MIDA's National Supply Chain Conference see Job Fair attendees soar

The National Supply Chain Conference on Rail Projects organised by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) was held today at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur.

It attracted an overwhelming interest of more than 2,000 participants ranging from industry players as well as local authorities, business chambers and embassies.

There was a panel presentation which discussed the opportunities available in the supply chains of the infrastructure projects that are currently taking place in Malaysia.

The session, which was moderated by Mr Ibrahim Sani of Astro Awani, featured speakers from Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (SPAD), Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana), Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MRT Corp), Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd. (MRL) and MyHSR Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MyHSRCorp).

There were also 28 key exhibits mainly focusing on the development of the rail projects in Malaysia, including Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) and other rail-related industry players.

During his welcome remarks, Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA said, “Developing opportunities for SMEs to participate in the supply chains of the MNCs in Malaysia has been an on-going effort of MIDA.

Recognising that infrastructure development is an important catalyst to promote investments to spur the country’s economic growth, we are intensifying efforts to promote sustainable linkages between all stakeholders.

We want to encourage the transfer of advanced technology, increase of employment opportunities and talent development as well as sustain the growth of local industry players including SMEs in various related industry sectors.”

In addition to the integrated public transportation system in Greater Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, the Government is currently developing other rail projects to connect different parts of the country.

For example, the High Speed Rail connecting Kuala Lumpur and East Jurong, Singapore; and the East Coast Rail Link between Port Klang to Tumpat, Kelantan will further grow the industrial clusters such as manufacturing facilities and services hubs along these railway corridors.

“Our work in ensuring a comprehensive ecosystem for Malaysia does not end here. MIDA has also embarked on a nationwide series to spur the development of industrial parks.

Our Industrial Park Forum is a response to meet the needs of new emerging industries, particularly in terms of internet connectivity, industry 4.0 elements, efficient management of park facilities, eco-waste management and adequate supply of utility requirements.

In the context of the rail industry, the Malaysia Rail Industry Corporation (MARIC), a group of 31 local rail industry companies, has come out with a proposal to set up a dedicated industrial park to streamline the rail industrial ecosystem.

We are following closely on the development of this proposal and stand ready to assist where necessary,” added the MIDA CEO.

In conjunction to the Supply Chain conference, MIDA is holding a 2-day Career Fair which gave job seekers the opportunity to attend open interviews.

The event was participated by 100 companies from a range of industries including the rail industry and offered 20,000 vacancies at different levels.

There was also an exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between MyHSR Corporation and various institutions of higher learning to embed rail-related curriculum in their programmes.

This exchange underscores the commitment and interest by all parties in churning out future-ready talents in tandem with the growth of this industry.

--Bernama