Christmas &
New Year Message
O
n behalf of the MITI family, I wish to extend to all MWB readers
in Malaysia and all over the world a Merry Christmas and a Happy
Christmas cheer at welfare homes, orphanages, centres for the disabled and hospitals. Indeed, this is a
proof that the caring society concept is well and alive in Malaysia.
2016 is a special year for MITI as we will be operating from our new premises, Menara MITI at
Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah which has green building features. I hope this new environment will
boost our commitment and further improve our service delivery to better serve the public.
Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all MWB readers a wonderful
Christmas filled with blessings and a Happy New Year 2016.
Thank you
Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed
Minister of International Trade and Industry
Malaysia
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
New Year 2016. The same way we celebrate all other religious
festivities, Malaysians regardless of faith and background are once again
exchanging greetings and celebrating the New Year in the true spirit of harmony.
As we usher into the New Year, let us reflect on our performance in 2015. Despite the global economic
uncertainties and challenges, our nation has performed well registering a growth of 4.7% in the third quarter
of 2015, supported mainly by private sector demand. Total trade expanded by RM15.4 billion to RM377.5
billion, registering a sizeable trade surplus of RM22.2 billion while foreign direct investments of RM9.8 billion
was recorded in the third quarter of 2015. These statistics reaffirm the confidence of investors in Malaysia’s
economic fundamentals and will further strengthen Malaysia’s position as the preferred investment destination
in the world.
In 2015, MITI successfully hosted the 47th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting. The establishment
of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 is a major milestone for the regional economic integration
agenda in ASEAN, offering opportunities in the form of a huge market of US$2.6 trillion and over 622 million
people. The AEC Blueprint 2025, adopted by the ASEAN Leaders at the 27th ASEAN Summit on 22 November
2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, provides broad directions through strategic measures for the AEC from
2016 to 2025.
On 5 October 2015 Malaysia and the other TPP partner countries’ reached agreement on the TPPA in
Atlanta, marking the conclusion of the TPPA negotiations which began in 2010. The TPP will bring higher
standards to nearly 40 percent of the global economy. In addition to liberalising trade and investment between
member countries, the agreement addresses the challenges that we face in the 21st century, while taking
into account the diversity of our levels of development. This historic agreement is expected to promote
economic growth, support higher-paying jobs; enhance innovation, productivity and competitiveness; raise
living standards; reduce poverty in our countries; and promote transparency, good governance, and strong
labor and environmental protections.
Let us not forget that peace and harmony that we enjoy today is due to sacrifices of our forefathers who
planted seeds of acceptance when they put their differences aside to gain independence for the nation. We
must not let their sacrifices be in vain by spreading ethnic sentiments, which not only have a negative impact
on race relations, but also the way people outside Malaysia view our country.
In celebrating this joyous occasion, let us also remember the less fortunate members of society by doing
our bit to lend a helping hand. I am glad to note that many companies and even individuals are spreading
Malaysia
Approved Investments in Manufacturing Sector
Jan - Sept 2015
Total
Capital Investment
RM67.7 billion
Projects
522
Domestic : RM50.5 billion
Foreign : RM17.2 billion
Source : Malaysian Investment Development Authority
Aprroved Investments in
Manufacturing Sector, 2005 - Sept 2015
RM billion
60
50.48
50
40
2006
2007
2013
2014
17.23
39.59
21.56
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Domestic Investment
Foreign Investment
30.54
20.92
34.15
20.21
21.94
29.06
18.12
10.49
22.14
46.10
16.69
33.43
26.51
25.77
2005
20.23
0
17.88
10
13.17
20
32.26
30
Jan-Sept,
2015
Source : Malaysian Investment Development Authority
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
Pontential
Employment
50,179
Approved Investments in Manufacturing Projects
with Foreign Participation by Major Country, Jan - Sept 2015
Total Foreign Investment
RM 17.2billion
Hong Kong
Singapore
No. of Projects: 9
Total Investment:RM4.4bil.
