FERROTEC OPENS SECOND KULIM PLANT, CREATING OVER 1,000 HIGHVALUE JOBS FOR MALAYSIANS

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, MIDA CEO

New facility strengthens Malaysia’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem and deepens local supply chain ecosystem

KULIM, Kedah, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Ferrotec Group has further strengthened its manufacturing footprint in Malaysia with the official opening of Ferrotec Manufacturing Malaysia’s Plant 2 in Padang Meha, Kulim, on 28 October 2026. This marks another significant milestone in the Group’s expansion in Southeast Asia and its continued commitment to Malaysia’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Malaysia remains an important part of Ferrotec’s Southeast Asian growth strategy, supported by growing semiconductor demand, Malaysia’s established semiconductor ecosystem and the performance of the Group’s existing operations in the country.

The grand opening ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor, Menteri Besar of Kedah. He was joined by Mr. He Xian Han, President and Group CEO of Ferrotec Corporation, and Mr. Anzhi He, Managing Director of Ferrotec Manufacturing Malaysia, together with members of the Kedah State Executive Council, state and local government officials, and senior representatives of Lam Research Corporation and Applied Materials, Inc.

Ferrotec’s first manufacturing facility in Kulim involved an initial investment of more than RM900 million and commenced operations in January 2024. The company subsequently committed a further RM1 billion to its expansion in Kulim, bringing the cumulative investment for the two Kulim plants to approximately RM1.9 billion. This latest expansion will generate over 1,000 new high-value jobs for skilled Malaysian professionals—including engineers, technicians, and production specialists, further building on the workforce established by the first facility.

YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor, Menteri Besar of Kedah, said, “Our ambition is not simply to bring more factories into Kedah. Our ambition is to build a stronger industrial ecosystem where leading global companies can grow, local businesses can develop alongside them, and our people can benefit from better employment and career opportunities. Ferrotec’s continued expansion is an excellent example of the kind of long-term partnership we hope to build.”

The opening of Plant 2 significantly expands Ferrotec’s Kulim footprint, adding nearly one million square feet of highly automated manufacturing space equipped for over 700 high-precision CNC machines, IoT sensors, and autonomous guided vehicles. Together with the existing facility's established capabilities in quartz, advanced ceramics, precision metal fabrication, and electromechanical assembly for the semiconductor industry, Ferrotec's Kulim operations now employ over 2,200 people with continued capacity for growth.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “Ferrotec’s decision to open a second plant in Kulim, in less than three years after its first plant began operations, reflects the Group’s confidence in Malaysia as a base for semiconductor equipment manufacturing. The project brings advanced capabilities in quartz, ceramics and precision metal components into the country and, with more than 1,000 additional high-value jobs, creates valuable opportunities for Malaysian engineers, technicians and local suppliers. This is in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to move Malaysia further up the semiconductor value chain. MIDA will continue to work closely with Ferrotec as it ramps up Plant 2 and deepens its links with Malaysian companies.”

He Xian Han, President and Group CEO of Ferrotec Corporation, said, “Malaysia has a mature, well-established and dynamic semiconductor ecosystem. Its strong industrial foundation, comprehensive infrastructure and efficient government services provide favourable conditions for foreign investors to establish, operate and expand their manufacturing operations. These strengths reinforce our confidence in continuing to invest in Malaysia.”

Anzhi He, Managing Director of Ferrotec Manufacturing Malaysia, said, “When we first evaluated locations in Southeast Asia, we looked at many factors. Today, I can confidently say that choosing Malaysia and Kulim was one of the best decisions we made. MIDA has been with us since our first conversations about Malaysia and continued to support us following our investment decision, connecting us with the relevant stakeholders and helping us address administrative matters when timing was critical.”

Plant 2 is targeting a capacity ramp-up in the first quarter of 2027 and full production by the second quarter. The facility reinforces Malaysia’s standing in the global semiconductor industry.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Puan Zakiah Sajidan
Director, Machinery and Metal Technology Division, MIDA
Tel: 0322676769
Email: zakiah@mida.gov.my

Ferrotec
Name: Tan Ai Leng
HR Associate Director of Ferrotec Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Tel: 04-2024000
Email: ftmm.corporate@ferrotec.my

--BERNAMA

FIRMS SPEED UP COMPLIANCE BUT CONFIDENCE FALLS - CUBE SURVEY

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Firms are embedding regulatory change faster than a year ago, but fewer are confident their compliance processes are effective, according to a survey by artificial intelligence (AI)-native regulatory intelligence company CUBE.

