Team Proton R3 (R3), have defended the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race (S1K) title it
won in 2017 by claiming a second successive win in the event.
TEAM Proton R3, Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali drove their Proton Iriz to the top of the podium in the 181-lap race, simultaneously getting the first major win for the car as well as a fourth S1K title for R3.
By winning the 2018 race, PROTON and R3 set new records for the S1K. A fourth overall victory means R3 is the most successful team in the event’s history.
It was also the fifth time a Proton car crossed the finish line in first place while the Proton Iriz is the fourth different Proton model to win following victories by the Proton Satria Neo in 2012, Proton Prevé in 2014 and Proton Suprima S in 2016 and 2017.
Both achievements are records and making things even sweeter, this was the third time Syafiq Ali won the race, making him the most successful driver in S1K history.
Going further back in history, PROTON also has three additional victories in Malaysian endurance racing events. R3 won the 2005 and 2006 Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race (MME) while the PROTON EON Racing Team (PERT) were the winners of the inaugural MME event in 2000.
“The 2018 S1K was a tough and exciting race run in hot weather conditions at a very fast pace. There were many lead changes with multiple safety car periods adding to the complexity of our race strategy.
“We managed to get a good lead over the rest of the field with 40 laps to go and thankfully we were able to then stretch our advantage to over 2 minutes at the end of the race,” said Gary Lee, Team Principal of Proton R3.
Collaborations with technical partners and fan support key to R3 success. Although the drivers get most of the glory, motor racing is a team sport with success dependent on the hard work of multiple key partners and people to ensure a positive result.
For instance, the R3 engineers and team personnel spent countless hours to painstakingly build a winning car and the end result reflects the technical capabilities and professionalism of everyone involved.
The car then had to be supported by the best parts from the team’s technical partners.
A key partner and sponsor to R3 is PETRONAS, who supply lubricants to the team.
The collaboration between the national oil company and national automotive brand stretches back decades with each party working in a symbiotic relationship that benefits their customers.
Another important ingredient for motorsports success is the support of fans and other external parties. R3 was the most well supported team at S1K as evidenced by the sea of fans dressed in yellow team t-shirts seated in the grandstand during the race.
An estimated 2,000 R3 supporters comprising Proton car clubbers, vendors, dealers and even bankers attended the event and their support helped push the team to success.
Teamwork is vital for R3 to succeed because when we win, it is due to everyone working together and doing their part and this includes the fans. Without their support, it would be impossible to succeed,” added Gary Lee.
Graduating class of 2018, held at the VW Training Academy
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) baru-baru ini mengadakan satu majlis graduasi untuk 46 orang graduan yang merupakan kakitangan rangkaian pengedarnya.
MAJLIS diadakan di Volkswagen Automotive Academy. Seramai 20 orang wakil jualan dan 26 kakitangan selepas jualan berjaya melengkapkan kursus masing-masing.
Graduating class of 2018, held at the VW Training Academy
Ini menjadikan mereka kumpulan graduan kedua yang akan diberi pengiktirafan sejak Akademi itu dilancarkan pada Ogos 2017.
Pengurus Jualan dari rangkaian pengedar menerima sijil Kecemerlangan Pengurusan Jualan (SME). Manakala Perunding Jualan pula menerima sijil Latihan Asas Antarabangsa (IBT).
Kursus-kursus tersebut memakan masa selama enam bulan sehingga setahun untuk disempurnakan, bergantung kepada tahap persijilannya.
Graduan selepas jualan menerima sijil Penasihat Servis Volkswagen Bertauliah, Master Technician Volkswagen Bertauliah dan Kecekapan Diagnostik Volkswagen Bertauliah.
Semua juruteknik ini perlu menjalani modul-modul kelayakan asas dan lanjutan yang memakan masa selama lebih dua hingga tiga tahun untuk disempurnakan.
Master Technician ialah tahap paling tinggi dalam kategori juruteknik. Majlis itu menyaksikan seramai tujuh orang graduan menyertai kelompok tersebut.