No. of Projects: 78
Total Investment:RM1.6bil.
Japan
No. of Projects: 52
Total Investment:RM2.7bil.
China
No. of Projects: 12
Total Investment:RM1.2bil.
Source :
Malaysian Investment Development Authority
No. of Projects: 12
Total Investment:RM2.2bil.
Germany
No. of Projects: 18
Total Investment:RM1.1bil.
Approved Investments in Manufacturing Projects
by Major Industries, Jan - Sept 2015
Petroleum Products
(Incl.Petrochemicals)
No. of Projects: 3
Total Investment:RM25.4bil.
Natural Gas
No. of Projects: 1
Total Investment:RM10.4bil.
Electronics &
Electrical Products
No. of Projects: 62
Total Investment:RM6.4bil.
Transport Equipment
No. of Projects: 41
Total Investment:RM5.9bil.
Non-Metallic
Mineral Products
No. of Projects: 18
Total Investment:RM3.6bil.
Basic Metal Products
No. of Projects: 24
Total Investment:RM3.5bil.
Source : Malaysian Investment Development Authority
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
USA
‘
and You’
University Rankings: Top 10 ASEAN 2015
Ranking
University
Country
National University of Singapore Singapore
2
Nanyang Technological University Singapore
(NTU) Singapore
3
University of Malaya
Malaysia
4
Mahidol University
Thailand
5
Chulalongkorn University
Thailand
6
National University of Malaysia
Malaysia
7
Universiti Technology Malaysia
Malaysia
8
University Putra Malaysia
Malaysia
9 University of the Philippines
Philippines
10 University of Indonesia
Indonesia
Source: Quacquarelli Symonds Ranking
MITI’s ASEAN Portal can be accessed via http://aec2015.miti.gov.my/
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
1
International Report
Indonesia Trade,
January – November 2015
Year-on-Year growth (%)
Non-Oil & Gas Imports
by Major Country of Origin
Non-Oil & Gas Exports
by Major Destination
Exports
USD138.42billion
-14.32 %
USA
USD13.98bil
China
USD26.45bil
Japan
USD12.24bil
Singapore
USD8.17bil
China
USD12.03bil
Japan
USD11.91bil
Source: Statistics Indonesia
Indonesia’s Trade with ASEAN, 2013-2014
US176.3bil
US182.6bil
US178.2bil
US186.6bil
US1,053.8bil
US1,088.6bil
Exports
US1,116.3bil
Imports
Exports
Indonesia
Other*
Indonesia
Other*
US1,058.1bil
Note:
Other* include Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore,
Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia,Philippines,
Lao PDR and Viet Nam
Imports
2014
2013
Source: http://www.asean.org/images/2015/July/external_trade_statistic/table17_asof17June15.pdf
Malaysia’s Trade with Indonesia, Jan 2014 - Oct 2015
RM billion
70
60
50
49.34
40
30
25.31
24.03
20
10
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Exports
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
2010
2011
Imports
2012
2013
Total Trade
2014
Jan-Oct
2015
Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
Imports
USD130.61billion
-20.24%
Passenger Car Production
in Selected
Countries
in
2014
Production in million units
Japan
China
19.92
8.28
5.60
ROK
4.12
India
8.16
Russia
1.68
Czech
Republic
1.25
Canada
0.91
1.58
France
1.50
Iran
Slovakia
0.99
Turkey
0.78
1.92
UK
Indonesia
1.01
Mexico
0.98
Malaysia
Thailand
0.74
0.55
Note: Passenger cars are motor vehicles with at least four wheels, used for the transport of passengers,
and comprising no more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat.
