WHAT’S HAPPENING

[Webinar] SMART Capability Building Workshop: The Future of B2B eCommerce

Title: The Future of B2B eCommerce

Featured Speaker: DHL Express Asia Pacific

Date : Sep 17, 2021 @ 1400-1500

Background

Digitalization is considered as one of the critical transformations for businesses in order to stay relevant in today’s business world. This webinar aims to increase the organizations’ awareness on the importance of B2B e-commerce and enhance their understanding on buyers’ behaviours.

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Key takeaways 

• Benefits of B2B E-commerce for your business
• Meet the new B2B customers – Changing B2B buyers behavior.
• Spinning the B2B E-commerce flywheel – What you need to know
• Success stories
• Customer B2B website health check

Featured Speakers

Andy Lim, Vice President, Sales Development and E-Commerce, DHL Express Asia Pacific

Andy Lim is the Vice President – Sales Development and ECommerce at DHL Express Asia Pacific. He is responsible for developing sales strategy, processes, programs, and tools and leads the regional e-commerce growth agenda for DHL in 23 markets in Asia.

In his 15+ years in DHL, Andy has managed several roles in different sales channels and functions. His wealth of experience helps develop a world-class salesforce and cutting-edge tools and processes to deliver superior customer experience and market leadership.

Andy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, majoring in finance from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

Presentation Slides [Download]

For RSVP, please click HERE

• Participation in the event is FREE but RSVP is required (online registration).
• The registration shall close on Sep 16, 2021, 5pm.
• For further inquiry or support, please contact Mr. Chen William at william@investpenang.gov.my

Onwards & Upwards: Explore New Careers in Penang #3

Register now: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gFKbULrQSu2PvdoYnBO_Qw

Details of the webinar session as follows:
 Onwards & Upwards: Explore New Careers in Penang #3
 21 August 2021
 10.30 am – 12.00pm

Mark your calendars and ‘see’ you there!

Navigating the Pandemic: Exit Strategies beyond Vaccination

The ramping up of vaccination centres and accelerated inoculation rate has made Penang’s percentage of cumulative vaccine doses administered (based on adult population) very near the national average. The average doses administered in Penang for the past one month is about 400,000 doses and the State is confident of achieving 100% of adult population to receive the first dose by early September, as mentioned by the Rt. Hon. Mr. Chow Kon Yeow in 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐂𝐈 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧’𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐠 held on 17 Aug 2021.

Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI) organized an annual dialogue session with the Chief Minister of Penang, Rt. Hon. Mr. Chow Kon Yeow and have invited representatives from the industry, namely: Jayce Loh (Regional Director of Affin Hwang Asset Management), J Philip Vincent (Business Development Director of GSH Precision Technology Sdn Bhd), Matin Ng (Deputy CEO of UWC Berhad) and Christoph Mueller (Senior Vice President of Operations, Finance, Controlling & Information Technology at B. Braun APAC) to explore their respective views on how to navigate this pandemic and remain sustainable. InvestPenang’s CEO, Dato’ Loo Lee Lian was invited as the moderator for the panelist discussion.

Each speaker presented the best practices in their respective organizations during the pandemic, and their proactive approaches to ensure safe at work were well recognized by Rt. Hon. Mr. Chow. In the panelist discussion, Matin is of the view that automation can enhance companies’ competitive advantage and agreed with Dato’ Loo that to better plan for long term post pandemic, there is higher incentives for companies to automate and digitalize. When asked on the wish list from government in attracting sustainable investment, Christoph shared that stable environment, transparency in governance and talent availability as the utmost priorities. Jayce, representing the financial sector, commented on the work-from-home model that provides flexibilities to women who juggle several roles and stressed the importance for companies to invest in technology and infrastructure to maintain employees’ performances. In regards to the sustainability of SOPs compliance, especially for SMEs, Vincent admitted that costs will be an issue for most local companies, although it may be challenging for some time, companies have to source for solutions to ensure both affordability and workplace safety are well taken care of.

During the session, the audience also raised concern on the industrial land availability in meeting the companies’ demand. Rt. Hon. Mr. Chow assured that Penang Development Corporation (PDC) is developing two new industry parks, namely Batu Kawan Industrial Park 2 and East Batu Kawan. These 2 industrial parks will bring a combined 1,500 acres of industrial lands to Penang, bigger than the size of the existing Batu Kawan Industrial Park. The 2 industrial parks are developed in stages and will come on stream from 2023 onwards, serving Penang’s promoted sectors and preparing for a new wave of strategic investments into the State. Promotion of new industrial park is expected to begin in September next year to cater new wave of strategic investments into the State. The State government place great emphasis in developing Penang’s infrastructure to meet investors’ demands & requirements.

