EUMCCI Review - July 2011

EUMCCI

Review

Volume VII No. 3 July 2011

The Business Digest of the European Union-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Malaysia’s Key Resources

Tapping Malaysia’s Rich Seams of Economic Potential KDN PP 14083/07/2011(029992)

Editorial

EUMCCI Goes Green in the run up to IGEM 2011 Taking a closer look at Malaysia’s resources May saw the 10th anniversary edition of the annual Tastes of Europe Fest (formerly known as European Wine, Beer and Cheese Fest) hosted by the InterContinental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur and in conjunction with fellow chambers of commerce. The event was a great success and an example of the continued and growing wealth of European delicacies now available in Malaysia.

Whilst the Tastes of Europe took advantage of the convenience, speed and efficacy of modern logistics and transshipment methods, the Green Logistics Forum held in June addressed the environmental cost of today’s modern transport systems and how the logistics sector and business in general could make adjustments beneficial to both companies and the environment.

EUMCCI also visited Penang for EU-Penang Day - an event co-organised with the EU Delegation. 21st June 2011 saw local businesses invited to the Town Hall in Penang to find out more about the EU and how Penang and the EU Union (as so EUMCCI) can work together more closely. The fourth round of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations between the EU and Malaysia were held mid-July in KL; our Task Force and Healthcare Committee held discussions with the EU Chief Negotiator and his team.

Our focus this month is on Malaysia’s resources, both natural and human. This issue, we’ll be taking a look at the resources that currently supply the majority of our energy, in the run up to September’s International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia 2011, where there will be a host of alternative possibilities on offer. In this vein in June EUMCCI held a VIP Luncheon with YB Datuk Peter Chin, Minister for Energy, Green Technology and Water. The Minsiter gave new information about Sustainable Energy Development Authority and the Feed In Tariff to be implemented later this year.

We also take a look at the possible changes in ways of working that could and already are taking place in business - in Malaysia’s workforce and the management of information technology.

Minna Saneri General Manager

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Published by EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EUMCCI) Office Address Suite 3.03, Menara Atlan (Naluri) 161B Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +603-2162 6298 Fax: +603-2162 6198 E-mail: eumcci@eumcci.com Website:www.eumcci.com

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EUMCCI Board Chairman David Jones Honourary Treasurer Dato’ Robert Teo Austria: Franz Schröder Czech Republic: Jan Vejmelka Denmark: Bjarne Foldager France: David Attar Finland: Jari Niemi Germany: Alexander Stedtfeld Greece: Stellios Plainiotis Ireland: Ron Anderson Italy: Massimo Giannelli Malaysia: Loong Caesar The Netherlands: Marco Winter Poland: Czeslaw Klimczak Spain: Luis Lopez Sweden: Hans Bjornered Editorial Committee Minna Saneri – Editor Rebecca Simmonds Stefanie Braukmann – SPRG Lucien De Prycker – Belga-Zone Contributing Editors Diana Gonzalez Benedikt Muench Nelly Stratieva Jacqueline Chang Andrew McFarlane Submissions Articles and other materials of interest to the general membership are actively solicited and may be sent to the Chamber. All materials submitted for publication are subject to editorial review and revisions.

Reproduction No part of the EUMCCI Review may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical without prior written permission.

Circulation 3,000 copies of the EUMCCI Review are distributed, on a quarterly basis to EUMCCI members, all Embassies, industry associations and government officials with whom the Chamber has dealings as well as to European Chambers Worldwide.

Subscription Service Subscriptions from non-members are also accepted at RM80.00 (€28.00 abroad) for 4 issues. Individual copies may be purchased at RM25.00 (€8.00 abroad).

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Contents 3 EDITORIAL 6 EUMCCI ACTIVITIES 12 EU NEWS 16 FEATURE OGA 2011 Bigger Than Ever Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestments in the Oil & Gas Industry Flying into the Cloud

26 QUESTIONS TO Johan Mahmood Merican, Chief Executive Officer, Talent Corporation

28 EVENTS Green Logistics - An Emerging Solution Forum Breakfast Dialogue with Dr Nazily Mohd Noor, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Green Technology Corporation The Enjoyable Tastes of Europe EU-Penang Day

34 MEMBERS’ CORNER 36 MALAYSIA NEWS 37 NEW MEMBERS

On the cover: Johan Mahmood Merican, CEO of Talent Corporation Malaysia, page 26.

Photo by Lucien De Pryker.

Chamber Activities

IGEM 2011 Conference themed “Green Business: The Economy of the Future” The 2-day high-powered international conference aims to present strategies and business viable solutions in 7 major areas; namely sustainability of green businesses, green energy, green building, transportation, green financing, green supply chain and sustainable urban development.

hub for eco-products, technology and the effective strategies in implementing the Green Financing Scheme.

THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL GREENTECH & ECO PRODUCTS EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE MALAYSIA

The conference fee is HRDF claimable for eligible companies registered with Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB). This will be an added incentive for businesses to send their employees to attend the conference as part of their external training programme.

GREEN

Business:

and expert practitioners from the green industry and anticipates 500 participants from around the world to congregate and exchange ideas, experience and transfer of technology.

THEÊECONOMYÊof THEÊFUTURE

Key speakers include: • Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, REGION’S LARGEST F Chairman of the United D R H Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) • Dr. Chanho Park, Director General Global Legislation Research Centre, The Conference will feature almost 50 South Korea • Top leaders on the commercial viable international and local renowned speakers expect of green technology who will also share their experience and know- how including Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Dr Sultan “...creating awareness in the importance of green business; Ahmed from MASDAR, UAE, Dr Steffan promoting a harmonious blend between innovation and creativity Peters from Austria, Mr. Martin D Hay in ensuring green business remains competitive.” from Qatar and Mr. Gian Leonardo Fea from Italy.

The conference has a number of prime objectives to be achieved, amongst which are creating awareness in the importance of green business; promoting a harmonious blend between innovation and creativity in ensuring green business remains competitive. To encourage spin off industries in green technology for growth of nations and local economies and to promote Malaysia as the preferred regional green economy

The Green Technology Exhibition & Conference

E

BL CLAIMA

The Internal Compliance Program Under the Strategic Trade Act 2010 One of the highlights of the Strategic Trade Act Seminar held by the EUMMCI at Prince Hotel, KL on 3rd of May 2011 was the Internal Compliance Program under the said Act. MITI Strategic Trade Controller, Mr Shahbar explained to the attendees how the Strategic Trade Act (“STA”) 2010 that came into force on 1st April 2011 would be implemented. The STA 2010 provides for control over the export, transshipment, transit and brokering of strategic items, including arms and related material, and other activities that will or may facilitate the design, development and production of weapons of mass destruction (“WMD”) and their delivery systems. The export permits available under the STA 2010 are for singleuse, bulk, multiple-use and special permits.

The importance of an Internal Compliance Program (“ICP”) (a set of procedures that a company must satisfy before export and transshipment activities are being taken to

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EUMCCI Review

ensure that the transactions satisfy the export control regulations enacted by the government) and the fact that such a programme would be a prerequisite for Malaysian companies that wish to avail themselves of bulk and multiple-use permits under the STA 2010, was proven by the examples given by representatives from Schott (Germany) and BAFA (Federal Office of Economics and Export Control – Germany), using their own ICPs as case studies.

The ICP is a commitment taken by companies to voluntarily support the customs authorities by ensuring that internal controls and procedures are in place to safeguard companies from being taken advantage of by proliferators of WMD. The attached ICP guideline and checklist can be obtained and downloaded from http://services.eumcci.com/index.php/

Mr Shahbar, MITI Strategic Trade Controller

resources/regulations. The guideline and checklist would assist Malaysian companies to apply for bulk and multiple-use permits.

For further information, please contact the Strategic Trade Secretariat at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry by email at admin.sts@miti. gov.my.

Chamber Activities

EUMCCI Europa Awards 2011

Now in its fourth edition, the Europa Awards have grown in stature as well as size, with both EU and Malaysian companies taking a more serious look at what it means to be nominated and win the award.

This year the awards will be focusing on the larger corporations, and rewarding longevity and continued success in business, especially given the tough times in the economy both in Europe and to a lesser extent, in Asia.

Last year’s winners were recognized for their contributions in terms of green technology, sustainability and human resources, this year the awards on offer will be those for Excellence in business in Malaysia, Excellence in business in Europe, and Longest and Most Successful in Malaysia.

Recipients of Europa Awards 2010: Mr Lincoln Lee of Leurenz Leistung, Mr Bart Veenbaas of AQ Services and Mr Anthony Wong of Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa

Companies are invited to nominate themselves for the award and all details for nomination are available on the EUMCCI website (see below for more information).

The Europa Award Gala Dinner is an event in itself – last year saw a Spanish feast and this year promises to deliver a wealth of culture and entertainment, reflecting a

creative combination of both European and Malaysian sensibilities.

Nominations close 10th October 2011 and tickets for the gala dinner go on sale shortly.

For more information or to submit your company nomination visit www.eumcci.com

Inaugural EU-ASEAN Business Summit 2011 Held in on 5th April 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia, the first EU-ASEAN Business Summit was attended by Minna Saneri, EUMCCI General Manager.

An event that marked another step in the unique relationship between the EU and ASEAN countries, the event was also attended by EU Trade Commissioner, H.E. Karel De Gucht, who had visited Malaysia earlier in the year for the second round of talks regarding the EU-Malaysia FTA. Whilst regional issues made the papers overshadowing the Summit proceeding to a certain degree, 7 key recommendations were reached, to be followed up by a number of subsequent meetings between the relevant parties: • EU and ASEAN to speed up the process of bilateral FTAs and to work towards the conclusion of a future FTA in the regional Framework.

• EU and ASEAN to enhance regulatory and technical cooperation with a view to

preventing and eliminating unnecessary barriers and promoting transparent regulations.

• ASEAN to continue pursing harmoniza­ tion of its market integration with a view of establishing an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 with the EU continuing to provide trade related assistance and a systematic dialogue between ASEAN and EU to allow for an exchange of experiences and expertise in relevant fields.

• Promote bilateral partnership frame­ works towards an ASEAN –EU framework, achieving more than just increase market access and trade and investment liberalization. In recognition of the asymmetrical economic conditions, any partnership framework has to innovative and flexible, by priotising measurable capacity building elements.

• Promotion and support of the activities of small and medium sized enterprises within ASEAN by using the existing and successful models of economic

integration that have been implemented in the EU in the hope to boost intraregional trade.

• Support the further implementation of the “EU-ASEAN Business Council” acting as an interface supporting PublicPrivate-Dialogue amongst the two regions, as well as providing a platform where business in the two regions can exchange views.

• Further development of Business to Business and Business to Government Dialogues between EU and ASEAN. For further news on the 1st EU Asean Business Summit visit: http://asean-eubizsummit.com/ index.php/news

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Committees

The head of the EUMCCI Oil and Gas Committee on...

Foreign Direct Investment in the ASEAN Oil & Gas Sector Robert Jaimond, Committee Head believes that the Committee has two main aims – to be visible in the oil and gas sector amongst both EU and Malaysian concerns and to facilitate business between the two. A such the Committee currently functions, “voicing the problems and barriers faced by and between EU and local companies.” These barriers are the same as they have been since the early days of Malaysia’s journey to modernity and developed country status but it seems that in the latter years that the tide may be turning.

Robert Jaimond is the Head of the EUMCCI Oil & Gas Committee and is Senior Business Consulant for i3M – Asia Pacific. The vision of the Oil & Gas committee is to be the central, focal point for all issues related to the oil and gas industry in Malaysia and is working towards this by signing an MOU with MOGSC and showing a strong presence at the OGA 2013.

EUMCCI Review

The lack of a skilled workforce is something that may put a dampener on the appeal for investors in the short term but steps are being taken by Universiti Teknologi Petronas to provide training for today’s graduates so there is hope for the future. With the

“With the reserves in Malaysia alone thought to be secured for the next 50 years, with still more exploration to be carried out, it’s no wonder that South East Asia is a target for oil and gas resources by EU companies.”

Whilst FDI in all other sectors is widely encouraged, oil and gas is perhaps a sector where no such investment is needed and in previous years the regulations in place certainly made it seem as such. However, as Malaysia grows as a country ambitions grow. In order to grow as deepwater hub, foreign technology, and so foreign investment have been welcomed, with Petronas, Malaysia’s oil & gas mogul introducing both new structures and flexibility within them to allow foreign investors greater freedom than before.

As with in other sectors, the EU having had experience in the field is able to offer the technology and skill needed within the sector for it to grow and prosper in this new technological age. The problem of personnel and training is one that the oil and gas sector suffers from just as any other.

“The ageing problem of staff in oil and gas is a worldwide problem. Whereas in the

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past the drain of skilled workers was to the Middle East, those workers are now being pulled back towards India and their replacements are being drawn from the pool of workers in South East Asia and specifically Malaysia.”

reserved in Malaysia alone thought to be secured for the next 50 years, with still more exploration to be carried out, it’s no wonder that South East Asia is a target for oil and gas resources by EU companies.

Whilst the entire region is one burgeoning with possibilities, Robert Jaimond believes that Malaysia is the best possible base for anyone thinking of stepping into the oil and gas arena. Despite the constraints still in place within the Petronas regulations in terms of licensing, Malaysia provides a stable and profitable base. With organisations such as the EUMCCI willing to help facilitate negotiations between companies strengthened by collaboration with the Malaysian Oil and Gas Services Council (MOGSC), it’s possible to gain a better overview for new companies of how the sector works in Malaysia.

Committees

Committee Message Board: ICT: Change of Committee Head The ICT Committee members were invited for a site visit to the Digi Telecommunication office on 13th April. The meeting also saw the handover of the role of Committee Head from Mr. Krishnakumar Guda, Ericsson (M) Sdn Bhd who is transferring to Stockholm Ericsson in July to Mr. Harith Menon, from Nokia Siemens Networks, who will be taking over as Head of ICT Committee, with immediate effect.

Logistics: Launch of Logistics Survey The announcement of the launch of the Logistics survey was made at the Green Logistics event, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur. The survey is a precursor to the Logistics map that will be released highlighting the logistic strong points of Malaysia in response to the issues raised by the survey, in conjunction with the EUMCCI Services Sector Project.

Oil & Gas: Committee Visits Halliburton The Oil & Gas Committee was graciously hosted by Halliburton for a Committee meeting at their offices in the Petronas Tower. Whilst regular Committee business was on the agenda at the meeting hosted by Halliburton, the visit to the 74th floor was one that the Committee members won’t soon forget.

Healthcare: EU- Malaysia FTA Discussion held The FTA between the EU and Malaysia will touch on all aspects of trade and as such a discussion was held on the impact that the FTA will have on the regulation of the Healthcare industry in Malaysia.

Oil & Gas: Site Visit to Petronas On 30th June 2011, the Oil & Gas Committee attended a site visit at Petronas. The visit allowed Committee members to gain a better understanding of Petronas’ history in Malaysia and their local operations and gave the Committee Head, Robert Jaimond, the opportunity to offer Petronas an overview of EUMCCI, the Oil & Gas Committee and its goals.

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Editorial: Next issue of EUMCCI Review Focuses on Innovation The October issue of EUMCCI Review will be focusing on Innovation.

The Editorial Committee is happy to receive contributions, suggestions and ideas on the topic from all members. We welcome approaches from guest editors or those who would like to contribute as sponsors or supply professional (non-commercial) articles for the next issue.

We also welcome corporations to take to advantage of our unbeaten reach and distribution, by participating in advertorials and advertising.

Committee in Focus

Defence & Security The increasing threat to the global security environment has raised many new issues and has forced countries to take a closer look at their Defense and Security policy formulation.

The sharing of knowledge, debates and brainstorming sessions would prosper the development process of knowledge in the field of defence and security amongst researchers and policy makers.

The EUMCCI Defence & Security Commit­ tee offers a platform for members to network, discuss and raise issues in the Defence & Security sector.

The main objectives of the committee are to: • Establish and facilitate trade relations in defence industry • Lobby for more transparent procurement rules • Discuss policies related to the Defence and Security sector industry • Generate thinking, debates and know­ ledge sharing through defence and security dialogue sessions on both a national and international level • Organise talk sessions with guest speakers from the government to discuss the latest developments and new regu­ lations within the sector.

Head of the Defence & Security Committee: Mr Juan Carlos Portillo (Regional Manager, Navantia SA)

Education More and more countries understand the importance of having a higher education environment that encourages the growth of premier knowledge centers and individuals who are competent, innovative and ready to meet national and international needs.

The EUMCCI Education Committee fosters dialogue, promotes initiatives, recommends and implements strategies that create awareness and facilitates active engage­ ment between members, educational institutions and the business sector in Malaysia. The Committee is engaged with 12 Malaysian Universities concentrating on facilitating industry-academia linkages in R&D, placement of academia at EUMCCI member companies and EUMCCI Industry captains placed at Curriculum Boards of Universities.

The Committee’s mission is to create a strong forum for exchanging information and enhance cooperation between

Malaysian and European institutions in an attempt to enhance and enrich the educational cooperation.

Head of Education Committee: Dr. Geoffrey Williams (Managing Director, OWW Consulting)

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EU News

Dublin Literary Award for Young Malaysians 2011

›› Facts about Europe Oil & Gas in EU The European Union’s (EU) external energy dependence is constantly increasing. The EU meets 50% of its energy needs through imports and sources indicate this will increase to 70% by 2020 or 2030, if the situation remains static. Energy imports account for 6% of total imports and, in geopolitical terms, 45% of oil imports come from the Middle East and 40% of natural gas imports come from Russia.

An EU Green Paper highlights the elements of long-term energy strategy in which the EU is to take action in the following areas: • Rebalancing its supply policy by taking clear action in favour of a demand policy

• Assessing the contribution to be made by nuclear energy in the medium term • Providing a stronger mechanism to build up strategic stocks and to secure new import routes for increasing amounts of oil and gas.

Recent events such as the signing of a strategic gas deal between Azerbaijan and the EU and the EU Council Directive 2009/119/EC imposing guidelines on member states with regards to the levels of crude oil and gas stockpiles indicate that the Union is sticking closely to this strategy.

Sources: EU Commission Green Paper towards a European Strategy for the security of energy supply.

Malaysian Dutch Business Council’s 25th M4M Each quarter, the Malaysian Dutch Business Council organizes an event under the banner “Members-for-Members” (M4M) on a selected topic which varies each event, member-companies present their expertise and services to other members and guests. What started in late 2004 has turned out to be a most consistent, much appreciated unique series of events. Over the years, MDBC has welcomed more than 100 speakers and well over 1,000 guests in this special series, providing unique opportunity for exposure and networking for its members.

Last May, and nicely coinciding with the start of MDBC’s 15th Anniversary celebrations in 2011, the 25th Members-forMembers event was organised.