Source: http://www.statista.com/statistics/226032/light-vehicle-producing-countries/
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
1.90
4.25
Brazil
2.81
Spain
USA
Germany
Number and Value of Preferential Certificates of Origin (PCOs)
Number of Certificates (Provisional data)
AANZFTA
AIFTA
25 Oct 2015
1 Nov 2015
8 Nov 2015
15 Nov 2015
22 Nov 2015
29 Nov 2015
6 Dec 2015
13 Dec 2015
1,003
802
204
859
1,013
870
683
863
546
736
688
477
652
593
656
732
AJCEP
194
236
238
165
185
175
169
178
ATIGA
4,774
3,817
4,986
3,461
4,675
4,591
4,552
4,782
ACFTA
1,479
1,551
1,607
1,218
1,319
1,611
1,659
1,673
AKFTA
1,001
886
806
642
878
875
935
770
309
314
306
213
316
252
302
280
MICECA
MNZFTA
7
7
14
10
2
9
8
18
MCFTA
82
44
76
30
58
69
34
60
MAFTA
560
366
603
287
529
466
424
449
MJEPA
871
807
909
720
860
873
875
674
MPCEPA
172
134
175
130
116
119
122
197
GSP
146
123
150
77
169
81
93
166
MTFTA
209
160
223
124
162
208
222
174
Value of Preferential Certificates of Origin
1,400
600
1,200
500
RM million
RM million
1,000
400
300
200
600
400
100
0
800
200
0
25 Oct
1 Nov
8 Nov
15 Nov
22 Nov
29 Nov
6 Dec
13 Dec
25 Oct
1 Nov
8 Nov
15 Nov
22 Nov
29 Nov
6 Dec
13 Dec
AANZFTA
106
296
21
102
126
95
85
483
ATIGA
805
613
1,260
602
840
915
902
809
AIFTA
124
174
183
91
130
155
138
170
ACFTA
878
579
1,047
873
653
792
896
483
AJCEP
65
86
76
64
89
66
84
57
AKFTA
1,065
192
176
778
176
383
345
909
200
80
180
70
160
140
50
RM million
RM million
60
40
30
120
100
80
60
20
40
10
0
20
0
25 Oct
1 Nov
8 Nov
15 Nov
22 Nov
29 Nov
6 Dec
13 Dec
25 Oct
1 Nov
8 Nov
15 Nov
22 Nov
29 Nov
6 Dec
13 Dec
MICECA
45.15
46.96
49.83
27.64
42.75
44.69
49.06
31.11
MJEPA
177
126
148
113
154
151
135
131
MNZFTA
0.66
0.17
0.30
0.19
0.02
0.23
0.11
0.70
MPCEPA
37
24
38
17
23
15
16
66
MCFTA
44.95
6.46
9.09
4.27
5.55
12.11
5.72
7.77
GSP
30
26
27
22
29
15
22
30
MAFTA
55.22
34.41
58.75
68.08
47.18
63.78
37.50
36.28
MTFTA
99
150
100
121
86
139
158
82
Source: Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
Notes: The preference giving countries under the GSP scheme are Liechtenstein, the Russian Federation, Japan, Switzerland, Belarus, Kazakhstan and
Norway.
MPCEPA: Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership
AANZFTA: ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
Agreement (Implemented since 1 January 2008)
(Implemented since 1 January 2010)
MJEPA: Malaysia-Japan Economic Partnership
ATIGA: ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement
Agreement (Implemented since 13 July 2006)
(Implemented since 1 May 2010)
MICECA: Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic
AJCEP: ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Cooperation Agreement (Implemented since 1 July 2011)
(Implemented since 1 February 2009)
MNZFTA: Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
ACFTA: ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement
(Implemented since 1 August 2010)
(Implemented since 1 July 2003)
MCFTA: Malaysia-Chile Free Trade Agreement
AKFTA: ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement
(Implemented since 25 February 2012)
(Implemented since 1 July 2006)
MAFTA: Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement
AIFTA: ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement
(Implemented since 1 January 2013)
(Implemented since 1 January 2010)
MTFTA: Malaysia-Turkey Free Trade Agreement
(Implemented since 1 August 2015)
Malaysian Ringgit Exchange Rate with
Japanese Yen and Singapore Dollar
JPY100 = RM
SGD = RM
JPY100 = RM 3.52
3.70
3.10
SGD = RM 3.05
3.60
3.00
3.50
3.40
2.90
3.30
2.80
3.20
3.10
2.70
3.00
2.60
2.90
2.80
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
2014
2.50
2015
Source : Bank Negara, Malaysia
Gold Prices, 14 August - 18 December 2015
Gold
US$/Gram
39.0
37.0
36.0
36.0
35.0
34.0
18 Dec
11 Dec
4 Dec
27 Nov
20 Nov
13 Nov
6 Nov
30 Oct
23 Oct
16 Oct
9 Oct
2 Oct
25 Sep
18 Sep
11 Sep
28 Aug
21 Aug
14 Aug
33.0
4 Sep
34.2
Source : http://www.gold.org/investments/statistics/gold_price_chart/
Silver and Platinum Prices, 14 August - 18 December 2015
Silver
US$/Oz
16.5
1,050.0
16.0
1,000.0
15.3
15.0
950.0
14.5
900.0
14.0
854.0
13.9
14 Aug
21 Aug
28 Aug
4 Sep
11 Sep
18 Sep
25 Sep
2 Oct
9 Oct
16 Oct
23 Oct
30 Oct
6 Nov
13 Nov
20 Nov
27 Nov
4 Dec
11 Dec
18 Dec
13.5
13.0
990.0
850.0
800.0
http://online.wsj.com/mdc/public/page/2_3023-cashprices.html?mod=topnav_2_3023
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
14 Aug
21 Aug
28 Aug
4 Sep
11 Sep
18 Sep
25 Sep
2 Oct
9 Oct
16 Oct
23 Oct
30 Oct
6 Nov
13 Nov
20 Nov
27 Nov
4 Dec
11 Dec
18 Dec
15.5
Platinum
US$/Oz
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
38.0
Commodity Prices
Commodity
Crude
Petroleum
(per bbl)
Crude
Palm Oil
(per MT)
Sugar
(per lbs.)
Rubber
SMR 20
(per MT)
Cocoa
SMC 2
(per MT)
Coal
(per MT)
Scrap Iron
HMS
(per MT)
18 Dec 2015
(US$)
34.7
560.0
15.1
1,157.5
1,987.8
47.5
190 (high)
170 (low)
% change*
2.5
0.3
3.6
1.4
2.6
0.2
unchanged
unchanged
2014i
54.6 - 107.6
823.3
352.3
1,718.3
2,615.8
59.8
370.0
2013i
88.1 - 108.6
805.5
361.6
2,390.8
1,933.1
..
485.6
Highest and Lowest Prices, 2014/2015
Crude Petroleum
(18 Dec 2015)
US$34.7 per bbl
Highest
(US$ per bbl)
Lowest
(US$ per bbl)
2015
29 May 2015: 60.3
2015
18 Dec 2015: 34.7
2014
13 June 2014: 107.6
2014
26 Dec 2014: 54.6
Average Domestic
Prices, 18 Dec 2015
Billets
(per MT)
RM1,200 - RM1,300
Crude Palm Oil
(18 Dec 2015)
US$560.0 per MT
Highest
(US$ per MT)
Lowest
(US$ per MT)
2015
16 Jan 2015: 701.0
2015
4 Sep 2015: 500.5
2014
14 Mar 2014: 982.5
2014
26 Dec 2014: 664.0
Steel Bars
(per MT)
RM1,450 - RM1,550
Sources: Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysian Rubber Board, Malaysian Cocoa Board,
Malaysian Iron and Steel Industry Federation, Bloomberg and Czarnikow Group.
