MARCH 2007

WE MAKE BUSINESSES COMPETE BETTER THROUGH QUALITY AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS

Ref No.:259-Mg6-03:2007:GN PP 10002/6/2006

Quality Management Excellence Award for SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd

Quality Management Excellence Award for SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd

BREAKTHROUGH• Development of Carbonated Apatite for Possible Biomedical Purposes

• Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Environmental Friendly Electrochemical Cells• Environmental Friendly Binder System for Metal Injection Moulding Process

BREAKTHROUGH• Development of Carbonated Apatite for Possible Biomedical Purposes

• Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Environmental Friendly Electrochemical Cells• Environmental Friendly Binder System for Metal Injection Moulding Process

“To be among the world’s best in quality and technology”“To be among the world’s best in quality and technology”

AdvisorDato’ Dr. Mohd. Ariffin Hj. Aton

ChairmanRobiah Ibrahim

MembersAini Suzana Datuk AriffinWan Zaharah Wan MohamadDr. Wan Abdul Rahman Jauhari Wan HarunDr. Margaret Chai Futom Shikh JaafarDr. Neelam ShahabDr. Uma Devi PalanisamyGoay Peck Sim

Design & LayoutAdwork Network (1524378X)

19-1, Jalan Ara SD 7/3B,Bandar Sri Damansara,52200 Kuala Lumpur.Tel: 603 6274 2441Fax: 603 6274 0441Email: info@adworknetwork.com

DisclaimerSIRIMLink is an official publication ofSIRIM Berhad. The bulletin is publishedon a quarterly basis and is distributed toour clients, associates, business andresearch establishments.

For any enquiries or further informationwith regards to the articles featured in this magazine, please contact:

Senior ManagerPublications and InternalCommunications Section,Group Corporate AffairsSIRIM Berhad1, Persiaran Dato’ MenteriSection 2, P.O. Box 703540911 Shah AlamSelangorwww.sirim.my Tel: 603 5544 6773Fax: 603 5544 6745

or email to : publications@sirim.my

SIRIMLINKPublications Committee

President’sMessage...

It is my pleasure to say a few words in this first issue of SIRIMLink for 2007.

SIRIMLink is an in-house quarterly with a circulation of 6,000 copies distributed in Malaysia as well as overseas and serves as a communication tool for SIRIM to reach out to the customers and stakeholders.

This year, we plan to bring you more and current R&T as well as S&Q news from SIRIM Berhad, the country’s foremost research organisation. To expand our horizon of coverage, we have also included key national events impacting SIRIM.

Keeping in line with our mission to make businesses compete through Quality and Technology Innovations, SIRIM has upgraded and enhanced its R&T Division to meet the Government’s mandate to SIRIM delivered via two key economic plans last year, i.e. the 9th Malaysia Plan and 3rd Industrial Master Plan.

As the saying goes, “no man is an island”, SIRIM cannot function in isolation. To realise our national mission and that of SIRIM Berhad, we will needconstant and continuous support from the Government, agenciesand industries.

I end with hope that the past issues have been beneficial to the readersand that this issue of SIRIMLink satisfies your reading pleasure.

Thank you. Dato’Dr.Mohd.AriffinHj.Aton PresidentandChiefExecutiveofSIRIMBerhad

04 Development of Carbonated Apatitefor Possible Biomedical Purposes• Project Overview

06 Development of Carbonated Apatitefor Possible Biomedical Purposes• Technology Description

08 BreakthroughEnvironmental Friendly Binder System for Metal Injection Moulding Process

10 BreakthroughPolymer Electrolyte Membrane for Environmental Friendly Electrochemical Cells

17 SIRIM QAS International Offers HACCP Auditing Services

11 SIRIM Berhad Melaka Branch

14 SIRIM Berhad Sabah Branch

22 Protecting The Environment While Enhancing Trade, Productivity & Innovation

24 Islamic Science Advances Brought Infor Malaysians

26 News from Technology Park MalaysiaTechnology Park Malaysia Herbal Biotech Centre, Raub Pahang

28 Event Highlights

CONTENTS

YOU CAN NOW PROMOTE YOUR SERVICES AND PRODUCTS IN SIRIMLINK…

Just send in your advertisement, and we will ensure you that the message will be delivered to relevant industries and government agencies, locally and internationally.

