QES GROUP'S RM40 MLN PLANT IN PENANG A TESTAMENT TO ITS ESG COMMITMENT

GEORGE TOWN, March 18 (Bernama) -- QES Group Bhd’s RM40 million plant in Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP) is a testament to its commitment to uphold sustainable practices and innovation, in line with Malaysia’s vision to be a leader in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) in Southeast Asia.

In a statement today, the automated test equipment manufacturer said the new plant, QES 2@BKIP, uses solar energy as a renewable source to decrease reliance on conventional electricity.

“QES 2@BKIP is designed to minimise its environmental impact and integrate with its surroundings, aiming to achieve green building certification by utilising eco-friendly materials and implementing renewable energy solutions.

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“This project is expected to create 100 high-quality jobs within three years,” it said.

QES Group managing director, Chew Ne Weng said the group is confident that QES 2@BKIP will further reinforce the group’s presence and foster its efforts for growth and success.

He said QES 2@BKIP will house Applied Engineering Technology (M) Sdn Bhd (AETM), its joint venture company with United States-based Applied Engineering Inc.

“This will double AETM’s factory space, from its current rented facility of 18,000 square feet to approximately 30,000 square feet, and double its manpower requirements over the next three years.

“With a focus on ESG principles, QES is poised to lead the way towards a more sustainable future, positioning the company as a leader in the semiconductor industry and Malaysia's vision for a sustainable future,” Chew added.

In the statement, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 has clearly laid out Malaysia's industrial reform journey towards achieving higher economic complexity, technological prowess, sustainability, as well as economic inclusivity.

He said the convergence of two or more of these objectives through NIMP's target sectors will help speed up Malaysia’s industrial reform.

“We see this in QES's upcoming plant where innovative hi-tech semiconductor manufacturing meets sustainability.

“Such convergence will also help Malaysia’s manufacturing sector move up the global value chain more quickly, while creating better-paying jobs for our people and contributing to our net zero future,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman said QES' sustainability goals dovetail seamlessly with the prevailing trend among companies and investors to prioritise ESG considerations.

He said with ESG now a top priority, collaborative partnerships are essential for semiconductor firms to make progress on decarbonisation.

“MIDA stands fully supportive of such endeavours, recognising their potential to not only generate high-quality job opportunities but also shape a more sustainable future for generations to come,” he added.

-- BERNAMA