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
Notes: All figures have been rounded to the nearest decimal point
* Refer to % change from the previous week’s price
i Average price in the year except otherwise indicated
n.a Not availble
Commodity Price Trends
Crude Palm Oil
Rubber SMR 20
600
1,300
590
1,280
586.0
584.0
580
1,240
566.5
560
561.5
558.5
553.5
560.0
552.5
1,200
1,197.0
1,180
543.5543.0
540
1,231.5
1,243.5
1,220
565.0
US$/mt
US$/mt
1,262.5
580.0
570
550
1,279.5 1,280.5
1,260
1,183.5
1,160
1,158.0
530
1,157.5
1,140
520
1,120
510
1,100
9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Oct 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Nov 4 Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec
2 Oct
9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Oct 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Nov 4 Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec
Black Pepper
Cocoa
2,150
8,500
7,967
8,000
2,100
7,822
2,084.1
7,894
2,050
2,056.7
2,058.6
2,034.5
2,020.2
2,030.2
2,009.8
2,000
7,707
7,500
2,052.6
2,040.8
1,987.8
USD/ tonne
2,064.3
2,052.5
7,591
7,296
7,286 7,267
7,148
7,063
7,000
6,940
7,029 7,022
6,963
6,864
6,469
6,500
6,000
1,950
7,853
7,806
6,742
6,515
6,245
5,740
5,779
5,843
5,500
1,910.4
1,900
25 Sep 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Oct 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Nov 4 Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec
Dec
Oct
Nov
Sep
Jul
Aug
Jun
Apr
May
Mar
Jan
Feb
Dec
Oct
2015
Sugar
Crude Petroleum
54
52
15.5
15.5
14.5
14.5
14.3
14.0
14.3
14.5
49.6
15.1
15.0
48
14.3
48.6
49.6
47.3
45.7
44
50.5
48.1
46
14.6
US$/bbl
15.0
52.7
50
15.3
15.0
US$/lbs
Nov
2014
* until 18 December 2015
16.0
13.5
Sep
Jul
Aug
Jun
Apr
May
Mar
Jan
1,850
Feb
5,000
48.0
46.6
47.4
45.5
44.6
44.3
44.7
44.9
43.6
43.0
42
41.7
40
13.5
40.7
38
13.0
40.4
40.0
37.9
36.9
36
35.6
12.5
34
32
12.0
2 Oct
9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Oct 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Nov 4 Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec
Crude Petroleum (WTI)/bbl
25 Sep 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Oct 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Nov 4 Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec
Sources: Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysian Rubber Board, Malaysian Cocoa Board, Malaysian Pepper Board, Malaysian Iron and Steel Industry Federation, Bloomberg and Czarnikow Group, World Bank.
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
34.7
Crude Petroleum (Brent)/bbl
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
2 Oct
US$/mt
1,176.0 1,174.5
1,172.5
Commodity Price Trends
Copper
Aluminium
7,500
2,200
7,300
1,774
1,751
1,804
1,695 1,705
6,042
5,940
6,100
5,900
1,640
5,833
5,831
5,700
1,688
1,600
6,295
5,729
5,457
5,500
1,590
5,217
5,127
5,216
5,300
1,516
4,900
1,468
2014
2015
2014
Jul
Jun
Apr
May
Mar
Jan
Feb
Dec
Oct
Nov
Sep
Jul
Aug
Jun
Apr
May
Jan
Oct
4,800
4,700
Nov
Sep
Jul
Aug
Jun
Apr
May
Mar
Jan
Feb
Dec
Oct
Nov
Sep
Jul
Aug
Jun
Apr
May
Mar
Jan
Feb
1,400
Mar
1,500
5,100
Feb
1,548
Oct
1,815
1,727
6,446
6,300
Nov
1,819
1,818
1,800
1,700
6,500
1,909
1,839
US$/ tonne
US$/ tonne
1,811
6,737
Sep
1,946
1,900
6,713
6,821
6,650 6,674
6,700
1,990
1,948
6,891
6,900
2,000
7,113
7,002
6,872
7,149
7,100
2,056
2,030
7,291
Aug
2,100
2015
48.0
20,000
19,401
19,118
18,600
18,629
18,000
18,035
17,374
15,812 15,807
15,678
47.0
14,574
14,849
14,101 14,204
13,756
US$/mt
