17/07/2025

BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | JULY 17, 2025

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Malaysia aspires to become global healthcare hub

Camaroe gets Bursa approval for listing on ACE Market

BINTULU: OCI Tokuyama Semi conductor Materials Sdn Bhd (OTSM) yesterday broke ground on its RM2 billion semiconductor-grade poly silicon plant at Samalaju Industrial Park, marking a major step in Sarawak’s emergence as a strategic player in the global semiconductor supply chain. The company noted that the 13.7 hectare facility will produce 8,000 tonnes of high-purity polysilicon annually for export to major tech nology markets such as South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. It said operations are expected to commence in 2029, with construction KUALA LUMPUR: Integrated aqua culture group Camaroe Bhd has received approval from Bursa Malaysia Securities to list on the ACE Market. In a statement yesterday, Camaroe, which specialises in the farming and processing of black tiger prawns, said its initial public offering (IPO) will involve the issuance of 99 million new shares, as well as an offer for sale of 49.5 million existing shares to selected investors. Managing director Tech Han Boon said that, with the group’s strong foundation in prawn farming and expanding processing capabilities, the IPO will allow Camaroe to increase production capacity and enhance operational efficiency through new machinery and technology. “Additionally, it will strengthen our product quality through the establish ment of a biotechnology department,” he added. Camaroe said the IPO will allocate 24.75 million shares or 5% of the enlarged issued share capital to Malaysians, with 2.5% made available to public investors and the remaining 2.5% to Bumiputera public Investors. A further 12.38 million shares or 2.5% will be allocated to eligible directors, key senior management and employees. Another 61.87 million shares or 12.5%, are reserved for private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. “Proceeds from the IPO will support the construction of a new Bukit Raja processing facility, the purchase of machinery and equipment, and the installation of solar panels to enhance sustainability,” the company said. Additionally, Camaroe plans to establish a biotechnology department to strengthen its research capabilities and improve farming efficiencies. M&A Securities Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Bill Tan said Camaroe’s well established aquaculture infrastructure, coupled with its vertically integrated model and growing presence in export markets, places it in a favourable position to benefit from rising global demand for premium seafood. “The group’s proven capabilities in producing quality black tiger prawns, as attested by its ability to meet locally and internationally recognised quality stan dards, make it a compelling listing candidate on the ACE Market,”he added. M&A Securities is the principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter, and placement agent for the IPO. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is striving to establish itself as a global healthcare hub, underpinned by industrial reform, international partnerships and growing trade diplomacy. “It is a declaration that Malaysia is ready to lead, collaborate and build a healthier, more resilient future not just for our nation, but for the world,” Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said in his keynote address when launching International Healthcare Week 2025 (IHW 2025) at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here yesterday. Tengku Zafrul identified health care as one of five priority sectors under Malaysia’s industrial policy framework, citing strong perfor mance in 2024. The sector attracted RM2.13 billion in investments in medical devices and pharmaceuticals, generated over 2,700 high-value jobs, and recorded a 7.8% increase in pharmaceutical exports during the first five months of 2025. The minister noted that Malaysia now hosts eight of the world’s top 30 medical device manufacturers and over 300 healthcare companies, driven by a skilled workforce, mature supply chain and investor confidence. Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia, as Asean Chair in 2025, Malaysia is using IHW as a platform to promote deeper regional healthcare inte gration. o Country ready to lead, collaborate and build healthier, more resilient future for the world: Tengku Zafrul Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANIKAM sunbiz@thesundaily.com

Tengku Zafrul (centre) launching International Healthcare Week 2025 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

outcome,” he said, adding that Malaysia would never sacrifice sovereignty or sideline other trading partners. Tengku Zafrul acknowledged that Malaysia is facing an Aug 1 deadline to conclude ongoing tariff negotiations with the US, with pharmaceutical exports potentially subject to tariffs as high as 200%. “We are closely monitoring developments, and contingency plans are being put in place. But let me be clear, quick fixes may win headlines, but poor trade deals will hurt Malaysia for years. We remain committed to an open, fair and rules-based multilateral trading system under the WTO (World Trade Organization),” he said. Tengku Zafrul emphasised the importance of these relationships in the face of global uncertainty, noting that incentives and reform strategies support them. Malaysia-US trade surged nearly 30% to RM324.9 billion in 2024, while American investments into Malaysia totalled RM77.5 billion since 1980. local technical talent. He commended institutions such as Centexs and the Sarawak Skills Development Centre for playing a pivotal role in preparing a future ready workforce. Tokuyama Corporation president Hiroshi Yokota, in a recorded speech, echoed Lee’s optimism, stating that the project would enhance Sarawak’s standing in the global semiconductor value chain. “With our combined technical expertise, government support, and Sarawak’s competitive energy land scape, we are confident in delivering consistently high-quality products,“