Pengarah Urusan VPCM, Erik Winter berkata, “Di Volkswagen, kami ingin terus menambah baik pengalaman pemilikan. Jadi, penting bagi kami untuk memastikan bahawa kakitangan kami dilengkapi dengan set kemahiran yang betul.
“Kami komited untuk melabur demi masa depan pekerja tempatan. Latihan yang diiktiraf memainkan peranan penting dalam memastikan tahap kualiti dan kecemerlangan dapat dicapai, kemudiannya dilaksanakan ke seluruh rangkaian pengedar kami. Inilah komitmen kami di bawah falsafah ‘Volkswagen Cares’.”
Terletak di tengah-tengah hub automotif di Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Akademi Latihan Volkswagen dilancarkan pada Ogos 2017 dan memiliki keluasan lebih 14,117 kaki persegi.
Akademi ini dilengkapi dengan segala kemudahan yang diperlukan untuk menjalankan latihan jualan dan selepas jualan (teknikal dan bukan teknikal) serta mampu memuatkan sehingga 100 pelatih setiap hari.
Naza Plantation Services Sdn Bhd, the agricultural business unit of the Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, signed an MoU with YesHealth Agri-Technology Co Ltd to signify a new joint venture to establish a leading vertical farming company in Malaysia and South East Asia.
THE MoU signing took place at MAEPS, Serdang in conjunction with the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism Show (MAHA 2018).
This joint venture agreement will be the first between Naza Plantation Services and the Taiwan-based company. The establishment of this joint venture agreement will see an investment of RM35 million for the development of a technologically-advanced vertical farming business in the country.
“We are proud to partner with YesHealth Agri-Technology Co Ltd., a renowned fully-integrated
vertical farming company on this new joint venture that will contribute significantly to national
food security.
This collaboration is yet another milestone of Naza Agro’s business plans to expand and evolve its agro business in Malaysia and for its export markets to other Asian countries,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman & CEO, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.
“Vertical farming is the way forward to ensure global food supply is met with current demands. Latest agricultural technologies from YesHealth have enabled the production of vegetables in an environmentally friendly way at a more cost-effective and space-saving solution.
This revolutionary method of farming ensures the produce is healthier, chemical-free with no use of pesticides and guarantees crop yields all year long,” added SM Nasarudin.
Currently the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farming company by production volume, YesHealth will contribute significantly to the joint venture through its proprietary technologies and expertise in environmentally responsible agricultural practices in vertical farming that creates higher yields compared to traditional field farms.
The produce from the indoor vertical farms are completely free from pesticide and heavy metal with very low nitrate level and bacteria load.
As a result, consumers of the this day and age would be able to enjoy a much greater selection of fresh, safe and highly nutritious vegetables.
The Taiwanese company will be responsible for the structural design of the vertical farms, and operational support, providing its related know-how and training of local operators.
Meanwhile, Naza Plantation will construct the facilities and run the management, sales and distribution aspects for the products.
Naza Agro, a Biotechnology Transformation Programme (BTP) status company, was established in 1995 as the agro business arm of the Naza Group, is involved in the production of tropical fruits and vegetables using high technology agro systems with cutting-edge biotechnology, green house fertigation system, vertical farming, biofertilisers and commercial farming methods.
Naza Agro now owns and manages 3,118 acres of sprawling plantations located in Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang and Negeri Sembilan, producing premium MD2 pineapples under their trademark Tropicale brand for local distribution and export.
Naza Agro also manages a tropical fruits distribution and certified export centre in Serdang, Selangor and processing factory in Pekan Nanas, Johor.
Naza Agro’s long-term vision is to establish a strong presence in the China market and continue to explore other export markets such as Japan, Korea and the Middle East.
Plans are also in the pipeline to expand their tropical fruits plantation land bank by another 2,000 acres which includes planting of pineapple, melon and durian for export market within five years’ time.
With this new joint venture with YesHealth Agri-Technology Co Ltd., Naza Agro hopes to supply fresh vegetables for the domestic market and in the near future supply to export markets in Asia.
