Main Market-listed Central Global Berhad’s (CGB) construction arm, Proventus Bina Sdn Bhd (PBSB), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a proposed joint venture (JV) with Multi Scopes Sdn Bhd (MSSB) for a sewage treatment plant in Selangor.
CGB executive chairman Dato’ Faisal Zelman
The scope of the proposed JV, in which PBSB would have a 70% effective stake and MSSB an effective 30% stake, would be the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operation and handover of Employees Provident Fund’s wholly-owned subsidiary Kwasa Land Sdn Bhd’s sewage treatment plant in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Chief Business Officer of CGB and Director of PBSB Anson Lim said: “For this project, MSSB will manage the technical aspects of the project as they are the technical experts in sewage treatment plants while PBSB will handle the infrastructure part of the project.”
CGB executive chairman Dato’ Faisal Zelman said: “The proposed JV we are exploring through the MoU is another step in the plans we have to expand our construction business. We believe that the sewage treatment plant project would not only enable us to expand our portfolio of construction projects and orderbook but also provide us with consistent revenue for the next five years in Selangor.”
We continue to explore opportunities to grow both the manufacturing and construction businesses of the Group. We have since the beginning of the year won a project worth RM100.5 million for the upgrade of a water supply system in Lahad Datu, Sabah and have had our proposed private placement of 18 million new shares approved by Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Proceeds from the private placement would be used to upgrade the manufacturing arm’s capacity and fund a property project in Penang.”
As of 31 March, 2021, the Group’s construction arm has an orderbook of RM130 million comprising of the Lahad Datu project and the Montage condominium project in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Please contact the below for more information: Hakim Juraimi Tel: +60 12-318 5410 Email: h.juraimi@swanconsultancy.biz
– Manufacturing arm sees 48% revenue increase due to trading activities – Construction segment up 10.7% over previous period
Main Market-listed Central Global Berhad (CGB) recorded a 25.42% increase in revenue to RM37.56 million for the first quarter ended 31 March 2021 (1Q2021) compared to RM29.95 million recorded in the same quarter of the previous year.
CGB executive chairman Dato’ Faisal Zelman
The Group registered a loss before tax (“LBT”) of RM1.03 million for 1Q2021 compared to a profit before tax (“PBT”) of RM760,000 in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. On a segmental basis, CGB’s manufacturing arm recorded a 48.3% increase in revenue to RM17.36 million compared to the RM11.7 million recorded in the same quarter of the previous year while the construction arm registered a 10.7% increase in revenue to RM20.2 million compared to the RM18.24 million recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
For 1Q2021, CGB’s manufacturing arm registered RM510,000 in PBT from LBT of RM139,000 in the corresponding quarter of the previous year due mainly to higher revenue contribution from trading of industrial tapes and label stocks. For the quarter under review, the construction arm recorded LBT of RM938,000 compared to PBT of RM1.05 million in the same quarter of the previous year mainly due to lower contribution from two projects located in Penang that were completed and handed over in 1Q2021.
CGB executive chairman Dato’ Faisal Zelman said: “We continue to be upbeat about the Group’s outlook despite the challenges posed by the rise in COVID-19 infections and its impact on business sentiment. The plans that we shared publicly are being implemented and we are confident that these plans will benefit the Group.”
“The approval by Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad of our proposed private placement of 18 million new shares in late April will help these plans along. As we have shared, we intend to upgrade our manufacturing arm’s capacity as well as fund an existing construction project in Penang. We have also clinched an RM101 million construction project in Lahad Datu, Sabah that will substantially boost the construction arm’s contribution to financial performance in the coming quarters. The manufacturing arm continues to take advantage of the change in market structure arising from a more fragmented competition landscape while the continued supply-chain disruption arising from pandemic lockdowns has given us the opportunity to penetrate the domestic market further.”
“The surge of COVID-19 infections has certainly been worrying and we are monitoring the situation as it unfolds. We continue to adhere to all standard operating procedures to ensure the safety and health of our employees, vendors and customers.”
Company cautiously optimistic of outlook for the remainder of 2021
Volcano Berhad (VOLCANO, Stock Code: 0232), a leading manufacturer of parts and components including metal and non-metal nameplates and plastic injection moulded parts, is pleased to announce the Company’s first interim financial statement for the financial year ending 31 December 2021 following its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad.
Volcano Berhad Managing Director, Datuk Ch’ng Huat Seng
For the first quarter that ended on 31 March 2021, the Company registered revenue of RM17.66 million, profit before tax (“PBT”) of RM2.0 million and profit after tax (“PAT”) of RM1.41 million. There are no comparative figures available for revenue, PBT and PAT for the same quarter of the preceding year and year-to-date as this is Volcano’s first interim financial statement following its listing on 6 April 2021.
For the quarter under review, the Company’s nameplates segment contributed RM10.86 million to revenue while the plastic injection moulded parts segment contributed RM6.80 million to revenue.
Managing Director of Volcano, Datuk Ch’ng Huat Seng said, “We are cautiously optimistic about our prospects for the rest of the year based on demand from customers in the electrical and electronics (“E&E”) industry. We believe that our financial performance should remain favourable for the rest of the year barring any unforeseen circumstances.”
“Our expansion plans for the factory in Rayong, Thailand remains in place as we see lots of potential in the country’s E&E and automotive industries. We have already allocated RM5 million each year over the next three years for capital expenditure involving these plans.”
The Company derives more than 95% of revenue from overseas markets, with the principal markets being customers based in Singapore and Thailand. Besides the E&E industry, Volcano also serves customers from the automotive and aerospace industries.
Please contact the below for more information: Hakim Juraimi Tel: +60 12-318 5410 Email: h.juraimi@swanconsultancy.biz
The Group also proudly announced the completion of its first residential project in Malaysia – Rica Residence @ Sentul.
FajarbaruBuilder Group Bhd, a Bursa Malaysia Main Market listed company primarily involved in construction and property development, is upbeat on its property segment’s outlook in anticipation of the economic recovery supported by the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
The company is also looking to launch new property projects towards second half of this year once market conditions improve.
The Group recently completed its maiden development Rica Residence @ Sentul on schedule, and started handover in mid-March this year. The handover was originally due to kick off up to 3 months earlier, but was delayed due to MCO restrictions.
Fajarbaru Group Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng said: “The property division remains a significant revenue generator for the Group in addition to our core business in construction. We have property development interest not just in Malaysia but in Australia as well. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly affected the property segment, there are positive signs that market conditions will improve and we can capitalise on it as long as we adapt and innovate accordingly.”
Rica Residence @ Sentul, which has a gross development value (GDV) of RM292.49 million, is Fajarbaru’s maiden property development in Malaysia. Despite coming from a ‘construction-based’ background, the Group’s property development segment under its wholly-owned subsidiary Fajarbaru Land has made good on its promise of quality to its first customers and delivered extra value to buyers with the instalment of polyurethane (PU) flooring for its carparks as well as 3 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
The latest take-up rate of Rica Residence @ Sentul stands at 82% (including booking). On the balance units, he said, “We are currently in the midst of releasing the remaining developer units. We believe there will be a strong take-up after MCO – the near-completion of the MRT2 in 2022 is also a positive boost for us to do so smoothly. We target to sell off the remaining units by end of 2021.” “Once market condition improves, we will also look into the possibility of launching the Rica Residence @ Kinrara project in 2021 which will be based on a condominium development concept.” Eric noted.
Meanwhile in Melbourne, Australia, the Group reported that its AUD182.84 million GDV Paragon Queen Street development was completed recently. Its latest take-up rate stands at 93%, and the developer is fairly confident of the sales of the remaining units in its project which has won awards in the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2018-19 and iProperty Development Excellence Award 2019.
This is Fajarbaru’s second development after the success of its first sold-out project called ‘Gardenhill’ in Melbourne in 2017. The Group is now on to its third development here, a project comprising 15 residential two-storey houses along Merri Creek in Northcote, Melbourne.
“The construction from Northcote has not yet started, but it is scheduled for a soft launch sometime in mid-2021 and the interest has been encouraging due to the location. This project will increase our presence in the property market in Melbourne, Australia and expand the Group’s earning base,” said Eric. The estimated GDV for the Northcote development is approximately AUD40.20 million.
Going forward, Fajarbaru is looking into expanding its local property development footprints not just in the Klang Valley, but also into Penang and Putrajaya once the economy fully reopens. Eric reckons that for projects in prime locations, high-end landed property development will be viable but the market demand for affordable housing and family upgraders cannot be neglected.
The Group will continue exploring landbanks in locations that can generate income for now, and be on the lookout for potential joint-ventures to develop properties in Malaysia and Australia. Fajarbaru is cautiously optimistic on the growth prospects of its property development segment in 2021 and beyond in line with the expected recovery of market conditions.
Proposed private placement of up to 18 million new shares may be issued in several tranches with price-fixing dates to determine issue prices
Central Global Berhad’s (CGB) proposed private placement of up to 18 million new ordinary shares has been approved by Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities).
CGB executive chairman Dato’ Faisal Zelman
CGB is a manufacturer of specialised industrial tapes and label stocks that pioneered industrial hi-temp masking tapes manufacturing and is a one-stop solution provider for crepe paper masking. The Group’s other business is construction, where it recently won a subcontract valued at RM100.54 million to upgrade water supply infrastructure in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
A letter from Bursa Securities dated 22 April 2021 was received by TA Securities Holdings Berhad (“TA Securities”), the advisor and placement agent for CGB, informing of the approval for the listing and quotation of up to 18 million new ordinary shares to be issued pursuant to the proposed private placement.
The proposed private placement is subject to CGB and TA Securities fully complying with the relevant provisions under the Main Market Listing Requirements of the proposed private placement; that CGB and TA Securities inform Bursa Securities upon completion of the proposed private placement; that CGB furnishes Bursa Securities with a written confirmation of the Group’s compliance with the terms and conditions of Bursa Securities’ approval once the proposed private placement is completed; and, in the event the proposed private placement is not completed before the next annual general meeting (“AGM”), that CGB furnishes a certified true copy of the resolution passed by shareholders for a general mandate under Sections 75 and 76 of the Companies Act, 2016 at the Group’s forthcoming AGM.
CGB executive chairman Dato’ Faisal Zelman said, “We are glad for the approval as we have plans in the pipeline to expand our manufacturing and construction businesses. We need new machinery that is more efficient and cost-effective for our manufacturing operations and we will use part of the proceeds to fund a construction project in Pulau Pinang.”
“As we have plans beyond the immediate ones for both the manufacturing and construction businesses, we are also allocating a portion of the proceeds for future growth as well as having a portion for working capital purposes.”
The Group’s project book order will increase to RM1.9 billion
Bina Puri Holdings Bhd (BPURI) has successfully secured a new international contract worth Nepalese Rupee NPR 5.2 billion (equivalent RM183 million) for the New Construction Project of Supreme Court Building Complex at Ramshahpath, Kathmandu, a project funded by the Government of Nepal.
A filing to Bursa Malaysia today showed that Bina Puri together with Kalika Construction Pvt Ltd and Samanantar Nirman Sewa Pvt Ltd had entered into a joint venture agreement to form “Bina Puri – Kalika – Samanantar JV” to construct the project.
The construction project is awarded by the Supreme Court of Nepal with a contract period of 36 months. It will consist of 7-storey building including two basements, RCC framed structure building with complete finishing, landscaping and MEP (Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Works along with firefighting) works.
Group Executive Director Datuk Matthew Tee said: “We have been actively participating in the tender for projects both local and overseas to further replenish our orderbook. With the latest award mentioned, the Group’s latest project book order will increase to RM1.9 billion.”
Kalika Construction Pvt Ltd is a leading well-known “A” class construction company of Nepal having over 40 years of experience in all types of construction works. It was founded in 1976 and its parent company, Kalika Group operates in five business sectors: Hydropower, Construction, Software Outsourcing, International Trading and FM Radio/Media. The Kalika Group is one of Nepal’s largest and most respected business conglomerates.
Whereas Samanantar Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 1993 and is currently one of Nepal’s growing and most reputable construction companies by successfully delivering a range of projects for government and other market sectors. The works completed by the company comprises of government building, hospitals, water supply system, river protection, roads and infrastructures development in different sectors.
According to the management of Bina Puri, the company’s affiliation with Kalika is through both countries’ membership in the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFAWPCA) represented by the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) and Federation of Contractors Associations of Nepal (FCAN). IFAWPCA groups together the fraternity of builders from nineteen (19) member countries in the Asia and Western Pacific region.
A dynamic international organization, IFAWPCA plays a critical role in promoting international fellowship and cooperation; in developing beneficial relationships between governments and contractors in the region, and in establishing cooperative working arrangements in the furtherance of civil and building construction projects.
Bina Puri is among the earliest Malaysian construction company to venture overseas since 1995. Bina Puri had previously completed a five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal in April 2000 valued at RM39 million. Among the shareholders of the hotel is the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
To date the Group has successfully carried out numbers of construction projects in several foreign countries.
Among the notable completed projects are three highways in India including the Vijayawada-Eluru Expressway, Tada-Nellore Expressway in Andhra Pradesh and the Chittorgarh-Mangalwar Highway in Rajasthan, Malaysian Chancery Building and Official Ambassador’s Residence in Beijing, China and Access Road for the New Bangkok International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.
Bina Puri have also completed about 30,000 units of low cost housing and condominiums in various locations in Thailand; 2 Blocks of 45-storey residential towers in Abu Dhabi, UAE; 174 units Villas for the Defense Housing Authority in Lahore, Pakistan and more than 3,000 houses for the National Housing Scheme of Brunei from the Brunei Economic Development Board. Currently undergoing is the construction of the Malaysian Embassy Complex in Moscow, Russia.
About Bina Puri Bina Puri Holdings Bhd (BPURI) (MY:5932; BIN.MK; BPUR.KL) is a public listed company on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia with more than 46 years of work experience in civil and building construction both locally and internationally. The Group’s diverse business activities include investment holdings, civil and building engineering management, property development, highway concession, quarry operations, manufacturing of construction materials, utilities and hospitality management.
Bina Puri has successfully completed projects such as roads and highways, bridges and interchanges, waterworks, land reclamation works, residential and commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, airports and government complexes. The group has international presence in which it has successfully undertaken projects in Cambodia, China, Brunei Darussalam, United Arabs Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Indonesia and Thailand.
Bina Puri’s notable investment portfolios include the 33km toll highway linking KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway, the Main Place Residence and Mall at USJ 21, and power plants in Indonesia. www.binapuri.com.my
As many as 13 Indonesian state-owned enterprises (SOEs) display their latest innovations at the largest industrial technology exhibition, the Hannover Messe 2021, as Indonesia plans to join the top 10 global economies by 2030.
Minister of State-owned Enterprise of Republic of Indonesia Erick Thohir
“This goal can be achieved by accelerating the fourth industrial revolution, and pursuing not only technological transformation, but the digital transformation of industry, especially during this pandemic,” Indonesian President Joko Widodo said.
Indonesia was the first Southeast Asian country to become an official partner of the exhibition, which is being held this week, 12 – 16 April, in a digital edition. Participation at Hannover Messe (HM21) is part of the national policy “Making Indonesia 4.0”.
“We expect our state-owned enterprises to ‘go global’ as we stated in our ministry’s road map. Not only through acquisition, but by leading the global competition,” said Erick Thohir, Minister of State-owned Enterprises (BUMN).
Some state-owned enterprises have adopted and developed recent technologies to compete with, and even lead the competition in digital technology, specifically in the energy industry, and in the automotive, electronics, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, and the health equipment industry. All have their innovation on display at MH21.
Indonesia’s premier energy holding company PT Pertamina engages 4.0 industry transformation by transitioning energy consumption from fossil fuels to renewable energies. For energizing its sustainable future, Pertamina is converting its refineries to produce green diesel, green jet fuels and green gasoline, optimizing geothermal capacity, and utilizing green hydrogen. It also works with other state-owned companies to develop Indonesian EV batteries and energy storage systems.
The state-owned enterprise in the electricity sector, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara promotes digital-based products that can acclerate business processes, such as the iCORE Digital Power Plant for electricity generation, Digitally Enabled Distribution Excellence for electricity distribution, PLN Mobile application for customer service and the Charge in application for charging electric vehicles.
A testing, inspection and certification company, PT Surveyor Indonesia is showcasing its drone-powered enhanced solution services for predictive maintenance and remote surveys. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s state mint Peruri developed a research institute for authenticity and collaborated with SICPA SA (a Switzerland company) and Giesecke+Devrient (a German company). At the Hannover Messe, Peruri introduces its innovations in digital business solutions with its products Peruri Sign, Peruri Code and Peruri Trust.
PT Pupuk Indonesia, the holding company for state-owned fertilizer producers, has implemented a “Smart Production” system that uses big data and integrates several data including operational data and distributed control systems. The system is expected to increase efficiency of operations and monitors production processes in real-time. The company also implements a ‘Smart Distribution’ system that integrates data in the warehouse all the way through the ports. Another smart product is the PreciPalm or Precision Agricuture Platform for Palm Oil that provides digital maps on soil condition in oil palm plantation that can give recommendations for fertilization.
Indonesian pharmaceutical holding company PT Bio Farma displays “bio tracking”, “bio detect” and an integrated packaging line for vaccine distributions. A thermal sensor and a GPS are installed in vaccine transporting vehicles to monitor temperatures inside the vehicles and their real-time position. Bio Farma hopes to expand to Eastern Europe following HM21. PT Indofarma promotes several premium products and seeks to attract foreign investment in pharmaceutical and herbal products. PT Kimia Farma, another state-owned pharmaceutical company also joins the exhibition, alongside its subsidiary PT Kimia Farma Sungwun Phramacopia.
The largest port operator in Indonesia, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II is showcasing several of its latest innovations, including i-Hub, an application for one-stop port service and e-government solutions National Single Window and Online Single Submission.
In line with transforming into a digital telecommunications company, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia brought several digital solutions, including digital connectivity, digital platform and digital service, all being displayed at HM21.
PT INKA, the first integrated train manufacturer in Southeast Asia, presents ‘E-Inobus’, an electric bus that was produced in a configurable virtual workstation concept. The nation’s shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia introduces a dual fuel (diesel and LNG) barge-mounted plant, a floating power plant that can be operated in shallow waters and remote regions.
Another state-owned company attending Hannover Messe is PT Barata Indonesia, which produces various machinery and components for power plants and trains. The company expects to expand its market and joins the global supply chain for industrial components.
“Leadership and technology transformation will create a momentum that will not only pull us out of this pandemic but will push us to leap further ahead,” Thohir said. Indonesia’s participation in Hannover Messe 2021 does push state-owned companies in going global, and it opens opportunities in forging business partnerships and investment cooperation with international companies towards building the future of industry 4.0.
Volcano Berhad (“VOLCANO”, Stock Code: 0232), a leading international manufacturer of nameplates and plastic injection moulded parts, successfully listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities”) today.
From left: Volcano Berhad’s Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer Khoo Boo Wui, Executive Director Gan Yew Thiam, Managing Director Datuk Ch’ng Huat Seng, Executive Director Yeap Guan Seng and Executive Director Dato’ Wong Tze Peng
Chairman of Volcano, Ms. Wong Wan Chin, said: “Aside from making the Group more visible, this IPO will also help with the expansion of Volcano. In today’s highly competitive business environment, this expansion will accelerate our move towards automation and streamline our manufacturing process to ensure sustainable growth. We seek to capitalise on our current regional presence, particularly in Thailand and Singapore, to tap into the immense business opportunities available from the rising growth of the electrical and electronics and automotive industries.”
Volcano’s foreign market accounts for more than 95% of overall revenue in the financial year ended 31 December 2020. Multinational companies comprise 90% of the sales including some leading brand names such as Bernina, Hewlett Packard, Fisher & Paykel Thailand, Donaldson Thailand, Sharp Indonesia and Panasonic Thailand.
Today’s listing follows from the Balloting Ceremony on 26 March where Volcano recorded an overall oversubscription rate of 176.60 times from the new shares made available to the Malaysian public.
“While we are humbled by the reception to our IPO from the investing public, we also recognise there are challenges with the fluctuation in raw material prices, exchange rates and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, I am confident that Volcano will thrive as we have the knowledge, we came from hard work and experience, and we have a team of loyal, talented, committed and resourceful people. They are indeed the greatest asset of the Group. Given this, we are optimistic about our growth and future moving forward,” said Wong.
Trading of Volcano shares on Bursa Securities on a ready basis commenced at 9:00 A.M. (Malaysian time) on 6 April 2021, under the stock name of VOLCANO and Stock Code: 0232.
TA Securities Holdings Berhad is the Principal Adviser, Sole Placement Agent, Sole Underwriter and Sponsor for the IPO exercise.
Proceeds of private placement to be used for new machinery and construction project funding
Main Market-listed Central Global Berhad (CGB) has proposed a private placement of up to 18 million new shares representing not more than 20% of the Group’s total number of issued shares to qualified third-party investors to be identified at a later date.
Central Global Berhad’s factory in Sungai Petani, Kedah
CGB is a manufacturer of specialised industrial tapes and label stocks that pioneered industrial hi-temp masking tapes manufacturing and is a one-stop solution provider for crepe paper masking. The Group’s other business is construction, where it is currently mostly active in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.
The proposed placement may be implemented in several tranches within six months from the date of approval from Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities”), with there being potentially several price-fixing dates and issue prices of the placement shares to be determined separately and fixed by the Board of Directors of CGB after the approval from Bursa Securities. These new shares[1] will carry the same rights as the existing issued shares.
The proceeds from the private placement will be used for a new masking tape coater production line, funding for an existing construction project, working capital and, estimated expenses related to the private placement exercise.
The Group’s Board of Directors have laid out plans to fortify the manufacturing business while at the same time expand the construction business through more contracts.
CGB executive chairman Dato’ Faisal Zelman said, “The private placement exercise is in line with our plans for the production of masking tapes in the Group’s manufacturing business. We want to focus on keeping critical production volumes up, undertake efforts to drive efficiencies in production that can minimise wastage as well as ensure consistency in product quality, which is key to recurring orders especially for our export orders.”
“We are also using the proceeds to fund a project in Pulau Pinang from our construction business. We were awarded this project in January 2020 and work commenced in July 2020. We will continue to undertake construction projects and have tendered for several projects. A portion of the proceeds from the private placement exercise will also be used for working capital purposes as well as accelerating future business expansion.”
TA Securities Holdings Berhad has been appointed the advisor and the placement agent for the proposed private placement.
[1] Such new shares will not be entitled to any dividends, rights, allotments and/or any other distributions which may be declared, made or paid to the Company’s shareholders unless such new shares were allotted and issued on or before the entitlement date of such rights, allotments and/or other distributions.
Widad Business Group Sdn Bhd (WBG), an integrated facility management, property and construction conglomerate, has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Bin Zayed International LLC (BZI) to jointly develop the RM40 billion mixed-development project known as Widad@Langkasuka in Langkawi.
The signing ceremony held yesterday at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur was witnessed by Prime Minister Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Bin Haji Mohd Yassin, Chief Minister of Kedah Y.A.B. Tuan Haji Muhammad Sanusi Bin Md Noor, Y.B. Senior Minister and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, and Y.B. Widad Business Group founder and group executive chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal.
The agreement was signed by Widad Business Group executive director Dato’ Dr Rizal and Bin Zayed International Group Managing Director Sheikh Midhat Kidwai, paving the way for both parties to jointly develop and construct Widad@Langkasuka. They will also be working together to coordinate with the state government and relevant contractors and consultants concerning the infrastructural development, construction and other works comprised in the project.
BZI is part of the Bin Zayed Group of Companies, a Dubai-based conglomerate that specialises in construction and energy, trading and industry, real estate, technology and financial services. The company was first established in 1988 by Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family as well as a prominent business leader and philanthropist in the Gulf states.
Sheikh Khaled holds pivotal positions in several private and public organizations. Currently, he is Chairman of Injaz, a youth-centred non-profit organization, as well as President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation. He previously served as Chairman of Tamweel, a Shariah-compliant property mortgage and finance corporation and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank.
Meanwhile, Widad Business Group is a wholly Bumiputera private company owned by Kedah-born Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal Opat bin Abdullah, who is also a majority stakeholder of Bursa-listed Widad Group Berhad and Dataprep Holdings Berhad.
Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal said: “Widad@Langkasuka is a development that is set to transform the landscape of Langkawi and the state of Kedah. For a project of such size and significance, it is important that we collaborate with a partner that possesses the necessary technical expertise and shares the same vision as we do. Therefore, WBG is honoured for the opportunity to work with Bin Zayed Group and Sheikh Khaled, and we look forward to combining our strengths to ensure its successful completion.
“The WBG-BZI strategic partnership demonstrates the great confidence in this high impact project, which will put Langkawi on the global map and transform it into a centre of regional and worldwide attractions,” he added.
To recap, the announcement of the project commencement was made in Kedah by Menteri Besar of Kedah Y.A.B. Tuan Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor on January 20, 2021. It is expected to be completed within 15 to 20 years.
Worth an estimated gross development value of RM40 billion, Widad@Langkasuka is a modern development with an Islamic and tropical vernacular concept that will change the landscape of Pulau Langkawi and become the main attraction of the island. Currently, almost 90% of the 1,979 acre site consists of the ocean, therefore WBG intends to erect a man-made island which will eventually span approximately 1,000 acres or 50% of the entire area.
Once completed, Widad@Langkasuka will comprise tourism components such as five and six star hotel & resorts, an international golf course located beside the ‘Marina Yacht Club’, an international business and office complex, shopping malls, higher learning institutions, healthcare facilities and luxury residences. The Group also plans to organise annual events such as “Redbull Air Race”, “Power Boat Race”, “Jet Ski Race”, international fireworks festivals and other culture & art showcases to promote tourism here.
Issued by: Sense Consultancy on behalf of Widad Business Group
For further media enquiries please contact: Jaz Ng Tel: +6012 202 0096 Email: jaz@leesense.com
