Western Digital’s factory in Batu Kawan, Penang has made it to the community of world-leading companies that have succeeded in the adaptation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) at scale.
For that, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has recognised and awarded the Western Digital factory as the first entrant from Malaysia to its Global Lighthouse Network (GLN).
The company applied technology innovations such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, advanced analytics and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) – to achieve transformational change at its facility in Batu Kawan. This includes automating production and logistics to deliver 32 per cent factory cost improvement, reducing product inventory and order lead time by 50 per cent.
IBM and Politeknik Balik Pulau (PBU) is in collaboration to establish the IBM SkillsBuild@PBU Learning Institute, a first of its kind for IBM in Malaysia which is expected to benefit nearly 800 students at PBU annually.
It would also serve the need for industry-relevant high-value talent in the Northern Corridor of Malaysia, especially Penang. The IBM SkillsBuild@PBU Learning Institute would create new learning pathways for students and help them understand how their coursework, field experience, and the future workplace are connected.
Today, the first Wednesday of October, AMCHAM held its’ monthly Members’ Briefing. Once again, Michael Newbill, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur joined us to provide updates from the U.S. side. Additionally, we had Mark Krischer, Principal Wireless Architect, Cisco Asia-Pacific, Japan and Greater China, provide a special presentation on WLAN 6GHz.
Our CEO Siobhan Das provided the updates coming from the Chamber, the ongoing initiatives and events coming up. Michael Newbill updated on the COVID-19 vaccinations, microchip supply chain as well as current efforts towards China and trade. The session concluded with Mark Krischer presenting on the enhancement of Wi-Fi in the form of Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, their business implications and the opportunities they bring.
These member briefings take place on the first Wednesday of each month so be sure to mark your calendars for our next members’ briefing on November 3rd. With many restrictions having been eased, we hope to be able to have this event in a hybrid form of gathering physically and virtually – please look out for updates!
Today, AMCHAM had another instalment of the GATE 40 sessions, this time featuring Hasnul Nadzrin Shah, Director – Government and Regulatory Affairs from IBM.
Hasnul started the session by providing a brief introduction of himself and IBM. Participants were able to have a lively discussion with Hasnul as he shared his experience dealing with various stakeholders particularly with the government on IR 4.0 and manufacturing.
EY has released its latest tax alert issue No. 20/2021. This issue covers:
Malaysian developments
- Guidelines for Principal Hub (PH) incentive 3.0
- Guidelines for Global Trading Centre (GTC) incentive
- Guidelines on tax incentive for manufacturers of pharmaceutical products
- Tax incentive for the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector
- Updated guidelines on application for approval under Section 34(6)(h) of the ITA
- Updated Frequently Asked Questions on special deduction on rental discounts given to tenants
- Audit framework for employers
- Public Ruling No. 5/2021 – Taxation of a Resident Individual Part I – Gifts or Contributions and Allowable Deductions
Overseas developments
- Poland plans to introduce tax on shifted profits
- Singapore expands transfer pricing guidance
On September 29, 2021, the Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination Centre opened its doors at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) in Ampang Hilir.
Implemented by the Ministry of Health, the Vaccination Centre serves 12 to 17 year old students in both private and international schools in the area, with around 18,000 students anticipated to receive their vaccinations at the ISKL Centre.
ISKL’s Head of School, Rami Madani, shared, “Along with students from nearby international schools, more than 600 ISKL students aged between 12 and 17 were vaccinated on the first day. We look forward to welcoming more students from private and international schools in KL over the coming weeks and are delighted to have this opportunity to support the wider community as well as our own.”
Rami also spoke about ISKL’s continuing mission of working in partnership with the surrounding communities and the support of both ISKL parent and staff volunteers who have played an essential role in the operation of our Vaccination Centre.
The Adolescent COVID-19 Vaccination Centre at ISKL is by appointment only and will be in operation until November 7, 2021. ISKL is delighted to have this excellent opportunity to partner with neighboring schools to fight against COVID-19 and showcase its community spirit and school.