GBS 1.5 Talk Series #3 – Digital Economy: Industry Outlook and Support & Funding Opportunities

InvestPenang in collaboration with Penang GBS Focus Group will be organizing a GBS 1.5 Talk Series #3 entitled “Digital Economy: Industry Outlook and Support & Funding Opportunities” on Thursday, 26th August 2021 at 3.00 pm – 4.45 pm.

This is the 3rd webinar series that InvestPenang and GBS Focus Group are hosting. In partnership with MDEC and in-conjunction with Malaysia Tech Months 2021, the virtual session aims to provide a platform for business leaders, professionals and consultants related to digital economy industry including Global Business Services (GBS), ICT/Technology & Services to: –

• Explore the current happenings in the digital economy industry globally.
• Discover the key highlights in Malaysia’s digital economy industry and Penang’s competitive edge in supporting the ecosystem.
• Find out the available financial and support programme for your businesses.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay updated with the latest government assistance schemes for businesses!

We look forward for your good-self and your team to join us and benefit from this forum. Feel free to invite your network to join us virtually by extending this invitation, with no physical boundary and space limitation!

Join us to find out more! Please register HERE or scan the following QR code:

Should you require further info pertaining to this webinar, please email to shazanah@investpenang.gov.my

For more details of the Malaysia Tech Months please log into https://malaysiatechmonth.hubilo.com/community.

About GBS 1.5 Series
InvestPenang is organizing a series of GBS webinar aimed to  further drive Penang’s GBS industry and in ensuring Penang remains as a preferred economic and investment destination. The objective of this event is to promote best practices learning across the MNCs, PLCs, and SMEs within the Global Business Services landscape. 

Penang spearheads the Olympics of Global IT Industry: the World Congress on Information Technology, WCIT in 2022 – Connecting Malaysia to The World

After more than 10 years, Malaysia has once again been chosen to host the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT). WCIT is a signature event of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) since 1978. Malaysia last hosted WCIT in Kuala Lumpur in 2008.

The WCIT event, which was originally slated to be held in Penang in September last year had to be postponed to 2022 due to the imposition of lockdowns caused by the pandemic outbreak. Nonetheless, Penang, the “Silicon Valley of the East”, has been selected to hold this prestigious and reputable international convention physically among worldwide IT leaders in 2022.

Back then, Kuala Lumpur held WCIT2008 and managed to secure total sales and investments worth RM8.3 billion with over 20,000 jobs created. It was reported that 800 business meetings were held over the event, creating more than RM1.24 billion in business opportunities for the Malaysian information and communications (ICT) technology industry.

InvestPenang is delighted to be part of the exclusive interactive panel discussion on “WCIT 2022 – Connecting Malaysia to The World” held on 6^th August 2021, organized by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), in conjunction with Malaysia Tech Months. Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Penang, has been invited as one of the panellists for this session. Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, together with Ong Kian Yew, Chief Executive Officer, PIKOM (National Tech Association of Malaysia); Raymond Siva, Senior Vice President, Investment and Brand & Chief Marketing Officer, MDEC; Dr Sean Seah, Deputy Chairman PIKOM (National Tech Association of Malaysia) and WITSA (World IT and Services Alliance); Cheah Kok Hoong, Organising Chair WCIT 2022 and Dr James Poisant, Secretary General, World IT and Services Alliance had an informative discussion on how WCIT 2022  is going to make an impact to Malaysia, to position Malaysia and Penang as the hub of digital ASEAN and connecting Malaysia to the world. The panellists opined that WCIT2022 is one of the key Malaysia National agenda and an economic recovery booster, a platform to showcase how to use technology and digitalization for betterment of humanity. WCIT aims to not only showcase the latest technologies and drivers of economic growth, but the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring that the needs of most vulnerable in society are addressed. WCIT 2022 is also a further catalyst to bring digital across Malaysia and to the growing prominence of Malaysia in information technology (IT).

Dato’ Loo, representing InvestPenang, the lead agency for WCIT for the State said: “Penang playing host next year to WCIT2022 MALAYSIA, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a world-renowned colourful tourist stop and a rich melting pot of cultural diversity, excellent and strategic in location and international accessibility and most importantly, a high-tech global base with the excellent backdrop of robust E&E ecosystem and semicon industry that will definitely offer a distinct experience to delegates”. Technology players around the world are encouraged to leverage on WCIT2022 as a platform to explore opportunities to elevate and expand their businesses with a specific focus in the Southeast Asia region.

HSBC US Webinar: E&E Industry in Penang, Malaysia: Way Forward

Insights on investment opportunities, industry outlook and success stories of American companies

Penang, the island state of Malaysia, is strategically located at the centre of ASEAN and Asia Pacific. Home to more than 85 top-tier American companies, representing mainly part of the Electronics & Electrical supply chain, Penang has become known as the Silicon Valley of the East, contributing approximately 5% to the global semiconductor market.

E&E products have been Malaysia’s largest export earners for decades contributing to 39.4% of the nation’s total exports in 2020. Notably, Penang has produced half of the nation’s total exports in E&E products from 2014-2020. Despite the challenges brought on by the impact of Covid-19, the E&E industry in Penang remains resilient, recording 10.4% export value growth in 2020.

InvestPenang is delighted to be part of this exclusive interactive panel discussion on the E&E industry in Penang. Dato’ Seri Lee Kah Choon, special investment advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang, has been invited as one of the panellists for this session. Dato’ Seri Lee, together with Ms Siobhan Das, CEO of American Malaysian Chamber Of Commerce (AMCHAM), Mr Andrew Sill, Country Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC Malaysia and Mr Vishal Karanwal, Country Head of International Subsidiary Banking, HSBC Malaysia, had an engaging discussion and shared their perspective on Penang as a significant E&E hub.

Albeit, the outbreak of pandemic has caused disruptions in the supply chain, the panellists acknowledged that E&E being recognized as an essential sector, coupled with the accelerated vaccination rate in Malaysia has undoubtedly abated the repercussions.

Moving forward, Dato’ Seri Lee expressed his confidence over Penang’s position in the global semiconductor industry and believed that the State will continue to punch above its weight, given its robust ecosystem, strategic location and talent pool.

Bridging Technical Talent Demands : Collaborative partnership with TVET institutions

Introduction

Driven by Penang’s position as the country’s leading E&E hub, the State in recent years has attracted and recorded an outstanding investment performance in 2019 and 2020, clocked up a total of RM31 billion manufacturing investment, out of which RM25.6 billion came from Foreign Direct Investments (23% of Malaysia’s total) and the remaining from Domestic Direct Investments. These projects are expected to generate approximately 32,000 new job opportunities in the State.

The new investments and expansions of existing foreign and local companies had inevitably led to the escalating need for the supply of technically skilled workforce, particularly talents in mechatronics and precision machining.

Scope and methodology of the study

Responding to this need, the Penang STEM focus group, comprised of Penang STEM, InvestPenang, Penang Science Cluster (PSC) and Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) embarked on a 3-month study from March to June 2021.

Scope of study

The study was conducted to understand:

1. the demand and supply of technical talents in mechatronics and precision machining,
2. the underlining causes for the decline in student recruitments and
3. the immediate and long-term solution to bridge the demand and supply of technical talents.

Methodology

An initial list of 30 institutions was identified (Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILPs), vocational colleges, polytechnics & private institutions). Based on the relevant courses currently offered, assessment of their training facilities and student capacities, 3 TVET institutions were shortlisted and recommended:

1. Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC)
2. Japan-Malaysia Technical Institute (JMTI)
3. Fourier TVET Centre (FTC)

(Walta Centre of Excellence (WCOE) – had been identified for future participation as they are newly established)

TVET Talent Landscape – Challenges and Recommendations

Amongst the contributory factors to the decline in student enrollment were mainly lack of monetary attractiveness in terms of salary, the financial burden in supporting their studies and overall lack of student interest in STEM at school levels.

To address this, a 2-phase approach for bridging technical talent demands was formulated to first focus on the immediate increase in student enrollment via work-study TVET programmes which allow students to earn while studying and in the longer term,  proposed measures to increase the maximum capacity to meet projected 5-year demands.

