Byline 2nd Issue | April 2015
A Publication of Malaysia Australia Business Council
KDN: PP 5847/07/2015(032890)
60 YEARS OF MALAYSIA-AUSTRALIA RELATIONS An exclusive interview with H.E. Rod Smith, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia
Byline A Publication of Malaysia Australia Business Council
2nd Issue | April 2015
in this issue MESSAGE 4
Chairman’s Message
Spotlight 6 Malaysia-Australia Relations Reach New Milestone
Trade & Investment
Australia-Malaysia Continues Strong Bilateral Trade in 2015
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Economy 11 Developments in the Malaysian Economy: 4Q 2014
Money Matters
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Dawn of a New Consumption Tax Regime in Malaysia
Education 13 For the Love of Learning
ISKL: Building on 50 Years of Excellence
MABC Events 16 MABC Talk and Networking Evening
MABC Building and Construction Industry Dialogue
Member’s News 20 Member’s News
About Members 24 New Members
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MABC Byline
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Chairman’s Message
Leigh Howard
Chairman Malaysia Australia Business Council Dear MABC Members & Friends, Welcome to the new and improved edition of our Byline magazine.
Since the start of this year we have embarked on a mission to provide MABC members with a higher quality publication. This issue of Byline marks the first step towards achieving that goal. You will note several changes as we seek to deliver improvements both in terms of breadth and depth of content; and our journey is only beginning. We have set our sights even higher for the next quarter’s issue.
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Australia. In our feature article, H.E. Rod Smith, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia speaks about the origins of the relationship and the strong sense of business optimism that exists today.
In this issue we also provide more detailed information about changes in the Malaysian economy, including the GST, updates on the Malaysia-Australia trade figures and the global economic outlook. We’ve also included more information relating to members and developments in their organisations. I encourage all members to use Byline as a platform for sharing news and information relating to Malaysian and Australian business activities.
I would like to highlight 3 very special events I attended in the last quarter, each of which displayed a unique aspect of the Malaysia-Australia relationship. The Monash University Sunway Campus graduation ceremony held in April was an impressive and momentous event. I had the honour of being asked to deliver the commencement address to the business graduates. It was heartening to stand in front of hundreds of faces 4
MABC Byline
filled with so much promise and potential as they looked to their futures. The student population at the campus is now in excess of 6,000 and is a testament to a successful collaboration in the education sector.
The MABC Building & Construction Industry Dialogue sponsored by Austrade was the first in a series of industry forums organised by the council in 2015. Our aim is to bring together Malaysian and Australian companies to explore opportunities and issues in the sector.
Feedback from the attendees was very positive and submissions are being collated for a report to the Malaysian government in order to highlight regulatory issues affecting MABC members.
On 25th April a Dawn Service was held at Tugu Negara, Lake Gardens to commemorate the 100th anniversary of ANZAC Day, which marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC Day is a special day of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders commemorating the sacrifices made by men and women who fought to maintain the way of life and the treasured values of both countries. A wreath was laid during the service on behalf of MABC.
Overall it’s been a big quarter for the council. I continue to be inspired by the ongoing growth of the MalaysiaAustralia relationship and as MABC’s Chairman it feels as though every day I hear new stories of businesses and business people building for the future. I look forward to catching up with each of you at our events and learning more about your business.
Leigh Howard
Spotlight
Malaysia-Australia Relations Reach New Milestone
Celebrating 60 Years of Diplomatic Ties
As Australia and Malaysia celebrate their 60th Anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, H.E. Rod Smith, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia speaks about the great strides made between the two countries in forging bilateral ties. As Australia-Malaysia celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations this year, how has the bilateral ties between the two countries progressed thus far? Q
The relationship goes back beyond the establishment of our first mission in 1955. In fact, our interest and partnership with Malaysia goes back before the independence of Malaya (Malaysia), on the battlefields of World War Two when Australian armed forces served in defense of Malaya. We stood shoulder to shoulder with Malaysia again during the Emergency and Confrontation. We remain partners with a shared stake in the security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. A
Today, Australians and Malaysians are connected more than ever before. Last year, half a million Australians visited Malaysia, and three hundred thousand Malaysians visited Australia. Two-way trade has doubled in the past decade, and we rank among each other’s top ten trading partners. There is significant investment in both directions, and a strong sense of optimism in our business communities. One of the other very strong and enduring element of the relationship is education. Since the days of the Colombo Plan, some 300,000 Malaysians have acquired Australian university qualifications. And it is one of the elements of the relationship that endures today and continues to be very strong.
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MABC Byline
Australia-Malaysia rank amongst each other’s top ten trading partners. This reflects the strong growth in bilateral trade and investment. Please tell us more about the bilateral economic cooperation. Q
Malaysia is Australia’s 8th largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth almost AUD20 billion, or close to RM60 billion in 2014. Trade took a slight dip during and immediately after the global financial crisis, but since then the growth trajectory has been very encouraging. Over the last 12 months, yearon-year growth was at 17-18 percent. Most of that growth was driven by Malaysian exports to Australia. A
There are about 3,500 Australian companies that export to Malaysia. This proves the confidence of the business communities in Malaysia and Australia in the potential of each other’s markets. It reflects the number of exporters, especially on the Australian side, that are interested in exploring opportunities in Malaysia. These days, when we talk about economic cooperation or trade and investment, we are not just talking about the traditional model in terms of buying and selling each other’s goods and services. Increasingly, we are seeing trade or investment through strategic collaboration, through partnerships and linking in to regional and global supply chains. For instance, Australian companies are investing in Malaysia, often in joint ventures, either for production of manufactures or for the delivery of services, and the same is equally true of Malaysian companies in Australia. They are not just selling those goods and services in the Malaysian market: they are selling into those global and regional supply chains. There are a lot of complementaries between the two economies, and Malaysia as a market is getting increasingly better known among Australian companies particularly when looking for opportunities in South-East Asia. They see Malaysia as a place where there is greater regulatory and investment certainty, therefore making it an attractive destination for doing business. Malaysia is well linked to the South-East Asian markets, particularly ASEAN, and so it is seen as a potentially good hub for Australian companies to build markets not just here, but throughout the region.