For enquiries on advertising rates,please contact:

Rozita ShamsuddinManager, Public Relations & CRM 603-5544 6504 / rozitash@sirim.my

20 Cover StorySIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd Wins Prestigious Award from MITI

09 Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2006• SIRIM Berhad wins again

OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT

The idea to develop this project was proposed in 2001 during a visit by Senior Researcher Dr. Fadzil Ayad Zakaria of SIRIM Berhad’s Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMREC) to the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada (UMNG) of Colombia.

Two years later, a research grant for the project received by both SIRIM and its Colombian counterpart proved the visit to be successful.

The collaboration programme is titled “Development of Carbonated Apatite as Compatible Biomaterial and its Possible Biochemical Modification to Render such Material Osteoinductive for Biomedical Implant Purposes”.

SIRIM Berhad was granted a total budget of RM429,000 by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) while UMNG received COP104,000,000 or RM165,400 worth of research grant from the university’s internal fund.

This collaboration only took off in 2005 after several hurdles concerning

IP rights were settled.

Awards

1. Bronze medal for participation in 16th International Invention Innovation Industrial Design &

Technology Exhibition 2005 (ITEX 2005) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia held on 19-21 May 2005 at

Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)

2. Silver medal for participation in Malaysia Technology Expo 2006 held on 23-25 February 2006 at

Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)

Patent Application

Fadzil Ayad Zakaria, K.Jamuna Thevi and Siti Hana Abu Bakar, A dry chemical method for producing

synthetic carbonated apatite, Malaysian Patent (PI 20042321) filed on 16 June 2004.

THE PROJECT

SIRIM’s task in this project is to produce the carbonated apatite

(CAp). The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), in Kuala Lumpur

was invited as a project member by SIRIM Berhad to assist in

conducting cytotoxicity tests before the carbonated apatite are

sent to UMNG for further tests.

Meanwhile, the UMNG’s tasks include developing a primary cell

model using animal marrow stem cells, medium and long-term in

vitro tests and create possible biochemical modification on CAp

(3rd generation hybrid material).

2006-2007

For the first round of collaboration, the carbonated apatite material (in powder form) has been successfully

synthesised by the team from AMREC. The material is now undergoing biological evaluation (in vitro and

in vivo) in UMNG lab.

Research activities for materials development studies were performed in AMREC, Kulim while biological

studies were conducted at IMR in Kuala Lumpur.

Dr Jose Mikan, Project Collaborator from UMNG was in AMREC for four

months as an attachment researcher to ensure the smooth running of

this project.

A new project was proposed to MOSTI to continue this collaboration and

to complete the work. Thus, a research grant amounting to RM349,640

under Science Fund in the first cycle was approved.

This new project will see SIRIM Berhad fabricating carbonated apatite

into applicable shapes for biomedical purposes while UMNG will conduct

further biological tests.

Development of Carbonated Apatite for PossibleBiomedical Purposes

A Project Collaboration Between SIRIM Berhad, Malaysiaand Universidad Militar Nueva Granada (UMNG), Colombia

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Dr. Fadzil (right) discussing with fellow researcher, Dr Jose Mihan of UMNG, Colombia

The team from SIRIM Berhad AMREC, Kulim

Research activities being conducted in AMREC for materials development studies

SIRIM Berhad’s Senior Researcher, Dr. Fadzil Ayad Zakaria

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TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

Biomaterials are inorganic or organic natural or synthetic materials placed in the body, and are used to interface with biological systems to treat, amplify or replace any tissue, organ, or function of the body. It is vital that the biomaterials when placed in vivo are biocompatible. This means that the materials used should not stimulate changes in plasma proteins and enzymes or cause immunological reactions or instigate carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic effects. In the medical device industry, biomaterials are used in medical devices to replace diseased tissues and improve quality of life for the patient.

