The Launching Ceremony of The 12 Waves – PKT Logistics Group

Speech by Chief Minister of Penang

At The Launching Ceremony of The 12 Waves – PKT Logistics Group

18 August 2018 @ 9.00 a.m.

The 12 Waves, Bandar Cassia

Datuk Wira Jalilah Baba, PKT Logistics Group Chairman

Dato’ Michael Tio, CEO of PKT Logistics Group

YB. Zairil Khir Johari, EXCO Kerja Raya, Utiliti dan Tebatan Banjir Pulau Pinang

YB. Goh Choon Aik, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Bukit Tambun

YB. Chris Lee Chun Kit, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Pulau Tikus

YBhg. Dato' Sr Haji Rozali bin Haji Mohammad, YDP Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai

YB. Dato’ Ammar Bin Dato’ Shaikh Mahmood Naim, Setiausaha Negeri Kedah

YBhg. Dato' Rosli bin Jaafar, General Manager of Penang Development Corporation

Pn. Yusni Md Yusop, Director of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

Pn. Roeslina Abbas, Director of Business Services & Supply Chain Innovation Division

Mr. Yukata Hinooka, Executive Officer, Mitsui O.S.K Lines, Ltd.

Invited guests

Members of the media

Ladies and gentlemen

A very good morning to all of you.

I am pleased to be invited to join you in launching The 12 Waves here in Batu Kawan. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate PKT Logistics Group, particularly Dato’ Michael Tio, for successfully growing the business from strength to strength to become a leading logistics company in Malaysia with international presence in ASEAN and North Asia. Considering that PKT started off operating from just a terrace house back in 1974, what they have achieved to-date prove that success cares not about the beginning but the grit along the process.

On that note, I am delighted that PKT Logistics Group decided to drive their next phase of growth here in Penang – the Silicon Valley of the East, the dynamic import and export gateway of Malaysia’s northern region, the prominent logistic hub of the nation, and not the least, a preferred destination of investment in ASEAN.

Situated in Penang and close to the Penang airport and seaport, The 12 Waves plays a key role in supporting the cross border logistics needs of manufacturing companies such as Mazda, BMW, Peugeot, Kia and Hyundai, enabling them to assemble cars in our neighbouring state Kedah and then export them to the ASEAN region. Besides that, being situated in the fast growing Batu Kawan Industrial Park and next to the Second Penang Bridge, it is also supporting the JIT (Just-In-Time) logistics of companies such as Jabil, VAT and Boon Siew Honda.

Logistics is a thriving industry in Penang because it plays an integral role in supporting the supply chain ecosystem of our vibrant and sophisticated manufacturing sector. Just last year, Penang recorded a total approved manufacturing investment valued at RM10.8 billion, besting our 2016’s record by an astonishing 152%, and the second highest in Malaysia.

According to an article by The World Bank, three of the key factors in building a good logistics hub are connectivity, infrastructure and processes, and private sector participation. Penang is blessed to have a wide array of connectivity options on land, sea and air through our 2 internationally renowned bridges, the upcoming Penang Sentral Integrated Transport Hub, Penang Port and the soon-to-be-expanded Penang International Airport. Both our seaport and airport have been tipped to see growth in the movement of cargoes this year in tandem with the positive projection for the semiconductor and electronics industries – with the likes of Broadcom expecting to hit export value of RM65 billion or 8% of Malaysia’s total exports in 2018.

We do not lose out when it comes to our world-class infrastructures as well. The 12 Waves is one of such examples where it embodies optimum functionality, state-of-the-art technology and artistic design to create an iconic warehouse which will add further to the state’s capabilities as a major logistics hub in the region.

I was informed that The 12 Waves currently holds 2 records in the country as The Longest Warehouse in Malaysia with the length of 684 metres, with the other being the Biggest Single Storey Warehouse at 645,640 square feet. Congratulations to PKT Logistics Group for such achievements. On top of that, the company spent RM3 million to add a unique feature to this space – a Japanese Garden, curated by garden specialist flown in from Tokyo, which will be opened to the public soon.

As recent as last week, the Federal Government has announced that a low-cost carrier terminal – a second in the country – will be built in Penang to support the influx of arrivals into the state, and to be fostered upon the model of public-private partnership with AirAsia and Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad. Not only will this fast-track the development process of keeping up with our flourishing industries, but it will also make the business commercially nimble to evolve with the environment.

It is heartening to hear that the private sectors, one such as PKT Logistics Group, also support the State’s vision for grooming our talents. The 12 Waves hosts a TVET training centre to provide education to SPM leavers who are unable to afford further education but are interested to make a career in the logistics industry. I truly applaud this initiative, and I am delighted to be presenting the Certificate for Logistics Operations to 13 students from the centre shortly after this.

Besides the TVET training centre, PKT Logistics also embarked on CSR activities in Batu Kawan by introducing their Anak Belajar Ibu Bekerja or ABIB program in this hub. This program hopes to empower housewives back to work through flexible work schedule depending on their availability. I hope others will emulate this program to expand more job opportunities to housewives who wishes to join the workforce.

Once again, please accept my heartiest congratulations on the occasion of your launching of The 12 Waves. I wish PKT Logistics Group a total success in your upcoming endeavours. 

Thank you.