The Proton Saga joins the Proton Iriz to defend the S1K title Proton R3 won in 2017
Proton R3 to defend title in a brand new car during 2018 race
TEAM Proton R3 (R3), winners of the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race (S1K) in 2017 will be defending its title in the 2018 edition of the event with a new car spearheading its efforts.
The Proton Saga will be competing in the S1K for the first time alongside the Proton Iriz in a two-car effort that R3 hopes will bring a second consecutive and fourth overall race win for PROTON.
The Proton Saga is a brand new race car for 2018
The Proton Saga was PROTON’s first model and therefore the car that introduced the PROTON brand to the world. It was also the first Proton used by the Company in motor sports.
From circuit racing to rallying, the Proton Saga competed in a wide variety of events, winning against more fancied opponents and bringing fame and glory to Malaysian motorsports and PROTON.
Aside from manufacturer backed efforts, the Proton Saga is also the car of choice for budding racers to get their first taste of competition. Its affordable price, robust mechanical components and long production run mean it’s easy to obtain a unit and modify it for competition use.
There are numerous events still catering to the car including the MSF Saga Cup, which has classes for beginners, advanced drivers and racing professionals who all drive the Proton Saga.
Custom made parts and fanatical attention to detail are trademarks of a successful racing team
For the 2018 edition of the S1K race R3 built a race car based on the current version of the Proton Saga, which was launched in 2016.
The high torsional rigidity (now 12,000Nm/deg from 10,000Nm/deg previously) of its body makes it an ideal platform for competition use while its balanced handling and proven mechanical package are suited to a 1000km race where cars are tested to the limit over 181 hot and fast laps.
“The Proton Saga has a long history of competing and winning in various motorsports competitions and the S1K is the perfect platform to reintroduce Proton fans to our R3 racing division while reminding them about the racing heritage of our best-selling model.
This will be the first time the current Proton Saga will be competing and it will be racing against very stiff competition but we believe in the ability of R3 to develop a competitive machine,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.
PROTON’s Motorsports Division, Proton R3, was established in 2003. Specialising in the research, development and production of race and rally cars, R3 has also been responsible for limited-edition R3 road cars as well as parts and accessories carrying the R3 brand name.
Over the last 15 years, they participated in and won some of the most prestigious motorsports events both in Malaysia and throughout the region.
21 crew members, 15 students, 4 drivers and 2 cars will represent Proton R3 at the 2018 S1K race
Highlights include winning the Merdeka Millennium Endurance event in 2005 and 2006 as
well as three victories at the S1K race in 2012, 2014 and last year, 2017.
For this year’s campaign, the R3 race team will be made up of 21 crew members as well as 15 students from DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia in Pekan, Pahang.
The four drivers who competed for the team in 2017 have been brought back with the winning driver pairing from 2017, consisting of veteran Admi Shahrul and James Veerapan,
given the task of trying to repeat their victory at the wheel of the all-new Proton Saga.
Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali will race in a Proton Iriz, which was on track for victory last year when a minor mechanical issue cruelly robbed them of glory.
“While some teams may have three drivers per car, Proton R3 has chosen to go with just two as we want to maximise the amount of time each has behind the wheel.
This allows them to build a good rhythm, which is important for setting consistent lap times in such a long race. Typically, races like the Sepang 1000KM require teams to go flat out for the
first few laps before driving at a predetermined pace to preserve the car and components such as tyres and brakes,” said Gary Lee, Team Principle of Proton R3.
“Consistency and reliability are vital to winning as pushing too hard can cause mechanical issues. We know it’s very difficult to make up for lost time in the pits, but by fielding two competitive cars Proton R3 was still able to win in 2017.
This year we aim to get both cars on the podium, a tough task as the Proton Saga is a brand new car, but with teamwork and a little bit of luck, I am confident of adding more glory to the company’s record of racing success,” he added.