Bone graft is one of the orthopaedic biomaterials that provide support, fill voids and enhance the biological repair of skeletal defects. It can be implanted into or near a bone fracture to facilitate healing or to compensate a lack or loss of bone tissue.

The materials used for bone grafting have been divided into autografts, allografts, synthetics, factor-/cell-based or a combination of these. Advantages and disadvantages exist with each method and the choice of graft material is dependant on availability, biological and mechanical properties, and type of grafting procedure and surgeon preference.

Carbonated-apatite (CAp) or carbonate containing apatite is one of the latest materials that are being researched in the world as a synthetic bone graft. It has a closer resemblance to the bone mineral than pure hydroxyapatite. Research shows that bone mineral content made of 59wt% of CAp. CAp materials have an excellent biocompatibility with hard tissue (bone), which

make them an excellent material for bone substitute. Studies also showed that CAp has a superior quality in comparison to pure hydroxyapatite as bioresorbable implant. Carbonate presence is very important in hard tissue, as it is required for cellular infiltration of bone by osteoclasts, osteoblasts and other bone resident cells. Since the apatite is the same as bone mineral, the human body

gradually remodels and resorbs it through the same process as all the other bones in the body (action of osteoclasts and osteoblasts) and eventually is replaced by natural bone.

Studies have shown that porous structure is associated with significant better bone in growth into the bioceramic. Cell attachment, growth and mineralisations are required for proper fixation of an implanted material. Formation of fibrous capsule occurs when less interaction between the material and cells take place, which is usually associated with lack of porosity on the surface. On the contrary, bigger and interconnected pores favour cell ingrowth and differentiation of different tissues (osteoclasts vessel cells, etc.) that result in the integration of the implant.

Therefore, in this research, we propose not only to develop porous CAp, which is a second-generation biomaterial but also to include a biological component e.g. autologous stem cells or bone morphogenic proteins (BMP), to generate osteoinductive autologous hybrid-material, whichis the future biomaterial (third generation). This hybrid material will eventually enhance cell adhesion and bone regeneration. This is a collaborative research between SIRIM Berhad and Universidad Militar Nueva Granada (UMNG), Colombia.

MARKET INFORMATION

The biomaterials industry is a new exciting area that is envisaged to grow rapidly in the near future.

The main drivers that are expected to facilitate this growth are the phenomenal rise in musculoskeletal

diseases, which is predominantly triggered by the increasing aging population and the greater overall

uptake of sporting activities.

Based on a report by Frost & Sullivans (2004), the Western European market on orthopaedic biomaterials in

2003 is USD39.5 million and is expected to grow at a rate of 30.58% to almost USD115 million at 2010.

The growth rate of the allograft and bone graft substitutes market is expected to be affected by the

following key technology trends:

• Further research and development of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and synthetic bone graft

substitutes will improve efficacy and reduce cost for these products

• Availability of third generation (osteogenic, osteoconductive and osteoinductive) bone graft

substitutes

• Increased application of bone graft substitutes in orthopaedics

The growth rate of bone graft substitutes market is expected to be affected by the following market

drivers:

• The ageing baby boomer generation and their demand to remain active at a greater age

• Successful surgical fusion rates drive increased interest in new products

• Increased training initiatives for surgeons will expand use of bone graft and bone graft

substitutes

• Increasing number of surgical procedures require more bone graft material than can be provided

by autografts

• Growing acceptance of bone grafts and bone graft substitutes

• A second surgical procedure to harvest autologous bone is avoided

– Reduced operating time (reduction in operating costs)

– Avoids morbidity at donor site

• Clinical benefits offset the concerns of high costs involved in the use of some bone graft

substitutes

• Continued innovations and development of new products expand the market

Reference

Frost & Sullivan (2004), Strategic Analysis of the European Bone Graft Substitutes Market. Report no. B413-54

Development of Carbonated Apatite for PossibleBiomedical Purposes

by Dr. Fadzil Ayad Zakaria

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During the last decade, progress has been made

in making debinding process faster and more

reliable and in the process it has been found that

solvent debinding is a faster route for debinding

in Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) process.