Pursuant to the in-depth study, industry leaders, specifically C-suite and human resource experts, were engaged to partake in an interactive webinar led by InvestPenang, together with PSDC, JMTI, FTC and PSC. Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Penang, imparted key insights into Penang TVET talent landscape focusing specifically on the supply and demand over the next 5 years and the calibrated proposed solutions in elevating student enrollment. The 3 TVET institutions were represented respectively by Mr. Muhamed, CEO of PSDC, Mr. Muzafar, Deputy Director of Engineering Consultancy Services, JMTI and Mr. Pau, Principal of FTC, individually presented their work-study programmes that the industry leaders could leverage to bridge their technical talent needs. Mr. Ooi, CEO of PSC also touched on the centre’s key action plans to spark early interest, instill passion and inspire upper school students about TVET careers and pathways.

Looking ahead, to mitigate and bridge this issue, Dato’ Loo reiterated and urged industry partners to invest, strategise coupled with competitive compensation packages and collaborate with the TVET institutions in building a sustainable technical pipeline as demand will only surge moving forward.

Collaborative partnership with TVET institutions:

PSDC
Contact person: Tham Kok Kee
Phone & Email: 012-555 9550 / thamkk@psdc.org.my

JMTI
Contact person: Mohamad Azlan bin Khalili
Phone & Email: 013-397 8440 / azlan@jtm.gov.my

FTC
Contact person: Pau Kew Chong
Phone & Email: 012-418 9158 / ftc1010@ftc.org.my

Companies wishing to participate in schools outreach programme:
aimy@pscpen.com.

More info on the Bridging Technical Talent Demand initiative by the PSTEM TVET Focus Group richardchung@penangstem.com

GBS 1.5 Series #2 Webinar: Shaping the Workforce of the Future

With an ambition to further drive Penang’s Global Business Services (GBS) industry and in ensuring Penang remains as a preferred economic and investment destination, InvestPenang in collaboration with Penang GBS Focus Group will be organizing a GBS 1.5 series #2: Shaping the Workforce of the Future on

Date: Tuesday, 13th July 2021
Time: 10.00 am to 11.30 am
Platform: Zoom (Register HERE)

For sustainable growth of the GBS industry, talent development is one of the key areas to emphasize, especially the importance of nurturing digitally skilled talents and foster a new wave of a future-ready digital workforce.

This session provides leaders’ experience and approach in providing new jobs from emerging industries, the transformation of existing jobs, as well as lifelong learning opportunities to build knowledge and skills in the new economy.

This session will also discuss the challenge in talent management and development, including transforming transactional employees to knowledge-based team workers, how the leaders managed the employees during the COVID-19 crisis and the substantial changes on how GBS organizations will operate in future.

About GBS 1.5 Series
InvestPenang is organizing a series of GBS webinar aimed to  further drive Penang’s GBS industry and in ensuring Penang remains as a preferred economic and investment destination. The objective of this event is to promote best practices learning across the MNCs, PLCs, and SMEs within the Global Business Services landscape. For more info on GBS Series #1,  please visit:  https://investpenang.gov.my/media or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx55jU7gHuE

[Webinar] SMART Capability Building Workshop: Is Your Supply Chain Resilient?

Title: Is your supply chain resilient?

Featured Speaker: DHL Malaysia

Date : May 4, 2021 @ 1400-1600

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the business world on an unprecedented scale and speed. It has caused closures of business, stoppage of factory outputs, disruption to global manufacturing industries and their supply networks. The COVID-19 crisis also underlines the importance of resilience as it has generated both supply and demand shocks within a short time because of the international fragmentation of production along global supply chains. The question is, “is your supply chain resilient?”.

This webinar is jointly organized by InvestPenang and DHL which aim to share how to strengthen Supply Chain Resiliency by leveraging on Innovation as well as the top 10 supply chain risks stemming during the pandemic. The speakers will be sharing the following key takeaways and also case studies on technology trends for supply chain resilience.

Key Takeaways

Participants will be able to understand and benefits from the following key takeaways: –

• why innovation is crucial in times of COVID-19 and how to focus on innovation trends
• the ability of a supply chain to both resist disruptions and recover operational capabilities after disruptions occur
• highlights risk and resilience, examines the risk impacts from COVID-19
• how companies will rebuild while also creating a better, stronger supply chain for the future.

Featured Speakers

1. Goh Zhong Guo, Innovation Manager, DHL Asia Pacific Innovation Center (APIC)
2. Mohammad Ridwan, Business Developer Director, DHL Supply Chain Malaysia

For RSVP, please click HERE

• Participation in the event is FREE but RSVP is required (online registration).
• The registration shall close on May 2, 2021, 5pm.
• For further inquiry or support, please contact Mr. Chen William at william@investpenang.gov.my or 04-646 8833