In this special edition, MDBC invited four captains of industry - leaders in their fields who have earned knowledge on their road to the top. This M4M was also special as it was the introduction of the new M4M format which features an interactive panel discussion with the speakers following the completion of all the presentations.

Presentations for this M4M were done by: 1. Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Lloyd Daser: “Hospitality: no company can do

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Winners receiving their prizes.

The winners of the eighth Dublin Literary Award for Young Malaysians were announced at the Residence of the Ambas­ sador of Ireland, on Thursday 19th May 2011. This English language essay competition was open to all schools in Malaysia.

Almost 1000 essays were received on this year’s topic, “Teenagers Today”.

The first prize for the award is a visit for two to Dublin to attend the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award Ceremony, the world’s most valuable and international book award, courtesy of Eithad Airways and Radisson Blue SAS Hotels. The second prize will be Euro 500 (2150 RM). Prizes will also be provided for the winner’s school and for all 20 finalists.

From left: Lloyd Daser (General Manager & Area VP Malaysia, Vietnam & Myanmar, Parkroyal Hotel), Dato’ Praba Thiagarajah (Chief Executive Officer, Basis Bay), Hans de Cuyper (Chief Financial Officer & Acting CEO, Etiqua Insurance & Takaful) and Austen Zecha (President, TBWA \ TEQUILA Malaysia).

without it - raising staff awareness on providing service and hospitality.”

2. Basis Bay, Dato’ Praba Thiagarajah: “Business Sustainability and Making Green IT Affordable.”

3. Etiqa Insurance & Takaful, Hans de Cuyper: “Matching Cultures in a Joint Venture between European and Malaysian MNCs - How to have a Successful International JV.” 4. TBWA \ TEQUILA Malaysia, Austen Zecha: “Creative Disruption as a Marketing Strategy for Business.”

After the talks and panel discussion, guests were treated to a special cocktail reception at Parkroyal’s Bossa Nova in celebration of this milestone.

The competition is organised with the support of the Ministry of Education, Malaysia, the National Library, Malaysia, and the Star Newspaper. It also receives major backing from sponsors: the Irish Universities and Medical Schools Consortium (IUMC); The Kerry Group, an Irish world-leader in food ingredients and flavours; ESB International, the international arm of Ireland’s main electricity supply company; Etihad Airways; Education in Ireland; the St Patrick’s Society of Selangor; and the Malaysia Ireland Alumni Association.

The Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Declan Kelly, said that “this competition is about Malaysian students expressing their creativity in the English language. I am especially proud to be sending the winner to Dublin this summer as Dublin has recently been named a UNESCO city of literature.”

2 EU Countries in Focus

Cyprus

Cyprus is a country still suffering from internal division. The third largest Mediterranean island is split between the Greek Cypriot area, which is a member of the EU, and the Turkish Cypriot north whose independence is not recognized by the International Community.

Cypriot economy is small and very open and is driven by tourism, financial services and real estate.

The services sector makes up about 70% of the

GDP. Since tourism is a main source of GDP, Cyprus is vulnerable to swings in tourist arrivals. Political instability on the island and worsening economic conditions in Western Europe signal troubled times for Cypriot economy. The country acceded to the euro zone in 2008 but the stability of the economy came under severe stress during the global recession. Cyprus is still slow in emerging from it with an anaemic GDP growth of 0.6% in 2010.

Top Five Export Products to Malaysia

General Information *

- Citrus Fruits - Potatoes - Pharmaceuticals - Cement - Textiles

Size

9,251 km²

Population

1.1 million

Language

Greek, Turkish, English

Capital

Nicosia

EU-Member since

2004

Top Five Import Products from Malaysia

Currency

Euro

GDP

$23.18 billion

Growth

0.6 %

Unemployment

5.6 %

- Consumer Goods - Petroleum and Lubricants - Intermediate Goods - Machinery - Transport Equipment

Inflation

2.4 %

* Data 2010 estimate

Germany

Germany has the largest economy in Europe and fourth largest in the world. The backbone of German economy is its network of highly innovative small and medium enterprises and the leading sector is the manufacturing industry. A highly-skilled labour force, drive for innovation and efficiency have made the brand “Made in Germany� world-famous for quality. The most prominent sectors of industry are mechanical engineering, automotives, electrical engineering and chemicals. Germany also exceeds in biotechnology, nanotechnology, computer science, as well as the environmental sector (wind energy, photovoltaics, biomass).

The global economic crisis hit German economy hard but the country has bounced back rapidly due to its impressive export record. Asia is an important destination for German exports- it is the second largest market for goods from Germany.

Nevertheless, the country faces some difficult issues. The foundations of Germany’s elaborate network of social security systems is eroding as the nation suffers a demographic decline. Instabilities in euro zone are testing Germany’s commitment to maintain the common currency alive at the cost of expensive bailouts.

General Information *

Top Five Export Products to Malaysia

Size

357,022 km²

Population

81.5 million

Language

German

Capital

Berlin

EU-Member since

Founding Member (1958)

Currency

Euro

GDP

$2.96 trillion

Growth

3.6 %

Unemployment

7.4 %

Inflation

1.1 %

- - - - -

Machinery and Equipment Vehicles Scientific Equipment Telecommunication Equipment Chemicals

Top Five Import Products from Malaysia - - - - -

Office Machines Telecommunication Equipment Crude Rubber Apparel and Clothing Organic Chemicals

* Data 2010 estimate Source: CIA World Fact Book, EU-Malaysia Business Directory, Central Bank of Cyprus, Facts about Germany

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Feature

OGA 2011

Bigger Than Ever The 13th Asian Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Engineering Exhibition was held in June at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, this year growing so large that the exhibition and accompanying conference took over the whole of the convention centre.

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Better known as OGA 2011, the exhibition was this year the biggest and most comprehensive of the OGA Series so far.

Officially opened by YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Hj Muhyiddin Bin Hj Mohd Yassin on 2nd June 2011 the exhibition this year hosted pavi­ lions from countries around Europe inclu­ ding the UK, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Italy, France and Belgium amongst others.

great occasion for the region as well as Malaysia, the bi-annual conference conti­ nues to promote the industry sector that the country owes much of its success.

Indeed, even the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak acknowledged “the astute management of Petronas” in playing a cru­ cial role in developing the country through the oil and gas industry domestically.

Oil was first drilled in Sarawak in 1910, and Attracting over 23,000 visitors and hosting Malaysia has since been ranked as having more than 1,500 companies from over 50 the 14th largest gas reserves in the world different countries, the exhibition has grown and the 23rd largest crude oil reserves. As Photo

by LucieninDP/belgazone.com over 204% since it’s inception 1989. A such it’s no surprise that OGA 2011 was

Feature

[a] rise to nearly 10% by the end of the decade of the world’s oil supplies being sourced from deepwater.”

Malaysia is targeting a 5% annual growth for the energy sector in the decade from 2010 to 2020, a target that translates into an increase of RM131.4 billion. The Deputy Prime Minister recognised that this would merit the “undertaking of aggressive efforts and development of innovative solutions” and the acquisition of advanced technology and capabilities. Malaysia will be looking to international companies to assist the country in the deepwater sector and exploration services and help grow the capabilities of local oil and gas companies by working closely together on future endeavours.

populated by stands from some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies including Technip, Cameron, Scomi, Tanjung Offshore, ABB and Siemens. As a representative from ABB astutely pointed out “between them oil and natural gas account for the production of about 59% of the world’s energy needs and despite the the growth in fields of alternative energies, the volume of oil and gas required will in all likelihood continue to increase in the years to come.”

“.... oil and natural gas account for the production of about 59% of the world’s energy needs and despite the the growth in fields of alternative energies, the volume of oil and gas required will in all likelihood continue to increase in the years to come.”

This truth, perhaps inconvenient for the environment is the basis of much of the business that was conducted at OGA 2011, with many companies taking the opportunity to build networks and make contacts with others in their fields. The exhibition was also a showcase heralding the coming of future industry conferences, including the World Gas Conference to be held in Kuala Lumpur in 2012 and the Malaysian Oil & Gas Services Exhibition and Conference MOGSEC 2012.

OGA 2011 was also host to the Subsea Asia Conference 2011. The sixth occur­ rence of Subsea Asia, organised by Subsea UK, the conference opened with a keynote speech by Encik Rashid Sainal, General Manager, Project Implementation, Petro­ leum Resource Development, Petronas and was followed by a series of talks on the opportunities and techniques relevant to the Asian market.

The Asian market for oil field services has grown by approximately 20% over the last

decade primarily driven by the shift towards more technically challenging fields as companies look towards maximising opportunities in initiatives such as deepwater drilling. In his opening speech the Deputy Prime Minister brought to the fore the topic of the Deepwater Horizon incident even as he stated that “we expect

Sources: OGA Today, ABB Review, EUMCCI Trade Issues and Recommendations 2011.

EUMCCI Review 17

Feature

‘Making Sense of a MAD World’

Image courtesy of Logica

Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestments in the Oil & Gas Industry ..... there is a trend to divest businesses that are in low- or no-growth areas, allowing oil majors to streamline their operations and invest upstream or in new energy initiatives that will bring greater profits and growth.

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Mergers, acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures are rife in the oil and gas industry. Whether it is joint venturing on a collaborative exploration initiative, or managing assets to optimise the overall performance of their portfolio, every day these business restructurings take place.

In the Downstream there is a trend to divest businesses that are in low- or no-growth areas, allowing oil majors to streamline their operations and invest upstream or in new energy initiatives that will bring greater profits and growth.

For example in retail, margins are thin and competition fierce. As petrol stations morph into a cross between a supermarket, a

newsagent, a bank and a fuel supplier, the oil majors increasingly view them as noncore assets unless volume sales make them profitable.

Similarly in refining, it is cheaper to use large refineries in low-cost locations and export value-added product to higher profit locations. But many majors still own smaller refineries in high-cost, western locations and these will need updating to meet new green legislation. It is uneconomic to shut them because the sites are heavily polluted and would need costly decontamination.

The obvious answer is to sell them.

Fortunately one large company’s divestment can become a smaller one’s acquisition,

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allowing a nimble player to gain market share and economies of scale or to enter a completely new market.

Oil majors, for instance, run organisationwide enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems designed to capture vast quantities of data. These are relatively expensive to install and run but they give multinationals a full overview of their world. When a smaller company takes over a refinery or petrol station business, it needs a much smaller ERP system and can make substantial savings.

In financial terms, IT in a large acquisition or disposal is neither a deal-breaker nor a major expense. The dealmakers are far more interested in capital assets or real estate.

But IT can make or break the success of an acquisition and, if not handled properly from the start, cause problems that delay the deal and lead to spiralling costs. IT is also key to people integration following an acquisition, so there are strong implications for the HR aspects of the deal too.

For the seller, the priority is to separate IT as soon as possible, which means hiving off all the data used by the organisation being sold, from operational and financial data to taxation and legal information, usually via a share sale.

Buyers also want speed so they can have control of data and the way it is handled and start changing business processes.

Depending on the shape of the deal, it may also be cheaper to do this, for example, the seller may charge for use of its large ERP system, while the buyer may prefer a smaller and cheaper system.

Different companies take different approaches. For some, pinning down a date for system separation gives a useful

Image courtesy of Stock Media

The key to a divestment deal is the ability of both sides to cut costs. The seller makes money from selling capital assets but also by reducing central support costs. The buyer needs to strip out costs or, in some cases, merge the acquisition into an existing operation to create economies of scale. In short, the deal changes the business model and processes of both companies.

“It is possible to use Cloud computing to allow a clean break and subsequent data transfer and in fact this is becoming increasingly common.” target. Others are more cautious favouring IT separation after contract signature.

It is possible to use Cloud computing to allow a clean break and subsequent data transfer and in fact this is becoming increasingly common. For an oil major’s divestment in the United States, we copied all the data and systems relevant to the divested company and placed it in the Cloud. That way, the buyer had access to the figures it needed during integration but not the seller’s other data. The full data was transferred to the buyer’s in-house systems later.

Cloud can help to speed up completion and it removes the IT hardware from the project path. And, if the deal is delayed or abandoned, the data can be brought back from the Cloud as if nothing had happened.

million less than one per cent of the total, which is why we inevitably see it being considered so late in the process. But, on consideration, can you really afford to leave it so late?

For the full version of this whitepaper, please contact Jaime Zulkifli at jaime. zulkifli@logica.com or call +603 7725 6890.

About Logica Logica is a business and technology service company and has been in Malaysia serving the Oil and Gas sector and many others, for more than 20 years.

More information is available at www.logica.com

The IT element of a €1.2 billion deal can be expected to be somewhere around €10

EUMCCI Review 19

Feature

Flying into the Cloud

By A. McFarlane

Cloud computing, the next big thing if all the major software companies are to be believed, is well and truly on its way to Malaysia; if it hasn’t arrived already. It is time for companies to get to grips with the opportunities it bring, the potential benefits, risks, and to find out what all the fuss is about.

Likened to the spread of grid-based electricity at the turn of the 20th century an analogy originally coined by Nicholas Carr in his book ‘The Big Switch’* – in the way that individual homes and towns didn’t want to have to generate their own electricity and so turned to central gridbased systems which could deliver both more efficiently and cheaply, Cloud computing also promises to deliver benefits in terms of flexibility, cost reductions, mobility, choice, and scalability.

20 EUMCCI Review

Feature

In truth though, both business and individual alike, blissfully unaware, are probably already flying into a ‘Cloud’ of some sort at least a couple of times a day when they use their computer – Google Docs, Gmail, and even Facebook are all examples of Cloud-based services that many of us already use.

But while the big software giants like Microsoft and Google are betting heavily on the success of Cloud computing as being the next best thing since installing programs locally on your computer, not everyone’s so sure. The idea of saving your company’s most valuable and sensitive documents online, where everyone can access them is, for some, more of a potential security vulnerability than a help and even the large microblogging site Twitter knows the pitfalls all too well after a hacker gained access to some of their most commercially sensitive documents in mid-2009, which the company had been working on using Google Docs.

Nor does it end there; with the whole world increasingly looking to embrace green processes and reduce our collective carbon footprint, many opponents of Cloud computing point to its energy inefficiency.

Currently, when we write a word document for example, we only use the energy required to power our own computer; with a Cloud computing-based system however, where the software itself is stored on a server somewhere remote to the user’s computer, energy is required to power both the user’s computer, and the entire server farm where the software is hosted. In fact, Greenpeace estimates in a report that Cloud computing will consume 1,963 billion kWh of energy by 2020, or for comparison, the equivalent of 1,155,385 barrels of oil per year.

Security & Sustainability – A Cause for Concern?

Unquestionably though, the security is sure to be improved as time passes; already there has been some level of debate over the possible implementation of security measures similar to online banking, in order to ensure the safety of Cloud computing documents. Proponents of Cloud compu­ ting however also point out that, as Cloud computing becomes more popular and usage increases, security will be naturally improved across all services as many Cloud computing services will literally stake their

all-important reputations on their security performance. Likewise, the ‘green’ issue is already being actively addressed by a number of online giants as they seek out where next to locate their server farms.

Regardless, software companies are pushing ahead with implementation of some form of Cloud computing and Microsoft’s latest version of Office, Office 2010, included a free suite of web apps which have all been designed to have the same look and feel as the CD-based software.

What do the Clouds hold going forward?

So looking forward then, what can Cloud computing offer to business in Malaysia?

Microsoft’s CEO, Steve Ballmer, answered the question when he visited Malaysia in May last year, pointing out how ‘the SME community will have the same access to software and storage space as the largest

participated in the survey plan to adopt Cloud computing in the near future, ahead of the 30% planning to adopt Cloud computing in Singapore. Indeed, the same survey went on to suggest that in 40% of cases, the reason for companies neither using nor planning to use Cloud-based initiatives was purely down to a lack of understanding about what Cloud computing could do for them.

Promoting increased usage Indeed, Mr. Ali Hakim, the Director of Financial Services in Asia for Internet computing platform provider Akamai, points out that while there can be no doubt that the adoption of Cloud computing is in its infancy in Malaysia, steps are being taken to try and increase and promote its usage at all levels. These measures range from simply educating companies on the benefits of Cloud computing, to the Government looking to develop a National Cloud Computing Platform.

“...with the whole world increasingly looking to embrace green processes and reduce our collective carbon footprint, many opponents of Cloud computing point to its energy inefficiency.”

multinational’; aside from the more obvious benefits of the flexibility afforded by being able to work anywhere you can get a good internet connection, the potential to autoupgrade software without requiring any user interaction and the cost savings by not having to buy individual expensive once-off software licenses. Mr. Ballmer was however careful to point out that the one area that Cloud computing depended on was good high-speed broadband penetration.

Overall then, with the big computer giants like Microsoft, IBM and Google all looking towards Cloud computing, and with the only barrier to entry being widespread access to high-speed broadband internet – an area which Malaysia is consistently improving in – it appears that the spread of Cloud computing, once the relevant concerns have been ironed out, is almost unstoppable and is certain to gain more and more ground in the coming months.

There is evidence however, to suggest that Malaysia is already embracing Cloud computing and doing its utmost to learn more about it – while a recent sponsored survey showed Singapore on top with 23% of the participating companies in the survey having already adopted some form of Cloud computing (while Malaysia stood at 21%), 39% of the Malaysian companies that

So, the question then is, will your company be planning a widespread adoption of Cloud computing? *The book explores the entire topic of cloud computing and its effects on traditional computing as we know it.

EUMCCI Review 21

ADVERTORIAL

The Polish Presidency of The EU Council Every six months a different member state of The European Union–EU holds the Presidency presiding over the work of the Council of the European Union.

At the same time the state holding the Presidency becomes the host of most of the Union’s events and plays a key role in all the fields of activity of the European Union.

It is responsible for the organization of EU meetings, sets the Union’s political direction and ensures its development, integration and security.

been both political and economic processes. There are 38,230 million people living permanently in Poland and 96.7% of the population claim to be ethnically Polish. Poland has the 8th largest population in Europe and 6th in the EU. given state becomes a genuine and mature Member State of the EU as well as sparks a great interest of the public opinion and media which before, during and after the presidency assess the quality and importance of those six months.

Poland’s facts

The Polish Presidency of The EU Council

Territory: Poland is located to

On July 1st, 2011 Poland will hold the Presidency in the Council of the European Union. This is not only a

challenge which requires strategic planning, intensive political and organizational activities on national and European level but also big chance for Poland in shaping the EU. The Polish Presidency gives an opportunity to have real influence on decisions taken in the EU as well as to present the priorities of the Polish policy within the European Union. Holding the presidency is a natural consequence of Poland’s accession to the EU and a certain kind of obligation resulting from the status of a Member State. There is a widespread recognition in Brussels that it is only after holding the presidency that a

22 EUMCCI Review

the North of the central European area on the Baltic Sea and is one of the largest country in Europe according to its territory. Poland is 312,679 km2 in size; placing it in 8th place in Europe and 5th in the EU. Poland is bordered by Germany to the West, The Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Belarus, Lithuania and Ukraine to the east and Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian enclave) to the north. The country’s total length of borders is 3,504 kilometers.