US$/ tonne
47.5
47.4
15,962
16,000
14,000
47.5
13,511
12,831 12,825
12,000
46.5
46.6
46.6
46.4
11,413
46.4
10,317
10,386
10,000
46.4
46.3
46.2
46.2
46.0
9,938
46.5
46.0
9,244
2014
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Jan
Feb
8,000
2015
45.5
2 Oct
9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Oct 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Nov 4 Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec
Scrap Iron
Iron Ore
140.0
280
130.0 128.1
121.4
120.0
110.0
74.0
68.0
70.0
195.0
190.0
195.0
82.4
190.0
190.0
190.0
180
63.0
68.0
50.0
24 Jul 7 Aug 14 Aug 28 Aug 11 Sep 25 Sep 9 Oct 30 Oct 6 Nov 20 Nov 27 Nov 18 Dec
53.0
52.0
47.0
2014
Mar
Feb
Jan
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
160
57.0
40.0
Jul
170.0
Jun
170.0
May
170.0
Apr
170.0
56.0
52.0
Mar
Scrap Iron/MT(Low)
175.0
Jan
Scrap Iron/MT (High)
63.0
60.0
58.0
60.0
2015
Sources: Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysian Rubber Board, Malaysian Cocoa Board, Malaysian Pepper Board, Malaysian Iron and Steel Industry Federation, Bloomberg and Czarnikow Group, World Bank.
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
Nov
210.0
200
81.0
80.0
Oct
210.0
92.7
Sep
210.0
90.0
Aug
220.0
96.1
92.6
Jul
230.0
220
100.6
Jun
230.0
230.0
Feb
US$/mt
230.0
111.8
100.0
May
240.0
240
230.0
114.6
250.0
Apr
250.0
US$/dmtu
260
260.0
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
Coal
Nickel
LEVERAGING ON INNOVATION
“I don’t like doing paper presentations
says Encik Khairil Adri Adnan,
the Chief Executive Officer of DreamEDGE”
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
So when asked to take part in a pitch to meet Mr. Barack Obama, the President of the United States, he
brought Nao along. Not only can Nao excite her audience with impressive dance moves, she can hold
their undivided attention when she gives presentations. Thanks to Nao’s successful pitch, DreamEDGE
was one of the three companies given the chance of a lifetime to have a face-to-face session with Mr.
Barack Obama during his short visit to Malaysia last year. However, Nao had to be programmed to perform all the functions mentioned because she is a robot.
“I purchased Nao to develop local talent in programming,” says Encik Khairil who paid over RM50,000
for the female sounding android. He considers the robot a worthwhile investment, foreseeing a future
where automation will be in demand. When that happens, he knows he will need experts who can do
programming. His forward thinking approach is what has gotten DreamEDGE this far where it is now on
the verge of making the transition from being an engineering based company to one that is focused on
offering solutions through innovation.
As an engineering service provider, the company has worked for clients in various industries including
automotive, heavy industries, precision equipment, and railway, among others, both locally and abroad.
In fact, DreamEDGE has a subsidiary in Japan and has successfully completed jobs for clients from the
United Kingdom, Austria, Brazil, India, Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand. “Things were going well, but
I thought it is risky to concentrate on one type of business. So in 2013, we started developing our own
products to mitigate the risk. If we develop 10 to 20 products and at least one of them takes off, it could
become the company’s main source of revenue in the future,” says Encik Khairil, recalling the company’s
first move to diversify its business.
