Another world renowned medical firm opened in Penang.
This time around, it was the United Kingdom based Smith + Nephew’s US 50 million plant at the Batu Kawan Industrial Park.
The new plant is the first in Malaysia and also in the South East Asia region. They will also offer some 800 new jobs over the next five years.
In this context, Penang is already known to have the highest concentrations of medical technology companies in Malaysia and Southeast Asia
Present to officiate the opening was Penang Chief Minister, YAB Chow Kon Yeow along with Smith + Nephew Malaysia site leader and managing director Mark Arthun.
Also present was State Exco for Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian and Chief Minister’s special investment adviser Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon.
The company specialises in orthopaedics, sports medicine, ear, nose, throat and advanced wound management.
In welcoming Smith + Nephew to Penang, Chow also expressed hope of more international companies setting up business here.
To this regard, Penang is already dubbed the “Silicon Valley of the East” due to its numerous electrical and electronics (E&E) industries based here.