It significantly shortens the debinding process

from days to hours and limits the formation

of defects. However, there are concerns about

the dangers of these organic solvents such as

acetone, heptanes, carbon tetrachloride and

ethylene dichloride due to the flammable, toxic

and carcinogenic nature of these compounds.

There has been constant motivation to design

and develop binders that are water leachable

and practically safe. For this reason, a composite

binder system had been successfully developed

by SIRIM Berhad’s Advanced Materials Research

Centre (AMREC) to overcome at least some of the

associated problems with the other systems.

This system consists of water soluble oligomer,

poly ethylene glycol and poly methyl metacrylate

which have been successfully used for various metal

powders. If water is used as a solvent, the debinding

process can be performed through cheap production

plants and without expensive security measures.

This binder system is exclusively used in an

environmental-friendly, MIM feedstock formulated

for water debinding.

This Environmental Friendly Binder System for MIM

Process was developed by a team of researchers

from the Structural Materials Programme headed by

Dr. Mohd. Afian Omar. He earned Gold Medals at

ITEX 2005 and at the 5th Invention and Innovation

Competition, held during the Malaysia Technology

Expo in 2006. This invention also won a Gold Medal

at the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF)

2006, South Korea in December 2006.

According to Dr. Mohd Afian, MIM process can be

used in the manufacturing of medical appliances,

automotive products or compact discs or other

items which have complex and intricate shapes.

This process is widely used in the United States and

Japan.

As a research and technology organisation, SIRIM

Berhad is offering opportunity to local industries to

adopt this technology by using the facilities provided

through its Incubator Programme.

Environmental Friendly Binder System forMetal Injection Moulding Process

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Dr. Afian (second from left) with other gold award winners at MTE 2006

MIM process can be used in the manufacturing of medical appliances, automotive products or other items with intricate shapes

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Winner of- ITEX 2005- MTE 2006

- SIIF 2006, South Korea

Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2006- SIRIM Berhad wins again

The Invention and Innovation Competition, MTE 2006

was held on 21 – 30 March 2007 at the PWTC, Kuala

Lumpur. SIRIM Berhad sent a total of six projects

– five from the Advanced Materials Research Centre

and one from Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Centre.

At the end of the MTE 2006, SIRIM Berhad bagged

one gold award, three silver awards and a bronze

for its projects. SIRIM Berhad also won the second

prize for its exhibition booth under the Shell Scheme

Category.

Dr. Mohmad Soib Selamat (right) explaining his “Asbestos-Free Brake Friction Materials” invention to YB Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Hussin, Deputy Minister of Finance (centre) and SIRIM Berhad President & Chief Executive Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Ariffin Hj. Aton (left) at the MTE 2007

AWARD TITLE OF PROJECT CENTRE / PROGRAMME NAME OF INVENTORS

GOLD

Asbestos Free Brake Friction Materials

PI : 20034352

SIRIM Berhad(AMREC)

Dr. Mohmad Soib SelamatDr. Talib Ria Jaafar

Dr. Mohd Asri SelamatMazli Mustapha

SILVER

Environmental Friendly Process for Producing Collector Shoe

CompositePI : 20064341

SIRIM Berhad(AMREC)

Dr. Mohd Asri SelamatNoraizham Mohamad Diah

Fauzi IsmailNorazlan Roslani

SILVER

Palm Oil Based Binder System using Powder Injection

Molding Process for Biomedical and Automotive Application

PI : 20064276

SIRIM Berhad(AMREC)

Dr. Rosdi IbrahimDr. Mohd. Afian Omar

Mazlan MohamadAssoc. Prof. Dr. Norhamidi (UKM)

Dr. Shamsul Muhamad (IMR)Dr. Roila Awang (MPOB)

SILVER

Intelligent CircuitBreaker SystemPI : 20005073

SIRIM Berhad(Advanced Manufacturing

Technology Centre)

Dr Norhashim Mohd ArshadNuzul Amri Zakaria

Mohd Rafedin RakimanGooi Chye Seong

Md Yazid Miskom @ MiskanMohd Azrul Hadi Abd Aziz

Rozana HashimNurul Hawani Mat Tuselim

Rohaiza Abdul MalekAsma Basarudin

Daniel Tan

BRONZE

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) for Environmentally

Friendly Electrochemical CellsPI : 20053983

SIRIM Berhad(AMREC) Pn. Wan Siti Noor Wan Abd. Halim

Fuel cell provides excellent effectiveness when combined with an environmentally clean process and it will become one of the most important technologies in the future.