H.E. Rod Smith, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia
The Malaysia-Australian Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) entered into force on 1st January 2013. This is an important part of the network of Free Trade Agreements in this region. How has this changed the investment landscape between the two economies? Q
The signing of MAFTA has created a more level playing field as the agreement eliminates almost all border measures and tariffs, which had in the past put up the cost of doing business with Malaysia. They are almost completely eradicated under MAFTA, thus benefitting businesses, investors and consumers. However, there are other measures that we continue to press for attention, including some regulations that we would like to see removed. There are still impediments to business moving freely between the two economies, and we continue to address those impediments. A
We have a very good relationship with the Malaysian government, not just in the implementation of MAFTA, but also in the negotiations that continue under the Trans-Pacific-Partnership Agreement (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Malaysia and Australia are both negotiating members of the TPP and RCEP. We are determined to do everything we can to remove as many of those impediments as we can. It is very important that we hear from businesses about the impediments they face, so we can ensure they have access and opportunities to grow their businesses. And, for the most part, the opportunities are very good for Australian companies here in Malaysia. MABC Byline
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H.E. Rod Smith addressing guests at the Australia Day celebrations held last year in Kuala Lumpur
How can Australian businesses leverage on some of the opportunities arising from MAFTA? Q
Australian companies can marry their technical know-how with the broad networks of exportsavvy Malaysian partners to inject their expertise and products into global value chains. This links them not just into the Malaysian domestic market, but to third party buyers as well.
With Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year, what is Australia’s role in supporting Malaysia? Q
A
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has an extensive range of MAFTA materials on their webpage, including fact sheets and guides for different sectors. MABC members should take advantage of this to find out how MAFTA could be useful to their own business growth: http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/ mafta/Pages/malaysia-australia-fta.aspx Australian businesses should also look at new opportunities to use Malaysia as a way of launching into the rest of South-East Asia, the Asian region and beyond. The Malaysian economy is constantly evolving, and Australian businesses should look for new opportunities emerging from these developments. Also look at opportunities that are emerging through the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). 8
MABC Byline
Australia was ASEAN’s first dialogue partner and our relationship goes back forty-one years. We have long seen the potential of ASEAN as a contributor to regional economic, political and security cooperation. Focusing on the entry of the ASEAN Economic Community, we see great potential to unlock opportunities for greater business and economic growth and development right across the ASEAN region, between the ASEAN region and countries beyond. A
This year, we hope that Malaysia will set ambitious goals for its chairmanship year, and we are certainly very happy to do whatever we can to help them achieve that. We continue to do what we can to support ASEAN as it works toward the entry into force of the ASEAN economic community. Since 1974, Australia has been working with ASEAN to build the capacity of less developed member states on economic issues and to support economic integration. We are also working to help narrow ASEAN’s development gap. That is at the heart of our $1 billion plus annual set of country-level development programmes, with Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines and Indonesia.
The New Colombo Plan is an Australian Government initiative for Australian undergraduate students to undertake internships in the Indo-Pacific region. What does the Australian government hope to achieve with this initiative? Q
The original Colombo Plan contributed to growing people-to-people links between Australia and Malaysia, which saw around 4,000 Malaysians who were beneficiaries of educational opportunities in Australia. We are delighted to see that there are many Malaysians studying in Australia, and we think they benefit from that experience – from the high quality education, to the opportunity to live in Australia and to understand our culture. A
They see Malaysia as a “place where there is greater regulatory and investment certainty, therefore making it an attractive destination for doing business.
”
We would like to see more young Australians studying in Malaysia, as well as other partner countries in the New Colombo Plan, so that they may benefit from not just the access to education in Malaysia, but also the opportunity to experience living in Malaysia first-hand and get the time to know Malaysians. One of the elements of the New Colombo Plan is the business internship programme. We are very keen to see these young Australians study and to take advantage of the internship opportunities in Malaysian businesses so that they may understand the business environment here. That is an investment in knowledge and it is an investment in relationships that we believe will create high returns in the future.
What do you hope to achieve in your professional capacity during your tenure here as the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia? Q
During my time as High Commissioner, I would like to see progress across all areas of cooperation that we have. A great strategic asset in our bilateral ties is our defense and security cooperation. We will continue to work on and deepen our defense cooperation. As a matter of fact, it was one of the topics addressed by Prime Minister Tony Abbott during his visit to Malaysia in September last year. I want to see people to people links deepen, and I want to see growth in the trade and economic relationship. A
I certainly want to see the New Colombo Plan succeed, and I have every confidence that it will. The first cohort of 153 Australian undergraduates are coming to Malaysia this year under the New Colombo Plan. It is the first year of Malaysia’s participation in the New Colombo Plan, so we hope that these numbers will grow in future. I want to see more Malaysian students studying in Australia, and I think there are great benefits for both countries with the flow of students. What advice do you have for Australian individuals or families relocating to Malaysia? Q
My advice would be to talk to others who know the local environment well, such as the Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC) and the Malaysia Australia New Zealand Association (MANZA). But get advice from a wide range of sources: the Internet is a good place to start looking for information on living in Malaysia. A
The other advice I would give is to go out and explore Kuala Lumpur and what it has to offer. Explore other parts of Malaysia because capital cities do not always represent the country. There is always a lot more to see beyond the capital city. Having said that, KL is a terrific city to live in. It is very comfortable, very exciting and there is no shortage of things to do.