Population: Poland’s social structure has undergone radical changes since World War II. The major factors forming these changes have

Economy: Poland’s economy recorded exceptionally rapid growth in recent twenty years.

It is worth noticing that Polish economy was developing sustainably, being able to avoid both overheating the economy and economic depressions.

Also during last economic meltdown Poland fought the crisis and was the only state in Europe to maintain GDP growth. At the moment Poland is the second fastest developing country in whole Europe. In 1996-2009 average GDP growth in Poland was 4.5%. The maximum value was 7.1% in 2007, minimum was 1.2 in 1997. In the year of global crisis Poland was the only one country in EU with positive growth amounting to 1,9%, than growing more in 2010 to the level of 4,2% in 2010.

Foreign trade – Exports & Imports: In 2010 Polish

exports amounted to 117.3 bln EUR and imports reached the level of 130.9 bln EUR, so the trade balance was negative at -13.4 bln EUR compared to +9.3 bln EUR year before.

Poland’s trade surplus was observed in trade with developed countries (EUR 9.3 billion) as well as with the EU countries (EUR 11.5 bln). The developed economies accounted for 84.7% of Polish exports (EU’s share was 78.6%) and for 66.8% of Polish imports (EU’s share was 58.9%).

ADVERTORIAL

in

The

European

Poland initiated the reform of its political system and economy in 1989.

On September 19th, 1989 Poland signed the agreement for trade and trade cooperation with The European Community – EC. That agreement was not only the basis for further relations but also a starting point for future negotiations on the subject of associating with the EC. On December 16th, 1991 the Polish government signed The Europe Agreement which established an associate relationship between the EC and The Republic of Poland.

The Europe Agreement set out the legal grounds for the pursuit and implementation of economic, political, scientific, and cultural union.

The agreements signed with the EC, which at this time was preparing for its transformation into the European Union – EU initiated Poland’s process of European integration.

In June 1993 the European Council decided at its summit in Copenhagen that associated member states from Central and Eastern Europe would become members of the EU and delineated the membership criteria and requirements.

Very important stage on Poland’s way to EU took place at the Luxembourg summit in 1997 when the European Union accepted the Commission’s opinion to invite six Central and Eastern European states: Cyprus, The Czech

After the ratification of that Treaty Poland and other 9 countries became the members of The European Union on May 1st, 2004.

Polish priorities for The EU Presidency When choosing priorities of the Presidency Poland will have to face the challenge of reconciling ambitious plans and expectations with possibilities afforded by a six month presidency in defined circumstances of political, economic, social and international nature, which are independent of Poland.

The main directions of Poland’s six-month EU Presidency in the second half of 2011 will be focused on three basic an European priorities: integration priority as the source of growth, a Secure Europe and an Europe benefiting from openness.

Imple-mentation of the

European integration priority will be based on the internal market renewal programme The Single Market Act presented by the European Commission in autumn 2010 and particularly focused on the development of e-commerce as well as to ease regulatory and administrative barriers and improve the consumer’s trust.

Following the economic crisis, the EU has concluded that new rules on economic governance are required, including new tools preventing return waves of the crisis, such as The European Stabilization Mechanism.

The Polish government takes a view that the European Union has to move to the next stag to introduce a new model of economic growth securing appropriate level of economic development for the coming decades and guarantee the well-being of EU citizens. The view of the Polish Government is that one of the tools for securing sustainable economic growth on a European scale should be the new, multiannual EU Budget beyond 2013 being an investment tool serving the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy.

The Polish Presidency would like the new budget to corroborate that enhanced cooperation within EU is the most appropriate answer to the economic crisis and that the Cohesion Policy should remain a key policy of the Union. This policy benefits and will benefit all EU member states.

The Polish Presidency of The EU Council

Poland Union

Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia to start talks on their accession to the European structures (two years later the EU made the decision on the introduction of the access negotiations also with four next candidate countries: Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Slovakia).

Poland with other candidate countries finished the in accession negotiations December 2002. Than the Accession Treaty was signed in Athens on April 16th, 2003.

EUMCCI Review 23

The Polish Presidency of The EU Council

ADVERTORIAL Another objective of the Polish Presidency will be to complete the single market, with a view to releasing its full potential.

Special emphasis will be put on the development of electronic services. This will mean taking action to abolish the barriers which block crossborder online transactions, as well as continuing works on reducing roaming charges. As part of internal market reform, the Polish Presidency wants to work on improving the conditions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) being the key to European economic growth as they are responsible for approximately 60% of GDP and they generate almost 70%t of all jobs. The Polish Presidency will support the Commission’s initiative to facilitate access to capital markets and high risk funds as well as support SMEs in third countries. Poland will support a reform package to the EU’s economic directives Single Market Act, prepared by the European Commission as well as will also organize an important event supporting internal market development The Single Market Forum – SIMFO. The Secure Europe priority requires improving safety in a number of different areas. The Polish Presidency will support actions and proposals serving the improvement of the regulation and supervision of financial markets as well as drafting the principles of crisis management. Poland takes the efforts to work out solutions strengthening an external energy policy of the European Union as per The Lisbon Treaty. The Polish Government is confident that the position of the EU in relation to major producers, consumers and transit states of energy resources can be made

24 EUMCCI Review

considerably stronger if actions are undertaken to allow a better functioning of the EU within the international energy environment, resulting in savings and better conditions for economic growth. Also important will be reforming The Common Agricultural Policy. Enhanced CAP should remain market-oriented and consider public common goods, including agricultural security and the multifunctional development of agriculture and rural areas. An important element of the Common Agricultural Policy reform will include in particular the resolution of the issue of direct payments and support towards rural areas.

Another important element of the Polish presidency will be the strengthening of EU’s military and civilian capabilities as well as consolidating a direct dialogue between the EU and NATO structures.

Implementation of the priority of the Europe benefiting from openness will support the EU’s foreign and security policy which aims to strengthen the European position on the international arena.

In line with The Trade, Growth & World Affairs – Trade Policy as a Core Component of the European Union’s 2020 Strategy presented in autumn 2010 the most important issue for European Union is urgent satisfactory finalizing the Doha Round negotiations at the WTO forum especially in the context of the growth of the international relationships. The Polish presidency will support the process of negotiating and concluding the Free Trade Agreements with the Asian countries, such as Malaysia,

India and Singapore. Similar negotiations with Vietnam could also be launched. Also an important objective of Poland’s Presidency in the EU Council will be to finalise accession negotiations and sign a Treaty of Accession with Croatia. Poland will continue the accession negotiations with Turkey as well as with Iceland and support the European aspirations of the countries of Western Balkans.

Due to its geopolitical localization and history Poland is naturally predestined to concentrate on the EU’s policy toward Eastern neighbours of the EU. Relations with these countries have occupied an important place in the European policy of Poland since our accession to the Unions structures. In respect, the Polish Presidency would like to conclude the negotiations of the enlarged free trade zone agreement between the EU and Ukraine as well as Moldova and the process of Russia’s WTO accession. With regard to Belarus, the aim of European Union is to encourage this country to work with the West, provided it respects the fundamental rules of democracy and human rights The analysis of the available measures to normalise trade relations with other countries participating The Eastern Partnership as well as of the Commonwealth of Independent States will also be a challenge.

ADVERTORIAL

Polish Cultural time-table of The EU Presidency The official cultural programme of the Polish Presidency has been already announced and hundreds of artistic projects are to be prepared in the period from July to December this year.

It is based on six pillars: the promotion of the Polish music and literary works of, a collection of documentaries A Guide to Polish People, the interactive multimedia project I, Culture which will be carried out in public space as well as the project I, Culture Orchestra for young musicians from Poland and the Eastern Partnership countries. On July 1st the ceremonial inauguration of the Polish Presidency will commence in the Grand Theatre of the National Opera in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. At the same time an all-day music shows will take place on the streets of Polish cities. During the events Polish artists will work together with their European colleagues.

What’s on in Poland?

Watch out for culture is an idea which will be conveyed by the EU Presidency 2011 Cultural Programme and implemented by the National Audiovisual Institute.

An extremely rich programme provides a total of over 1000 art projects carried out together with 170 partner organizations and 60 regular events during the Polish Presidency of the EU Council.

The programme consists of special projects are carried out in cooperation with local organizations, NGOs and numerous European partners and will take place in the cities hosting high level meetings: Cracow, Poznan, Sopot, Warsaw and Wrocław as well as in Białystok, Katowice, Lublin and Krasnogruda.

The main message to be conveyed by the programme is Art for Social Change – culture as a tool for social transformations – a term defines artistic activities which raise the social and artistic awareness of participants. This is one of the movements in contemporary art which influences the society, triggers changes and inspires innovation as well as critical thinking.

On September 8th one of the most important events of the Polish Presidency Cultural Programme – The European Culture Congress – will commence in Wroclaw. More than 300 artists, scientists, philosophers and activists will attend in this event and participate in special meetings, discussions as well as 100 unique projects.

International Promotion in 10 time zones and more than 2500 other events.

As the Polish EU Presidency 2011 is a unique opportunity to show contemporary Poland in the world the Cultural Programme of Poland will take place in 10 capital cities all over the world within and beyond the EU. From July to December this year almost 400 events and performances will help to present Poland as a modern and unique country with a rich culture and as a creative hub of Europe.