This technology is relatively new in Malaysia but has been proven in other developed countries. For this reason, a team of researchers from SIRIM Berhad’s, Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMREC) led by Wan Siti Noor Wan Abdul Halim developed a system known as the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Environmental Friendly Electrochemical Cells. This project was awarded the Gold Award at the 17th International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2006) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur and the SIIF Prize at the Seoul International Invention Fair 2006.

According to Wan Siti Noor, it is a well known energy conversion electrochemical system that oxidizes fuel such as hydrogen and oxygen within the cell which thereby converts chemical energy of the fuel directly into electrical energy.

“Fuel cells are presently being accounted as a leading alternative, among other things, replacing the internal combustion engine for transportation applications considering their natural high efficiency, and low emissions, or even zero emission (no NOx or SOx),” she added.

Situated right in the city centre, SIRIM Berhad’s Melaka

Branch office is everything a would-be entrepreneur might

be looking for. The branch is now a distinctive structure in

the industrial area of Batu Berendam, despite its humble

beginning as a liaison office back in 1996.

SIRIM Berhad Melaka Branch acts as an ambassador at

the state level and is responsible for several activities

including Corporate Affairs, Strategic Alliances and

Networking, Marketing and Promotion of SIRIM’s products

and services, Customer Service Management, Business

Development and Monitoring, Incubator Development

Programmes, Brand Development and Management.

The branch plays its role as a “Window” mainly to provide services to the state government agencies and

industries that are located in Melaka. The branch offers incubator programmes as well as CAD/CAM training

services apart from emphasising on promoting SIRIM Berhad services. Under its Incubator Programmes,

the branch is providing spin casting facilities for pewter products to entrepreneurs.

According to its Branch Manager, YM Raja Yahya

Raja Ariffin, the Incubation Programme does not

guarantee an overnight success to a company.

“It is all sheer hard work on their part. An

entrepreneur must be able to grasp the whole

idea and materialise them,” he said.

SIRIM Berhad Melaka Branch not only provides

assistance to new entrepreneurs, it also offers

existing entrepreneurs with services to improve

their products as well as the design of products

using CAD/CAM.

“To enhance their finished products and add

value to them, we will propose the relevant

technology or method to these entrepreneurs,”

he explained.

In the near future, the branch plans to provide

electroplating services and to provide small time

entrepreneurs with CAD/CAM for design and

packaging of local products such as the famous

Melaka cake – dodol and the all time favourite

snack such as rempeyek.

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Environmental Friendly Electrochemical Cells

SIRIM Berhad Melaka Branch

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SIRIM Berhad’s researcher, Wan Siti Noor Wan Abdul Halim

SIRIM Berhad Melaka Branch, Batu Berendam, Melaka

SIRIM Berhad Melaka Branch Manager, YM Raja Yahya Raja Ariffin

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Winner ofSIIF Prize,

Seoul International Inventiuon Fair,

2006

This continuous process is environmentally friendly

because it emits only pure water vapour and is

clean, quiet, and pollution free.

Wan Siti Noor also explained that polymer electrolyte

membrane fuel cell is the preferred fuel cell

technology because it operates at low temperature,

typically at 80°C. On the contrary, conventional

electrolyte membranes suffer from several critical

disadvantages such as high costs and low prevention

for fuel.

In the course of its development, low cost, rubber-

based solid-type proton-exchange membranes

MYionex™, have been synthesised for fuel cells.

MYionex™ technology offers:

• Durability (> 800 hours)

• Efficient Operation

• Low cost

• Manufacturable

• Environmental Friendly

For more information, please contact:Yeap Kok PengSenior General ManagerMarketing & Sales Centre Research & Technology DivisonSIRIM Berhad

Tel: 603-5544 5823E-mail: kpyeap@sirim.my

ABOUT SIRIM BERHAD MELAKA BRANCH

• 1996 – Established in Melaka as a liaison office and located at Melaka Baru, Batu Berendam

• 1998 – Relocated to an office in Melaka Industrial Skills Development Centre building,

Batu Berendam and established as SIRIM Berhad Melaka Branch

• November 2002 – Work on new building commenced in 1999, and completed in 2002 at Batu

Berendam Industrial Estate, Mukim Peringgit, Melaka

• Functions:

(i) Corporate Affairs – state committees, formal function, courtesy visit, media relations

(ii) Strategic Alliances & Networking – business matching, dialogue/networking session,

MoUs/MoAs

(iii) Marketing & Promotion of SIRIM’s products & services – seminar/workshop/

course/briefing, exhibition, promotional visit & sales of standards

(iv) Customer Service Management (internal/external)

(v) Business Development & Monitoring

(vi) Incubator Development Programmes

(vii) Brand Development & Management

(viii) Social and Community Responsibility

CREATING A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR

An entrepreneur in the making…at first glance,

the forty-something Rosmah Mustafah looked

just like your next door neighbour. Dressed in

tudung, with simple work shirt and pants, she

welcomed us (a group of editors from SIRIM

Berhad headquarters) to her humble display

corner and workshop situated at SIRIM Berhad

Melaka Branch.

She did not say much but her smile prominently

painted on her face created a carefree friendliness

between us. As we entered her office-cum-

display corner, her product speak for themselves.

Specially-made crafts, mostly the Malay traditional

gifts – tepak sirih and bunga telur have been given

a ‘value-added’ touch while other ornamental

products such as brooches and key-chains were

uniquely designed.

Rosmah has a story to share; she is one of SIRIM’s

Incubator Programme’s participants who enrolled in

year 2003.

Being an active member of the Malay Chamber of

Commerce, Rosmah started business in trading,

supplying goods and construction, follows closely

the programmes and activities organised by the

Chamber. She did not expect then that one of the

courses she attended – a course on spin-casting by

SIRIM Berhad Melaka Branch, will change her life

and destiny, for good.

When asked what it was that made her switch from

trading to handicraft business, Rosmah’s answer

was quite surprising and encouraging.

“With trading, of course, the profit margin is very

big but there is no real achievement with that kind of business. With this skill, I achieve satisfaction in the art of making accessories and souvenirs. This business involves creativity and when people appreciate them and there is demand for my work, there is inner contentment and that is worth a lot more than the big money” she explained.

“Trading gave me the money I wanted. I was earning the in-between profits but there was no real achievement of having done something,” Rosmah elaborated.

Today, she is well-known for producing corporate gifts and souvenirs in Melaka. She receives orders mostly from offices of the State Government, corporate organisations and even from the State Governor himself.

“At first, I was only interested in making the brooches and other pretty accessories which were taught during the short course. Later, I submitted my business plan to SIRIM Berhad, applied for a loan, established my company AJ Nadi Sdn Bhd and the rest is history,” she said in an interview with SIRIMLink recently.

Under the Incubator Programme, she is being guided in areas of marketing, finance as well as the best technology for her products. To nurture her business further, SIRIM also provides her with machines for rent, at a very minimal cost.

“My business is intended for the niche market which is less competitive as there is room for growth in this field and I wish to accord my appreciation to SIRIM for assisting me, especially in marketing my products.

“With SIRIM’s assistance, I am relocating my

business to the tourist attraction area of Jonker

Street, along with other local entrepreneurs in

the souvenir business,” she added.

She plans to expand nationally when she

completes SIRIM Incubator Programme this year.

SIRIM Berhad is confident that Rosmah will now

be able to survive in the ‘real’ world.

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SIRIM Berhad’s Incubator Programme participant, Rosmah Mustafah

Rosmah’s original creation - brooches with bunga kesidang design Some of the corporate gifts and souvenirs produced by AJ Nadi Sdn. Bhd.