Michelin and Petron have successfully educated more than 5,000 students on tyre safety to date with their most recent event at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), marking the fifth stop of their Road Safety Programme.
THE collaboration, which aspires to raise awareness on the importance of tyre in the vehicle and knowledge on basic tyre safety, particularly on air pressure information and how to measure tread depth, has already taken place at five Malaysian universities, namely Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, School of Professional and Continuing Education (UTMSPACE); Universiti Malaysia Pahang; Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA); UiTM Johor; and UNITEN.
It proved to be a success with UNITEN students, most of whom benefited from the interactive and informative session.
Student Nurul Husna Zainal Abidin said, “Before this, I was only mindful of checking tyre treads but not their depths. Now, I know the precautionary steps to take care of my tyres. I hope Michelin and Petron continue this meaningful programme for years to come.”
Another student, Amir Ridhwan Ahmad Fauzi, added, “The event was effective in making me realise the importance of tyres to road safety.
Knowing how to check tyre pressure and wear is essential for students, as most of us drive to university.”
Nora Guitet, Public Affairs & Corporate Communication Director for Michelin Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei Darussalam commented, “As the world’s leading tyre company, Michelin places utmost importance on ensuring our tyres are of the highest safety standards, in all road conditions.
“We are pleased with the overwhelming response and are committed to continue educating students on proper tyre awareness and maintenance skills for a safer driving experience.” said.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) mempersembahkan pameran yang mengujakan di Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 yang berlangsung mulai 23 November hingga 2 Disember 2018 di Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
MENERUSI pengenalan ‘Nissan Intelligent Mobility’, pelbagai kenderaan Nissan yang inovatif dan pintar dipamerkan, termasuk Kereta 100% Elektrik Nissan LEAF Serba Baharu dan sistem e-POWER.
(from left to right) Tan Keng Meng, Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, Loke SIew Fook, Minister of Transport, Malaysia, Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of Malaysia Automotive Association & Chairman of KLIMS’18 Organising Committee, Ayako Nakamura, Vice President, Business Operations, Asia and Oceania, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd
Nissan mendefinisikan semula bagaimana manusia bergerak, dengan visi menjadikan pengangkutan lebih selamat, pintar dan mengujakan melalui Nissan Intelligent Mobility.
Paksi Nissan Intelligent Mobility terdiri daripada tiga inovasi iaitu:
Intelligent Power (Berkuasa Pintar) – lebih cekap, lebih berkuasa, diterajui oleh
kenderaan elektrik (EV) dan sistem e-POWER
Intelligent Driving (Pemanduan Pintar) – memberi lebih keyakinan kepada
pemandu, diterajui oleh teknologi pemanduan berautonomi ProPILOT Nissan
Intelligent Integration (Integrasi Pintar) – Rangkaian baharu di antara kenderaan,
masyarakat dan pemandu
INTELLIGENT POWER (Berkuasa Pintar) menjadikan pemanduan lebih mengujakan
dengan usaha untuk terus mengurangkan emisi dan meningkatkan efisiensi
penggunaan bahan api tanpa mengkompromi prestasi.
Kenderaan Nissan ialah peneraju automotif dalam teknologi kenderaan elektrik dan komited ke arah pendekatan yang holistik demi mencapai hasrat mobiliti sifar emisi dengan menjadikan pembakaran dalaman enjin lebih efisien serta menambah lebih banyak teknologi canggih ke dalam kereta seperti kenderaan 100% elektrik (EV), sistem e-POWER dan sistem S-Hybrid.
INTELLIGENT DRIVING (Pemanduan Pintar) memberi pemanduan yang lebih yakin dan bebas tekanan dengan meningkatkan aspek keselamatan, kawalan dan keselesaan. Sekali gus membolehkan pemandu memandu dengan lebih selesa setiap hari.
Pelbagai teknologi bantuan pemandu* dapat dilihat pada kenderaan Nissan pada hari ini seperti ProPILOT, e-Pedal, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Around View Monitor dengan Intelligent Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Trace Control, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Auto Headlights dengan High Beam Assist dan Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
*Tahap kelengkapan dan senarai teknologi mungkin berbeza, bergantung kepada
pasaran.