MABC Byline
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Trade & Investment
Australia-Malaysia Continues Strong Bilateral Trade in 2015 The Australia-Malaysia trade and investment relationship is a dynamic and growing one, with plenty of opportunities for collaboration. As our 2nd largest trading partner in ASEAN, and 8th overall, Malaysia is an important market for Australian businesses.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Australia was transformed by a broad and aggressive reform agenda into an open, dynamic, flexible and high-productivity economy. Australia today is globally engaged, economically open and competitive, focused on Asia, enmeshed in the forums of the region, proudly multicultural and confident of its place in our neighbourhood.
Australia is a G20 country, and is forecasted to be the 13th largest economy in the world in 2015. Our nominal GDP is estimated at US$1.5 trillion and accounts for 2 percent of the global economy Australia has more than doubled the value of its total production from a decade ago. We were the only developed country to avoid recession during the Global Financial Crisis, and are now entering our 24th consecutive year of its uninterrupted annual growth. Australia is forecasted to realise average real GDP growth of 3 percent between 2015 and 2019, the highest forecast among major advanced economies.
In its October 2014 Fiscal Monitor, the International Monetary Fund estimated that the Australian Government’s net debt would be 16.6 percent of its GDP in 2015, well below the 74.1 percent forecast for advanced economies. The low public sector debt reinforces Australia’s healthy financial position and sound economic credentials, and underpins its strong ratings. Australia has long been a global powerhouse in the resources and agriculture sectors. Australia has the world’s largest share of iron ore, uranium, gold, zinc and nickel reserves. We are the world’s largest exporter of coal, iron ore, aluminium ore, zinc and beef and the third largest exporter of LNG in the world – in fact, we are expected to become No. 1 by Source: AUSTRADE (www.austrade.gov.au) Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Malaysia-Australia FT
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MABC Byline
2020. Australia is a major exporter of wheat and many other food products – Malaysia is our 7th largest export destination for agrifood, valued at A$1 billion. Australia also provides Malaysia with almost 68 percent of its nickel and 66 percent of its live animals. But our economy is about much more than that – around 82 percent of Australia’s economic output is in fact generated by the services sector, a function of Australia’s highly skilled, well-educated and innovative workforce. The sophisticated financial services industry is the largest contributor to our economy, along with professional, scientific and technical services, education and training, and information media and telecommunications.
Australia’s services sector has seen strong growth over the past two decades. Information media and telecommunications have recorded the highest average annual growth rate since 1992, followed by financial and insurance services, and professional, scientific and technical services. The financial services sector has assets of more than A$5.8 trillion, nearly 4 times the nominal GDP. Australia has the third largest pool of investment funds under management in the world, valued at A$2.4 trillion – the largest in Asia.
In the 2013/14 financial year, two-way goods and services trade was valued at almost A$20 billion – Australia’s exports to Malaysia totalled A$7.24 billion. During the same period, the stock of Australian investment in Malaysia was almost $9.5 billion. With these strong fundamentals and a keen desire for Australian and Malaysian businesses to collaborate on future opportunities – particularly in anticipation of the declaration of the ASEAN Economic Community at the end of this year – we look forward to continuing strong and vibrant growth in the bilateral trade and investment relationship.
Melissa Hutchings
First Secretary, Political & Economic Section Australian High Commission, Malaysia
Economy
Developments in the Malaysian Economy: 4Q 2014 Growth Supported by Major Economic Sectors
Growth in the services sector was underpinned by expansion across all sub-sectors. The construction sector remained strong, driven mainly by non-residential and residential subsectors, while the mining sector registered a stronger growth due to higher crude oil production. The manufacturing sector continued to expand, supported mainly by the export oriented industries. However, the agriculture sector recorded a contraction due to lower palm oil production caused by the floods in the eastern states of Peninsular Malaysia.