The projects prepared by Polish and foreign partners will be presented in the most important galleries, theatres and clubs as well as at the best cultural and art festivals in: Beijing, Berlin, Brussels, Kiev, London, Madrid, Minsk, Moscow, Paris and Tokyo. The events will take place in such famous places as: Martin Gropius Bau in Berlin, Bozar & La Monnaie in Brussels, Southbank Centre and The National Theatre in London, and Teatro Real in Madrid.

Also Polish Diplomatic posts and Polish Institutes abroad will be especially active during the period of the Presidency of Poland as they are responsible for the co-organization of more than 2500 events. The events are supposed to present Polish social and economic thought, history, literature, film, music, theatre, and visual arts to an international audience.

For more information please free to contact: The Trade & Investment Promotion Section of the Embassy of Poland in Kuala Lumpur

The Polish Presidency of The EU Council

The Polish presidency will help to work out new relations with the Arab world and a comprehensive strategy of actions in favour of that region.

The success of the Polish presidency will be conditional upon an efficient use of the experiences of the presidencies preceding Poland not only in the context of horizontal programme preparations and selection of priorities but also as regards dealing with specific matters from the agenda during the coming sixmonth presidency.

www.kualalumpur.trade.gov.pl EUMCCI Review 25

Questions to

there is a lack of qualified workforce.

What is your view on this?

There is always ‘a glass half full or a glass half empty’ way of looking at it. On the one hand, there are many highly talented Malay­ sians, many of them in leading corporations and in key positions in both Malaysian and foreign companies. The question is: do we have enough of them? This is perhaps exacerbated by issues that some of our better talent is leaving. Are we able to best complement the local supply also with easing the entry of top foreign talent? I think it all has to come into the mix.

Photo by Lucien De Prycker/belgazone.com

Johan Mahmood Merican CEO, Talent Corporation Established earlier this year, TalentCorp has been tasked with establishing initiatives that will help Malaysia meet its talent needs.

What is your motivation? How does one go into such a big area as ‘talent development for a country?

I think we first have to take a look at where Malaysia is and where Malaysia wants to go. Over the last 50 years, we managed to successfully transform from what was originally a poor country and today Malaysia ranks up there as one of the leading uppermiddle income nations. But there is no time for complacency, as Malaysia is facing the challenges of globalization. And so the country articulated a vision for Malaysia to emerge as a developed nation and high income country and that’s where we want to go.

However, to do that is not easy and few countries in history have actually suc­ cessfully become high income nations and there are many others who have become “stuck in the middle income trap”, and that’s something we want to avoid.

26 EUMCCI Review

Where do you see TalentCorp’s role and what do you think will be your contribution?

I guess where I see myself is as one of those agencies that act as a catalyst for change and I think the Government has been really trying to mobilize the private sector into driving this change together.

The targets for the Economic Transformation Plan have been set very high. What do you find most challenging in your current role?

One of the biggest challenges is to achieve ‘alignment’ and get many people to work towards a common goal. If we want to articulate a talent proposition for Malaysian talent, whether it is to retain them here or attract talent from overseas we need to be able to articulate the professional opportu­ nities available here.

There is a perception among foreign companies who operate here, that

Attracting ‘talented foreigners’ to come and live and work in Malaysia is officially part of the plan. Does this mean a departure from the concept that foreign talent employment should be temporary in nature?

I’m a firm believer in a global workforce in Malaysia. The Prime Minister has always spoken about celebrating diversity. Perhaps this is the role for Talent Corp - to be part of that conversation to move public percep­ tions. Because I think sometimes there is the perception that foreign talent is a sub­ stitute for local talent. This is a miscon­ ception that needs to be addressed. It is a very easy and intuitive argument to be made by the man on the street. Intuitive, but false. Foreign talent - through its inherent diversity - actually helps promote better productivity for all, including our local talent. So we should explain that it’s not a zero-sum-game.

In the global competition for talent; where would you see Malaysia’s competitive advantages?

Where we see our strength is where we have defined our core sectors i.e. where Malaysia is naturally competitive and growing strongly. That is why the Economic Transformation Plan focuses on priority sectors such as electronics, palm oil, health care etc. So there is a very credible value proposition for global talent and Malaysian talent to work in this sector. Beyond the professional opportunities, I do believe that the livability aspect is also one of our strengths. The center of economic power is already shifting to Asia, and Malaysia is at the center of Asia. We also have natural cultural ties to the 3 largest and fastest growing economies in the region: China, India and Indonesia.

To read the full interview with Mr Merican, please visit www.eumcci.com

Events

Green Logistics - An Emerging Solution Forum 16th June 2011 was the date of the EUMCCI Green Logistics Forum, an event organised by the EUMCCI Logistics Committee, bringing together government stakeholders, member companies and industry leaders to discuss the building blocks of establishing a ‘green’ logistics network in Malaysia.

(Singapore) Pte Ltd. who spoke on the fundamentals of Green Logistics and Mr. Patrick Hartless, Executive Director Supply Chain Malaysia & Singapore, Nestle (Malaysia) Berhad whose talk focused more on the design of the Green Supply Chain.

As part of and funded by the EU Project on the Services Sector, this Green Logistics Forum was organized with the aim of sharing information and best practices between EU and Malaysian companies and fostering discussions on the best ways of working and maximising the reach of green technologies and practices within the logistics sector.

The event continued with a panel discussion, moderated by Mr. David Jones, EUMCCI Chairman and featuring guest panelists Mr. Anand Menon, VP, Head of Engineering & Tech for Energy ASEAN, SIEMENS (M) Sdn Bhd, Prof. Ir. Dr. Ruslan Hassan, Malaysia Institute of Transport (MITRANS), UiTM and Mr. Thomas Bloemen, Customer Service Director, Maersk Line (M) Sdn Bhd.

The forum was opened by H.E. Vincent Piket, Head of the EU Delegation to Malaysia and followed by keynote speakers from industry; Mr. Tom Wheelwright, Head of Public Policy Asia Pacific, DHL Express

A notable element of the event was the launch of the EUMCCI Logistics Survey which will become the basis for a hardcopy and digital map of Malaysia’s key logistic

From l. to r.: Mr Thomas Bloemen, H.E. Vincent Piket, Mr Tom Wheelwright, Mr David Jones, Mr Patrick Hartless.

areas; ports, airports, warehouses, railways and highways. Released by the EUMCCI, the map will be distributed through the EUMCCI and the communication channels of its project partners both in Malaysia and abroad and a digital interactive map will be available on the EUMCCI website, following a launch of the map and its digital counterpart by the Malaysian Minister for Transport in early 2012.

Breakfast Dialogue with Dr Nazily Mohd Noor, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Green Technology Corporation Held at one of the newest ‘green’ buildings in the city, G Tower, Kuala Lumpur, the Breakfast Dialogue with Dr Nazily Mohd Noor, CEO of Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (formerly known as Malaysian Energy Centre) gave all attendees food for thought as he spoke on the topic of green technology investment and its impact on the Malaysian economy, businesses and people.

The National Green Technology Policy has 4 prongs each seeking to lower the environmental impact of the country even as it strives to meet the targets set by the Vison 2020 plan. The government has designated green technology as a driver to accelerate the national economy and promote sustainable development and this is where GreenTech Malaysia fits into the agenda.

The aim of GreenTech Malaysia is to be recognized nationally and globally as the focal point for green technology in Malaysia and to facilitate the promotion of the country’s green technology agenda.

28 EUMCCI Review

23rd May 2011

Dr. Nazily in his talk ran through the initiatives the GreenTech Malaysia is currently promoting, including a Green Technology Roadmap and the development of Cyberjaya and Putrajaya as ‘green townships’, providing a showcase for other townships in the country to follow in terms of carbon footprint baseline and development of low carbon Cities frameworks and assessment tools.

Other initiatives are the introduction of green labeling to Malaysia, in collaboration with KeTTHA, and the department of Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) and a green directory, that aims to become Malaysia’s leading resource for classification of green products and services. Dr. Nazily outlined the financial incentives that are available for companies to fund their green initiatives, including the Green Technology Financing Scheme and the Feed­In Tariff (FiT) under the Renewable Energy Act.

Mr Thomas Brandt and Dr Nazily Mohd Noor.

Highlighted of course, was the upcoming IGEM exhibition, to be held on 7th-9th September 2011 at KL Convention Centre, as GreenTech Malaysia is on of the main organizers of the event.

To find out more about IGEM or any of the green initiatives and incentives available visit the EUMCCI website or http://www.greentechmalaysia.my/

Events

The Enjoyable Tastes of Europe finer points of viticulture and viniculture.

Spanish wines made from native grapes and well known regions such as Tempranillo and Rioja and compli­mentary cheeses were paired to the pleasure of the attendees who were granted to tastings and pairing advice over a few enjoyable hours.

Friday 27th May 2011, saw the successful 10th annual Tastes of Europe Fest (formerly known as the European Wine, Beer & Cheese Fest) organised

The main festival itself continues to grow and attracted large crowds featuring diplomatic, European and local corporate guests, all of whom were looking forward to the lucky draw, featuring prizes donated by exhibitors, with the grand prize of 2 flight tickets to Europe being donated by EUMCCI Platinum sponsor, Qatar. The tickets were pre­sented to the 2 lucky winners

by Mr. Ish Jalal from Qatar. Other prizes won on the night included stays at the Pangkor Island Beach Resort, and high tea courtesy of Melia Kuala Lumpur.

by the EU – Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUMCCI), together with the European Bilateral Chambers of Commerce and Business Councils.

The InterContinental Kuala Lumpur hosted the culinary networking event to great success, also sponsoring the excellent freshly prepared finger food available at serving stations throughout the evening.

