Smith + Nephew, a leading global medical technology company, has officially opened its much-anticipated, high-technology manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP) today.

The new plant is located at Persiaran Cassia Selatan 8 in BKIP.

Smith + Nephew Malaysia site leader and managing director Mark Arthun said the new plant is the company’s first manufacturing facility in Penang and Southeast Asia.

“The 250,000sq ft facility, at a cost of about US$50 million, will primarily support the company’s orthopaedics franchise which has been growing strongly in the Asia Pacific region.

“This is an incredible and exciting project for us because we believe that Penang is strategically located as a manufacturing hub. And Penang’s location enables us to further expand our operations.

“The new manufacturing facility is expected to create up to 800 jobs in the next five years, with available positions in various departments such as engineering, supply chain, quality human resources, finance, logistics and many more.

“And from the 800 new jobs to be created, only a small number will be expats because we want the facility here to be managed by the locals.

“We are very grateful for the strong support from the Federal Government, Penang government and all the relevant agencies.

“We look forward to working with all of you to achieve great success,” Mark said in his speech at the opening ceremony today.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who graced the ceremony, said Penang is excited and proud to welcome the presence of Smith + Nephew here.

“We are excited and proud to welcome Smith + Nephew, a leading MedTech (medical technology) company that designs technology to take the limits off living.

“My sincerest congratulations to the Smith + Nephew team and all those involved for their dedication and hard work in achieving this milestone.

“With global revenues of US$5.2 billion in 2021, Smith + Nephew is among the 30 largest medical device firms in the world.

“It is a leading global MedTech company that specialises in orthopaedics, sports medicine, ear, nose, throat and advanced wound management sub-segments,” he said.

Chow said the medical device segment, driven by innovation and cutting-edge technologies, is a critical and fast-growing segment within the healthcare industry.

“It is estimated that by 2023, the Asia Pacific MedTech market will exceed that of the European Union (EU) and become the second-largest in the world.

“Consequently, a plethora of industry leaders hope to establish manufacturing facilities in Asia to meet the rapidly growing demand, with Penang being one of the preferred locations.

“Dubbed as the Silicon Valley of the East, Penang (thanks to its robust industrial ecosystem) not only enables the state to accelerate breakthroughs in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry but further entrench its position as a medical device hub in the region.

“I am proud to note that Penang has the highest concentrations of medical technology companies in Malaysia and Southeast Asia,” he said.

“With Smith + Nephew’s investment, it is expected to create 800 high-value jobs in the coming years. This will further enrich the local community in skills and opportunities in manufacturing, engineering and supply chain.

“Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Penang’s industrialisation, the state government through InvestPenang and other relevant state machinery is committed to providing unwavering support to the investors, while pledging to hold sustainability as one of its key priorities to unleash greater potential for the next 50 years and beyond.

“Once again, my sincerest congratulations to Smith + Nephew on the new facility,” said Chow.

Also present during the opening ceremony were state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian and Chief Minister’s special investment adviser Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon.

Founded in Hull, United Kingdom, in 1856, Smith + Nephew currently operates in more than 100 countries and specialises in surgical implants and advanced wound care products.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Image source: Pinterest / Facebook

Perched on a hill and facing the Penang channel, Udini House in Jalan Tunku Kudin, Gelugor, has been unoccupied since the 1960s.

It is believed to be one of the oldest abandoned houses in Penang, if not the country.

The mansion boasts of a colourful past – its foundation stone was laid in August 1882 by then Lieutenant-Governor of Penang, JF McNair.

According to Penang Heritage Trust (PHT), the mansion was the former residence of Tunku Dhiauddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Rashid Muazzam Shah, better known as Tunku Kudin.

His great-nephew was the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj.

The mansion had stables for horses, an aviary, a deer park and a tunnel linked right up to the beach.

PHT’s records show that from 1930 to 1941, the mansion was rented to law firm Presgrave and Mathews, and during the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese navy used it as its Penang headquarters.

After the war, it was used briefly by the British Military Administration, then by the Royal Australian Air Force.

In 1953, the property was acquired for public housing development but the plan fell through.

The marine police eventually took over the property, but the house gradually fell into disrepair and remains so till today.

Historian Khoo Salma Nasution said the surrounding properties in the area were developed only after 2000, but nothing was done to the dilapidated Udini House.

A property consultant said Udini House was still zoned as an institution and not commercial property.

“As such, even at the present rate of RM250 per sq ft, the 1.2ha property is valued at more than RM30mil. The price could be double if it is rezoned for commercial use,” the consultant said.

Source: TheStar.com.my

The Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda) Penang is hoping to have a meeting with the Penang government, local governments and the relevant authorities soon to mitigate the challenges of the property development industry.

Rehda Penang chairman Khoo Teck Chong proposed for the meeting to be held as soon as possible.

“Currently, our biggest challenges are the sharp increase in building material prices and the shortage of labour in the industry.

“These have impacted the cost of doing business. Tender prices are skyrocketing and those in the construction (industry) are finding it hard to manage their costs.

“Personally, I feel that the inflation will hit us hard and I would say that the storm which we will be facing will be quite rough.

“We should look at how we can lower our cost of doing business.