Services Sector The services sector registered a stronger growth of 6.4% in the fourth quarter (3Q 2014: 6.2%) supported by expansion across all sub-sectors. In tandem with continued growth in household spending, the wholesale and retail trade sub-sector grew by 9.3% (3Q 2014: 8.2%). In the communication sub-sector, growth remained robust (9.8%; 3Q 2014: 9.7%), amid continued strong demand for data communication services. Growth in the real estate and business services sub-sector was higher 8.2%; 3Q 2014: 7.2%), underpinned mainly by the business services segment. Manufacturing Sector
The manufacturing sector recorded a sustained growth of 5.2% in the fourth quarter (3Q 2014: 5.4%), supported by stronger performance in the exportoriented industries, particularly the electronics and electrical (E&E) cluster. This mitigated the slower production in the domestic oriented industries, particularly transport equipment, amid moderating car sales. Overall capacity utilisation rate in the manufacturing sector improved in the fourth quarter (80%; 3Q 2014: 78%), due mainly to higher capacity utilisation in the export-oriented industries (82%, 3Q 2014: 80%). Construction Sector
The construction sector grew by 8.7% in the fourth quarter (3Q 2014: 9.6%), underpinned by the non-residential and residential sub-sectors. The growth in the non-residential sub-sector was stronger amid higher construction activity for industrial and commercial buildings while the
GDP by Economic Activity (at constant 2005 prices) Share in 2014 (%) Agriculture Mining Manufacturing Construction Services Real GDP
1
Real GDP (q-o-q Seasonally adjusted)
6.9
2013
4Q
2014
Year
0.2
2.1
4.0
-2.8
5.2
3.5
5.4
5.2
5.9
6.2
6.4
0.9
2.0
-1.2
3.9
9.8
10.9
5.1
4.7
55.3
100.0
4Q
Annual Change (%)
7.9
24.9
3Q
6.4
1.9
0.7
1.4 9.6
5.6
Year
2.6
9.6
3.1
8.7
11.6
5.8
6.0
6.2
6.3
Numbers do not add up due to rounding and exclusion of import duties component
Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia
residential sub-sector was supported by activity of residential properties in the mass-market and affordable housing segments. Growth in the civil engineering sub-sector was weaker following the near completion of large infrastructure projects. In the special trade sub-sector, growth was sustained following continued activity for piling, earthworks, electrical and system installation as well as building completion and finishing works. Agriculture Sector
The agriculture sector declined by 2.8% (3Q 2014: 4.0%), amid sharply lower production of palm oil caused by the floods in the eastern states of Peninsular Malaysia. Meanwhile, the mining sector expanded by 9.6% (3Q 2014: 1.4%) due to stronger crude oil production.
Source: Quarterly Bulletin, Fourth Quarter 2014, Bank Negara Malaysia
MABC Byline
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Money Matters
Dawn of a New Consumption Tax Regime in Malaysia Yvonne Beh, Partner, Wong & Partners
(member firm of Baker & McKenzie International) Yvonne.Beh@WongPartners.com
With effect from 1 April 2015, Malaysia has a new consumption tax regime, being the goods and services tax (“GST”), after years of uncertainty as to whether the GST will be introduced in Malaysia. In the last year leading up to the implementation date, businesses have been preparing for the transition to the GST regime. As of 28 February 2015, 345,376 companies have registered for GST. Under the GST Act 2014, businesses that meet the taxable supply threshold of RM500,000 per annum have an obligation to be registered with the Royal Customs of Malaysia (“Customs”) for GST purposes. When the initial GST registration deadline of 31 December 2014 was extended to 28 February 2015, Customs was clear that businesses who still refused to register by the extended deadline would not only be forced to register but will also be slapped with a fine of RM15,000. On 1 March 2015, Customs commenced a GST crackdown operation to track down errant businesses nationwide. It was reported that traders and companies who were issued the compound of RM15,000 had two weeks to pay up or face the risk of being charged in court.
Effective 1 April 2015, GST is imposed at the rate of 6% on the supply of goods or services or on the import of goods in Malaysia. Unlike the previous sales and services tax regime that GST replaced, GST is a multi-stage tax payable by all intermediaries in the production and distribution chain, with the tax burden ultimately being borne by the end consumer. The GST regime is designed to be tax neutral to businesses, as the tax element does not 12
MABC Byline
become part of the cost of the business because GST paid on business inputs can be claimed as input taxes by way of a credit mechanism. Generally, GST-registered businesses must charge GST on the goods or services supplied to its customers (output tax) but may claim for GST incurred in the course of its business (input tax). The difference between output tax and input tax is the net GST payable to or refundable from Customs.
Since the announcement of the implementation of GST in Malaysia, there were concerns amongst consumers that unscrupulous businesses and traders will raise prices unreasonably in anticipation of the introduction of the GST regime. In an effort to alleviate these concerns, anti-profiteering laws were put into place. The Price Control and AntiProfiteering Act 2011 (“PCAPA”) makes it an offence to profiteer or to make an unreasonably high profit from the implementation of GST, which carries a maximum penalty of RM500,000 for the first offence and RM1 million for each subsequent offence. Under the PCAPA and its subsidiary regulations, whether or not there is profiteering will depend on whether a business has made unreasonably high profits based on its net profit margin for the period between 2 January 2015 to 30 June 2016. The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism is the administering authority for the purposes of anti-profiteering issues and has been conducting anti-profiteering crackdowns since 1 April 2015.
education
For the Love of Learning Recently I read a few more chapters of the book With Love and Prayers by F. Washington Jarvis (2000). Jarvis writes about “a widespread attitude that everything in life should go our way, that things should always work out, and if they don’t, then the first thing to do is to take it out on someone or to blame someone…” He attributes this attitude in part to media advertising slogans such as “You deserve this!” or “Treat yourself!” or “You owe it to yourself!” With children across the globe so heavily influenced by media and the internet it is important that school curriculums ensure they are providing students with opportunities to develop life skills that will allow them to filter and interpret the data with which they are constantly bombarded.
Media and internet advertising has a significant impact on all children, whether they are in developed countries such as Australia or in developing countries such as Malaysia. However, its influence appears to be particularly profound in children and teenagers across ages and ethnicities as they express their right to be rewarded for behaving well, performing well or achieving an outcome defined by a parent or their school.