INTELLIGENT INTEGRATION (Integrasi Pintar) menghubungkan kenderaan dengan masyarakat yang lebih luas.
Nissan membantu membentuk satu ekosistem mampan yang membolehkan kenderaan berinteraksi dengan manusia, kenderaan lain dan infrastruktur jalan raya.
Pendekatan ini akan membawa kepada kawalan operasi kenderaan dari jarak jauh, mengurangkan kesesakan trafik, perkongsian kenderaan yang lebih efisien dan pengurusan tenaga yang lebih baik.
Prebiu khas Nissan LEAF Serba Baharu– ikon Nissan Intelligent Mobility
Berada di pentas utama ialah kenderaan 100% elektrik, sifar emisi Nissan LEAF Serba Baharu. Sejak dilancarkan pada tahun 2010, Nissan telah berjaya menjual lebih 350,000 unit Nissan LEAF di seluruh dunia. Nissan LEAF Serba Baharu telah direka semula sepenuhnya, menggabungkan pelbagai aspek dengan rekaan baru yang dinamik dan teknologi-teknologi termaju*.
*Tahap kelengkapan dan senarai teknologi mungkin berbeza, bergantung kepada pasaran.
Nissan LEAF Serba Baharu hadir dengan e-powertrain termaju.
Dengan pek bateri 40 kWh Lithium-Ion baharu, ia kini berupaya menawarkan jarak pemanduan sehingga 400km (kitaran Japan JC08**) dengan sekali caj. Manakala output kuasa 110kW dan tork 320Nm pula menambah baik aspek pecutan serta keseronokan memandu.
** 150 batu dengan EPA (Agensi Perlindungan Alam Sekitar AS), 380km dengan NEDC (Kitaran Pemanduan Eropah yang Baru)
Nissan LEAF menampilkan teknologi pemanduan berautonomi ProPILOT yang digunakan sewaktu memandu di laluan tunggal di lebuh raya. Apabila diaktifkan, ia akan mengikut kenderaan di hadapan berdasarkan kepada jarak yang telah ditetapkan sebelumnya dan memastikan anda berada di tengah-tengah lorong pemanduan (walaupun ketika berada di selekoh).
ProPILOT juga boleh menghentikan kenderaan sepenuhnya, bergantung kepada keadaan trafik dan mengambil kelajuan apabila trafik kembali bergerak.
Satu lagi inovasi yang mampu meningkatkan pengalaman memandu Nissan LEAF Serba Baharu ialah e-Pedal. Ia membolehkan pemandu memecut, memperlahankan kenderaan, berhenti dan menetapkan kedudukan kenderaan dengan hanya menggunakan pedal minyak sahaja.
Maklum balas e-Pedal yang reaktif memaksimumkan keseronokan pemanduan EV. Rekaan luaran Nissan LEAF Serba Baharu menampilkan profil yang rendah serta kemas, sekali gus memberikannya rupa yang tajam dan dinamik.
Dengan aspek aerodinamik terbaik, gayaannya terdiri daripada lampu utama signatur berbentuk boomerang, rekaan V-motion nyata menyerlah pada bahagian hadapan, bersama gril berwarna biru cerah dan kemasan biru pada bampar belakang, seterusnya menampakkan ia kenderaan yang dilengkapi teknologi yang hebat.
Ruang dalaman Nissan LEAF Serba Baharu telah direka semula untuk menghasilkan
persekitaran yang menenangkan, premium dan moden. Panel hadapan baharu dalam bentuk ‘gliding wing’ memberikan pandangan yang dinamik kepada pemandu.
Sementara jahitan berwarna biru pada tempat duduk, papan pemuka dan stereng telah
disepadukan sebagai simbol kenderaan Elektrik Nissan.
“Nissan Intelligent Mobility bukan sekadar pendekatan Nissan untuk mengubah cara kereta dipandu, dijana dan diintegrasikan dengan masyarakat. Ia merupakan strategi korporat Nissan yang menyerlahkan jenama Nissan, dan Tan Chong Group telah membuat pelaburan besar ke arah menghasilkan masa depan yang lebih terhubung, selamat, mesra alam dan masa hadapan mobiliti elektrik di Malaysia,” kata Pengarah Jualan dan Pemasaran ETCM, Christopher Tan.
Selain dari Nissan Intelligent Mobility dan Nissan LEAF serba baharu, ETCM turut mempamerkan sistem e-POWER, Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, Navara – Black Series, X-
Trail X-Tremer dan Nissan Almera – Black Series baharu.
Terokai Nissan Intelligent Mobility pada acara KLIMS’18 di MITEC Level 2 atau layari
laman web www.nissan.com.my/nissanintelligentmobility/klims2018 untuk masa depan
yang lebih maju.
In pursuit of its aim to align talent and education with real-life requirements of the ICT industry, Huawei Technologies Malaysia’s ICT Academy, announced that it has partnered with University of Malaya.
THE strategic partnership between Huawei ICT Academy and University of Malaya will promote a greater understanding of ICT through technologies training, increase interest and develop talents with practical skills for the students and the community.
One of the key objectives of this program is to cultivate ICT talent and help students become
employment ready.
At the same time, the program aids in filling the global ICT skills gap by creating a bridge between academic education and industry. Together within all the ICT academies, there will be more than 3000 students in Malaysia who will benefit from Huawei’s certification training course in the initial term of three years.
On receiving the plaque for the partnership with Huawei ICT Academy, Prof Dr. Ir Abdul Aziz
Abdul Raman, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, said, “We are incredibly
proud to be on this journey with Huawei to equip the current generation with contemporary
education and enable them to be future-ready for ICT development.
We believe this is the next step for us as an academic institution to support the growth of ICT talent in the country and deliver opportunities for both students and community.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Todd Liu Peng, Vice President of Partners & Alliances, Southern
Pacific Region, Enterprise Business Group said, “HAINA is a certification programme aimed at
increasing employment opportunities for young people by exposing them to new ICT knowledge and skills required in the job market.
These programmes are in line with Huawei’s sustainability strategy in bridging digital divide, promoting skill transfer and developing a win-win situation with local community.
We hope to achieve this goal by working with all academic partners, to continue growing the Huawei ICT Academy family and continue developing the ICT talent eco-system.”
Started globally in 2016, Huawei ICT Academy through Huawei Authorized Information and
Network Academy (HAINA) programme aims to authorize academic institutions to deliver
Huawei Certification training to university students.
In Malaysia, currently there are seven universities that have signed up to become a part of Huawei ICT Academy namely Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Taylor’s University.
At the Award Ceremony, Huawei Academy also introduced Huawei ICT Competition Malaysia 2018-2019, an initiative for colleges and universities across the world that will recognize excellence in ICT talent and train them to contribute towards a stronger ICT ecosystem.
The interested Academies can contact the local Huawei representatives and discuss the intention to get certified by Huawei ICT Academy. The registration for the Huawei ICT Competition will be opened starting 18 th – 23 rd November 2018.
Important Timelines:
18 th Nov – 23 rd Nov, 2018: Registration for ICT Competition
24 th Nov – 12 th Dec, 2018: Online Self-study (R&S, Security, WLAN)
13 th Dec – 14 th Dec, 2018: Online Exam University Level
22 nd Jan, 2019: ICT Final Competition & Award Ceremony
March, 2018: ICT Competition AP Regional Final
Q2, 2018: ICT Competition Global Final
Taj Noteholders and Fung Retailing reach agreement to partner on Toys “R” Us Asia business
TOYS “R” Us Asia announced that the approximate 85% interest in Toys (Labuan) Holding Limited (the “Company”) will be acquired by the holders of its parent company TRU Taj LLC’s Senior Secured Notes (the “Taj Noteholders”).
The Taj Noteholders and Fung Retailing Limited (“Fung Retailing”), the owner of approximately 15% of the Company, have agreed to new partnership terms in a transaction which values the Company at approximately US$900 million.
As part of this transaction, Fung Retailing will acquire, at the transaction value, an incremental 6% of the Company from the Taj Noteholders, thereby increasing Fung Retailing’s ownership to approximately 21% of the Company, making it the largest shareholder in the Company.
This transaction facilitates the separation of the Asian business from its ultimate parent Toys “R” Us, Inc. and positions the Company well for an exciting new chapter of growth.
The Taj Noteholders includes several investment funds and financial institutions with extensive experience investing in and owning international businesses and retail companies.
A spokesperson for the Taj Noteholders commented, “This transaction is a significant step in separating the valuable and growing Toys “R” Us Asia operation from the rest of the business.
The Company’s growth prospects in Greater China, Japan and Southeast Asia are bright and we are excited about investing in and owning the Company in partnership with Fung Retailing.”
Pieter Schats, Executive Director of Fung Retailing, commented, “Since introducing Toys “R” Us to Hong Kong in 1986, Fung Retailing has played an integral role in the successful growth and development of Toys “R” Us in Asia.
As a sign of the confidence we have in the management team and future success of Toys “R” Us in the region, we are pleased to increase our shareholding in the Company, reflecting our commitment to support Toys “R” Us Asia in reaching new heights.”
The Company will continue to be led by its current President & CEO, Andre Javes and his experienced management team, who have consistently and successfully built the business across the Asia region.
In addition, the Company will be making a significant investment in technology to boost its infrastructure for the future. The Company sources toy, education and baby products from across the globe, with significant emphasis on quality, safety and trust.
“We are committed to remaining the leading specialty retailer of toy, education and baby products in
Asia by driving innovation and quality through our products and services,” Javes added.
“The conclusion of the sale process brings clarity to the Company’s ownership and we look forward to strengthening and leveraging our partnerships with our vendors and commercial stakeholders.
Our shareholders’ investment is a huge vote of confidence in our vision, our team and our winning model.”
About Toys (Labuan) Holding Limited
By year end 2018, Toys (Labuan) Holding Ltd and its subsidiaries will operate over 450 stores with more than 10,000 team members in Japan, Greater China and Southeast Asia – including Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand – and license over 85 stores in the Philippines and Macau.
In March 2017 Toys “R” Us Japan was successfully integrated into Toys (Labuan) Holding Limited which added over 160 stores to the pan-Asia toy, education and baby products store chain. As the leading toy, education and baby products retailer for children in Asia, the Company offers a differentiated shopping experience with a broad selection of exclusive products and unique services.
Toys (Labuan) Holding Limited operates as a separate legal entity and is financially independent from all other Toys “R” Us current or former operating companies around the world.
About the Taj Noteholders
The Taj Noteholders include investment funds and financial institutions who collectively manage billions of dollars of committed capital. The Taj Noteholders have extensive experience investing in retail companies around the world.
New retail concept is first of its kind in the tire industry
THE Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is introducing a completely new tire shopping and installation experience: Roll by Goodyear. The Washington, D.C., metro area is the first market where Roll by Goodyear showrooms and the multiple installation options will be available.
Shopping preferences have changed with consumers favouring convenience, efficiency and an ability to shop interchangeably online and in-store and Roll by Goodyear was designed with these needs in mind.
“Roll by Goodyear makes buying tires easier,” said Fred Thomas, Vice President and General Manager of Goodyear Retail. “Guests can choose when, where and how to install their tires and they are in complete control of the process from start to finish.
Goodyear is eliminating the waiting room and giving people time back in their day to do the things they really want to do.”
Here’s how it works:
– Guests start their shopping online with a seamless experience at RollByGoodyear.com or in a showroom. Roll by Goodyear showrooms are located in vibrant lifestyle centres where people live, work and play.
– Once tires are purchased either online or in-store, guests can pick from a handful of installation options. They can drop off their keys at a showroom and enjoy the nearby amenities or Roll by Goodyear will provide valet service that will pick up a guest’s vehicle from a location of their choice and bring it to back to wherever they are. People can also schedule a mobile installation van that will come to where they are and install their tires.
– The entire installation will be accompanied by real-time email or text status updates, so no time is spent wondering when your vehicle will be ready.
Goodyear conducted significant pre-market testing for Roll and the results were extremely favorable across all demographics, particularly with millennials.
While Roll by Goodyear will look, feel and transact differently from Goodyear’s traditional company-owned stores, they are backed by the 120-year history of innovation, quality and superior performance of Goodyear.
Perodua memberi peluang kepada para pengunjung Pameran Motor Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur 2018 (KLIMS18) untuk melihat keupayaan masa hadapannya, terutama sekali dari segi konsep reka bentuk.
PERODUA menerusi pameran KLIMS18 menawarkan satu kilasan kepada arah yang mungkin untuk memenuhi jangkaan para pelanggan yang sentiasa berkembang.
Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Perodua, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh berkata, bertemakan Illumination (pencahayaan), sudut pameran Perodua menggambarkan visi dan cita-cita syarikat untuk terus mencetuskan idea-idea yang sejajar dengan keperluan dan kehendak pelanggan masa hadapan.
Turut diperkenalkan di Perodua Illumination adalah X-Concept, sebuah kenderaan konsep berteknologi tinggi yang menuju ke arah aspirasi dan gaya hidup masa hadapan. Para pengunjung dialu-alukan untuk berhubung dengan pasukan Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan (R&D) Perodua dengan memberi maklum balas dan pandangan mereka terhadap X-Concept,
Mengambil bentuk dinamik hatchback, ciri-ciri menarik Perodua X-Concept termasuk gril hadapan dan logo Perodua yang diterangi LED, lampu hadapan LED berbentuk Y, lampu isyarat membelok yang berurutan dan pintu sway yang mendedahkan ketiadaan pilar B apabila dibuka.
Pada bahagian dalaman, X-Concept mempunyai susun atur papan pemuka futuristik yang mengelilingi panel instrumen TFT, skrin sesentuh tengah 12.9 inci dan stereng flat-bottom.
“Seiring dengan tema Beyond Mobility KLIMS18, Perodua X-Concept adalah lebih daripada sekadar kenderaan. Ia merupakan manifestasi visi Perodua masa hadapan di mana kenderaan menjadi kenyataan gaya hidup dan dipenuhi dengan teknologi tersambung (connected technology).
“Kami juga memberi peluang kepada para pengunjung untuk memandu dan mengalami sendiri X-Concept, melalui dunia realiti maya (VR),” kata Datuk (Dr) Aminar.
Turut dipamerkan di Perodua Illumination adalah Myvi GT, satu percubaan reka bentuk yang meneroka versi Myvi yang lebih sporty. Kenderaan ini mempunyai bumper hadapan dan belakang yang tampil lebih agresif, sistem brek yang dinaik taraf serta sport rim 17 inci, kerusi bucket Alcantara dan stereng flat-bottom.
Myvi GT
Peminat teknikal akan teruja dengan pameran powertrain generasi seterusnya yang dibangunkan oleh rakan teknikal Perodua, Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan, dan akhir sekali, para pengunjung akan diberi intipan kepada tawaran masa hadapan Perodua.
“Kunjungilah sudut pameran kami kerana kami akan menjalankan banyak aktiviti di sepanjang kelangsungan KLIMS18.
Antaranya permainan interaktif, peraduan digital, hadiah-hadiah dan persembahan yang menarik supaya kami dapat lebih dekat dengan para pelanggan semasa serta masa hadapan kami,” kata Datuk (Dr) Aminar.
Myvi GT
KLIMS18 dibuka kepada orang ramai mulai 23 November hingga 2 Disember di Pusat Perdagangan dan Pameran Antarabangsa Malaysia (MITEC). Perodua Illumination terletak di Aras 1.
