KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia stands to be a prominent player at the forefront of solar and green technology growth, as the global photovoltaic market is poised for exponential growth, with predictions indicating an impressive 29 per cent annual surge.
Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry deputy secretary general for management and investment Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil
"Our nation's vision has been unwavering. We are steadfast in our mission to establish Malaysia as a dominant global nexus for trade and industry.
"We endeavour to nurture an environment that champions innovation, prioritises sustainable growth, and celebrates technological prowess," she said at the recent launch of LONGi Malaysia Sdn Bhd's phase one of the Serendah Module Plant in Selangor.
LONGi Malaysia launched its 140-acre site within the UMW High-Value Manufacturing Park, slated to house four production facilities and employ over 2,000 Malaysians from the local community by March 2024.
Also present were Selangor state executive council member Ng Sze Han and LONGi vice president Li Wenxue.
In commemorating the new plant, Bahria said this landmark project signifies LONGi Malaysia's investment of RM1.8 billion, acknowledging Malaysia's steadfast journey towards sustainable growth, robust industry partnerships, and technological progression.
"With LONGi Malaysia's projected output of 8.8GW upon completion of both phases, our nation's global standing in the realm of clean and sustainable energy is poised for monumental growth," Bahria said.
LONGi Malaysia's parent company, LONGi Green Energy Technology Co Ltd, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, holds the title of the largest global producer of monocrystalline silicon wafers.
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change minister Tuan Niz Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the ministry's mission is to preserve the country's natural treasures and lead Malaysia into a future where sustainable growth and environmental consciousness thrive in tandem.
"The inauguration of the LONGi Malaysia Serendah Module Plant is not merely a corporate endeavour.
"It aligns seamlessly with our ministry's directives and our nation's commitment to foster sustainable development and champion global environmental causes," he said.
LONGi Malaysia regional general manager and vice president of LONGi International Manufacturing Center Ngieng Sii Jing said that the company has successfully carried out its entire industrial chain strategy in Malaysia over the past seven years.
He said Malaysia was a preferred investment destination since locals are multilingual, which made communications and talent searches much more accessible.
"We began with strengthening our self-supply assurance and integrated cost reduction through full vertically integrated manufacturing production, from our ingot plant supplies to our wafer plant, our wafer plant supplies to our cell plant, and our cell plant supplies to our module plant.
"The strategy also ensures coordinated technological advancement and innovation. Through hard work and determination, in our third year of operation, we became the world's first vertically integrated monocrystalline silicon solar production base in one location—in Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone, Kuching," he said.
He said that earlier this year, the company rebooted for a new beginning, and in its further expansion beyond Sarawak, it is now known as LONGi Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
"The opening of our Serendah Module Plant is a landmark of our continued expansion and commitment to Malaysia.
"Currently, the Hi-MO 5 modules are produced here. We are setting the basis for Hi-MO X6 and Hi-MO 7 high-efficiency modules under our vision for continuous innovation to benefit our customers," he said.
He further said that government policies conducive to businesses facilitated the company's swift establishment.
These policies enabled the company to construct its facilities within a year after acquiring the land in Serendah, which was finalised in August last year.