SIRIM Berhad Melaka branch offers Spin Casting facilities under The Incubator Programmes

One of the most well-known 18th Century statesmen of the United States, Benjamin Franklin often quoted that without continual growth and progress, words such as, ‘improvement’, ‘achievement’ and ‘success’ have no meaning. SIRIM Berhad’s Sabah Branch Senior ManagerTn. Hj. Khairan Untoh, truly supports this.

In 1982, the first branch office in Sabah started off with just one employee sharing the office space with another government agency. Today, the branch has expanded and stands regal in a valley surrounded by lush green-capped hill. For first-time visitors, the ambience is resort-like and as for the staff, it is paradise.

The building appears manor-like with its SIRIM’s unique architecture distinguishing it from the rest of the building in the vicinity. There is abundance of natural light flowing through the glass walls from all sides, giving the building a bright and cheery atmosphere.

ABOUT SIRIM BERHAD SABAH BRANCH

The objective of this branch is to serve as a

one-stop centre for SIRIM in disseminating

technical information to the local industries

and to assist the State Government in

industrialisation development especially for

SMIs.

Its present services are conducting seminar,

training in both quality and technology

including CAD/CAM, sales of standards,

one-stop centre for testing and calibration

services, detergent incubator programme

and consultancy.

Its customers include government agencies,

local research organisations, associations,

institute of higher learning and the industry.

SIRIM Berhad Sabah Branchhas Grown by Leaps and Bounds

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SIRIM Berhad’s Sabah Branch Senior Manager, Tn. Hj. Khairan Untoh

These features have won the branch the Best Design Award from Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia in 2002.

“I am particularly thankful to the Senior General Manager of the President’s Office, Pn. Aini Suzana Datuk Hj. Ariffin for her constant encouragement for our success.”

“The support from headquarters is vital as it is from there that the plan for expansion and are growth generated.”

Currently with a total of 15 staff, the branch has a huge potential to grow in terms of infrastructure and capacity. This branch has been awarded the much coveted Best Branch award in year 2005 and it is also looking forward to emerge as the best branch yet again.

A perfectionist by nature, Khairan runs the branch like his home: every inch of the office and every staff are dear to him. He repeatedly emphasised that he has very supporting staff and it was not difficult to see that the cordiality was mutual.

Khairan thinks and believes good “Chi’ was essential for growth and prosperity that have been a contributor to the branch’s success which emanates from the staffs’ happiness and contentment.

Khairan’s passion for his work was truly commendable and having been with SIRIM for 24 years he admits, “I love SIRIM as I have grown with SIRIM.”

The branch offers a variety of services to the local community under four major programmes: Business Prospecting, Business Development, Incubator Programme and Training.

Under the Business Prospecting section the branch markets its services through exhibitions, courtesy calls to government, semi-government agencies and foreign trade missions and also through networkings. The branch prospects up to about 60 to 70 business leads annually which are then referred to the various SIRIM’s Strategic Business Units.

Under the Business Development service, potential entrepreneurs are assisted in making business plans and proposals for new and existing SMEs.

The Incubator Programme offers SMEs an opportunity to develop their business with SIRIM providing the support from ideation until the businesses is independent.

Additionally, training is a major revenue contributor for this branch.

Khairan added that, SIRIM will be looking at other areas of growth for the branch. Services such as packaging, testing and certification for the food, chemical and plastics industries are lacking in Sabah for SMEs.

Potential entrepreneurs will be assisted in developing business plans and proposals

SIRIM Berhad SABAH BRANCH : NURTURING THE LOCAL SMEs

SIRIM Berhad Sabah Branch is also responsible for nurturing the businesses of local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) under the Groom Big Programme sponsored by Ministry of Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development.

One of the companies is currently receiving consultancy services from the branch under this programme is Eliza Food Trading, a food manufacturer.

Eliza Food Trading

For Janefher Bajagap and her husband Lolito

Froilan C, their ability to produce commercially-

viable Ginger Powder was discovered by mere

chance. It all started with a family recipe to treat

an illness which plagued Janefher several years

ago.