I remember as a young teacher being shocked when a student told me that her parents had offered her $50 for each A grade she received on her Semester Report Card. I am not sure what the going rate for an A grade is today in Malaysia or Australia but it still seems a shame that some children need this form of extrinsic motivation to give them
a desire to reach their academic potential. In a relevant education today, in addition to offering a rigorous and relevant curriculum, it is important for parents and educators to provide children with opportunities to develop their sense of identity, their values and their beliefs. It is through these dispositions and attitudes that they filter the experiences of the world around them and find reasons to engage with their studies and make a positive contribution to society. A key to developing the intrinsic love of learning in our students is to ensure that learning is linked to real-life experiences wherever Literacy
Intercultural understanding Ethical understanding
Personal and social capability
Dr Deborah Priest
Principal, Australian International School Malaysia www.aism.edu.my sense of curiosity drives them to focus on their studies. Indeed, when opportunities for collaboration and cross-curriculum units are
Successful learner, confident and creative individual, and active and informed citizen.
Critical and creative thinking ICT capability Numeracy
Diagram 1: General capabilities in the Australian Curriculum
possible. It was partly for this reason that the developers of the Australian Curriculum embedded seven General Capabilities (see Diagram 1) and three Cross-curriculum Priorities of sustainability, engagement with and understanding of Asia and an awareness of Australian and Torres Strait Islander indigenous histories into the broad range of subjects available to students. In this way, students have opportunities to explore their areas of interest and expertise, extend their knowledge and understanding of the world and prepare to take their place as informed citizens in a global society. In my experience, through the Australian Curriculum, students can see where the learning fits into their life and, when they are enjoying what they are learning, their natural
provided, middle years students in particular have increased engagement and enjoyment in the learning process (Jarvis, 2000). After all, happy children are generally far more productive and open to learning. At the Australian International School of Malaysia (AISM), we continue to review and renew our curriculum offerings for our students each year and we continue to be informed by how our Australian, Malaysian and international students like to learn.
As Confucius (551-479 BC) said in The Analects over two and a half thousand years ago, “To be fond of something is better than merely to know it, and to find joy in it is better than to be fond of it.” MABC Byline
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education
The International School of Kuala Lumpur Building on 50 Years of Excellence: 1965-2015 For expat families, the world of a new posting or move very often means a new school for their children and that can be a very daunting prospect. However, for families moving to Kuala Lumpur, ISKL offers a sound tradition of academic excellence with innovative approaches to teaching, learning and expanding technology and ample opportunities for sports, performing arts and out of class learning experiences.
Established in 1965, ISKL had a modest start in an old palace on Jalan Maxwell with 48 students. ISKL continued to succeed in overcoming many challenges and in December of 1975 ISKL moved to its present campus. In 1992 the Elementary School moved to the current Melawati campus and in 1995 the High School expanded with a new wing at the Ampang campus. Today the school has approximately 1,650 students in attendance from over 60 different countries.
ISKL is a private, not for profit, parent governed school accredited in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school offers programmes that run from Prep Reception (3 years old) to Grade 12 with students having opportunities to take a myriad of high school offerings, including Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate course which may lead to the IB Diploma. ISKL provides students with learning experiences that encourages them to develop four aspects of learning – knowledge, skills, attitudes and understanding. As the school mission states, ISKL... “…provides an exceptional education to develop the attitudes, skills, 14
MABC Byline
knowledge and understanding to become a highly successful, spirited, socially responsible global citizen.”
Students are challenged through a carefully designed standardsbased curriculum which sets high expectations of what students should know combined with effective technology and a strong emphasis on the environment. Two examples of how ISKL weaves its mission statement into the student curriculum are Malaysia Week for Middle School and GAP for High School.
Malaysia Week takes the students to different sites across Malaysia, which fosters a better understanding of the natural environment along with learning a new skill or knowledge not ordinarily found in the classroom while increasing understanding and appreciation of their host country. Programme benefits also include learning to cooperate and work with peers and gain an increased sense of independence and responsibility. The Global Action Program, or GAP, as it is known, offers 29 expeditions to explore the physical and cultural environment of the nearby Asian countries. Groups of students visit sites in China, Myanmar, Tibet, Maldives and other countries and learn to live and work for a week of service outreach, cultural immersion and outdoor adventure. At ISKL, class sizes are small with a ratio of 10:1 students to faculty. Teaching approaches take into account different learning styles of students. Learning resources and support are available. Pastoral care through home groups, houses and MY groups is also a part of the school experience. While academic rigor and standards are high, extra curricular activities cater to different interests and talents. The school has a
well-established sports programme that runs through the Activities and Athletics office at all three (high, middle and elementary) school levels. ISKL also offers numerous opportunities to participate in drama, music, band and dance. High school students frequently participate in activities and athletic events with schools in Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Manila and Jakarta. There are a number of services and community oriented programmes, which includes the SPCA, Habitat for Humanity, teaching for Chin Center and Afghan refugees, Korean Culture club and Malaysia (MY) club. ISKL is highly committed to Sustainability and Service Learning and is proud to be Malaysia’s first Eco-Schools’ Green Flag School! The past fifty years resonate with stories and successes that have helped build and shape ISKL into an exceptional school where students “walk in a harmonious environment where care follows closely behind; learning is stimulated, curiosity is sparked, vision is cultivated, and action is inspired”… our vision for ISKL students. Building on our rich heritage, ISKL now looks forward to taking decisive steps into another chapter with a new campus accommodating all three schools and 2,500 students, state-of-the-art facilities and, equally important, with a community of people who will continue the commitment that started it all: to teach and to learn in an ever-evolving and changing world in meeting our mission of exceptional education. For further information, please contact: Admissions Office The International School of Kuala Lumpur T : + 603 4259 5627 / 4259 5628 | E : admissions@iskl.edu.my | W : www.iskl.edu.my
MABC Byline
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MABC Events
MABC January Talk & Networking Evening Updates on Investment Opportunities in Malaysia The MABC Talk & Networking Evening for the month of January was jointly held with the Malaysia Canada Business Council (MCBC). Prior to the networking session, a talk on investment opportunities in Malaysia was presented by Mr. Arham Abdul Rahman, Director of Foreign Investment Coordination Division in the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). Mr. Arham gave the participants an overview of the Malaysian government’s efforts in promoting the sustainable growth of investments in the manufacturing sector as well as maintaining the dynamics of the Malaysian investment climate.
