia's upstream industry and provide carbon dioxide (CO2) storage solutions for the region," it said its n a statement today.

Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will assess the viability of potential CCS projects in selected locations offshore Peninsular Malaysia and identify suitable technology within the scope of carbon capture, transport and storage for potential application.

The companies will also share subsurface technical data to enable CO2 storage assessment and characterisation.

Relevant data related to pipelines, facilities and wells will also be shared to evaluate potential reutilisation of existing infrastructure for transport and storage in selected locations.

Petronas said the MoU supported the company's continuous efforts to efficiently produce and optimise its oil and gas assets to generate the resources.

"The resources will help to fund growth, facilitate progress and allow the company to decarbonise and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"It is also one of the many efforts to position and establish Malaysia as a leading CCS solutions hub in the region," it said.

Petronas is taking deliberate steps to build a resilient and sustainable portfolio to support the transition toward low-to-zero carbon energy sources.

"These include developing, testing, and piloting a suite of technologies at its first offshore CCS project set for CO2 injection in 2025.

"The company is also pursuing more zero continuous flaring and venting of hydrocarbons to reduce emissions while continuing to reshape its portfolio mix for cleaner sources of energy," it added.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021...-emission-goal

[nazrey]

Spirit AeroSystems produces first inboard wing flap for A321XLR
By Ayisy Yusof - November 9, 2021 @ 5:09pm



Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia senior director Datuk Zulkarnain Mohamed (middle right) presenting a momento to Airbus chief country representative (Malaysia) Raymond Lim (middle left) to mark the production of the first inboard wing flap in Malaysia for the new A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) during a ceremony at Spirit AeroSystems’ manufacturing facility in Subang.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021...g-flap-a321xlr

https://www.spiritaero.com/company/g...ions-contacts/

[nazrey]

US keen to support Penang's role as semiconductor hub, says ambassador
Bernama November 10, 2021 09:14 am +08

GEORGE TOWN (Nov 10): The US has reiterated its commitment towards strengthening relations with Penang and is keen to support the state’s role as a hub for semiconductors and other critical supply chains.

During his two-day visit to the state from Monday (Nov 8), US Ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters met with the thriving US business community in Penang to discuss the challenges and opportunities, the importance of supply chain resiliency and the enormous potential for closer economic ties between the US and Penang.

"Penang is a central node of the global supply chain in many key industries and is a key partner in supporting US investments.

"The US government is committed to supporting supply chain resiliency in Penang, building stronger business ties with the state and strengthening the overall US-Malaysia trade relationship," he said in a statement following his visit.

McFeeters also met with Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Datuk Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

During his visit, the ambassador spoke about issues such as the US corporate leadership in environment, social and corporate governance, where he expressed his hope for US companies to continue being leaders in sustainability practices and contribute to Malaysia's goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/artic...ays-ambassador

[nazrey]

Malaysia, US aim to sign supply chain-linked memorandum of cooperation in early 2022
Bernama November 18, 2021 16:07 pm +08

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 18): Malaysia and the US intend to begin discussions on a memorandum of cooperation pertaining to supply chain issues, with a goal of signatures in early 2022.

“Given Malaysia’s critical role in global supply chains for semiconductors, electronics, health products and other key goods, this announcement is an important first step in collaborating on current and long-term supply chain challenges for both our nations and the global economy,” according to a joint statement issued by Senior Minister cum International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and US Secretary of Commerce Gina M Raimondo on Thursday (Nov 18).

According to the joint statement, Azmin and Raimondo co-hosted a semiconductor roundtable on Thursday in conjunction with the latter’s visit to Malaysia.

It said both the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and the US Department of Commerce plan to collaborate with industry partners on semiconductor supply chain transparency, security and resilience.

“The two countries will also work together with US and Malaysian industry partners to develop more transparency and trust in the manufacturing and manufacturing-related sectors and their supply chains,” it said.

Azmin and Raimondo said in bolstering long-term competitiveness, Malaysia’s National Investment Aspirations would drive comprehensive reforms that promote enablers of high-value, high-technology, knowledge, capital, skills-intensive and high-income employment.

“In this spirit, we aspire to collaborate in areas where a mutually beneficial supply structure exists between Malaysia and the US.

“These include, but are not limited to, climate change-mitigating products, digital trade, medical devices and electronics,” they said.

Further, both parties said Malaysia had identified the energy and environment industry as a strategic sector that would strengthen the key foundations of sustainable growth.

“As such, we believe a strong US-Malaysia partnership would help both our countries achieve the maximum potential for robust mutual growth,” they added.

Touching on Malaysia’s human resources capacity, they said it provides a strong basis for collaboration in high-impact, high-tech investment in tandem with the US’ technological advancement in this area.

“We would like to see enhanced collaboration and information-sharing platforms that would provide better transparency and effective engagements in advancing efforts of common interest,” they said.

Azmin and Raimondo said they support the strong commercial relationship between the two countries through enduring trade, investment, industry facilitation and technical cooperation.

“We aspire to further strengthen this relationship by creating linkages between our governments and private sectors while navigating our economies past the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We believe that trade, investment and sustainable supply chains will be the building blocks in restoring our economies back on a growth trajectory,” they said.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/artic...-supply-chains

[nazrey]

Malaysia, US to strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity, digital economy
Bernama November 18, 2021 19:14 pm +08

PUTRAJAYA (Nov 18): Malaysia and the United States (US) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields including cybersecurity, digital economy and technology transfers as well as promote potential collaborations between entities from both countries.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said all these were on the table during US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo’s busy one-day visit to Malaysia on Thursday.

Annuar said during his meeting with Raimondo, he shared various digital initiatives being undertaken by the country, including the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), the government's plan for 5G roll out, as well as as the importance of cybersecurity.

"We had a very good discussion and we managed to explain our national digital programme and blueprint that was launched early this year," he told reporters after their meeting.

Annuar said he also took the opportunity to explain the government's priority on attracting investors from abroad, especially with regard to the setting up of data centres, submarine cables as well as cloud computing activities.

“These are among the things we are focusing on for the digital age, where we feel with the availability of facilities including 5G, we are able to attract new technology-driven investment and activities related to artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and (other) advanced technologies," he said.

Annuar said the United States had also introduced several new technologies including the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) system and invited Malaysia to get acquainted with the more sophisticated system.

He said the matter would be studied by the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as Malaysia was currently using the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) system.

“What’s important is that we both agreed to follow-up on some specific matters related to cybersecurity, cooperation between American and Malaysian entities with regard to cybersecurity, and also cooperation between companies as well as investments.

"We’d like to encourage American companies to invest and (engage in) transfer of technology," he said after meeting Raimondo at his office, where the latter signed the guest book.

Raimondo is on her first official visit to Asia from Nov 15-18 to meet with government officials and business leaders in Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.

The trip comes on the heels of US President Joe Biden's announcement on developing an economic framework to define its shared objectives with partners in Asia in key areas, namely supply chain resilience, digital economy and technology, common standards and supporting regional infrastructure projects.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/artic...igital-economy

[nazrey]

US, Malaysia to enhance trade, investments & technical cooperation, says Azmin Ali
By Azanis Shahila Aman - November 18, 2021 @ 2:34pm



International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said both countries had agreed to collaborate in areas such as climate change mitigation products, digital trade, medical devices and electrical and electronics.

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States (US) and Malaysia plan to enhance future collaboration in matters pertaining to the strengthening of trade, investment, industry facilitation and technical cooperation and linkages.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said both countries had agreed to collaborate in areas such as climate change mitigation products, digital trade, medical devices and electrical and electronics.

"Both countries also agree to jointly work with industry partners to enhance collaboration on semiconductor supply chain transparency, security and resilience," he said in a statement, following the United States Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo's official visit to Malaysia today ( November 18).

According to Azmin, the visit underscored Malaysia-US strong economic ties and bilateral relations underpinned by an enduring partnership built over the years.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021...says-azmin-ali