With 28 exhibitors this year, the rebranding of the Fest reflected the growth of this annual gathering, beyond a focus on wine, beer and cheese.

Embracing alternate aspects of European dining culture and gastronomy, exhibitors such as Melia, BakeWell with cakes and cookies, Hiestand with quality European breads, 2bUniQ with gourmet dried fruits and honey, Crown Gourmet with luxury chocolates and non-alcoholic champagne and Elea Creta introducing Greek wines, ouzo and olive oil, joined welcome returnees such as Spanish Passions, Emborg and VinSpirit. The widened of the scope of the Fest also included the continuation of two workshops which were introduced last year.

The Coffee Appreciation workshop led by Illy was held at their Universita del Caffe della Malesia with Illy instructors on hand to take attendees from the ranks of regular coffee enthusiasts to coffee connois­seurs.

An education on coffee theory, cultivation,

30 EUMCCI Review

Guest enjoying the Tastes of Europe

transformation and pro­ duction was pro­ vided as well as the opportunity to attempt to create the perfect espresso for them­ selves. The workshop was an introductory ver­sion of the full course that is offered by the Illy School of Coffee. The Wine & Cheese Appreciation workshop was led by Spanish Passion and their wine experts introduced over 20 attendees to a wide variety of wines, instructing them on the

As ever, the Tastes of Europe Fest 2011 was an excellent opportunity for all exhibi­ tors and attendees to network and get acquainted with products of fine delicacies that bring forth the richness in cuisine and culture that could only be European. The Fest continues to provide importers of European products related to the Food & Beverage industry an oppo­rtunity to show­case their products and initiate, or improve their contacts with European and local guests and to meet F&B Directors and Managers of Kuala Lumpur area hotels and restaurants. Much thanks to the InterContinental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, for hosting the culinary networking event to great success, and also sponsoring the excellent, freshly prepared finger food. We’re already prepping for next year so be sure to stake your spot as an exhibitor now!

Were you at Tastes of Europe Fest 2011?

See if you can spot yourself in pictures of the event!

Visit www.eumcci.com/component/ event/?view=gallery to view pictures of Tastes of Europe Fest 2011

Events

EU-Penang Day

Tuesday 21st June 2011

EUMCCI Events: Recent Activities 3rd May 2011 Strategic Trade Act Seminar 23rd May 2011 Breakfast Dialogue with the CEO of Green Tech Corporation 27th May 2011 Tastes of Europe Fest 2011 16th June 2011 Green Logistics Forum 30th June 2011 VIP Luncheon with YB Datuk Seri Peter Chin, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water

H.E Vincent Piket and YB Tuan Lim Guan Eng.

Upcoming events

“There is enormous untapped potential in trade and investment, with the growth in bilateral trade – especially in view of the FTA between Malaysia and the EU...”

The EU-Penang Day held on 21st June 2011, at the Town Hall in Penang was a great success for the Chamber. In collabo­ ration with the office of the Chief Minister of Penang and the EU Delegation, the businesses of Penang were invited to find out more about the EU Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and how they can work together with the Chamber to further EU-Penang relations.

The morning session saw an introduction by H.E. Vincent Piket and an introduction to the European Union and how it works by the respective ambassadors of Romania, Austria and Belgium.

The afternoon saw a brief but comprehensive overview of the trade and investment opportu­ nities bet­ ween EU and Penang companies. Minna Saneri, General Manager of EUMCCI high­ lighted the potential for collaboration bet­ ween the two, “There is enormous untapped potential in trade and investment, with the growth in bilateral trade – especially in view of the FTA between Malaysia and the EU – hovering between 5-8% annually.

32 EUMCCI Review

The growth areas of services and green technology are areas where there are huge possibilities for both EU and Malaysian enterprises.”

Ms. Saneri also mentioned the EUMCCI Services Sector Project, focusing on the growth areas of Green Technology, Financial Services, ICT and Logistics, calling attention to the relevance of the project aims for companies in Penang. Along with Invest Penang and the EU Delegation, EUMCCI is making future plans to return to Penang to host a Green ICT event amongst others.

7th - 10th September International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibitiona and Conference Malaysia More information: events@eumcci.com

The event on 21st June was a reflection of the strong business relationship between the EU and Malaysia in general, with the EU currently appearing as one of Malaysia’s largest foreign investors, spending a total of €25 billion annually and the presence of approximately 2100 EU companies in Malaysia. The invited com­panies of this number as well as their Penang equivalents were given the opportunity after the pre­sentation by the EUMCCI to indulge in a high-tea networking session, followed by a friendly football match – the European Union vs. the State of Penang, a match to rival any EPL fixture.

To view press coverage of the event, visit http://www.eumcci.com/mediacoverage

members

Law firm Skrine Wins Brunei Contract EUMCCI member, Malaysian law firm Skrine, was pleased to announce in May, the signing of the contract for the provision of consultancy services on the formulation of the National Standard Act of Brunei Darussalam. The contract was made between the government of His Majesty, The Sultan dan Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Skrine and signed on

behalf of the law firm by Yang Mulia Puan Faizah bin Jamaludin.

The signing took place in the afternoon at Dewan Setia Pahlawan, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Jalan Menteri Besar, Berakas and present as the guest of honour at the ceremony was the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Yang

Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya Bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar.

Skrine’s objective in the project is to assist the government in drafting the National Standards Act and to provide recommendations, to enable Brunei Darussalam to be better prepared in the development of standards and accreditation services. The Act will serve as a guideline that will reflect a regulatory framework with vision to comprehend the needs and requirements to strengthen the establishment of National Standards Council and reinforce the roles and responsibility of National Standards Centre (NSC) as a primary catalyst in coordinating and facilitating the development of Standards and Quality among the business enterprises in Brunei Darussalam.

The project will be run by a collaborating team of experts from Skrine, Malaysia with international affiliation in more than 100 countries and a leading Malaysian organization, Sirim Berhad, renowned as a global research and standard development organization.

Signing of contract for the provision of consultancy services by Skrine.

Shearn Delamore & Co. Awarded Malaysian Law Firm of the Year (2011) One of the oldest law firms in Malaysia, founded in 1905, Shearn Delamore & Co. have recently been awarded the title of Malaysian Law Firm of the Year (2011) by Chambers and Partners.

Since 1990, Chambers has published the world’s leading guides to the legal profession and has built a reputation for indepth, objective research. The Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards were held in Hong

Kong in April 2011. The awards given out recognise a law firm’s pre-eminence in key countries in the region. They also reflect notable achievements over the past 12 months including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth and excellence in client service.

In addition to winning the award for Malaysia, a total of 17 of partners from the firm have been recognised by Chambers as

“We are extremely pleased with this recognition and the accolades and it is the support of our clients, our peers and business partners such that has made this possible.”

34 EUMCCI Review

leaders in their fields namely in Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resol­ ution, Employment & Industrial Relations, Intellectual Property, Tax and Shipping.

Mr Robert Lazar, Managing Partner, Shearn Delamore & Co. said: “We are extremely pleased with this recognition and the accolades and it is the support of our clients, our peers and business partners such that has made this possible. On behalf of the firm, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of them.”

For more information visit: www.shearndelamore.com

members

BNP Paribas starts operation in Malaysia on 1st June 2011 BNP Paribas Malaysia Berhad, a subsi­diary 100% owned by BNP Paribas SA, has received Bank Negara Malaysia approval to start operation in Malaysia and can now offer the full range of wholesale banking products and services, including in ringgit: • financing, whether vanilla or structured or fund raising through the debt capital market • transactional banking (trade finance, including supply chain & cash manage­ ment) • investment products, whether simple deposits or more structured products • hedging, through our local dealing room for Foreign Exchanges, Rates, Commo­ dities

BNP Paribas has been in Malaysia since the early 1970’s and BNP Paribas Malaysia Berhad complements the Bank’s existing set up: • BNP Paribas Labuan Offshore Branch: predominantly for non ringgit products • BNP Paribas Investment Partners Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. & BNP Paribas Investment Partners Namah Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., for asset management • BNP Paribas Capital Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. Providing Equity Research and Cor­ porate Finance (M7A, ECM) services • BNP Paribas Malaysia Najmah, the Islamic finance hub for Asia-Pacific, already very active and adding ringgit capabilities in October 2011.

Mr Krishna Chetti, BNP Paribas Malaysia Berhad CEO

The newly set-up commercial Bank is another demonstration of BNP Paribas’ commitment to businesses and clients in the region. With its full commercial Banking licence in Malaysia, BNP Paribas Malaysia Berhad is able to serve better its clients and is willing to become one of the preferred banking partners in Malaysia.

Global Business Centre Serviced Offices Global Business Advisory Sdn Bhd broadened its portfolio with the official opening of a brand new serviced office, “Global Business Centre” in Menara LYL, Petaling Jaya on May 1st, 2011.

Boasting a “grade A” standard of business accommodation, the modern office building features fully furnished offices with contemporary décor, offering clients flexible lease office accommodation at a fantastic location in the heart of Petaling Jaya with easy access to Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Klang and other parts of the Klang Valley.

Global Business Centre (GBC) serviced offices also benefit from great transportation links, located right next to the Asiajaya LRT station, Bus/Public Transport systems, immediate access to Federal Highway and other major Expressways and trunk roads.

The offices are available as self-contained

or open plan spaces and benefit from on demand meeting, confe­ rence faci­ lities, training rooms and back-end ad­ministrative support services. Virtual Office services are also available at GBC, offering companies a pres­ tigious business address without the associated overheads of acquiring a physical office space.

