06/02/2025

BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | FEB 6, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Govt-owned KMP invests in Swift Bridge Technologies

Fajarbaru unit and partner win RM131.6m job PETALING JAYA: Turnkey contractor and property developer Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary FBG Builder Sdn Bhd, along with Avionics Pty Ltd (APL), has been awarded a contract by Australia’s Department of Defence for the delivery phase of the design and construction of an infrastructure project at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Butterworth, Penang. The contract sum for the delivery phase is RM131.6 million, with FBG Builder securing RM75.9 million, while APL’s portion stands at RM55.7 million. With the latest contract worth RM75.9 million, the total value of Fajarbaru group’s work for the project has now reached RM115 million as of Tuesday. The works involve upgrades of facilities at the base, including operational and recreational enhancements to airfield pavements, ground lighting infrastructure, drainage, rugby pitch, futsal court and other infrastructure. “Meanwhile, the premium/luxury segment is likely to struggle due to competition from affordable and attractive new models, including electric vehicles (EV), as well as potential petrol subsidy cuts and the high-value goods tax, which could offset growth in other segments,” it said. Maybank IB also projected that battery electric vehicle/hybrid electric vehicle adoption will reach 3% and 5%, respectively, in 2025, compared to 2% and 4% last year. This growth will be driven by new model launches and aggressive pricing, especially from completely built-up (CBU) brands rushing to sell before the EV CBU incentives expire. However, as of October 2024, only 3,354 EV chargers had been installed, far below the 10,000-unit target for 2025, it noted. – Bernama Maybank IB raises 2025 auto TIV forecast to 790,000 units KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank Invest ment Bank (Maybank IB) has raised its automotive industry total industry volume (TIV) forecast for this year by 5% to 790,000 units, up from its previous estimate of 750,000 units. In a research note, the investment bank said its revised forecast reflects sustained mass-market growth, offset by weakness in the premium/luxury segment, with a positive catalyst from another operating margin variance deferment. It said mass-market sales parti cularly from Perodua and some Proton models, are expected to benefit from higher consumer spending, driven by the minimum wage increase this month and the civil servant wage hike in December 2024. “The mass-premium market seg ment (vehicles priced RM100,000 RM200,000) will face margin pressure from intensified competition but should still contribute to overall TIV growth.

applications such as spectrum analysers, network analysers, auto mation testers and 5G systems, making the company a critical enabler of innovation across multiple fields. “High-frequency electronics and communications are im portant in the development of current and future technology. Swift Bridge Technologies is able to complement these new develo pments by providing connectivity solutions in the high frequencies segment and at the same time, expand our solutions for low frequencies applications. There are very few players in the high frequency market segment, mainly from the US and Europe, and we are proud to say that a Malaysian

company is able to compete in this segment,” said managing director Datuk Chong Soon Kheng. Meanwhile, Kumpulan Modal Perdana CEO Yarham Yunus said its investment will enable Swift Bridge Technologies to meet the increasing global demand for high performance connectivity solu tions which is highly important for current and future technology development. “The partnership between KMP and Swift Bridge Technologies is not just a funding exercise – it’s an investment in innovation, a commitment to global competi tiveness, and a shared belief in the transformative power of advanced connectivity.” The funding will allow Swift Bridge Technologies to acquire advanced testing equipment for developing radio frequency (RF) cables exceeding 110GHz, paving the way for next-generation tech nologies; expand product offerings to include high-frequency RF cables up to 145GHz and enhanced low-frequency cable solutions; redeploy and optimise its 110GHz cables, maintaining its market leadership in high-performance connectivity and expand its R&D production from the US to Malaysia, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a global hub for ad vanced manufacturing.

o Tech-focused venture capital firm in show of support for Malaysian innovator in advanced connectivity solutions

PETALING JAYA: Kumpulan Modal Perdana (KMP), a technology focused venture capital firm fully owned by Minister of Finance (Incorporated) and under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is making a strategic investment in Swift Bridge Technologies, a Malaysian innovator in connectivity solutions for the commercial test and measurement market capable of operating in the extremely high

frequency band. Since its founding in 2012, Swift Bridge Technologies has provided solutions to a diverse array of sectors, including semiconductor, biomedical, electronics and elec trical manufacturing, telecom munications, industrial auto mation, and automotive, and research institutions. Providing solutions from low-frequency applications up to 110 GigaHertz (GHz), its products are integral to

KMP chairman Mohd Azhar Yahaya (left) and Chong marking the strategic investment deal. “We are not just pushing technological boundaries, we are enabling our customers to over come their most pressing chal lenges in connectivity,” Chong said, adding that working with vision aries such as KMP empowers the company to deepen its research and development capabilities through its network and expertise. The investment aligns with Swift Bridge Technologies’ vision of becoming a world-class leader in connectivity technology. For KMP, the partnership underscores a strategic move to support enter prises driving innovation in connectivity technology, a critical enabler for global advancements in automation, communication and digital transformation. Ge-Shen proposes disposal of Johor assets for RM35m

PETALING JAYA: Ge-Shen Corpo ration Bhd, a provider of precision engineering and manufacturing solutions specialising in high-quality plastic and metal components for diverse industries, has proposed to dispose of five freehold industrial properties located in Mukim Tebrau, Johor Bahru, for a total cash consideration of RM35 million. The proposed disposal is part of the group’s strategic initiative to optimise asset utilisation, consolidate manufacturing operations and en hance financial flexibility for future expansion. The properties, currently used as office, warehouse and factory spaces,

The proceeds from this transaction will enable us to reinvest in high value areas that drive innovation and efficiency, further solidifying our market position.” He added that Ge-Shen remains committed to its growth trajectory, focusing on expanding its capa bilities in precision manufacturing while leveraging Industry 4.0 advancements. By enhancing pro duction efficiency and streng thening its financial standing, he said the group aims to reinforce its competitiveness in high-growth industries such as electronics, medical devices, and industrial com ponents manufacturing.

cipated to generate a proforma gain of about RM14.3 million, reinforcing the group’s commitment to deli vering sustainable value for share holders. Ge-Shen CEO Dr Adrian Foong Hong Nian said, “This strategic disposal is part of our ongoing efforts to optimise our asset base and focus on our core competencies. By divesting non-core assets, we are improving our financial flexibility, reducing debt, and positioning Ge Shen for sustainable growth. This move will also allow us to streamline operations and consolidate our manufacturing facilities, enhancing efficiency and resource allocation.

are part of a proposed disposal, with Ge-Shen having entered into a binding term sheet with Plastico Sdn Bhd. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025, subject to the execution of a definitive sale and purchase agree ment. The proposed disposal aligns with Ge-Shen’s broader strategy of streamlining its asset portfolio to enhance operational efficiency. The proceeds from the transaction will be utilised to repay bank borrowings and support working capital require ments, thereby strengthening the group’s financial position. The proposed disposal is anti