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Philips sees bright future for its Malaysian operations [New Straits Time (Malaysia)](New Straits Time (Malaysia) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) GEORGE TOWN: Diversified Dutch giant Philips, whose investment presence in Malaysia dates back to 1960, is keen to expand its operations in Malaysia. Royal Philips Electronics' chief executive officer Frans van Houten said yesterday while the company's lighting sector has a firm footing in Malaysia, its healthcare and consumer lifestyle divisions also had plenty to offer. "Malaysia offers a lot of opportunities for expansion and so does the rest of Asia, where we are focusing most of our investments," he told reporters after the opening of the second Philips Lumileds high- power light emitting diode (LED) production facility at the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone in Bayan Lepas. The company did not disclose any investment or reinvestment figures. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop represented Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in opening the 300,000 sq ft facility for the high-volume production of Philips "Luxeon" LEDs. Philips "Luxeon" LEDS are used in city beautification lighting, liquid crystal display (LCD) displays, camera flash on mobile phone, automotive lighting and various other applications. The state-of-the-art facility is being touted as the first in Malaysia to be fitted completely with LED lighting in its interior and exterior. The use of LED lighting within the plant is expected to significantly reduce the company's carbon footprint and will result in up to 50 per cent savings from lower energy consumption, the company said. The new facility, which became fully-operational in May this year, is also set to see investments in the development of skilled engineers in Penang. "The facility will offer a well-rounded learning experience for its employees in the areas of education, leadership management, technological advances and other essential skills that benefit them in their daily work together," said Philips Lumileds Lighting Malaysia managing director Chooi Chin Leong. (c) 2012 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |