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NIK ZAFRI BIN ABDUL MAJID,
CONSULTANT/TRAINER
Email: nikzafri@yahoo.com, nikzafri@gmail.com
https://nikzafri.wixsite.com/nikzafri

Kelantanese, Alumni of Sultan Ismail College Kelantan (SICA), IT Competency Cert, Certified Written English Professional US. Has participated in many seminars/conferences (local/ international) in the capacity of trainer/lecturer and participant.

Affiliations :- Network Member of Gerson Lehrman Group, Institute of Quality Malaysia, Auditor ISO 9000 IRCAUK, Auditor OHSMS (SIRIM and STS) /EMS ISO 14000 and Construction Quality Assessment System CONQUAS, CIDB (Now BCA) Singapore),

* Possesses almost 30 years of experience/hands-on in the multi-modern management & technical disciplines (systems & methodologies) such as Knowledge Management (Hi-Impact Management/ICT Solutions), Quality (TQM/ISO), Safety Health Environment, Civil & Building (Construction), Manufacturing, Motivation & Team Building, HR, Marketing/Branding, Business Process Reengineering, Economy/Stock Market, Contracts/Project Management, Finance & Banking, etc. He was employed to international bluechips involving in national/international megaprojects such as Balfour Beatty Construction/Knight Piesold & Partners UK, MMI Insurance Group Australia, Hazama Corporation (Hazamagumi) Japan (with Mitsubishi Corporation, JA Jones US, MMCE and Ho-Hup) and Sunway Construction Berhad (The Sunway Group of Companies). Among major projects undertaken : Pergau Hydro Electric Project, KLCC Petronas Twin Towers, LRT Tunnelling, KLIA, Petronas Refineries Melaka, Putrajaya Government Complex, Sistem Lingkaran Lebuhraya Kajang (SILK), Mex Highway, KLIA1, KLIA2 etc. Once serviced SMPD Management Consultants as Associate Consultant cum Lecturer for Diploma in Management, Institute of Supervisory Management UK/SMPD JV. Currently – Associate/Visiting Consultants/Facilitators, Advisors for leading consulting firms (local and international) including project management. To name a few – Noma SWO Consult, Amiosh Resources, Timur West Consultant Sdn. Bhd., TIJ Consultants Group (Malaysia and Singapore) and many others.

* Ex-Resident Weekly Columnist of Utusan Malaysia (1995-1998) and have produced more than 100 articles related to ISO-9000– Management System and Documentation Models, TQM Strategic Management, Occupational Safety and Health (now OHSAS 18000) and Environmental Management Systems ISO 14000. His write-ups/experience has assisted many students/researchers alike in module developments based on competency or academics and completion of many theses. Once commended by the then Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia for his diligence in promoting and training the civil services (government sector) based on “Total Quality Management and Quality Management System ISO-9000 in Malaysian Civil Service – Paradigm Shift Scalar for Assessment System”