CUBE’s Cost of Compliance Report 2026, based on a survey of more than 2,000 senior practitioners in 11 countries, found that 61 per cent of firms now embed regulatory change within a year, up from 26 per cent in 2025. However, only 45 per cent rate their approach as generally or highly effective, down from 59 per cent.

The share of firms tracking more than 100 regulatory developments a month rose to 17 per cent from two per cent in 2025.

The report found that 59 per cent of firms have embedded AI in their core processes or use it at an advanced level, but only 34 per cent are confident they could demonstrate their AI governance to a regulator, and 57 per cent do not yet trust AI outputs for critical decisions.

In a statement, CUBE said demonstrating AI governance is becoming increasingly complex, as regulators in the United States (US), Europe, Asia Pacific and the United Kingdom (UK) take different approaches.

“Speed appears to be outpacing assurance: firms are deploying AI faster than they can govern it and processing regulatory change faster than they can embed it with confidence,” said CUBE Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ben Richmond.

Almost two-thirds, or 64 per cent, of respondents reported higher compliance costs over the past year, driven mainly by technology investment and AI governance.

The pressure is also affecting senior staff, with 35 per cent saying senior leaders are declining or leaving roles with direct compliance accountability, rising to 47 per cent in India.

CUBE said it recorded 96 enforcement actions against individuals in the first nine months of 2026, by regulators including the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission, with combined penalties of about US$59 million (US$1 = RM4.05).

Despite the pressures, 75 per cent of respondents expect AI to free their teams for higher-value work, and 73 per cent expect it to improve effectiveness.

-- BERNAMA

NINTH SILK ROAD EXPO IN DUNHUANG PROMOTES CULTURAL EXCHANGE

The 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The ninth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened in Dunhuang, in China’s Gansu province, on Nov 3, drawing more than 1,000 participants from over 50 countries, international organisations and China’s Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

Held under the theme "Boosting Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations", this year’s expo features 18 events across seven categories, including exhibitions, performances and cultural experiences.

The parallel 2026 Dunhuang Forum comprises eight sub-forums covering Dunhuang studies, heritage conservation, and China’s cooperation with Central and South Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Dunhuang, a historic hub on the ancient Silk Road where Eastern and Western civilisations met, hosts the expo as a platform for cultural exchange among Belt and Road countries.

Since its launch in 2016, the expo has welcomed nearly 10,000 delegates from more than 120 countries, according to a statement.

Participants said Dunhuang’s cultural heritage offers lessons for countries seeking common ground, mutual learning and peaceful coexistence. They expressed hope that the expo would continue to bring people closer and support mutually beneficial cooperation.

-- BERNAMA

SME BANK ROLLS OUT ‘ZERO TO HERO 3.0’ IN COLLABORATION WITH GIATMARA AND ZURICH GENERAL TAKAFUL MALAYSIA UNDER BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA’S iTEKAD EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank” or the “Bank”), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad Group (“BPMB Group”), has rolled out Zero to Hero 3.0 in collaboration with GIATMARA Sdn. Bhd. (“GIATMARA”) and Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad (“Zurich General Takaful).

Recognised by Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”) under iTEKAD Employment, an initiative introduced in 2026 to strengthen the employability and financial resilience of vulnerable communities, Zero to Hero 3.0 will equip 100 individuals from B40 households with industry-recognised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (“TVET”) skills in welding and metal fabrication. Participants will also receive financial education, industry exposure and employment support.

Expanding Opportunities Through Skills and Employment
Samad Majid Zain, Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, said, “Zero to Hero 3.0 reflects our continued focus on creating opportunities for underserved communities through industry-relevant TVET programmes. By equipping participants with in-demand technical skills and connecting them with employers, the programme provides a practical pathway towards meaningful and sustainable employment.

“The first cohort supported 30 participants in 2022, followed by 60 participants in 2024. All 90 participants secured employment, achieving a 100% employment rate. Zero to Hero 3.0 will support a further 100 participants, with expected monthly salaries ranging from RM1,800 to RM6,000. The programme also advances the National TVET Policy 2030 and Financial Sector Blueprint 2027–2030, while reinforcing SME Bank’s focus on measurable developmental outcomes in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Performance Measurement Framework,” Samad Majid Zain elaborated.