“We hope that the state, local councils and the relevant state components can hold a special meeting with Rehda Penang to discuss and exchange ideas about how we can weather this situation together,” he said in his speech during the Rehda Penang Fellowship Dinner 2022 event at the Old CRC Restaurant in Jalan Padang Victoria on Friday evening.

Khoo said he was grateful for being able to hold this fellowship dinner this year.

“Two years have passed since our last gathering. It is a blessing for us to be able to gather again after we have gone through the Covid-19 war,” he said.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang government has always been open to meetings and discussions with the industries and organisations for the betterment of the state and its people.

“I managed to go through part of the report by Rehda Institute on my way here, and I appreciate and acknowledge the issues raised by the institute.

“However, some issues are beyond the state government and they require a wider spectrum of stakeholders, in particular, the Federal, state, local government and the private sector to address such issues,” he said.

In his speech, Chow also said that Penang’s quest to provide affordable, quality homes, and to bring continuous progress and prosperity to the state could only be achieved through the cooperation of all parties including Rehda.

“We can be able to achieve this through public-private partnerships, dialogues, and consultations.

“We treasure Rehda’s role as the link between the government and the private sector in ensuring that the developers’ views are taken into consideration by the relevant authorities and government agencies.

“The state government appreciates the commitment by Rehda to nation-building and betterment of life through sustainable property development,” he said.

Chow said the commitment by all parties enabled the country and the state to move towards economic recovery.

“The impact of Covid-19 has been great, but it has not impeded the growth of the state’s approved manufacturing investments for the year 2021.

“Our industrial performance continues to excel despite the challenges due to Covid-19.

“Penang’s total approved manufacturing investments hit a record high of RM76.2 billion in 2021. The investment projects obtained in 2021 are expected to generate 12,000 job opportunities in the state,” he said.

Also present were Rehda Penang immediate past chairman Tan Hun Beng and Rehda Penang members.

Source: Buletin Mutiara

Scientex Sungai Dua – An upcoming 2-storey affordable housing by Scientex (Skudai) Sdn. Bhd. (A subsidary of Scientex Berhad), at Sungai Dua, North Seberang Perai Utara District. Scientex continues to increase affordable homes and robust demand of affordable homes in Penang to make home ownership a reality to all Penangites.

Scientex Sungai Dua sits on a 343-acres of prime freehold land located along Jalan Gelugor, which is just opposite to the newly opened access road connecting to Jalan Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir, Bertam Town. With its location advantage, it also provides easy access to the North-South Expressway and to the Penang First Bridge, Kulim Hi-Tech Park in under 25 minutes. It is located approximately 2km from its existing new township – Scientex Tasek Gelugor.

Scientex Sungai Dua is a well-planned mixed development comprising of 2-storey terrace houses, shop offices, leisure park and multipurpose hall. This development also includes schools, market, mosque and other amenities which could ease your daily conveniences.

In addition to that, the first phase of 2-storey terrace houses is now opened for registration. More details to be available upon the official launch.

READ MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

• Full list of affordable housing in Penang
• Eligibility and the requirement of buying affordable housing

Project Name: Scientex Sungai Dua
Location : Sungai Dua (Butterworth), Penang
Property Type : 2-storey affordable house
Built-up Area: (to be confirmed)
Total Unit: (to be confirmed)
Tenure: Freehold
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : Scientex (Skudai) Sdn. Bhd.

Source: Google Street View

The plan to resurrect the former five-star Penang Mutiara Beach Resort in Teluk Bahang after it was closed down for the past 16 years signifies international investor’s confidence in the Penang tourism industry, says state Tourism and Creative Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s largest luxury hotel chains, and Tradewinds Corporation Berhad, the owner of the former Penang Mutiara Beach Resort, have recently signed a deal to transform the hotel and get it up and running.

Yeoh said the state government would help them facilitate the plans required to be submitted to the local authorities, adding that the renovation works were expected to be completed in 2025.

“Their partnership shows their trust in the Penang tourism sector, although the business was clouded by the repercussion of the pandemic for the last two years.

‘Penang has shown resilience for tourism sustainability and the ability to bounce back.

“The destiny of this hotel continues to be a topic of discussion among the locals and industry players for 16 years.

“Finally, we are delighted to see its return, and also can’t wait to see to witness its revitalization in partnership with the world’s leading hospitality industry player, IHG Group.

“Definitely with the presence of IHG’s brand is totally on par with the Penang2030 vision and Penang Tourism Master Plan to elevate Penang’s tourism industry.

“In the transition to endemicity, our state has immediately attracted international investment, given that Penang is a prosperous investment destination that leverages on a matured tourism ecosystem,” Yeoh said during a press conference in Komtar today.

The hotel, which was closed down on 27 March 2006 for “renovation until further notice”, may be given a new name.

Malaysian Hotels Association (MAH) Penang chairman Tony Goh said they are happy and excited about the revitalisation of the hotel.

“It has been an eyesore for a long time along the stretch of beach. To us, we like to see more international clients coming to Penang. They will help us bring up our standard.

“They will market it and that will help us improve our guests’ profiles. They have a global network.

“With that, I hope more international flights will also want to fly into Penang. That is important,” Goh said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara