Plexus Malaysia recently donated a total amount of US$16,160 to three non-profit organizations – The Penang Home for the Infirm and Aged ($8,080), Charis Hospice ($4,850), and Children’s Protection Society ($3,230). This initiative comes under the Plexus global charitable giving program, where Plexus sites received funds to donate to local communities. The amount was calculated based on the sites’ total volunteer hours in 2023. The Penang team recorded 9,180 volunteer hours last year.
In Jan 2024, the Malaysia team also carried out a “gotong-royong” and organized games for the children at Children’s Protection Society; and sponsored tea, handed out red packets and gifts, and played games with the residents at The Penang Home for the Infirm and Aged.
On Monday, 5 February, AMCHAM was host to a special roundtable, “The Future of Semiconductor Supply Chain Resiliency,” which was a joint collaboration between the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), the U.S. Commerce Department and based on the Memorandum of Cooperation that was signed in 2021 by Gina Raimondo, Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce.
The event was attended by Ambassador-designate Edgard D. Kagan, Deputy Minister of MITI, YB Liew Chin Tong, members of the semiconductor industry, both American and Malaysian, along with representatives from both MITI and the U.S. Embassy. The session was moderated by Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, the president of the MSIA.
The overall objective of the session was to facilitate a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by businesses in Malaysia. Additionally, it sought to explore ways in which the U.S. government could collaborate with Malaysian counterparts to ensure a resilient and effective semiconductor supply chain.
The discussion focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations and the needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the semiconductor industry.
On 5 February, AMCHAM hosted a unique gathering on one of the most talked about topics in today’s technology-led world with its first Critical Mineral Business Forum: The Opportunities for Malaysia.
The Business Forum was opened by YB Tuan Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, who spoke about Malaysia’s opportunity and potential role in participating in the critical minerals sector as well as the nation’s goals going forward.
The audience was split between about 40 at the AMCHAM office and another 55 online who were able to hear directly from YB Howard Lee Chuan How, MP for Ipoh Timor, for a view from a parliamentarian; YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) concluded the program providing his views about future investments and positioning of the country for this opportunity.
The first session of the day featured Bradford Crabtree, Assistant Secretary at the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), U.S. Department of Energy; Jessica Williams – Critical Minerals Officer at Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Government of Australia; and David Wallace – Deputy British High Commissioner at British High Commission Kuala Lumpur. Each speaker went into detail on how their respective countries approach their critical minerals industry, along with the policies and supply chains involved.
The second session was focused on laying out the groundwork for business, the business trends, and the opportunities available. This session featured Kimberly D. Harrington – Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Energy Resources; Cari Shim, Vice President, Global Supply Chain Operation, MSO; Ramón Barúa Costa, CEO & Director of Alcara; and Eric Miller – President at Rideau Potomac Strategy Group.
YB Howard Lee Chuan How shared with the attendees’ insight into how parliament is currently handling critical minerals in Malaysia. The third session looked into the ingredients in designing a well-regulated industry, detailing the case study by the US Army Corp of Engineers. This session featured Winfield Wilson – CLDP Attorney Advisor on the Energy Transition Team, and Dr. Mark Chappell- Senior Scientific Technical Manager (SSTM) at U.S. Army Engineer Research & Development Center (ERDC); Dave Williams, Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy moderated the session. Joining the program, when his schedule allowed, was the U.S. Ambassador-designate, The Honorable Edgard D Kagan,
Thank you to all our special guests and guest speakers, both in-person and online, for making this business forum a success.
Starting now until 9th March, we would like to invite AMCHAM members to indulge in our Grill and Greens a la minute buffet featuring a curated selection of healthy yet hearty sustainably sourced proteins, free-range eggs, homegrown greens, and naturally sweetened desserts curated into exquisite creations for your palate at Poolhouse in Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
Don’t miss out the slow cooked whole lamb leg, succulent grilled sirloin accompanied by a variety of small plates and signature side dishes from this all-you-can-eat offering! End your meal with our home made sugar free ice cream and sorbets. The Poolhouse is an all-day-dining restaurant set in a glasshouse with an al fresco terrace facing the hotel’s swimming pool and surrounded by tropical greenery, serving a healthy yet hearty gourmet journey with a contemporary show kitchen featuring a display grill station for an interactive experience.
As a token of appreciation, we would like to offer AMCHAM members to a special 15% discount when try our Poolhouse BBQ Buffet priced at RM178 nett per person.
Saturday | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday | Noon – 3:00 PM
For bookings, please WhatsApp our dining reservations team at +6012 6219869 and mention “AMCHAM members“ or email: [email protected]
Azmi & Associates has released a number of articles over the month of January. Click on the links below to read the article(s).
- Sarawak Land Ownership Rights for Non-Sarawakians
- Structuring Vessel Purchase in Malaysia
- Commentary on the Fiduciary Duty Aspects Based on the Decision of the High Court for Bank Rakyat’s RM15M Book Sponsorship Suit
SINGAPORE, 25 JANUARY 2024 – PepsiCo today announced the launch of the second Greenhouse Accelerator program in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Following the success of last year’s program, PepsiCo is looking to make an even greater impact on the food and beverage sector in the region by collaborating with and supporting entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture, climate action, and the circular economy.
As the Asia Pacific experiences, a notable shift towards more sustainable supply chains in an effort to reach net zero, PepsiCo understands its position to influence and be a part of this transition. The Greenhouse Accelerator APAC Sustainability Edition is an initiative to partner with innovative entrepreneurs in the region to advance the company’s goal to be net zero by 2040. As part of the program, PepsiCo will select up to 10 applicants to receive US$ 20,000 in grants as well as mentoring from subject-matter experts from PepsiCo’s executive bench and broader leadership team. The final winner of the US$ 100,000 prize will be announced in Thailand in September 2024.
Applications for 2024 are now open, and APAC startups with solutions in the sustainable packaging, climate action, and sustainable agriculture spaces are eligible to apply. The shortlisted applicants will be selected based on the degree of innovation, business model scalability, uniqueness, disruptive potential, and a mission to drive emissions reduction and circularity.
“Building on the strong start we made in 2023, we are extremely proud to launch the second edition of the Greenhouse Accelerator program across the Asia Pacific region. Last year, we initiated seven pilot projects, each contributing to our sustainability goals and demonstrating the power of partnership. APAC is a focal region for agri and food tech innovation, and with new partners joining us, we aim to use our reach to positively influence the food ecosystem.” shared Wern-Yuen Tan, CEO of PepsiCo,APAC.
Since its inception in 2017, the Greenhouse Accelerator has included over 86 companies across the Middle East and North Africa, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, the United States, and APAC. To date, the collective revenue of the emerging startups has exceeded USD $20 million. Last year, the program received over 100 applications across the APAC region, with Powered Carbon delivering the winning solution. Powered Carbon’s low carbon fertilizer solution which uses CO2 to cultivate bacteria, has since been tested on potatoes in PepsiCo’s China Shandong Farm. For the second edition of the program in APAC, PepsiCo has partnered with Suntory PepsiCo Beverage Thailand, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage, and Circulate Capital with an aim to address a comprehensive range of environmental challenges and to cultivate a generation of entrepreneurs who can drive positive impact across multiple facets of sustainability.
Mr. Ashish Joshi, Chief Executive Officer, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand), said, “As a leader in the beverage industry, Suntory PepsiCo Thailand is proactively addressing environmental challenges through an unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and compliance. We are dedicated to optimizing internal processes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across our entire value chain while collaborating with other stakeholders to achieve a net-zero carbon society. We clearly define priority issues, including achieving water conservation and replenishment, fostering a sustainable packaging management for the circular economy, and greenhouse gas reduction throughout our operation. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, we are pleased to participate in this program to build a sustainable society that prioritizes environmental responsibility.”
“Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam is proud to be a partner in this impactful initiative, create a platform where innovations can thrive and can contribute to the movement toward a more sustainable future. Our company’s sustainability strategy and goals align with the Vietnam Government’s commitment, especially its pledge to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. We have collaborated with strategic partners to implement multiple initiatives in realizing sustainability goals, notably, our phasing out of fossil fuel in manufacturing plants and reduced virgin plastic consumption leading to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.” said Jahanzeb Khan, CEO and General Director, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam.
To apply for the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator 2024 APAC Sustainability Edition, visit the website at greenhouseaccelerator.com/apac/ or PepsiCo’s LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/pepsico
- The PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator – APAC Sustainability Edition 2024 will select up to 10 shortlisted applicants to receive US$20,000 in grants and mentoring from PepsiCo’s subject-matter experts, and the winning participant selected to receive funding of US$100,000 will be announced at the end of the program in September 2024.
- With the program, PepsiCo aims to address packaging waste, agricultural sustainability, and climate change by creating a positive impact through collaboration and partnerships.
- Applications for the program are now open till 18 March 2024.