Among Nik Zafri’s clients : Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd, (MRP II, Accounts/Credit Control) The HQ of Royal Customs and Excise Malaysia (ISO 9000), Veterinary Services Dept. Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Aspects of Project Management – KLCC construction), Corporate HQ of RHB (Peter Drucker's MBO/KRA), NEC Semiconductor - Klang Selangor (Productivity Management), Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia (ISO 9000), State Secretarial Office Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), Hidrological Department KL (ISO 9000), Asahi Kluang Johor(System Audit, Management/Supervisory Development), Tunku Mahmood (2) Primary School Kluang Johor (ISO 9000), Consortium PANZANA (HSSE 3rd Party Audit), Lecturer for Information Technology Training Centre (ITTC) – Authorised Training Center (ATC) – University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) Kluang Branch Johor, Kluang General Hospital Johor (Management/Supervision Development, Office Technology/Administration, ISO 9000 & Construction Management), Kahang Timur Secondary School Johor (ISO 9000), Sultan Abdul Jalil Secondary School Kluang Johor (Islamic Motivation and Team Building), Guocera Tiles Industries Kluang Johor (EMS ISO 14000), MNE Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. Kota Tinggi Johor (ISO 9000 – Construction), UITM Shah Alam Selangor (Knowledge Management/Knowledge Based Economy /TQM), Telesystem Electronics/Digico Cable(ODM/OEM for Astro – ISO 9000), Sungai Long Industries Sdn. Bhd. (Bina Puri Group) - ISO 9000 Construction), Secura Security Printing Sdn. Bhd,(ISO 9000 – Security Printing) ROTOL AMS Bumi Sdn. Bhd & ROTOL Architectural Services Sdn. Bhd. (ROTOL Group) – ISO 9000 –Architecture, Bond M & E (KL) Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9000 – Construction/M & E), Skyline Telco (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Knowledge Management),Technochase Sdn. Bhd JB (ISO 9000 – Construction), Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM – ISO 9000 & Internal Audit Refresher), Shinryo/Steamline Consortium (Petronas/OGP Power Co-Generation Plant Melaka – Construction Management and Safety, Health, Environment), Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Negotiation Skills), Association for Retired Intelligence Operatives of Malaysia (Cyber Security – Arpa/NSFUsenet, Cobit, Till, ISO/IEC ISMS 27000 for Law/Enforcement/Military), T.Yamaichi Corp. (M) Sdn. Bhd. (EMS ISO 14000) LSB Manufacturing Solutions Sdn. Bhd., (Lean Scoreboard (including a full development of System-Software-Application - MSC Malaysia & Six Sigma) PJZ Marine Services Sdn. Bhd., (Safety Management Systems and Internal Audit based on International Marine Organization Standards) UNITAR/UNTEC (Degree in Accountacy – Career Path/Roadmap) Cobrain Holdings Sdn. Bhd.(Managing Construction Safety & Health), Speaker for International Finance & Management Strategy (Closed Conference), Pembinaan Jaya Zira Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9001:2008-Internal Audit for Construction Industry & Overview of version 2015), Straits Consulting Engineers Sdn. Bhd. (Full Integrated Management System – ISO 9000, OHSAS 18000 (ISO 45000) and EMS ISO 14000 for Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Consulting), Malaysia Management & Science University (MSU – (Managing Business in an Organization), Innoseven Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 MSPR8 – Awareness and Internal Audit (Construction), ISO 9001:2008 and 2015 overview for the Construction Industry), Kemakmuran Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 - Signages/Wayfinding - Project Quality Plan and Construction Method Statement ), Lembaga Tabung Haji - Flood ERP, WNA Consultants - DID/JPS -Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plan - Prelim, Conceptual Design, Interim and Final Report etc., Tunnel Fire Safety - Fire Risk Assessment Report - Design Fire Scenario), Safety, Health and Environmental Management Plans leading construction/property companies/corporations in Malaysia, Timur West Consultant : Business Methodology and System, Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya ISMS/Audit/Risk/ITP Technical Team, MPDT Capital Berhad - ISO 9001: 2015 - Consultancy, Construction, Project Rehabilitation, Desalination (first one in Malaysia to receive certification on trades such as Reverse Osmosis Seawater Desalination and Project Recovery/Rehabilitation)

* Has appeared for 10 consecutive series in “Good Morning Malaysia RTM TV1’ Corporate Talk Segment discussing on ISO 9000/14000 in various industries. For ICT, his inputs garnered from his expertise have successfully led to development of work-process e-enabling systems in the environments of intranet, portal and interactive web design especially for the construction and manufacturing. Some of the end products have won various competitions of innovativeness, quality, continual-improvements and construction industry award at national level. He has also in advisory capacity – involved in development and moderation of websites, portals and e-profiles for mainly corporate and private sectors, public figures etc. He is also one of the recipients for MOSTE Innovation for RFID use in Electronic Toll Collection in Malaysia.

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Sunday, November 17, 2024

THE MERGER BETWEEN CELCOM AND DIGI - WHAT IS THE EFFECT ON UMOBILE? WHAT'S THE FUSS? - Personal Opinion - Nik Zafri


(Disclaimer : This is only my personal opinion and I am not representing any of the Telcos mentioned below - Please refer to the legit sources)

The merger of CelcomDigi may have impacted U Mobile in a few ways.

Firstly, CelcomDigi has emerged as a major competitor, holding a dominant market position in Malaysia with an estimated 50% revenue share. U Mobile, in comparison, holds about 13% of the market, making it the third-largest player behind Maxis and the newly formed CelcomDigi.

However, the merger has also opened opportunities for collaboration. U Mobile and CelcomDigi have engaged in infrastructure-sharing initiatives, such as sharing 4G sites across Malaysia, which helps both companies expand their network coverage while controlling costs. Additionally, U Mobile has continued to compete in the 5G space, having secured the rights to be one of the providers of Malaysia's second 5G network, which promotes competition and offers alternatives to CelcomDigi’s 5G offerings​

The recent news about the government not being able to revise U Mobile's 5G license relates to the broader regulatory environment and the ongoing development of the country’s dual 5G network.


As of now, U Mobile has been selected as the second 5G network provider in Malaysia. This decision was based on several factors, including U Mobile's business and technical capabilities, as well as its contributions to previous telecommunications projects. The government’s stance suggests that the selection process for 5G licenses is largely settled, with U Mobile being confirmed as a major player in the country's 5G rollout.

However, U Mobile faces challenges, including the need for a strong financial partner to successfully deploy the second 5G network. Despite its smaller size compared to other providers like CelcomDigi and Maxis, U Mobile has expressed confidence in its ability to manage the 5G rollout independently if necessary. This confidence comes from its history of rapid network expansion and commitment to delivering competitive digital services in Malaysia.

U Mobile should also look on strategic partnerships and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. This includes aligning its shareholding structure to adhere to local guidelines, especially regarding foreign ownership limits. These steps are crucial to securing its position in the competitive 5G landscape and ensuring a smooth deployment of the second 5G network​

Monday, November 11, 2024

Trump’s presidency raises concerns for US investments in Malaysia’s semiconductor, data centre

 


Malaysia might experience a slowdown in investments as US firms focus on strengthening local operations

by SHAUQI WAHAB

Original Link : https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/11/11/trumps-presidency-raises-concerns-for-us-investments-in-malaysias-semiconductor-data-centre/

DONALD Trump’s return to power after winning the recent US presidential elections against Democratic party’s Kamala Harris is stirring anticipation and concern within global industries.

The focus now is on the possibility of Trump repealing or significantly altering the CHIPS and Science Act, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the global semiconductor landscape.

The act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2022, allocated US$52 billion (RM288.91 billion) to support US semiconductor manufacturing.

Analysts are speculating that Trump may seek to revise the Act to place greater emphasis on domestic production rather than collaborating with international partners like Malaysia, affecting US-based companies such as Intel Corp, Texas Instruments Inc and Western Digital Corp.

Independent researcher and Noma SWO Consult associate partner Nik Zafri Abdul Majid said Trump’s policies are likely to focus heavily on reshoring production to the US, reducing dependence on foreign manufacturing.

He explained that Malaysia might experience a slowdown in investments as US companies focus on strengthening local operations instead of relying on international supply chains, as witnessed during Trump’s previous administration.

According to Wong, Malaysia must invest in local talent and create a robust environment for global companies to thrive (Pic courtesy of Wong)


Semiconductor Reshoring, Malaysia’s Strategic Position as Neutral Player

Although reshoring could present challenges, Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai said Malaysia has the potential to leverage changes in US trade policies as an opportunity to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem.

He opined that Malaysia must invest in local talent and create a robust environment for global companies to thrive.

“To capture this once-in-a-generation opportunity of the semiconductor industry forecasted to grow to RM4.4 trillion by 2030, Malaysia needs to cultivate its talent and attract top-tier global talent to contribute to Malaysia’s aspiration to move up the value chain,” he said.

Despite the challenges posed by shifting US policies, Malaysia could stand to benefit from its strategic positioning as a neutral, non-aligned country.

Wong pointed out that Malaysia continues to be an attractive investment destination due to its stable political environment and strong relationships with both the US and China.

“Malaysia will continue to benefit from the ‘Plus One (+1)’ strategy. This trend encourages companies from the US, China and Europe to diversify their investments by considering Malaysia as a stable and strategic location to mitigate their risks.”

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, Malaysia’s neutrality allows the country to attract investments from both sides of the trade war.

Wong stressed that Malaysia must take advantage of this positioning by accelerating its development of a competitive semiconductor ecosystem.

As businesses shift away from China, Malaysia’s role in global supply chains could grow significantly, says Innes (Pic courtesy of Innes)

This includes initiatives such as the National Semiconductor Strategy, enhancing Malaysia’s standing in the global semiconductor market.

By fostering strong relationships with global players and focusing on innovation and talent development, Wong believes Malaysia could secure a leadership position in the industry, even if global trade dynamics shift.

Meanwhile, SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes believes while the US-China trade war continues to create volatility, Malaysia could still be poised for growth due to its central position in South-East Asia.

He said Malaysia stands at a crossroads, potentially emerging as the region’s “Silicon Valley”.

“In a region brimming with opportunity, Malaysia stands poised to position itself as a linch-pin for Asia Pacific trade, deftly navigating the US-China rivalry while keeping doors open to both economic powerhouses.”

Innes then elaborated on the potential of the semiconductor industry in Malaysia, citing the BRICS agreement as a possible avenue for growth through increased regional cooperation.

However, he remained optimistic about Malaysia’s resilience even if Trump was to repeal the Chips Act.

Additionally, he opined that Trump’s strict policies may transform Malaysia’s export landscape, in which electronics, palm oil and machinery exports may face shifting demand dynamics, yet with a huge upside.

“As businesses look to diversify away from China, Malaysia’s role in critical global supply chains could expand exponentially,” he added.

Trump may seek to revise the Act to place greater emphasis on domestic production rather than collaborating with international partners, affecting US-based company such as Western Digital (pic: Bloomberg)

Impact of the US-China Trade War on Malaysia’s Semiconductor Industry

Trump’s approach to trade, particularly his imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods, remains a key concern for Malaysia.

