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YB DATO' MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY
FOR OFFICIAL SIGNING CEREMONY OF
AWC BERHAD SHARE SUBSCRIPTION INTO
RDM ASIA SDN BHD
AND
RDM ASIA COLLABORATION AGREEMENT
WITH RESOURCE DATA MANAGEMENT LTD
12 SEPTEMBER, 2011 (MONDAY)
SIME DARBY CONVENTION CENTRE, KL
Assalamualaikum W.B.T, Good Morning and Salam 1Malaysia.
His Excellency Mr. Simon Featherstone,
British High Commissioner to Malaysia;
Mr. Azmir Merican,
Group Chief Executive/Managing Director of AWC Berhad;
Mr. Andrew Chandler,
Managing Director of Resource Data Management Ltd;
Mr. Raj Samuel,
Director of Resource Data Management Asia Sdn Bhd;
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Let me begin by extending my sincere appreciation to the organisers for their kind invitation to witness the formulation of two significant agreements between AWC Berhad, RDM Ltd, UK and RDM Asia.
2. I believe that it is a positive step for AWC Berhad, a company which has grown its business by promoting energy efficient solutions and pro-environment engineering technology has made this far-sighted move to acquire a strategic stake in Resource Data Management Asia Sdn Bhd and to collaborate with UK-based Resource Data Management Ltd, an award-winning high technology solution company.
3. It is encouraging to know that the collaboration with RDM Ltd will enable AWC to venture into and employ new cutting edge solutions for various industries in Malaysia and the region. Indeed, I understand from AWC Berhad that the engineering solution that has proven to be highly successful in the UK and Europe is currently not directly available in Malaysia and to most of Asia.
4. This exclusive distributorship agreement through RDM Asia, with Resource Data Management Ltd (RDM Ltd) will allow the development, marketing and distribution of RDM Ltd’s award-winning products in Malaysia and in the Asian region. At the same time, this collaboration will provide AWC Berhad the edge to move ahead in the industry that requires advance technology to drive down operating costs via intelligent energy usage. Being market leaders in Facilities Management, AWC Berhad will be able to deploy this technology to its existing and new clientele given the benefits of RDM`s technology in improving operational and capital efficiencies across industries.
5. I see this as a win-win collaboration as it presents an opportunity for both parties to work together to market RDM products in Malaysia and in the region.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. As you know, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry has always encouraged and supported such collaborations. In this regard, I would like to commend AWC Berhad for making the right decision to pursue this opportunity in the Green economy.
7. For AWC Berhad this initiative will not only enhance its engineering capabilities as a pro-environment technology solutions provider but also allows for the introduction of a proven technology into this region. On the same note RDM`s track record in this respect is certainly impressive where many clients have benefited from improved energy consumption translated into savings. I am confident that AWC Berhad will achieve similar success here given the wide range of industries such as hypermarkets, hospitals and other high-energy consuming sectors that are constantly looking to improve energy efficiency.
8. I am pleased to note that sustainable development and environmental protection are making the top agendas for many Malaysian home grown companies. This is in line with the Government’s strategy of encouraging investments both foreign and local in Green technology. We believe that Green technology will be the new driver for economic growth as it offers enormous opportunities and immense potential in economic regeneration, innovation and wealth creation.
Distinguished Guests,
9. Please allow me to share some insight and perspectives into Malaysia’s National Green Technology Policy. 10. In pushing for a low-carbon economy, the Government launched the National Green Technology Policy on 24 July 2009 which serves as the basis for all Malaysians to enjoy an improved quality of life by ensuring that the objectives of our national development policies will continue to be balanced with environmental protection. The Government also hopes to create a new avenue of growth for the country from Green technology in line with our New Economic Model.
11. The country’s vision for a low-carbon growth trajectory will be driven by four main pillars, namely, energy, economy, environment and society. In the transition to a low-carbon economy the key issue for our policy makers is how to strike a balance between economic efficiency and environmental protection as the driver for economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. This needs to take into consideration the importance of promoting the notion of the environment and eco-efficiency as a business opportunity rather than a cost item.
12. In addition, related policy reforms such as the removal of barriers to competition and market liberalization by the Government could further stimulate new economic activities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
13. The National Green Technology Policy outlines five strategic thrusts towards implementing the framework for Green growth in Malaysia. I will highlight the main areas that are most relevant to today’s event. These thrust areas provide the impetus to increase Malaysia’s competitiveness in the regional and international markets.
14. Thrust 1 is aimed at strengthening the institutional framework especially among Government ministries, agencies, private sectors and other stakeholders. To strengthen the platform for our Green agenda, the National Green Technology and Climate Change Council was established to spearhead Green technology adoption in this country.
15. Thrust 2 aims to create a conducive environment for Green technology development. This includes the introduction and implementation of innovative economic instruments and the establishment of effective fiscal and financial mechanisms to support the growth of Green industries. We are all aware that not everyone is well versed in the various business opportunities of the new Green economy. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the awareness of local players. There will be greater promotion of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in Green technology that will in turn foster Domestic Direct Investments (DDIs) and greater local industry participation.
16. Furthermore, thrust 5 of The National Green Technology Policy is for Green technology to move forward at an accelerated pace especially with respect to promotion and public awareness. Green technology is a new sector for the country and not many entities or individuals fully understand this subject matter, especially the general public. We believe a policy can only succeed with the support of the public at large. Hence, the Government is undertaking substantial efforts to increase public awareness so that all efforts by the Government to pursue the development of Green technology will be well received by all members of the society. There will be continuous promotion, education and information dissemination to create acceptance by the public and corporate sector to adopt Green practices.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
17. Before I conclude this short speech. I would like to highlight the Low Carbon City Framework (LCCF). LCCF was initiated to provide a framework to achieve holistic sustainable developments that will subsequently reduce carbon emissions. The four main focus areas in the LCCF are Urban Environment, Urban Transportation, Urban Infrastructure and Buildings. The tools that come with this framework are:
• the Low Carbon Cities Framework which helps stakeholders such as the local authorities, planners, developers and decision makers understand the carbon footprint of cities and guide them in taking the appropriate reduction measures in arriving at their national climate goals; and
• The GHG Assessment System which uses a library of emission factors and statistics which convert inputs into greenhouse gas emissions.
18. These initiatives are a testament to the seriousness of the Government in promoting Green Technology.
Distinguished Guests,
19. These are exciting times for us. Before I conclude, I would like to call on the private sector to take full advantage of the benefits made available under the National Green Technology Policy to promote greater trade and investment flows between Malaysia and the UK and with the rest of the world.
20. Last but not least, I would like to take this opportunity to thank HE Simon Featherstone, the British High Commissioner to Malaysia for his support and the cooperation given by members of his staff in enhancing Malaysia-Great Britain ties. Once again thank you to the organizers for inviting me to deliver this special address.
21. I’d like to end with a quip on this topic of environmental protection, “There's so much pollution in the air now that if it weren't for our lungs there'd be no place to put it all”.
Thank you. |
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