future-ready Southeast Asia. The event highlights Malaysia’s readiness to lead globally in health care innovation, trade and strategic partnerships, despite growing ex ternal trade pressures, Tengku Zafrul said. “Let us work together to shape a healthier, more connected and innovative future for Asean and the world.” IHW 2025, the region’s largest healthcare event is co-hosted with Informa Markets, and features five major healthcare trade shows in one venue, covering medical de vices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, digital health and medical tech nology. With over 900 exhibitors, more than 21,000 visitors from 50 countries, and 125 conferences, the event reflects Malaysia’s growing ambition to lead Asean’s healthcare transformation. Meanwhile, in addressing recent tensions surrounding US reciprocal tariffs, Tengku Zafrul assured stake holders that Malaysia remains committed to protecting domestic industries.

as a healthcare destination and trade gateway in Asia. “Malaysia’s leadership and supportive initiatives position it as a gateway for global healthcare collaboration. IHW 2025 is a pivotal event to elevate regional healthcare cooperation and eco nomic growth.” She said the co-location of five flagship exhibitions under one roof offers a complete view of the healthcare value chain, making it a must-attend platform for global innovators. Spanning 26,000 square metres, IHW 2025 integrates CPHI Southeast Asia (pharmaceutical supply chain), WHX Kuala Lumpur (medical devices and hospital technology), WHX Labs (diagnostics and labora tory equipment), Medtec Southeast Asia (medical device design and manufacturing) and HIMSS Apac (digital health innovations), pro viding attendees with a compre hensive showcase of the latest in healthcare technologies and solu tions. “IHW 2025 brings together thought leaders, innovators, policy makers and investors to shape the future of healthcare across Asean and beyond,” Connolly said. Yokota said. This new facility marks OCI TerraSus’ second major project in the state following the successful 2024 launch of OCI Kumho, a joint venture with Kumho P&B Chemicals, to produce epichlorohydrin, a key com ponent in epoxy resins, water treatment, and rubber manufacturing. Formerly known as OCI M Sdn Bhd, OCI TerraSus is a wholly owned subsidiary of OCI Holdings and a global leader in green energy solutions. It produces 35,000 tonnes of solar-grade polysilicon annually, a critical material in the production of silicon wafers and photovoltaic cells. – Bernama

He emphasised the importance of inclusivity, adding that no Asean member is left behind in advancing towards a more united, resilient and OTSM breaks ground on RM2 billion polysilicon plant in Bintulu “We are actively engaging with our US counterparts in good faith to seek clarity, minimise disruption and reach a mutually beneficial Informa Markets president and CEO Margaret Ma Connolly re affirmed Malaysia’s strategic value

newable power starting from 2029. OCI Holdings and OCI TerraSus chairman Lee WooHyun described the joint venture as a rare but significant collaboration between two Asian industrial giants outside their home countries. “This project is a reflection of our strong confidence in Sarawak as a strategic investment destination. It stands as a symbol of innovation, sustainability and meaningful local impact,“ he said. Lee noted that the investment aligns with Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 and will create about 200 high-quality jobs, contributing to the development of

slated to begin in the third quarter of this year and mechanical completion targeted for the first quarter of 2027. OTSM is a 50:50 joint venture between OCI TerraSus Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of South Korea’s OCI Holdings and Japan’s Tokuyama Corporation. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who officiated at the ceremony, also witnessed the exchange of a 10-year power purchase agreement between OCI TerraSus and Syarikat Sesco Bhd, the operations and retail arm of Sarawak Energy Bhd. The agreement will see the plant supplied with 80 megawatts of re