After careful study and consideration, the company decided to venture into the production of electric vehicles. The business involves mechanical, electronic, and programming expertise, all of which they have
in-house expertise. The company’s range of electric vehicles to date includes the Future Friendly Eco
Commuter, Electrifying Three Wheeler, and Green Community Bus. These socially conscious forms of
transportation are energy efficient, have low carbon emissions, and are disabled access friendly. Aside
from vehicles, the company is also developing its own robots. They may not be as charming as Nao,
but they are designed and programmed to fulfil specific functions. The Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
for example, according to Encik Khairil, is able to haul a complete car on its own and would be useful in
automotive manufacturing plants.
The company has been recognised as one of the Top 10 Fast Growing Companies at the SME Award in
2012 and was a recipient of the 1-InnoCERT Best Innovation Award in Engineering and Industrial Design
in 2014. However, one of its most memorable achievements is the establishment of its Digital Engineering
Design Centre (DEDC) in Taiping, Perak. DEDC serves as a platform to coordinate collaborations
between universities and the industry. Now in its third year, the Centre has hired and developed more
than 200 local graduates as engineers. In fact, Encik Khairil is proud that DreamEDGE is able to give
many young people a leg up in the field of engineering and innovation. “Growing up, I used to watch
enviously as my cousins played with remote control cars, Game Boy, and PlayStation as I could not have
one. So now I want to create opportunities for those who have passion for gadgets and technology like I
do. I want them to turn their imagination and creativity into endless possibilities,” concludes Encik Khairil.
MITI Programme
Meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers in Nairobi
16 December 2015
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
Media Release
Announcement
ASEAN COMMITTED TOWARDS PRESERVING CENTRALITY AND MEETING THE 2016 DEADLINE OF
REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP (RCEP) NEGOTIATIONS
I chaired an informal gathering of ASEAN Ministers and Heads of Delegation in Nairobi, Kenya on
15 December 2015 to discuss the way forward for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP). This meeting is a follow-up to the decision made by ASEAN leaders in KL during the recently
held ASEAN Summit in November 2015 to conclude RCEP negotiations by the end of 2016. The
meeting reiterated the centrality of ASEAN in the negotiations. Ministers agreed to direct their officials
to step up the work in the next few weeks to ensure that the next round of negotiations in Brunei
scheduled from 15-19 February 2016 will produce a good outcome.
At the meeting in Nairobi, every ASEAN member state shared the challenges they are facing in areas
involving goods, services and investment under the RCEP negotiations. By doing so, it is hoped that
we will have a better understanding of the challenges faced as we seek to conclude the negotiations
by the end of next year. It was also agreed that all member states will support Mr. Iman Pambagyo,
the Trade Negotiating Committee Chair and RCEP coordinator for ASEAN. If need be, our officials
will meet before the upcoming round of negotiations in Brunei. The last Round between negotiators
is scheduled for September 2016. As this is also the month during which the next ASEAN Summit will
be held, it was decided that the Round will be brought forward so that substantive conclusion of the
agreement could be done by September 2016.
For Trade in Goods, I am pleased to note that RCEP has made good progress especially with all
RCEP Participating Countries (RPCs) agreeing to the Basic Concept of Initial Offers (BCIO). It is also
encouraging to note that 15 RPCs have submitted their initial offers. For Trade in Services, we are
encouraged with the submission of the revised offers with value add elements. In this regard we hope
that the other ASEAN countries who had not so will follow suit.
MALAYSIA IS COMMITTED TOWARDS STRENGTHENING OUR ECONOMIC TIES WITH KENYA
I hosted a roundtable session with some 15 representatives from the Kenyan business community on
16 December 2015.During that one and a half hour session, I explained the economic outlook and
policies undertaken by the Malaysian Government to promote trade and attract investments into our
country.
Kenya has a population of 46 million with income per capita of USD3,100. The country has recorded
average annual economic growth of around 6% over the past 5 years. This impressive performance
was partly due to its improved political stability and good growth recorded by the agriculture and
services sectors.
