ANOTHER milestone is on the way for Hotayi Electronic (M) Sdn Bhd as they celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of a new plant called ‘Hotayi BK2’ in Batu Kawan today.
Founded in 1992, the company is hopeful of celebrating not one but two achievements next year, which is its three decades of existence and expected completion of the new plant in April.
It was learnt that Hotayi will be investing a total of RM300 million on this expansion project.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the groundbreaking ceremony, commended Hotayi on their latest project and was impressed that the new plant would be equipped with smart, green and nature-friendly concept.
He also went down memory lane, recalling when he witnessed the opening of ‘Hotayi on the Hill’ project in 2019.
“Two years ago, I was here for the opening of ‘Hotayi on the Hill’, and today, I’m glad to be here again to be part of the next step in making this latest expansion project a reality.
‘I am also pleased to see Hotayi continue to flourish here in Penang and is now one of the global leading Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) companies in Malaysia.
“Following Taiwan’s new southbound policy, Hotayi made the bold decision in 2017 to expand its production here, creating new jobs and strengthening strategic partnerships with clients in this region.
“I understand that through this new expansion project, Hotayi is expected to create some 600 high value jobs upon completion in April 2022.
“The company has been actively cultivating engineering talents and skilled workers, and this new expansion project will undoubtedly broaden this effort and further sharpen the competitiveness of the local workforce,” Chow said during his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony in Batu Kawan today.
Meanwhile, Hotayi chairman Datuk Seri Lee Hung Lung expressed his profound gratitude to the state government, contractors and relevant parties for making the expansion project a reality.
“It would not have been possible without the collective effort by all these groups of people.
“They made it happen.
“Despite the growing concerns and uncertainties due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the decision to expand was a tribute to the hard work of everyone”, Lee said during his speech.
Representative from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office, Dr Lien Yu-Ping, said that Malaysia and Taiwan have maintained a very strong economic relationship over the years.
“Today’s event is a proof that these two countries share a strong bond with one another.
“Penang is a popular hub filled with high-tech individuals, working and contributing immensely in the electrical and electronics industry.
“It is hoped that despite the current challenges in the form of Covid-19, may this new plant be a platform to hire high-performing individuals and may they all continue to flourish in their respective roles,” Lien said.
Separately, Chow also said Hotayi shares the vision of nurturing talent, particularly in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“They have been very supportive of the projects that spur interest in STEM amongst the young generation by contributing to the Tech Dome Penang Project.
“In addition, they have also been actively involved in social charity activities, education and medical care, especially for those affected by this Covid-induced mayhem,” he added.
Also present during the ceremony were State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Noor Siti Nadilah Noorazis