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MABC Byline
MABC Events
MABC February Talk & Networking A Focus on GST
With the looming deadline on the implementation of GST, the MABC Talk & Networking Evening for the month of February focused on the Goods & Services Tax (GST). Presented by Ms. Yvonne Beh, a partner from Wong & Partners (a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International), the talk provided an overview of the GST regime, covering the application, scope and concepts of GST as well as available special GST schemes. Ms. Beh also touched on the transitional issues from the sales and service tax regime to the GST regime and the latest GST developments.
MABC Byline
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MABC Events
MABC March Talk & Networking Evening
An Expert’s Insight on the Malaysian Economic Outlook
In addressing the concerns of businesses on Malaysia’s economic growth, the current oil crisis and the weakening ringgit, MABC organised a talk on Malaysia’s Economic Outlook at its March Talk and Networking Evening, held at the Australian High Commission. Guest speaker Mr. Anthony Dass, Chief Economist of AmBank Group Malaysia, gave an insight into Malaysia’s structural issues and the country’s potential growth while also looking into the economic outlook of developing Asian countries. Mr. Dass highlighted that 2015 & 2016 will be challenging years for the Malaysian economy as the country sees private investment and consumption at a moderate growth rate. Following the talk, guests of MABC and MDBC were treated to fine Australian wine as they continued to network.
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MABC Byline
MABC Events
MABC Organises Building & Construction Industry Dialogue
Left: Pongsak Padukarn, Country President - Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei, NS Bluescope Malaysia, right: David Moyes, General Manager, Hume Cemboard Industries Sdn Bhd
On 16 April 2015, the Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC) brought together major Malaysian and Australian companies operating in the construction sector for a dialogue session aimed at identifying potential business opportunities and areas for collaboration. The Building and Construction Industry Dialogue was organised by MABC and sponsored by AUSTRADE - the trade and investment arm of Australia. The event, open to members of MABC, provided a platform for member companies to share their thoughts and experiences on issues and opportunities within the Building & Construction sector in Malaysia. Led by MABC’s Property & Construction Sub-committee Chairman Brett Smythe, the dialogue session included presentations by a cross section of Malaysian and Australian companies from the Contractors & Developers, Materials & Supply Chain and Services sub-sectors, followed by an interactive Q&A session with the audience.
Chris McNamara, General Manager Development, Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd speaking on the issues relating to the Construction & Property sub-sector
Pongsak Padukarn, Country President - Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei, NS Bluescope Malaysia speaking on Materials & Supply Chain
MABC Byline
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Member’s News
Ramada Plaza Dua Sentral Welcome the Year of the Goat
Mr Ian Hurst, General Manager of Ramada Plaza Dua Sentral Kuala Lumpur receiving the plate of prosperity from the lion dancers.
Ramada Plaza Dua Sentral Kuala Lumpur ushered in the Lunar New Year with roars of firecracker and the traditional lion dance performance at its driveway and main lobby on Monday, 23 February 2015. This is the third year Ramada Plaza Sentral Kuala Lumpur is holding the auspicious lion dance since the hotel opened in September 2012.
The 15-member lion dance troupe from Tarian Singa Kok Ngai performed a series of impressive acrobatic steps and stunts on high stilts accompanied by roaring cymbals and drums. The performance culminated with the handing over of the ‘platter of prosperity’ consisting of mandarin oranges, pomelos and green
lettuce to the hotel’s General Manager, Ian Hurst. The troupe then proceeded to the reception, restaurants, function rooms and administration offices for the ritual blessing.
“Lion dance is form of traditional dance in Chinese culture, in which performers mimic a lion’s movements in a lion costume. The lion dance is an important tradition that the hotel observed during Chinese New Year to usher in good luck and prosperity and it has made the event more meaningful with guests joining in the festivity and excitement. It is an opportune time for us to share our tradition with overseas guests,” said lan Hurst.
ParkCity Medical Centre opens new Cath Lab to Enhance Cardiac Patient Care
ParkCity Medical Centre recently invested in the Siemens Artis Q technology to enhance their new Catheterization Laboratory @ Cath Lab. This provides the infrastructure for the hospital to grow in structural heart disease and endovascular surgery, facilitating the latest techniques, procedures and devices in these fields. 20
MABC Byline
The Artis Q angiography system for interventional imaging is a visionary breakthrough in X-ray generation and detection that takes performance and precision to the next level. It features a new X-ray tube and detector technology designed to improve minimally invasive therapy of diseases such as coronary heart disease (CAD), stroke and cancer.
The signing marked the official opening of Cath lab. On hand to officiate were (from left) Dr Chong Yoon Sin, Consultant Cardiologist, Ms Elaine Cheong, CEO- Malaysia of Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care, Dr Maxim Mamin, Senior Vice President and Head of Siemens Healthcare Malaysia., Dato Dr Jacob Thomas, Chairman of Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care Group, Dr Chua Seng Keong, Consultant Cardiologist Ms Ch’ng Lin Ling, Hospital CEO of ParkCity Medical Centre.
“The new cath lab is significant for our community as it will provide a higher level of accessibility and precision for our doctors when treating and managing heart conditions,” said Ch’ng Lin Ling, Hospital CEO of ParkCity Medical Centre.
The Artis Q angiography system was selected due to its excellent image quality following comprehensive evaluation of other systems available on the market. With its ability to visualize tiny blood vessels and devices, it will allow clinicians to provide a highly accurate service for complex conditions.
SPEC Property
VIP Event Focuses on Melbourne Property Education
and customer relations – we even do our own property management through our real estate partner synergy. This enables us to provide a seamless experience from project acquisition to delivery and after sales service. It also means we can offer cost savings and strategic efficiencies that other companies who outsource cannot.
Spec Property is a Melbourne specialist development company. For over 20 years we have been building for the local Melbourne market. You will know that you’re buying decisions are based on sound, trustworthy advice and experience, that is why we have our own office in your back yard! We build, design and deliver an “end-to-end experience”, so you are dealing directly with the developer at every stage.
RSVP for a private appointment with our consultants T : +603-7726 3663 | E : kloffice@specproperty.com | Spec Property Developments (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (1032219-W) Lot 244D, The Curve, 2nd Floor, No. 6, Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
We employ specialists in land acquisition, town planning, architecture and interior design, finance development, construction, marketing, sales MABC Byline
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Member’s News
Three Victorian Universities
Sign MoU with University Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
Standing (L-R): YB Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching, Malaysian Deputy Minister of Education 1 & Dr Angela McDonald, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia. Seated (L-R): Professor Sandra Kentish, Head, Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Melbourne; YBhg Datuk Ir (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi Petronas; Puan Raiha Azni Abdul Rahman, Senior Vice President, Group Human Resource PETRONAS and Chairperson of the Institute of Technology, PETRONAS Sdn Bhd; Ms Rebecca Hall, Director, International Education Unit, State Government of Australia, Professor Abid Khan, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President (Global Engagement) Monash University & Dr Julien Ugon, Research Fellow and Deputy Director, Centre for Informatics and Applied Optimisation, Federation University.
The Victorian State Government’s South East Asia Business Office facilitated a collaboration that has resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) being signed between Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) with Monash University, University of Melbourne and Federation University on 27 February 2015. The MoU aims to bring together three Victorian universities to work with researchers from UTP to develop longterm sustainable relationships that will support future innovation in several key areas, namely
corrosion, ionic liquids, shale gas, enhanced oil recovery, biofuels and biochemical and biomedical technology. The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from the institutions, and was witnessed by Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching, Deputy Minister of Education 1, Dr Angela McDonald, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia, Puan Raiha Azni Abd Rahman, Senior Vice President, Group Human Resource Management, Petronas and Rebecca Hall, Director, International Education Unit, State Government of Victoria.
Total Schmidt
New Asian Manufacturing & Distribution Centre, Malaysia
From left, Aaron Williams, Susan Kahwati, Abd. Hamid bin Ibrahim, Bill Nelson & Leigh Howard
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MABC Byline
Perth-based Total Abrasion Pty Ltd and Houston based Axxiom Manufacturing Inc. formally opened a new manufacturing and distribution centre in Shah Alam, Malaysia – Total Schmidt Sdn Bhd. This business is focused on supplying the Asia-Pacific abrasive blasting industry with Schmidt® abrasive blasting systems, blasting abrasives and consumables.
From left, Bill Nelson, Susan Kahwati, Aaron Williams & Zamani Abd Ghani
With a long and proud history from Houston, beginning when the original founders over 45 years ago began to design and build better equipment for the Gulf of Mexico’s surface preparation industry, Schmidt continues today to set the benchmark for our industry worldwide. Aaron Williams, Managing Director & Co-founder of Total Schmidt, hosted an opening event on Thursday, 29th January 2015, joined by Bill Nelson (VP Business Development & Sales of Axxiom Manufacturing), Mr. Zamani Abd. Ghani (Managing Director of Platinum Blast Sdn Bhd) and finally officiated by Ms. Susan Kahwati (Senior Trade Commissioner - Austrade). Also pictured is Mr. Abd. Hamid bin Ibrahim, Editor-in-Chief of RESOURCE, and Mr. Leigh Howard, Chairman of the Australian Malaysian Business Council.
“Our customers are from the oil & gas industry, shipbuilding, petrochemical and construction – the common thread through all of these industries is the absolute necessity of minimising losses from corrosion. Corrosion is widely considered one of the most serious problems in our modern society and the resulting losses each year are in the hundreds of billions of dollars. A recent study in the United States estimated annual losses from corrosion at a staggering US$278 billion – or just over 3% of gross domestic product – in the United States alone. Applied to Malaysia that would suggest
annual losses of nearly US$10 billion – or approx. RM36 billion. Whilst the importance of corrosion protection is clear, today’s low crude oil prices mean oil companies need to become more efficient, to do more with less. Total Schmidt provides solutions to industry that enable them to do more with their surface preparation budget. Fast. Clean. Safe. Environmentally friendly. Economical,” says Aaron Williams. Total Schmidt has invested heavily to build SEA’s largest rental fleet of abrasive blasting equipment. Contractors now have the option of renting the best in class equipment for their projects – to deliver projects on time and on budget – and leave the care and maintenance of the fleet to Total Schmidt.