Turning Training into Sustainable Careers
As the implementation partner, GIATMARA will lead participant selection, deliver competency-based TVET training, facilitate industry certification and coordinate job placements. It will also monitor participants’ progress throughout the programme.

Datuk Ts. Ahmad Hamdi bin Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of GIATMARA, said, “Zero to Hero 3.0 reflects GIATMARA’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce with competencies that meet industry requirements. Through recognised certification, hands-on industry exposure and direct access to employment opportunities, participants will be better positioned to build sustainable careers and contribute to Malaysia’s growing industrial talent pipeline.”

Zurich General Takaful Malaysia will provide programme funding, one year of takaful protection and practical financial education to help participants manage their finances and enter the workforce with greater confidence.

Shamsul Azman, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich General Takaful Malaysia, said, “Creating lasting financial resilience requires more than technical skills, it demands strong partnerships and a shared commitment to empowering individuals for a more secure and brighter future. Guided by our brand promise to Care for What Matters, we are proud, through our ongoing collaboration with SME Bank and GIATMARA in Zero to Hero 3.0, to complement industry-recognised TVET training with takaful protection and practical financial education. This combination helps participants step into their workforce with greater confidence while laying a solid foundation for long-term financial wellbeing.”

Building on iTEKAD’s National Impact
The wider iTEKAD initiative was introduced by BNM in 2020 and has since benefited more than 14,000 low-income microentrepreneurs nationwide. More than RM94 million in social finance funds and around RM77 million in financing and investments have been channelled through the initiative. Programme graduates have also contributed to the creation of more than 2,400 employment opportunities.

SME Bank has contributed to these outcomes through SME Bank iTEKAD ISHRAF, which has supported nearly 1,000 asnaf entrepreneurs since 2020. Collectively, participants have generated approximately RM40 million in income and created more than 400 employment opportunities.

Building on this foundation, the Zero to Hero 3.0 programme will be carried out under the iTEKAD Employment initiative between 2026 and 2027.

As a Development Financial Institution (“DFI”), SME Bank continues to advance inclusive economic growth by connecting underserved communities with skills, employment and opportunities for upward socioeconomic mobility. Through Zero to Hero 3.0, the Bank and its partners aim to develop industry-ready talent, strengthen household resilience and contribute to Malaysia’s long-term development.

For contact details, please use the below: https://bit.ly/4iDlJv6

Issued by:
BPMB Group
Level 30, Menara Bank Pembangunan,
Plaza Conlay, Jalan Conlay,
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

SOURCE: BPMB Group

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohd Nasrulhanis Ruslan
Acting Head, Strategic Communication
BPMB Group
Email: communications@bpmb.com.my

--BERNAMA

NINGBO MAYORS’ DIALOGUE YIELDS 14 COOPERATION AGREEMENTS - CGTN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue · Ningbo in China’s port city of Ningbo produced 14 cooperation agreements and a joint statement, the Ningbo Consensus on Cooperative Development, after the opening, China Global Television Network (CGTN) reported.

Themed "Openness and Connectivity for Shared Opportunities", the event brought together representatives from 15 countries and 20 international cities. The signed projects cover sister-city exchanges, trade and investment, science and education, and culture and tourism.

“The city’s opening up is not a one-way going out but a two-way embedding into global industrial and innovation chains,” said Ningbo Mayor, Shen Mingquan.

Meanwhile, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Errachidia Mayor Karimi Said, from Morocco, were among the speakers, sharing how their cities have built links with global markets.

Ningbo, one of China’s first coastal cities to open up to foreign trade, maintains economic and trade ties with more than 220 countries and regions, according to CGTN in a statement.

In 2024, Ningbo-based Dashun Fur invested US$40 million in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone, expanding cooperation to modern logistics from traditional textiles. Products such as milk powder from New Zealand and Moroccan dates are popular among Ningbo residents, and the Maldives is one of their top 10 outbound tourist destinations. (US$1 = RM4.07)

According to CGTN, China’s goods trade reached 45.47 trillion Chinese yuan in 2025, up 3.8 per cent year-on-year, with trade with Belt and Road partners accounting for 51.9 per cent of the total, according to customs data.

The Ningbo Consensus commits participants to deeper industrial collaboration, open trade, and people-to-people exchange.

CGTN said the event showed that openness and connectivity, rather than isolation, remain the surest path to shared opportunity.