While the US continues to grapple with its trade deficit, the tariffs have created volatility in the global supply chain, especially for countries like Malaysia that depend on both US and Chinese imports and exports.

Universiti Malaya’s finance expert in Business and Economics Faculty Dr Aidil Rizal Shahrin discussed the ongoing uncertainty that these trade dynamics create for Malaysian businesses, notably the retaliatory tariff on Chinese goods.

“In terms of Malaysia’s exports, this trade war creates more uncertainty. Prices also become volatile, making it harder for businesses to plan,” he told TMR.

He said it is challenging for exporters and importers in Malaysia who are already dealing with currency risks.

The continuation of these trade tensions could further complicate Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, which relies on an intricate global supply chain.

Aidil Rizal added that the trade war has not shown clear economic benefits for the US, and it remains uncertain whether Trump would re-evaluate the retaliatory tariffs that continue to affect global trade.

He also pointed out how these shifting policies, compounded by currency volatility, make it more difficult for businesses to plan effectively.

He noted that the depreciation of ringgit could have a mixed impact on exports and imports.

“When ringgit depreciates, exports become relatively cheaper for foreigners, while imports become relatively expensive for Malaysians and vice versa.”

The ongoing trade war could worsen this situation, as businesses face rising costs from tariffs and fluctuating exchange rates.

Trump’s Tax Policies and Their Economic Consequences

Another major concern of a Trump presidency is the possibility for changes to tax policies, particularly those impacting corporations and individual income taxes.

Aidil Rizal said Trump’s previous administration saw the introduction of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which included corporate tax reductions aimed at stimulating economic growth.

These cuts, he said, led to an increase in the US government’s deficit.

Trump has suggested that similar tax cuts could be a central part of his 2024 campaign platform, which could further strain the US budget.

“If this promise (of more tax cuts) is delivered, it would put more strain on US debt, around US$35 trillion today,” Aidil Rizal added.

Such changes might indirectly impact Malaysia’s economy through shifts in global investment patterns and currency fluctuations.

Meanwhile, Bank Islam’s chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid warned that while tax cuts might boost the US economy in the short term, the long-term implications could be problematic as the country is still in a large amount of debt.

“Given that Malaysia’s GDP growth has historically shown a 70% correlation with US economic performance, a slowdown in US growth could dampen Malaysia’s economic expansion as well,” he said.

Hence, any disruptions to US fiscal policy could ripple across the globe and affect Malaysia as well.

He also pointed out that Malaysia’s financial relationship with the US could be affected by Trump’s tax policies.

Mohd Afzanizam said the Double Taxation Agreement between the US and Malaysia is designed to prevent double taxation on income.

Therefore, he said if Trump pursues further tax cuts, this could complicate the tax landscape and create additional burdens for businesses operating between the two countries.

Any disruptions to US fiscal policy could ripple across the globe and affect Malaysia as well, opines Mohd Afzanizam (Source: Media Mulia)

US-M’sia Partnership: Insights, Future Economic Prospects

For concerns on the future economy, International Islamic University Malaysia’s economist and expert on international trade relations Prof Dr Azhar Mohamad shared his insights into the future of the US-Malaysia relations under the Trump administration.

He noted that Trump’s “America First” focus could lead to a more protectionist stance, which would have ripple effects on global trade, especially for countries like Malaysia that depend on both US and Chinese investments.

“If similar policies are reinstated, there might be a strategic shift encouraging US technology firms to prioritise domestic investments over foreign ventures,” he told TMR.

However, he remained cautiously optimistic, stressing Malaysia’s strengths in diversifying its economic relationships.

Azhar said Malaysia’s focus on economic diversification and strengthening ties within Asean and other regions would give the resilience needed to mitigate some of the risks posed by potential US policy shifts.

Trump’s foreign policy has traditionally been marked by isolationism, particularly in his withdrawal from multilateral agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

His stance on these issues could have long-term consequences for the US-Malaysia relations.

Malaysia needs to cultivate its talent to move up the value-chain (pic: TMRpic)

Meanwhile, Aidil Rizal speculated that Trump might continue with his previous withdrawal from the TPP, which could cause some South-East Asia countries to strengthen their ties with China instead.

It could affect Malaysia’s trade relationships, potentially leaving a vacuum that China will likely fill with its Belt and Road Initiative.

Despite these potential challenges, Wong believes that Malaysia will continue to navigate these complexities by focusing on its own economic resilience.

Finally, Mohd Afzanizam noted that while Trump may continue his isolationist policies, Malaysia’s emphasis on regional cooperation through initiatives like the Asean Economic Community and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership provides a buffer.

He said Trump may withdraw from multilateral frameworks, but Malaysia has already positioned itself as a key player in regional trade agreements, ensuring that the country remains well-integrated into the global economy.

This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

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