The facility will play a central role in the continued expansion of Schmidt’s business internationally and also meet the growing needs of the AsiaPacific oil & gas, petrochemical, construction & shipbuilding industries.
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Welcome New Members
Roland Lee Consultancy Sdn Bhd
Andrew Moore Andrew is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he is responsible for identifying new business development opportunities for Cell Therapies Pty Ltd throughout the Asia Pacific region. He has spent the last 18 years in Asia, working for Novartis, being responsible for developing its medical nutrition business across the region. He has gained valuable experience in management roles in Vietnam, New Zealand and Malaysia for Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Since leaving Novartis, he has worked for Inno Bio Ventures Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian Government-owned biotech company focused on contract manufacturing for monoclonal antibodies & complex proteins, as Vice President of Business Development where he was responsible for securing their first manufacturing contracts and GMP audits from Pfizer, Lilly & Sandoz. Andrew has performed in numerous consulting roles for companies from the United States and Europe across a range of portfolios. Currently, he is the Independent Non-executive Chairman of Vital Food Processors, a New Zealand-based digestive health company, part of the Inventages E : AndrewMoore@celltherapies.com.au |
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MABC Byline
Roland Lee Consultancy Sdn Bhd is a specialised private equity consultancy, currently focused on evaluating and identifying projects in the mining and property sectors suitable for investment. The Managing Director of the company, Roland Meangsun Lee was a Mining Geologist with Mount Isa Mines Limited (MIM) and had worked underground in MIM’s copper, silver and leadzinc mine at Mount Isa, Queensland.
Prior to MIM, he had worked as an Exploration Geologist with MIM’s exploration subsidiary, Carpentaria Exploration Co. in New Zealand focused on mineral sands, tungsten and uranium mineralisation primarily in the South Island of NZ in the 1970s. Subsequently, Mr Lee had also evaluated a number of iron, tin and tungsten deposits and mines in South-East Asia. On properties, Mr Lee was a property developer of high-rise and township development during the property cycle of the 1980s. E : menang168@yahoo.co.uk |
Welcome New Members
ECSI Consulting ECSI Consulting is a strategy and innovation consultancy with offices in Boston, London, Milan and Singapore. ECSI Consulting belongs to the ECSI Group which also comprises the European Centre for Strategic Innovation (ECSI), a management research centre which collaborates with globally renowned academic faculties.
ECSI Consulting has been active in Malaysia since 2012 and has collaborated with multiple GLCs, MNCs and high profile SMEs offering strategic and innovative consulting services as well as executive training. ECSI Consulting’s executive training offering
is based on a proprietary portfolio of practical strategy and innovation masterclasses delivered with an “action learning� approach. Not only is this approach dynamic, participative and fun, it also generates a practical outcome related to real strategic challenges of the organisation.
ECSI Consulting was recently named one of the 15 global leading firms in innovation strategy and management by Kennedy Research, the most authoritative analyst of the consulting industry. ECSI Consulting is also one of the few selected Global Corporate Partners of the Blue Ocean Strategy Network. T : +601-260913733 | E : lpezzotta@ecsi-consulting.com | ecsi-consulting.com
MABC Byline
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Welcome New Members
Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd
Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd began in the 1990’s as a joint venture between KLCC Property Holdings Berhad, Rodamco and Westfield during the planning phase of the KLCC Development. It is a fully integrated retail asset management company and currently operates three distinctive malls – Suria KLCC, Alamanda and Mesra Mall. The shareholders today are KLCC Property Holdings Berhad and CBRE Global Investors.
With a combined area of more than 2.5 million square feet and over 600 specialty outlets, the three malls cater to diverse and discerning shoppers, and welcome over 55 million shoppers annually who spend in excess of RM3 billion. Suria KLCC is a six-level shopping centre with a total gross area of 1.7 million square feet. It boasts over 375 specialty stores and is anchored by Isetan, Parkson Grand and Marks & Spencer department stores and TGV Cinemas. Alamanda is located in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s Federal administrative capital. With a total gross area of over 1,000,000 square feet, the three-level mall comprises over 218 specialty outlets and is
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MABC Byline
anchored by Parkson department store, AEON Big hypermarket, Cold Storage supermarket and GSC Cinema. Alamanda not only dominates the Putrajaya trade area, but also the college and university community. Mesra Mall situated in Kerteh is a single-level mall with total gross area of over 310,000 square feet. It is a community shopping centre where customers can shop, dine and be entertained. It boasts 65 specialty outlets, TMC hypermarket and supermarket, TGV cinemas, bowling centre, badminton courts, a futsal court and squash courts.
Andrew Brien, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd commenced his career in retail property in 1992 with Lend Lease. In 2000 Andrew joined Westfield Holdings and in 2003 he was seconded from Westfield, as part of the joint venture agreement with Suria KLCC, to the role of General Manager. In January 2007 he resigned from Westfield and was appointed CEO of Suria KLCC and a member of the Management Committee of KLCC Property Holdings Berhad. In 2014 he was appointed to the board of Suria KLCC as Executive Director.
Partners in Progress
MABC Byline
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