-- BERNAMA

CHERY’S LUXEED EYES OVER 60 MARKETS, UNVEILS TWO FLAGSHIPS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Chery Group’s LUXEED announced its plan to enter more than 60 markets within five years, at its global brand launch in Wuhu, where it unveiled the LLounge luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and the Stormax performance sport utility vehicle (SUV).

In a statement, the company said it would maintain consistent product standards worldwide and deliver a seamless customer experience across its markets.

The LLounge, designed for business and family travel, features 123-degree zero-gravity seats and second-row seats that rotate to 45, 90 and 180 degrees. It also has a 33-speaker audio system and an all-aluminium suspension with air springs and continuous damping control, designed to balance comfort and handling on long journeys.

The Stormax is built on an all-aluminium high-performance chassis and focuses on responsive power and controllable handling. Its intelligent driving assistance system combines multiple sensors with eight layers of safety redundancy for use on city streets, highways and country roads.

Both models feature an artificial intelligence (AI) cockpit that can recognise gestures, gaze and occupant status, and respond to users’ needs through an onboard AI model.

LUXEED said it would continue to develop its vehicles based on real-world user needs.

-- BERNAMA

SGCA Honours Communication Excellence Across Asia, Europe and the Arab World

 

^{SGCA honours communication excellence across Asia, Europe and the Arab world (Photo: AETOSWire)} 


SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, Nov 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, honoured winners of the 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261103972039/en/ 

Winners represented China, India, Thailand, Ukraine and the Arab world. Some 433 entries from 31 countries across four continents passed initial screening. The award covered 23 categories across five sectors, including six partner awards.

His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, highlighted the award’s growth under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, noting that it had attracted more than 9,500 entries over five years. He also emphasised the role of international partnerships in advancing communication practices and creating a meaningful impact on individuals, institutions and communities.

International and Partner Awards

The Partner Awards recognised China's Macao University of Science and Technology for Excellence in Digital Community Engagement; India's Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions for Best AI-Powered Communication for Social Impact; Thailand's Thai Health Promotion Foundation for Best Communication Practices Dealing with Development Advances; and Ukraine's Kyiv Digital for Innovative and Resilient Government Communication Initiatives.

The UAE's Zoud initiative won Best Public–Private Partnership in Communication, while Brigadier General Staff Pilot AbdulNasir Al Humaidi, spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Defence, received Outstanding Leadership in Government and Strategic Communication.

Government and Institutional Excellence

Among government winners, Sharjah Youth received Best Campaigns Positively Impacting Youth Awareness and Practices; the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, Best Communication Programme Supporting Emerging Projects and Youth; Sharjah Police, Outstanding Communication Award for a Higher Quality of life; the UAE Ministry of Finance, Best Innovation in Integrated Communications; and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, Best Crisis Communication Strategy.

Best Media and Communication Content went to the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Egypt Oil & Gas in the government and organisations and private-sector divisions, respectively. Best Innovative Communication Initiative for Community Empowerment went to Dubai's Community Development Authority and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the same respective divisions.

The UAE Ministry of Culture and Kalimat Foundation won Best Creative Communication Targeting Children and Adolescents’ in the government and organisations and private-sector divisions, respectively. The UAE Government Media Office received Best Campaign Promoting Emirati Identity; House of Wisdom, Best Campaign Promoting Cultural Identity and the Arabic Language; and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in Government and Institutional Communication.

Individual Awards and Innovation Challenges

Egypt's Basmat Nour Association won Best Youth Initiative in Communication, while Lt. Colonel Salem Mohammed bin Ali of Dubai's General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs received Best Official Spokesperson. Dr Himanshu Grover, Dr Neeharika Kushwaha, Dr Nahla Shireen and Dr Varkki Pallathucheril won Best Research in Communication Sciences.

Best Changemakers in Digital Content went to the UAE's Youssef Karam (under 18) and Morocco's Meryem Derni in the over-18 division. Khalifa University's Sanad project won the University Challenge, while Shaheen secured the AI Skills Challenge.

Jury Awards and Special Honours

The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity received Global Impact through Soft Power; Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs, Best Arab Personality with Positive Social Impact. The UAE Ministry of Defence received a special honour, accepted by Undersecretary Lieutenant General Staff Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi.

Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261103972039/en/

Contact

Hussain AlMulla
Hussain.AlMulla@SGMB.ae

Source : Sharjah Government Media Bureau