DEXCOM, a global leader in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology for diabetic patients, has successfully opened its first manufacturing facility in Penang.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the opening ceremony, said the new facility signifies an important milestone not only for the company but also for Penang’s growing industrial landscape.
“Today’s opening ceremony marks a significant milestone for Dexcom, as we celebrate the launch of not only the company’s first manufacturing facility in Penang but also its first outside of the United States.
“This strategic investment of RM2.83 billion will bring more than 3,000 jobs to the state, contributing to a workforce that is set to positively impact the lives of over 3 million people worldwide.
“The establishment of this new facility highlights Dexcom’s continued commitment to taking control of health through innovative continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.
“It also reaffirms Penang’s reputation as a global hub for advanced technological industries, reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for high-quality manufacturing and innovation,” Chow added.
Dexcom Inc. is headquartered in San Diego, California, and was founded in 1999.
Meanwhile, Chow also shared that, building on over 50 years of industry excellence, Penang is on the right path towards becoming the MedTech Hub of Southeast Asia.
“Housing the largest number of MedTech companies nationally and regionally, Penang remains a highly attractive location for its infrastructure availability and ecosystem that meet the needs of the MedTech industry.
“For the past five years (2019 to 2023), Penang garnered a total of RM5.8 billion worth of investments in the Scientific & Measuring Equipment sector.
“This represents 45% of the country’s total investment in this sector, involving 33 projects and generating an estimated 4,630 employment opportunities,” Chow said.
It is learned that, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Penang remained the nation’s top exporter in September, with 37.5%, or RM46.5 billion, of total trade.
“Over the past five years, Penang recorded exports in professional, scientific, and controlling instruments and apparatus, including medical devices, at RM149 billion, representing an average of 67% of the nation’s total during that period.
“To date, Penang has the highest concentration of medical technology companies in Malaysia and Southeast Asia,” he said.
Chow also thanked the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and InvestPenang for their longstanding efforts in maintaining Penang’s position and for leading initiatives that make Penang a preferred location for investors.
Also present were Penang Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar, Bukit Tambun state assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Dexcom Malaysia managing director and vice-president of operations Columba McGarvey, Dexcom executive vice-president of operations Barry Regan, Dexcom chief operating officer Jake Leach, and other dignitaries.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Siew Chia En