19/08/2025

BIZ & FINANCE TUESDAY | AUG 19, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

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MyIPO aiming for forward-looking legal framework

IP ecosystem that not only protects creators but also fosters innovation and safe-guards public interest,” she added. She emphasised that MyIPO’s long-term vision is to establish a forward-looking legal

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UMediC doubles manufacturing capacity with factory expansion GEORGE TOWN: UMediC Group Bhd (UMC) has increased its manufacturing capacity by doubling it with the unveiling of its expansion at Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Penang. In a joint statement yesterday, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and UMC said the new facility, unveiled on Aug 15, adds 20,000 sq ft of production space to UMC’s existing 30,000 sq ft operation. The expansion includes three major components – UMC Healthcare Centre, Rescue Medic Ambulance Services and UMC Learning Centre – and this growth represents a major commitment to Malaysia’s healthcare future. Mida CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said that UMC has evolved from a medical device manufacturer into an integrated healthcare provider by leveraging advanced technology, digital tools, and research and development. Additionally, the establishment of training centres and ambulance services enhances its market position while contributing to the improvement of Malaysia’s healthcare industry. UMC produces essential devices such as prefilled humidifiers, prefilled nebulisers, and asthma spacers, which are exported to about 40 countries. It is the first company globally to obtain halal certification for its prefilled humidifier. Beyond manufacturing, UMC also plays a vital role in the distribution of critical life support medical and laboratory devices. – Bernama While some countries are considering legal recognition of AI-generated works, others insist that IP protection should remain grounded in human contribution. framework that maintains robust intellectual property rights in the era of AI, thereby ensuring Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global innovation economy. The conference, themed “Owning the Future – IP in the Age of AI”, brought together policymakers, legal experts, researchers, aca demics, industry leaders, and other stake holders to examine how AI is reshaping intellectual property protection both domestically and internationally. Discussions centred on pressing issues, including the recognition of machine generated works, the role of AI in patent and design creation, and the continued protection of human works in a rapidly evolving technological environment. The dialogue also served as a platform to bridge the gap between existing laws and emerging technologies, laying the ground work for resilient IP policies that can withstand fast-paced change. For the wider public, the outcomes of the dialogue are expected to influence how people create, trade, and use digital content. Whether as designers, writers, entre preneurs, or consumers, the policy directions shaped through this initiative will determine how intellectual property rights and protections for creative works and innovations are upheld in the future. Globally, AI and IP have become central policy concerns. The World Intellectual Property Organization (Wipo), through its Wipo Conversation series, has convened stakeholders worldwide to examine opportunities and challenges arising from AI.

Proton’s EV plant to start production in September The Proton EV plant’s layout is designed with scalability in mind, allowing for flexible adaptation to future models and production volumes.

To date, 30 non-executives with Malaysian Skills Certificate and diploma background have been hired to be trained before full-scale production begins in mid-September. This will eventually lead to the creation of over 200 new jobs, specialising in EV industrialisation and technical services, for the local community. Proton is also partnering with Polytechnic Sultan Azlan Shah to align technical training with industry requirements. Besides providing technical guidance on production systems, help with equipment selection and deploying experts to assist with installation and trial runs, Proton’ Chinese partner Geely has also facilitated overseas training for Proton staff and ensured the plant aligns with global EV manufacturing stan dards. This guarantees the plant meets current needs and offers long-term scala bility. “This plant symbolises Proton’s trans formation and our unwavering commitment to a sustainable, high-tech future. We are also laying the foundation for Malaysia’s leadership in the regional EV landscape by strategically expanding our EV offerings into new overseas markets. This is a monumental step for the company and for the nation, and we are excited to see our first Malaysian-made EVs to roll off the line and onto our roads,” said Wan Yousry. CelcomDigi closed the quarter with additional 151,000 subscribers (+0.7% y-o-y), bringing its total subscribers to 20.4 million. As of end-June, CelcomDigi’s network integration and modernisation reached 84% completion, enabling customers to enjoy enhanced service quality on the new, significantly upgraded CelcomDigi intelligent network. The company continued its steady progress on its IT consolidation and transformation programme, completing critical tests on major applications and billing systems in the quarter. Once complete, these will enable seamless, highly personalised digital experiences at scale, strengthening CelcomDigi’s commitment in delivering customer excellence. As a flow-through of cost efficiencies from all integration initiatives, the company remains on track to deliver steady-state annualised cost savings of around RM700 million to RM800 million post-2027.

per annum. This expansion will be imple mented based on sales demand in Malaysia and overseas markets. For key areas, each line could add several stations, with their tester lines being modular and capable of accommodating platform variations or multi-model production. In the logistics area, the plant is capable of future expansion, with its logistics flow and storage systems optimised to support both local and export markets. Infrastructure such as utility systems, material handling paths and digital traceability tools like manufacturing execution system and warehouse management system are already in place to support future scale-up without significant redesign. Proton manufacturing engineering head Wan Yousry Mohamed said one of the critical milestones achieved was the machine try-out, during which the first car body was trialled in the factory. He added that this trial run is to continuously check on their equipment readiness. “We are now in the final stages of preparing the zones for the TF equipment installation and integration. All equipment calibration and validation activities will be carried out progressively during these phases, ensuring we are fully prepared for the production launch,” he said. He added that they are making steady progress in one of the most complex IT consolidation projects that will enable seamless, personalised digital experiences at scale for all customers upon completion. At the same time, Idham said, their network integration and modernisation continue to bring stronger, more reliable network experience, while their retail transformation is delivering both differentiated service and better customer experiences. “Together with innovation-driven customer service enhancements, these efforts are elevating the way we serve customers across every touchpoint. The positive feedback from our customers, reflected in stronger customer satisfaction scores, affirms the progress we are making.”

PETALING JAYA: Proton’s state of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) production plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, is nearing completion, with the full-scale production process slated to begin in September. Just six months after the groundbreaking ceremony in February, the building is now 90.4% complete and equipment installation is at 83.5%, with overall progress at 86.9%. Once completed, the new plant will produce multiple models from the Global Modular Architecture platform. The first to roll off the line will be the Proton e.MAS 7, the first-ever EV from a Malaysian automotive brand. This will be followed by the Proton e.MAS 5, Malaysia’s most anticipated entry-level EV, which is being showcased to the public on a nationwide tour. In a statement yesterday, Proton said the plant’s layout is designed with scalability in mind, allowing for flexible adaptation to future models and production volumes. From an initial planned capacity of 20,000 units, the plant can ramp up production to 45,000 units o Overall progress of new facility reaches 87% just six months after groundbreaking

CelcomDigi delivers improved Q2 results PETALING JAYA: CelcomDigi Bhd registered revenue growth of 2.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM3.18 billion in its second quarter of financial year 2025 (Q2’25). yielding expected returns, even against in creasing competition and shifting market dynamics.”

Earnings before interest and tax grew 12.3 % y o-y to RM736 million, while profit after tax improved 5.5% y-o-y to RM439 million, supported by disciplined capital and operating expenditure management and the realisation of merger benefits. The company declared a second interim dividend of 3.8 sen per share, in line with its sustainable dividend commitment to share holders. CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said, “Our steady second quarter performance, marked by sustained revenue and improved profitability, reflects our strong focus on driving long-term profitable growth, prudent capital spending and operational excellence across the company. We are pleased that our strategy and priorities are