Sunday, February 17, 2008

GOOGLE Inc, plans to invest in the world’s biggest server farm in Malaysia


GOOGLE Inc.the world’s top Internet Search Engine, plans to invest in the world’s biggest server farm, which could be located in Malaysia, India or Vietnam, sources said.

A server farm is a cluster of server computers, or powerful computers, that store vast amounts of data. The data are shared between people via personal computers over a common network like the Internet.

“It will be very major for Malaysia. The investment could run into a few hundred million ringgit,” said a source.

Winning this investment will be a major coup for any country, not just for the inflow of money but also the profile that the US brand provides.

Meeting between Malaysia PM and Google CEO Eric Schmidt in Davos.

Google Inc is interested to set up a base in Malaysia due to its huge ICT market, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The Prime Minister said the Government’s development plans for the ICT industry were also in line with the company’s expansion programme.

"I was told that Malaysians formed the highest group of Google users in South-East Asia,” he told Malaysian journalists after meeting the US giant’s CEO Eric Schmidt on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

Abdullah said the company felt Malaysia was a good place for the base due to its strategic geographical location.

Google declined to comment when contacted.

"We do not comment on rumours or speculation. We have data centre facilities around the world, but do not provide specific locations,” said Dickson Seow, the head of communications and public affairs for Southeast Asia.

Malaysia wants to become a hub for outstanding services, a better- value alternative to low-cost manufacturing, which is now led by Vietnam. As for India, it is already a heavyweight in the software and outsourcing industry.

Since last year, Google has been sending teams to the region to look for suitable places for its data centres. The decision is now down to three countries.


In Malaysia, it may ask for an area of more than 100ha. This could be in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, which is adjacent to Cyberjaya City, a source said.

It is believed that the landowner and a few utility companies had a meeting recently to discuss the needs of the project, code-named Neptune.

"It needs uninterrupted power supply and huge broadband capacity, among other things. These must be sorted out,” another source said.

It is believed that state government officials are excited about the potential investment.

Source: New Straits Times



Note: -


1. Google will set up its first campus in India, which will be spread over 20 acres in Hyderabad, a senior IT department official of the Andhra Pradesh government said on, February 13, 2008.

2. IT services provider Satyam Computer Services Limited is setting up a 15-acre campus at Cyberjaya City, the IT hub of Malaysia, which is expected to be operational by this year end, said Prasenjit Kundu, head (global solutions centre in Malaysia), Satyam. It will be providing high-end services including business process management (BPM), data warehousing, Oracle and engineering practices.

Malaysia To Lead On Development Of Knowledge Economic City In Medina, Saudi Arabia


DATUK Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim not only wants to give his best in everything he does but also likes challenges that will enable him to bring out his best.

This is the man whose name in the corporate circle is synonymous with the RM9.2bil smart township, @enstek in Negri Sembilan – a project by TH Properties Sdn Bhd where he was the chief executive officer. He left the company last month, after a four-year stint.


In March, the Universiti Malaya economics graduate will be heading to Saudi Arabia for a bigger challenge – to helm the development of the Madinah Knowledge Economic City (K.E.C. Madinah), a $25billion project.

“K.E.C. Madinah ranks third (in value and size) among the six economic cities to be developed throughout Saudi Arabia, after King Abdullah Economic City and Jazan Economic City,” said Syed Mohamed, 50.

He decided to take up the offer after he and his wife Datin Zaidah Zakaria visited Saudi Arabia in June last year.

While his decision has surprised many of his friends and business associates, it is also one that is not unexpected for those who know Syed Mohamed.

And he is fond of telling his listeners that anything one does must “at least be comparable to the best, if not the best.”

“I like challenges. I like to test my abilities,” he said of his new portfolio as chief operating officer. But what is even more exciting and meaningful for Syed Mohamed is the fact that he will be part of the team to restore the status of Madinah as a beacon of knowledge.

“Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam and the burial place for Prophet Muhammad,” he pointed out, adding that this was one of the three reasons why he decided to take up the job offer there.

K.E.C. Madinah, developed by Seera City Real Estate Development Company, is only five km east of Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Al Nabawi) and five km south of Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport.

Its focus is on knowledge-based industries like science, technology, biotechnology, medical services, Islamic studies and social sciences.