Malaysia and Kenya enjoy close bilateral ties. The total trade between the two
countries had increased by more than double from USD283 million in 2013 to USD742 million in 2014.
Despite the strong trade figures last year, it should be noted that our exports to Kenya worth USD737
million far exceeded our imports from the country which stood at only USD5.5 million. This very large
trade gap needs to be narrowed but it presents a big challenge because Kenya does not produce the
products which have a high demand in Malaysia, such as electrical & electronics products.
Nairobi and Kenya are now experiencing a construction boom and there is a string interest to source
building materials from Malaysia. I met with Suraya Properties Group, one of the largest property
developers in Kenya. In view of this strong interest, MATRADE which has an office in Nairobi will bring
a number of Malaysian companies to Nairobi in order to promote Malaysian products. The Kenya
Commercial Bank Group is planning to bring a delegation of Kenyan investors and traders to Kuala
Lumpur in the first half of next year. It is hoped that this visit will strengthen the business relationship
between the two countries.
Africa has enormous economic potential. A number of countries in the continent are experiencing
impressive rate of economic growth. The region is on the rise. As a trading nation and an open
economy, Malaysia will continue to diversify its business relations with the African continent. MITI will
continue to ramp up and promote investment opportunities in East Africa. In fact, there are a number
of Malaysian companies currently operating in Kenya. Among them is Golden Africa Kenya Limited
which recently completed its USD50 million palm oil refinery plant in Athi River, which is 42 kilometers
from Nairobi. Another Malaysian company in Kenya is Probase Manufacturing, which possesses
unique construction technology suitable for the Kenyan market. This company has already completed
two 10-kilometer road projects in Meru and Samburu counties, and this week has signed the MoU to
implement a similar project in Embu county which could involve the construction of 100-kilometers of
rural road, beginning with 10-kilometer pilot project.
Malaysia and Kenya has many similarities as both countries gained independence around the same
time. Education could be the key to help strengthen the relationship between the two nations as there
are currently 900 Kenyan studying at our local universities. In fact, many of the Kenyan alumni are
currently holding key positions in the Kenyan Government and private sector.
Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed
Minister of International Trade and Industry
Malaysia
MITI Weekly Bulletin / www.miti.gov.my
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
For Investment, we commend the good progress made in the Investment Chapter notably the efforts
of all RPCs to table their Initial Reservation Lists during the last Round in Busan, Korea. All RPCs
are urged to keep up the good momentum and to ensure progress by resolving the key issues in
investment.‎It is important for ASEAN to continue leading the process in the Investment Chapter.
The meeting also noted that China and India had demonstrated commitment to achieve progress in
RCEP negotiations.Completing the RCEP negotiations by 2016 has become more urgent with the
conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations in October 2015. RCEP which involves ASEAN
and 6 FTA partners, accounts for 30% of world trade and will provide a big boost towards closer
economic integration among the countries involved as well as with other countries around the globe.
@ YOUR SERVICE
Name
Designation
Job Description
Division
Contact No Email : Sufian Saihon
: Senior Assistant Administrative Officer
: Reviewing and approving certificate of origin (COO)
online application for scheme of AKFTA, ACFTA,
AIFTA and MICECA.
: Trade and Industry Support
: 603-6208 4738
: sufian.saihon@miti.gov.my
Name
Designation
Job Description
Division
Contact No Email : Nora Sulaiman
: Senior Assistant Administrative Officer
: Reviewing and approving certificate of origin (COO)
online application for scheme of AKFTA, ACFTA,
AIFTA and MICECA.
: Trade and Industry Support
: 603-6208 4736
: nora.sulaiman@miti.gov.my
The Editorial Board of the MWB
wishes everyone a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year 2016
“DRIVING Transformation, POWERING Growth”
“The best index to a person’s character is how he
treats people who can’t do him any good, and
how he treats people who can’t fight back”
Abigail Van Buren
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