The 9th edition of NEPCON Malaysia will showcase a comprehensive range of products and services for the electronics manufacturing industry from 535 companies from 30 countries. Of which, 60.7 percent are participating for the first time and 34.1 percent will be showcasing new products. NEPCON Malaysia 2008 - Penang will be held from 3 to 6 June 2008 at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA).
This year, Reed Exhibitions is proud to partner Invest-in-Penang for the first time to create a Feature Pavilion to promote the local industry. �IP�s objective to sustain, rejuvenate and promote the business in the state of Penang coincides with ours, that is, to bring the industry together for trade, networking and education. We see a synergy in our collaboration to create business opportunities for the local electronics manufacturing industry.� said Ms. Michelle Lim, General Manager of Reed Exhibitions Sdn Bhd.
In addition, the industry will see a new Semiconductor Pavilion at the event this year. According to Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), the worldwide sales of semiconductors of US$63.4 billion for the first quarter of 2008 were 3.8 percent higher than the same period in 2007. The industry can now source for semiconductor related products and services at NEPCON Malaysia 2008 � Penang, besides Active and Passive Components, PCB Assembly and SMT Equipment, Testing & Measurement Equipment and other related manufacturing services.
Besides having all the relevant products and services under one roof, NEPCON Malaysia 2008 - Penang also provides an avenue for sourcing from international sources. Participating companies from 30 countries will be congregating in Penang to showcase their latest technologies and newest products. This year, 59 new products are expected to be on display.
NEPCON Malaysia 2008 - Penang will feature two country pavilions from China with a total of 17 Chinese companies, led by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade � Electronics Sub Council (CCPIT) and the China Electronics Import & Export Corporation (CEIEC), as well as a country pavilion comprising of 35 companies from Singapore led by the Singapore Manufacturers� Federation (SMa).
The Chief Minister of Penang, Mr. Lim Guan Eng, commented, �Penang is proud to host the event every two years. It provides a platform for international companies to see what Penang can offer and a chance for these international companies to foster partnerships with local players. As part of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), it is important for the state to attract foreign investments to further rejuvenate the economy. We have succeeded in attracting billions of Ringgit in investment and hopes that the confidence by investors reflects the united purpose of Penangites for a better life. Having a regional event like NEPCON Malaysia will help us do that. We hope NEPCON Malaysia 2008 � Penang will continue to grow bigger and attract more foreign exhibitors and visitors.�
Rounding off this biennial event are seminars and workshops conducted by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) and The Knowledge Group during the week of NEPCON Malaysia 2008 - Penang.
Ms. Lim commented, �The electrical and electronics industry is Malaysia�s leading industrial sector, contributing significantly to the country's manufacturing output, exports and employment. NEPCON Malaysia seeks to contribute to the growth of this industry sector and the Malaysian economy by providing a platform for the industry to exchange ideas on how to achieve a higher level of competitiveness by reducing cost and, at the same time, improving the quality of products and services.�
�We are appreciative of the continuous support of the Malaysia government and the State government of Penang in helping us to bring to Penang, yet another successful event.� said Ms. Lim.
�MIDA is pleased to once again partner Reed Exhibitions in organizing a seminar for the electronics industry. This year, the seminar, which is themed �Electronics � The Way Forward,� highlights the potential growth areas for the industry,� said Datuk R. Karunakaran, Director General of the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA).
According to Datuk R. Karunakaran, �MIDA will continue to promote the electronics industry and facilitate the transformation of the industry into a competitive, skills-based electronics and information and communication technology (ICT) cluster. There are vast business opportunities in Malaysia for electronics companies seeking a competitive base for manufacturing, knowledge-based and skills-intensive activities such as in R&D, product design and development and other value added activities. Electronic companies should take advantage of regional events like NEPCON Malaysia to explore business opportunities and contemplate establishing their operations in Malaysia to service the regional and global markets.�
Highlights of NEPCON Malaysia 2008 - Penang
Two seminars and workshops will be held alongside the exhibition, which serve as an educational platform for the industry to exchange ideas and update themselves of the latest trends, manufacturing issues and solutions.
The national seminar themed �Electronics � The Way Forward,� organized by MIDA, will present a global outlook and key growth are a in the industry such as Solar Energy, Light Emitting Diodes and Radio-Frequency Technologies. On the other hand, the annual NEPCON workshops will focus on PCB design, RoHS-compliance program and other technical issues.
For more information on NEPCON Malaysia 2008 - Penang, please visit the Web site at http://www.nepcon.com.my