The project, on 4.8 million sq metres, will take at most 12 to 15 years to complete, he added.With his 27 years of working experience in the property and banking sectors, Syed Mohamed is certainly upbeat on the booming Saudi economy.

The Arabs, he added, accepted global best practices in developing their country and they also had high regards for the achievements and capabilities of Malaysians.

“It is all about professionalism and meritocracy. When you see things that way, you will not have problems in establishing a good relationship and working together well with others,” he said.


The $6.7bn Knowledge Economic City in Medina will include a technology zone, an advanced IT studies institute, a campus for medical research and life sciences, and an interactive museum on the life of Prophet Mohammad alongside a retail zone, business district and residential zones including high rises, houses, fully serviced apartments, shopping malls and a mosque with a 10,000-worshipper capacity.

The Knowledge Economic City is closed to foreign investment as are all real estate developments in Medina and Mecca. For now, Saudi real estate plays will mainly involve finance sourced in the kingdom, or from its Gulf Co-operation Council partners.

The Holy City of Madinah, which lies in the central Hijaz 447 kilometers north of the Holy City of Makkah, is 625 meters (2,050 feet) above sea level. Sited on a fertile oasis, it is bounded on three sides by hills which form part of the Hijaz mountain range. The highest of these hills, Mount Uhud, rises more than 2,000 meters above the oasis.

The new development, valued at some SR25 billion, will reportedly create more than 20,000 new jobs in the city. The development, named ‘Knowledge Economic City’ will include the Taiba Technological and Economic Information Center, an interactive museum on the Prophet’s life, a center for studies of Islamic civilization, as well as a center for medical studies, biosciences and integrated medical services according to reports from the Saudi Press Agency, quoted in Arab News.

King Abdullah issued the license to develop the project, which will include housing for 200,000 as well as commercial centers.

Knowledge Economic City’s main investors include the King Abdullah Foundation, Savola Group, Real Estate Projects Management and Development Company and Taiba Investment & Real Estate Development Company, while the main investor of the project will be the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA).

Knowledge Economic City will be developed on a 4.8 million m sq. land while the built up area will near 9 million m sq. attracting SR25bn worth of investments. The project will add 20,000 new jobs to the region.

Facts

Area: 4.8 million sq m

Investment Size: US$ 7 billion

Jobs: 20,000

Population: 50,000

Zones: Taiba Complex for Technology and Knowledge-based Economy, Technological and Administrative Colleges, Theme Parks, Islamic Civilization Studies Centre, Complex for Medical Studies, Biological Sciences and Health Services, Complete Business Centre, Residential Areas, Passengers station, Commercial Area, King Abdul Aziz Mosque
Focus: Knowledge Based industries, Tourism and Services

The Knowledge Economic City (KEC) is composed of several main components as follows: Taiba Complex for Technology and Knowledge-based EconomyTaiba Complex caters for the development of modern technologies, benefiting from its exceptional location near Al-Madinah. This technological park concentrates on meeting the technological demands of the Islamic world. It consists of a system of smart buildings and support services, which integrates the colleges and technological institutes in the City to provide a technically stimulating environment.

Technological and Administrative Colleges
Institutes of advanced technical studies including laboratories for scientific research, branches of local universities and research centers in the Islamic world in the fields of modern communications and applications, the information technology and industries, the software development automation and multimedia. It also includes colleges of business administration.Islamic Civilization Studies CentreThis part of the project addresses the subject of the Islamic civilization through the process of gathering, collecting and presenting the disciplines of Islamic civilization that naturally include knowledge, culture, values and principles based on tolerance and goodwill.


Complete Business Centre
In the heart of the City, business towers rise to accommodate the companies operating in Medina as well as knowledge-based industries that will be attracted by the project. The City is equipped with an advanced infrastructure, as well as conference halls, exhibition centers and offices accommodating up to 10,000 employees.Other components include the Complex for Medical Studies, Biological Sciences and Health Services, the "Seera Land" theme park, a passenger’s station and residential & commercial areas.


US software giant Oracle on Sunday signed a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Medina to provide technology and expertise to help in the city’s development. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Oracle will help in developing a blueprint for KEC and establish an Oracle Training Academy to supply the city with skilled labour. Construction on the 25 billion Saudi riyal ($6.7 billion) project is expected to begin in January 2008.


MEDINA: Malaysia will help Saudi Arabia build a RM25bil high-tech knowledge-economic city here.

“This is going to be a landmark not only for Saudi Arabia but also for the Muslim world,” said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“It shows two Muslim countries can co-operate and collaborate in the interest of the ummah (Muslim community) and can indeed transform the Muslim world,” he said here on Monday.

He earlier witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Malaysia’s Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and Saudi’s Seera City Real Estate Development Corporation to build the Medina Knowledge Economic City (KEC).

Najib said it was only fitting that Medina – the holy city that marked the beginning of the Islamic acquisition of knowledge – was chosen to transform the Muslims and to bring about a true revival.

“This will not only transform Medina but elevate its standing in the eyes of the world,” added the Deputy Prime Minister.

Najib said he was proud that Malaysia had been chosen as Saudi Arabia's partner for the KEC, which is patterned after Malaysia’s own Multimedia Super Corridor and Cyberjaya.

“We are willing to share our experiences and all our expertise. We have built the MSC and Cyberjaya and we will share the experience gained to make this project a real success,” he said.
He also suggested that Saudi Arabia and Malaysia embark on twinning programmes between the MSC and the KEC, adding that MDeC has the framework to bring in the Malaysian companies.

MDec is one-stop agency established to facilitate the development and promotion of the MSC.
Seera City managing director Dr Sami Baroum said they were already in talks with a number of Malaysian companies.

“The project is huge and can absorb as many joint ventures as possible,” he added.Physical work on the project will start in August and the first phase is expected to be completed in three-and-a-half years, he said.

That phase, he said, would include educational and health segments, hospitals, a hospitality complex, museum and some residential and retail shops.

Dr Sami said Medina, because of its holy status, was exclusively for Muslims and, hence, the projects would go to companies from the Muslim world.

“Malaysia is on top of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in terms of technology and capability and experience,” he added.

KEC will be ready in 12 to 15 years. Spread over 4.8 million sq metres, there will be, among others, technology and knowledge complexes, an interactive museum, a business centre and Islamic civilisation studies, technology and administrative centres.



Friday, February 15, 2008

Super Corridors Directory

Cyberjaya
http://www.cyberjaya.gov.my/
Tel: 03 8686 6060 (City Command Centre)

East Coast Economic Region - ECER
http://www.ecerdc.com/
Level 50, Tower 1, Petronas Twin Towers, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2331 0021, Fax : 03 2331 0020

Iskandar Development Region - IDR
http://www.idr.com.my/

K Perak INC (Implementation & Coordination) Corporation
MSC Malaysia Cybercentre @ Meru Rayahttp://www.kperak.com.my/
Level 8, Perak Techno Trade Centre (PTTC) Bandar Meru Raya,Jalan Jelapang, 30020 Ipoh
Tel: 05 526 1881, Fax: 05 526 0881

Kulim High Tech Park - KHTP
http://www.khtp.com.my/
Suite 3.01 - 3.02 3rd Floor KHTP Business CentreKulim Hi-Tech Park 09000 Kulim, Kedah
Tel: 04 403 2420, Fax: 04 403 1973

Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority Centre - LOFSA / IOFC http://www.lofsa.gov.my/
Level 17, Main Office Tower, Financial Park Complex,Jalan Merdeka, 87000 Labuan F.T
Tel: 087 59 1200, Fax: 087 41 3328

Multimedia Super Corridor - MSC
http://www.msc.com.my/
MSC Malaysia Headquarters Persiaran APEC, 63000 Cyberjaya
Tel: 1 800 88 8338, 03 8315 3000, Fax: 03 8315 3115

Northern Corridor Economic Region - NCER - Koridor Utara
http://www.ncer.com.my/
1st Floor, Kompleks Sime Darby, Persiaran Kewajipan, USJ7, 47600 Subang Jaya
Tel: 03 5885 8217, Fax: 03 5636 3552

Penang Automation Cluster - PAC
http://www.pac.org.my/
Invest-in-Penang Berhad1 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, PSDC Building, Bayan Lepas, 11909 Penang
Tel: 04 646 8833, Fax: 04 646 8811

PenangCybercity - PCC
http://www.investpenang.gov.my/
Invest-in-Penang Berhad 1 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,PSDC Building, Bayan Lepas, 11909 Penang
Tel: 04 646 8833, Fax: 04 646 8811

Putrajaya - Federal Administrative Capital
http://www.ppj.gov.my/
Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya, 24 Persiaran Perdana, Presint 3, 62675 Putrajaya
Tel: 03 8887 7000, Fax: 03 8887 5000

Sabah Development Corridor - SDC
http://www.sdc.net.my/
Sabah Development Corridor Data Centre, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: 088 24 5097, Fax: 088 24 5097

Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy - SCORE
http://www.sarawakcore.com.my/
Regional Economic Development Authority - RECODAState Planning Unit, Chief Minister's Department, Sarawak

Technology Park Malaysia - TPM
http://www.tpm.com.my/
Level 5, Enterprise 4 Technology Park Malaysia 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 8998 2020, Fax: 03 8998 2110

WLK 2 - Second Klang Valley, Selangor
http://www.wlk2.com/
16th Floor, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building, 40000 Shah Alam
Tel: 03 5544 7117, Fax: 03 5510 9229

Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Rich Gets Richer!


More than 500,000 Malaysian can afford to purchase a RM 30 million (US$9.1 million) house!
This was reported by a prominent property developer recently!

Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (REHDA) deputy president Michael Yam said the property players achieved better sales after the government introduced incentives, including real property gain tax exemption effective April 2007 and the removal of Foreign Investment Committee approval.



The maximum tax on property gains was 30 per cent for individuals and corporations previously. Other positive factors include Malaysia´s improving economy, availability of loans to foreigners and no restriction to number of units that can be purchased.

"These factors contributed to renewed interests in the property market and have resulted in more enquiries which translated into better sales," he said.

He said unlike the typical residential-type property investor who seek returns in the form of rentals, buyers of high-end residential property are motivated by less tangible factors such as prestige, exclusivity or for speculation.




Property within RM800,000 to RM 1,000,000


The strengthening of the ringgit also augurs well for the high-end residential housing market, he said. Other analysts said the recent economic uncertainties, brought about by the subprime troubles in the US, has made foreign investors more cautious.

Some investors seem to be holding back on further investments until a clearer trend emerges.

"We´ve only just begun (to rally). Singapore´s property market has had a good run for the past two years," he said.

He believed the domestic housing sector should remain robust as long as US subprime mortgage problems are reined in. "It´s status quo for us as we expect Bank Negara to maintain interest rates at the current level," he said.

He said the recent 50 basis points interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve was not likely to affect Malaysia´s property.


GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS: The government offers incentives to developers under the build-and-sell concept. The incentives include speedy approval of land matters and development plans. Such approvals normally take one to two years but will be expedited and shortened to four to six months. Developers who opt for the concept will also be exempted from paying the RM200,000 deposit and stamp duties.

In the Budget for 2008, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced 50 percent stamp duty exemption on documents of transfer for the purchase of one house costing not more than RM250,000. The proposal is effective for sale and purchase agreements executed from Sept 8, 2007, to Dec 31, 2010. This measure will reduce the cost of purchasing a house by up to RM2,000. He also announced that the government will allow monthly withdrawals from savings at the Employees Provident Fund to service mortgages.

Halal Food Is a Billion Dollar Business


The global market for halal products is US$560 billion (RM2.12 trillion) a year.

The concept of halal -- meaning "permissible" in Arabic -- has traditionally been applied to food. Other goods and services can also be certified halal, including cosmetics, clothing, pharmaceuticals, financial services and even tour packages.

Malaysia has been globally recognised as the world’s halal food hub, despite its cosmopolitan, multi-religious nature. Malaysia has been aggressively marketing itself as a global centre for the manufacture and export of halal products, in line with its moderate version of Islam that emphasises economic and scientific progress.

Foreign Muslims are attracted to Malaysia not only by the beautiful scenery and the prevailing peace, but also by the halal culinary delights commonplace in the country. Between 1999 and 2003, tourists from Muslim Middle East countries to Malaysia rose from about 20,000 to more than 800,000. And this number is increasing.

The certification of halal food has been conducted throughout the country since 1982 by the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (JAKIM). The Codex Alimentarius Commission, which is responsible, under the United Nations,for regulations of food preparation globally, has cited Malaysia as the best example in the world in terms of justification of halal food. The Malaysian model has been regarded as the role model for the development of world halal food industries.

According to MITI, quoting sources from the International Market Bureau Canada, the total world Muslim population is estimated to be 1.8 billion, and based on the estimated expenditure per capita for food of US$0.85 (RM3.23) a day, it is estimated that the market for halal products is US$560 billion (RM2.12trillion) a year.

In Malaysia, 60 percent of the population are Muslims and if one were to estimate the per capita expenditure for food as RM1 a day, then thedemand for halal products is more than RM5 billion a year. From 1995 to June 2003, the Malaysian Industrial DevelopmentAuthority (MIDA) had issued licences to 424 food manufacturing companies with a total investment of RM5.9 billion.

Determining the “halalness” of a product goes beyond ensuring that food is pork-free. Carnivorous animals, amphibians (frogs and mangrove crabs) and all insects except grasshoppers are not halal. Intoxicants in any form are also off-limits. Meat from permissible animals such as poultry and cattle must be slaughtered inaccordance with Islamic rites to render them halal.

Halal food also adheres to stringent standards in hygiene and sanitation, and must not be harmful to health. Halal food certification refers to the examination of food processes, from the preparation, slaughtering, ingredients used, cleaning, handling and processing, right down to transportation and distribution.

The concept of halal food is truly from the farm to the table, and must be nutritious and prepared from permissible ingredients in a clean and hygienic manner Contamination from najis (filth as defined by Islamic law) or haram (prohibited)elements also renders food non-halal. Sticky areas include ingredients, genetically modified food and utensils used in processing. Cod liver oil may be halal, but the oil might be contained in a bovine gelatin capsule produced from cows that havenot been slaughtered in line with Islamic rites, making the supplement non-halal. Cows might be halal animals, but splice their genes with porcine DNA, and theresult is a haram hybrid. Another example is that, innocuous items like biscuits might list only halal ingredients such as flour, butter and sugar, but the egg-yolk glaze might be applied with a brush made from pig bristles, making the biscuits non-halal. Logistics and packaging are vital too. Non-halal and halal goods must also be kept separately in the storage or during transportation and distribution in order to prevent contamination.

Since Malaysia is serious to position itself to be the halal food hub center in the Asian region and is the pioneer in the globalisation of Halal certification, the relevant authorities should implement strictker rules and regulations.

Government authorities such as JAKIM, JAIS, SIRIM and MOH will help investors in obtaining global Halal Status and also boost the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Veterinary Inspection NO and ISO.

As a pioneer in promoting halal food globally, Malaysia’s locally developed halal certification serves as an example for other nations and has been commended by the United Nations as a model system. Currently, halal products certified in Malaysia run the gamut from processed chicken and beef products to ice cream, chocolate and food supplements. This is in line with the nation’s aim of being the regional hub for halal food products.

Opportunities :- The Government of Malaysia through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Veterinary Services has identified a few potential places to be formulated and developed as Halal Food Industrial Zones. These places are: - Pulau Indah in Selangor - Pedas Halal Park in Negeri Sembilan - Serkam Pantai in Melaka - Paya Pahlawan in Kedah - Pantai Remis in Perak - Gambang in Pahang

Food production needs to diversify to strengthen the up and coming halal food hubs. Industries keen on going big scale in food production should look at the endless possibilities of value added products, but should not confine itself to food of their ethnic origins only, but must broaden their horizons to food from other cultures. Malaysia is not competitive to sell raw material but it has the elements to be a trading nation. What Malaysia can do, is to bring in raw material, turn them into halal value added products, and sell them to the global market. This is where halal hubs play its role.

Halal hub means export capable. Therefore the halal hub and the food production sector should complement each other. Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and Third National Agriculture Policy, the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry wants to transform Malaysia into a net food exporter by 2010. And the country seems to be on the right track.

Malaysia has been widely recognised for its excellent halal standards, which is further strengthened by the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia’s (JAKIM) halal certification.

“[Our halal certification] is widely, in fact, internationally recognised,” its department’s director general Datuk Mustafa Abdul Rahman says.

The United Nations has also recognised Malaysia as the best example in producing halal food products.

In 1993, JAKIM was awarded the leader in halal certification by IFANCA and in 2004 the same award was given by the Islamic Food Council of Europe. In August 2004, JAKIM, with the Standards Department Malaysia launched the Malaysian Halal Standard MS 1500:2004, being the first halal standard in the world developed based on international standards.

Many countries - be they Islamic or non-Islamic - want to be the number one player of the world's halal industries. Malaysia is one of them. International halal industry players acknowledge Malaysia’s competitive edges: it has been recognised as an Islamic country; has raw materials, supporting infrastructure as well as state-of-the-art processing technology; internationally-approved JAKIM's halal certification and a strong backup and blessing from the government.

There is no stopping Malaysia from reaching its goals.

Menjelang Pelancaran ECER - Petronas Perancang Utama


Hassan said Petronas took seven to eight months to complete the masterplan, which will be officially handed over to the government at the ECER's launch.

Petronas, he said, could be one of the private sector representatives in the council that will run the ECER. He said the council, whose members will include the prime minister and deputy prime minister, the menteris besar of the four states, two cabinet ministers and representatives of the private sector, will be responsible for the implementation of the ECER masterplan. According to him, it is too early to say whether an authority will be established to manage the ECER, as has been done for the IDR and NCER. Hassan said during the formulation of the ECER development plan, Petronas had spoken to all four state governments, including the Opposition-led Kelantan government.

"The plan can succeed. It will have one council, its Bill is being drafted to be tabled in Parliament in December," said Hassan. "If there is focus and strong commitment, there is no reason why the ECER cannot succeed."


Petronas merupakan perancang utama wilayah ekonomi itu, yang meliputi kawasan 66,736 kilometer persegi atau 51 peratus daripada keluasan Semenanjung Malaysia.

"Daripada RM112 bilion itu, 20 peratus akan dibiayai oleh sektor swasta, 27 peratus melalui inisiatif pembiayaan swasta (PFI) dan bakinya oleh kerajaan,” kata Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Petronas, Tan Sri Mohd. Hassan Marican .

Ia merupakan wilayah pembangunan ketiga yang akan dilancarkan oleh Abdullah tahun ini selepas Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar (WPI) di Johor dan Wilayah Pembangunan Koridor Utara (Koridor Utara) yang meliputi negeri-negeri di utara Semenanjung Malaysia. Dengan jumlah penduduk sebanyak 3.9 juta, dianggarkan RM30,000 perlu dibelanjakan ke atas setiap individu di wilayah itu dalam tempoh pelaksanaannya dari sekarang hingga 2020.

Bilangan penduduk di ECER merupakan 14.5 peratus daripada keseluruhan penduduk negara ini yang seramai 26.8 juta dan wilayah itu juga merupakan kawasan kediaman utama masyarakat bumiputera yang merupakan 86.6 peratus daripada penduduknya. Ia diikuti oleh China 7.8 peratus, India 1.8 peratus dan lain-lain 3.8 peratus.

Peningkatan kemudahan jalan raya dan pengangkutan termasuk pembinaan fasa ketiga Lebuh Raya Pantai Timur dari Kuala Terengganu dan Kota Bharu, fasa empat Lebuh Raya itu yang menghubungkan Kuantan ke Johor Bharu dan jalan raya menghubungkan Temerloh ke Kuala Pilah. Selain itu, ia juga membabitkan pembinaan beberapa laluan jalan raya baru bagi menghubungkan ECER dengan wilayah-wilayah di Pantai Barat Semenanjung.

Menurut Hassan, matlamat utama pelan pembangunan ECER adalah untuk mempercepatkan pertumbuhan di wilayah itu secara berdaya maju, seimbang dan mapan. Dengan itu, katanya, ia akan dapat menangani ketidakseimbangan di wilayah itu kerana negeri-negeri di ECER mencatatkan pendapatan purata isi rumah antara yang paling rendah di Malaysia.

Pada ketika ini, Terengganu dan Kelantan adalah negeri yang mencatatkan kemiskinan tertinggi di Malaysia, yang mencatatkan 15.4 peratus dan 10.6 peratus kemiskinan di negara ini, dan diikuti oleh Pahang 4.9 peratus.

Di bawah pelan induk ECER katanya, sejumlah 561,000 pekerjaan akan diwujudkan menjelang 2020 dan kemiskinan tegar disasarkan untuk dikurangkan kepada sifar. Selain itu, wilayah ekonomi itu juga bertujuan untuk menggerakkan ekonomi, meningkatkan keupayaan bagi mendapatkan pengetahuan dan inovasi, menangani ketidakseimbangan sosioekonomi yang berterusan, meningkatkan standard dan kualiti kehidupan dan mengukuhkan institusi dan melaksanakan keupayaan. Selain menangani masalah akses ke wilayah itu, ketidakseimbangan dengan wilayah-wilayah lain di pantai barat dan kemiskinan tegar, ECER juga bermatlamat untuk menangani ketidakseimbangan pendapatan antara penduduk bandar dan luar bandar.

"Pada masa yang sama ia juga akan menangani masalah infrastruktur asas, serta mengoptimumkan sektor hartanah, yang termasuk untuk meraih potensi Tanah Simpanan Melayu.

"Antara idea untuk mengoptimumkan Tanah Simpanan Melayu ialah secara mewujudkan satu amanah yang akan memajukan tanah berkenaan,” katanya. Ini kerana Tanah Simpanan Melayu mewakili 40 peratus daripada tanah di ECER.

Hassan berkata, lebih 190 institut latihan dan institusi pengajian tinggi sedia ada yang terdapat dalam ECER juga akan dimaksimumkan peranannya supaya ia bukan sahaja untuk melatih orang tempatan meningkat ke rantaian nilai malah menarik mereka yang berada di luar untuk belajar di sana. Selain pendidikan, katanya, sektor lain yang telah dikenal pasti untuk menyegarkan wilayah itu ialah pelancongan, minyak dan gas, petrokimia, pembuatan dan pertanian.

"Teras ECER ialah pertanian dan pelancongan,” katanya.

The National Mission - Strength Of Human Capital To Determine Malaysia's Success & Islam Hadhari

Malaysia’s economic growth is in no small measure due to the foreign investors’ confidence that it is a place that is safe to invest in. It is also due to the endeavour and ingenuity of Malaysian citizens, who have harnessed the power and potential of industry and technology to turn raw materials into compound products for export, and to use human skills to assemble the electronic components that drive so many of the world’s computers. Petroleum and liquefied gas; chemicals and additives; rubber, wood and textile products; disk drives: All bear the reputable stamp, "Made in Malaysia".

The development of quality human capital is critical to build competitiveness and to achieve national development goals.

As a developing nation, Malaysia faces many competitive pressures and challenges in the 21st century. In the current environment, success comes to those who value-add themselves. This is true for individuals, corporations and nations. To realise our country’s aspirations, a substantial effort must be made to develop human capital and consequently enhance our competitiveness, productivity and capacity to innovate. .

Our youth are like unpolished gemstones. They will inherit our nation and will determine its fortunes in the years ahead. They must possess intellectual capacity, knowledge and culture. They must possess physical well-being and strong morals. Our youth must be prepared to lead our nation to greater heights.

We are currently effecting a quantum leap to develop human capital, and increase our productivity and innovation, so that we can attain developed nation status by 2020. We are transforming our education system at all levels – from pre-school to higher education. It is a complex task that involves many stakeholders. The Education Development Blueprint, 2006 – 2010 that was launched on 16 January 2007 provides the strategy and guidance to deliver quality basic education that is relevant to present needs.


What is the National Mission to determine Malaysia's success?

A: The National Mission has five main thrusts:-

1) moving the economy up the value chain
2) developing first class human capital
3) addressing persistent socio-economic imbalances,
4) improving the quality of life and
5) strengthening institutional capacity all of which are universal, constant requirements for national-building.

The strength of our human capital will determine the success of the Mission. It will determine whether we achieve developed-nation status and progress further. Let us all build a nation that enriches every citizen, regardless of race or belief. Let us be a nation where everyone enjoys balanced development. Let us carry our nation to the peak of distinction.


Q: How will the growth corridors help the poor, especially the Malays?

A: The philosophy behind the development corridors is that no one should be left behind.

There are fears that these development corridors, especially the IDR, will threaten the future of the Malays. Perhaps in the past, we were laggards in our own land. This is not the case now. We now have many Malays who are well educated and have become doctors, lawyers, accountants and even astronauts. A class of Malay managers, capable of successfully running businesses, has emerged. Therefore, the presumption that the IDR will harm Malays is an insult to the ability of Malays to compete on the global stage.

The NCER has been well received by the people of the north. Similarly, the ECER has elicited a positive response from the people on the east coast, including the Pas government in Kelantan.

Our efforts are evidence of the government's sincerity in bringing development to all parts of the country. We put aside politics to improve the quality of life of the people and to lift them out of poverty. The Prime Minister said the harmony among the various communities and religions in the country was not an “optional luxury” but a necessity.

Islam must be identified as a religion that dispenses justice, prohibits inequity and rejects violence. There is nothing wrong with Islam, the error lies in the misguided actions by those who fail to interpret Islam and those who fail to practise it with open minds and rational thought.

Muslims should concentrate on building what makes Islam attractive. The government's stand is that Islam will be respected if it develops intellectual excellence, emphasises the pursuit of knowledge and concentrates on attaining economic success.

The 10 principles of Islam Hadhari, an approach that was understood and supported by all.

The Constitution provides that Islam is the official religion of the federation but there is freedom to practise other religions. Guided by the spirit of the Constitution, Malaysians of different religions must exercise mutual respect. We have received international acknowledgement for our success in developing the Islamic financial system and in building a halal hub, and these efforts are no less important than our individual religious obligations or our fardu ain. These efforts illustrate that Islam is contemporary and relevant in the modern economy. In fact, research in economy, science and technology is encouraged. We should give priority to these pursuits. Islam and the ummah will be developed more quickly when Muslims can show excellence in economy, science and technology.

Malaysia has continued to take great strides in becoming a premier global Islamic centre. In the Islamic capital markets, Malaysia accounts for two thirds of the world's Islamic bonds, amounting to US$47 billion (RM156.5 billion). In line with the Malaysian International Islamic Finance Centre (MIFC) initiative, Malaysia has liberalised the Islamic finance sector to encourage the participation of foreign institutions in banking, capital markets and takaful. In addition, we have taken a leadership role in establishing institutions such as the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) and the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF).

The IFSB, which has a membership of 125 countries, works to co-ordinate regulations and standards internationally, whereas INCEIF is a university-level institution that develops human capital to meet the needs of the Islamic finance sector.

Malaysia is also committed to becoming a world class halal hub. The government has been active in promoting the products and services of Halal Malaysia while strengthening its halal certification. Our commitment is shown through the establishment of the Halal Industry Development Corporation to spearhead and co-ordinate a variety of initiatives.


What is Islam Hadhari?

Islam Hadhari is an approach that emphasizes development, consistent with the tenets of Islam and focused on enhancing the quality of life. It aims to achieve this via the mastery of knowledge and the development of the individual and the nation; the implementation of a dynamic economic, trading and financial system; an integrated and balanced development that creates a knowledgeable and pious people who hold to noble values and are honest, trustworthy, and prepared to take on global challengers.


Principles of Islam Hadhari .

Islam Hadhari aims to achieve ten main principles:

• Faith and piety in Allah

• A just and trustworthy government

• A free and independent People

• Mastery of knowledge

• Balanced and comprehensive economic development

• A good quality of life

• Protection of the rights of minority groups and women

• Cultural and moral integrity

• Safeguarding the environment

• Strong defenses


The Ummah must be a society that embraces knowledge, skills and expertise in order to build capacity. Islam makes it compulsory for Muslims to embrace knowledge in all fields. The misconception that there exists a difference between so called secular knowledge and religious knowledge must be corrected. Islam demands the mastery of science and technology and the enhancement of skills and expertise. It is important for the Ummah to be guided in understanding and practicing Islam as a comprehensive way of life as a means to building a civilization.

A wholesome way of life will create the balance between our responsibilities in this world and the Hereafter. Islam is not merely a ritual, because ritualism is meant solely for the Hereafter. The Government has never practiced secularism that rejects the Hereafter and focuses solely on worldly matters. Islam must be lived as a system that integrates the worldly life and preparations for the Day of judgment.