As a one-stop Service Provider, this busi­ ness centre also offers company formation and secretarial services, accounting, legal, audit & tax, trademark & registration, business matching and joint venture partner searches, and expatriate permit applica­ tions.

To find out more about the GBC Serviced/Virtual Offices contact +603-2035 0733 or Email: contact@gbadvisory.com.my

Boasting a “grade A” standard of business accommodation, the modern office building features fully furnished offices with contemporary décor, offering clients flexible lease office accommodation at a fantastic location ...

EUMCCI Review 35

malaysia news

››› SRIs announced at ETP Progress Update Dato’ Sri Idris Jala, the current Minister without Portfolio in the Prime Minister’s Department, CEO of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) and Senator in the Dewan Negara, Upper House of Parliament shared with everyone the six Strategic Reform Initiatives (SRIs) on Public Finance, Government’s Role in Business, Human Capital Development, Public Service Delivery, International Stan­ dards & Liberalisation and Narrowing Disparities (Bumiputera SMEs). With the SRIs in place, it was announced that the current framework for the economic trans­ formation is now complete. Dato’ Sri Idris Jala also concluded that the pursuit of economic growth complemented with policy reforms will enable Malaysians to compete robustly in the global arena.

The International Standards and Liberali­ sation SRI provides for the liberalization of

the services sector where there will be a gradual removal of restrictions in terms of foreign equity and foreign professionals practising in Malaysia. It has been announced and reported that this will complement the raising of standards of Malaysian goods, escalate the movement along the value chain with a hope to enabling Malaysia to command a premium in the world market.

In addition, the latest publication from the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC) on the ‘New Economic Model for Malaysia’ (NEM) report is finally completed and available to the public. It is divided into two parts and in essence is outlined below.

Part 1 of the ‘New Economic Model on Malaysia on Strategic Policy Directions’ gives an overview of the overall framework for transforming Malaysia from a middle

... this will complement the raising of standards of Malaysian goods, escalate the movement along the value chain with a hope to enabling Malaysia to command a premium in the world market.

income to an advanced nation before the end of this decade. This document now defines the eight SRIs that emphasise inter alia high-skilled human capital, efficient public services, a reinvigorated private sec­ tor and equal opportunity for all Malaysians – all of which will help Malaysia achieve the goals of the NEM. Part 2 highlights the pertinent details on the policy measures embedded in the SRIs for the Government’s immediate consideration.

These policy measures were developed following a series of meetings and con­ sultations with stakeholders in the business sector, government, labour unions, aca­ demia and others. While the list of the policy measures is not exhaustive, the NEAC believes that their timely and successful implementation will create a big push for Malaysia to become a high income, sustainable and inclusive economy by 2020, and beyond.

To read the two-part report in either English or Bahasa Malaysia please visit http://www.neac.gov.my/

››› 2012 Budget Consultation Meeting On the 10th May 2011, 124 representatives from the private sector and 76 representa­ tives from the government agencies convened at the Ministry of Finance for the 2012 Budget Consultation Meeting. The meeting was divided into three sessions covering the macro, sector and social issues.

The focus of the meeting was on accelera­ ting transformation efforts towards enhan­ cing the growth momentum and sustaining the well-being of the Malaysian public. The theme for the 2012 Budget Consultation was “Together Driving Transformation” or “Transformasi Bersama Rakyat”. This 2012 Budget, an inclusive and people centric one is another milestone in the effort to steer Malaysia towards a developed and highincome economy by 2020.

The Prime Minister updated attendees that since the launch of the ETP on 25 October

36 EUMCCI Review

2010, 54 entry point projects (EPPs) repre­senting 41.2 per cent from the total of 131 EPPs have commenced operations and implementa­ tion.

These investments totalling RM106.4 billion are expected to increase the gross national income (GNI)

by RM153.8 billion and create 298,865 employment opportu­nities. He added that the implementation of the mass rapid transit (MRT) project as well as increasing investment activities in regional corridors, especially in Iskandar Malaysia will help sustain the growth momentum.

He also said that for 2011, Malaysia will be striving to ensure that the economy will expand by 6 per cent. He addressed the external and emerging challenges and the

steps that would be taken. He concluded by thanking the attendees for their submitted memorandums with their issues, suggestions and said that the Government would consider them. He then invited the speakers to present their points and recommendations.

New Members

BNP Paribas

Design Worldwide Partnership Sdn Bhd

Vista Tower, Level 48A, The Intermark 182 Jalan Tune Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-2179 8383 Fax: +603-2179 8203 Email: Andy.b.tan@asia.bnpparibas.com

(Co-Head, MNC Desk) Website: www.bnpparibas.com.my

Chief Executive in Malaysia Mr Krishna Chetti, CEO

118, 20th Floor, UBN Tower No.10, Jalan P Ramlee Kuala Lumpur 50250 Malaysia Tel: +603-2072 5272 Fax: +603-2072 5277 Email: prema.r@dwp.com Website: www.dwp.com

Chief Executive in Malaysia Mr Mark Clinton Coney, Managing Director

Brief Company Profile BNP PARIBAS is one of the strongest banks in the world*, with strong positions in its 3 core activities: Retail Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking and Investment Solutions. The Group has a presence in more than 80 countries and over 200,000 employees.

The establishment of BNP PARIBAS MALAYSIA BERHAD now allows BNP PARIBAS to offer full banking services in Malaysia, in ringgit and foreign currency.

Brief Company Profile Design Worldwide Partnership (DWP) is an integrated design company providing services in Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Facility Planning, Project Management, Feasibility Studies and Turn Key Design and Construction.

Founded in 1984, we are a global network of more than 450 professionals delivering Architecture, Interior Design and Planning consultancy across Asia, India, and the Middle East.

Ericsson (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

3420 Persiaran Sepang 63000 Cyberjaya Selangor Tel: +603-8314 6062 Fax: +603-8314 6139 Email: steven.tai@ericsson.com Website: www.ericsson.com.my

Chief Executive in Malaysia Mr Steven Tai Lai Chung Head of Marketing & Communications, Malaysia

165, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +603-2161 1111 Fax: +603-2161 1122 Email: info@intercontinental-kl.com.my Website: www.intercontinental.com

Chief Executive in Malaysia Mr Phil Riley, General Manager

Brief Company Profile Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers with the leading position in managed services.

Brief Company Profile The 473-room hotel is nicely nestled in Jalan Ampang, a prestigious upscale address in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s commercial, entertainment and shopping district. Just a 5-minute walk to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and conveniently located next to the Ampang Park Light Rail Transit (LRT), your stay at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur will be a class of its own. Our Concierge will be happy to share his insider knowledge, so you can enjoy truly authentic local experiences.

EUMCCI Review 37

New Members

Siemens Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Level 1 Reception, CP Tower 11 Jalan 16/11 Pusat Dagang Seksyen 16, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603-7952 5555 Fax: +603-7955 1155 Email: vasanthe.narayanasamy@siemens.com Website: www.siemens.com.my Chief Executive in Malaysia Mr Prakash Chandran, President & Chief Executive Officer Brief Company Profile Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engi­ neering, operating in 3 core sectors of Industry,

Silverplas Industries Sdn Bhd

The International School @ParkCity

Energy and Healthcare. The company has around 430,000 employees (in continuing operations) working to develop and manufacture pro­ducts, design and install complex systems and projects, and tailor a wide range of solutions for individual requirements.

Since its inception into Malaysia in 1972, Siemens has actively participated in Malaysia’s dynamic economic and social growth. With close to 4,800 staff strength, it has grown to become the second largest German company in Malaysia.

Siemens Group of Companies in Malaysia includes Siemens Malaysia Sdn Bhd, OSRAM (M) Sdn Bhd and OSRAM Opto Semiconductors (M) Sdn Bhd. For more information, visit www.siemens.com.my.

8 Jalan 7/3 Kaw. Perindustrian Seri Kembangan 43300 Serdang, Selangor Tel: +603-8948 4663 Fax: +603-8948 5266 Email: kcwong@silverplas.com Website: www.silverplas.com

Chief Executive in Malaysia Mr Wong Kow Chye - Managing Director

1 Jalan Intisari Desa ParkCity 52200 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-6280 8880 Email: info@isp.edu.my Website: www.isp.edu.my

Chief Executive in Malaysia Mr Andrew Dalton - Principal

Brief Company Profile Silverplas is a highly precision electrical & electronic components manufacturing company strategically located in Selangor, Malaysia. Since establishment in 1990, we have been collaborating with the world’s leading companies, primarily in industrial automation, circuit protection, automotive electronics, consumer electronics and photo imaging

Brief Company Profile The International School @ ParkCity will open in September 2011 and will broadly follow the UK National Curriculum. The School, which is located in the exclusive residential area of Desa Park City, will initially cater for children aged 3 to 13 years, and grow in consecutive years to become a 3 to 18 years school by 2016. All teachers are fully qualified and highly experienced expatriates. Students of The International School @ ParkCity use state-of-the-art teaching, learning and sports amenities located in and around the School campus to nurture their mental and physical wellbeing.

EUMCCI Direct Members Enjoy Special Benefits on

QATAR AIRWAYS Great savings on all Qatar Airways European/USA/South America destinations through authorized agents.

Diethelm Travel Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

For more details please contact the authorized travel agent:

• For Enquiry (besides ticketing/bookings) Email corp.sales@diethelmtravel.com.my Phone 03-2715 7878 PIC Raimond Wee

• For Ticketing Email tkt@diethelmtravel.com.my Phone 03-2715 7878 PIC 8 consultants at service