JCORP, MIDA IN ROBOTICS VENTURE WITH CHINA FIRM
Malaysian parties sign MoU with Beijing Huize to develop RM15b integrated hub
AHMAD FAIRUZ OTHMAN SHANGHAI bt@mediaprima.com.my
JOHOR Corp (JCorp) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) have teamed up with Chinese robotics manufacturer Beijing Huize Boyuan Robot Investment Co Ltd to develop a RM15 billion robotics industry hub in Johor.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the Robotic Future City was being proposed as an integrated hub for the manufacturing, talent development, financial provisions and research and development in the robotics industry.
He said Beijing Huize Boyuan had chosen Johor to set up its regional base in Southeast Asia.
The company was also interested in the venture due to the state’s central location in the region and its ready pool of skilled workforce.
“The push for robotics is part of what is called the fourth industrial revolution. Johor will not only be a manufacturer, but (also) help the country export robotic technology as well.
“The hub will create more than 1,000 job opportunities and will be looking for expertise, which includes PhD holders.
“This is possible due to the many technical education institutes in Johor,” said Khaled after signing the memorandum of understanding (MoU), here, yesterday.
Another MoU was also signed between JCorp and Everbright International Ltd, which is Asia’s biggest waste-to-energy investor and operator, to look into a waste renewal technology to be set up in Pasir Gudang.
Khaled gave keynote address at a roundtable meeting with 20 potential Chinese investors at the venue of talks in Jing An Shangri La Hotel, here.
The menteri besar is on a fourday official visit here until Sunday.