The prolonged illness which could not be cured

by modern medicine prompted Lolito to come

up with a remedy derived from ginger that the

couple claimed was the reason Janefher was

fully healed.

“From then on, we thought…Hey, why not make it

commercial? It worked for me, surely it (ginger)

has some goodness.” That was Janefher’s

explanation on how their business started.

The Ginger Powder

produced under the brand

name “Eliza”, is marketed

locally, however they have

received orders from as far

as Brunei and Singapore.

Apart from being used in drinks and food items,

their product is also used by health spas as body

scrub or body wrap.

Over the years, Janefher and Lolito were over-

whelmed and could not cater to the large demand

for their Ginger Powder. Their backyard business

which used simple manufacturing process was

then referred to SIRIM. SIRIM assisted and offered

them consultancy services to expand their business

especially in obtaining “HALAL” certification.

With SIRIM’s assistance, their business was

relocated to the SME Bank Complex in Penampang

in February 2007. At the new factory, the company

is able to process about two tonnes of ginger

monthly compared to an average of 25kg monthly

previously.

In order to meet the increasing demand from industry for HACCP certification under the Malaysian Certification Scheme for HACCP, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has appointed SIRIM QAS International to provide auditing services on its behalf.

The collaboration that has been in existence since 2005 was formalised recently with an agreement between the two parties on 16 March 2007 at a ceremony held at SIRIM Berhad headquarters in Shah Alam.

The Secretary General to the Ministry of Health, Dato’ Dr. Hj. Mohd. Nasir Mohd. Ashraf signed on behalf of the ministry while Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Ariffin Hj. Aton represented SIRIM QAS International.

In accordance to the agreement, food industries may submit application for MOH HACCP certification through SIRIM QAS International. SIRIM QAS’s auditors will conduct the audit of the food premises and make the appropriate recommendation. Based on the recommendation by SIRIM QAS International, the Ministry will then issue its HACCP Certificates to the relevant food premises.

In his speech at the signing ceremony, SIRIM Berhad President and Chief Executive, who is also the Chairman of SIRIM QAS International Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Ariffin Hj. Aton said SIRIM QAS International took great pride in the appointment.

“We will strive to provide quality, efficient and professional HACCP auditing services to the food industry seeking HACCP certification from the Ministry of Health,” he said.

SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd Offers HACCP Auditing Services

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Eliza Food Trading owner, Lolito Froilan C is proud of his ginger products

Two SME companies, Heera Enterprise (left) and Eliza Food Trading (right) were relocated to the SME Bank Complex in Penampang, with the help from SIRIM Berhad

On 16 March 2007, SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd was officially appointed by the Ministry of Health to provide auditing services for HACCP certification

HACCP System for Food Safety

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical

Control Point. It is a scientific, rational and

systematic approach towards identification,

assessment and control of hazards in order

to ensure that food is safe at the time of

consumption.

It is applicable to all food businesses involved

in the preparation, processing, manufacturing,

packaging, storage, transportation, distribution,

handling or offering for sale or supply of food

stuffs in any sector in the food chain.

Implementation of a HACCP system by food

businesses will go a long way towards ensuring

that food products are safe for consumption.

Under the Malaysian Certification Scheme for

HACCP, food businesses are required to set up

and implement a HACCP system in accordance to

the MS 1480 “Food Safety According to Hazard

Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)

System”. This standard is based on the widely

accepted international standard published by

the Codex Alimentarius Alinorm Commission. In

implementing HACCP systems, it is required that

pre-requisite programmes be established. It is

recommended that MS 1514 “General Principles

of Food Hygiene” and MCS2 “Guideline for

HACCP Compliance Audit” published by Ministry

of Health be used as a guidance document.

Malaysian Certification Scheme for HACCP

The Malaysian Certification Scheme for Hazard

Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system

was launched by the Ministry of Health in 2001 to

enhance the production of safe food and to promote

the acceptance of Malaysian produced food in the

local and international market.

The distinct advantages of having HACCP certificate

from the Ministry of Health are:

i) It facilitates and expedites the issuance of a

Health Certificate as it is not dependent on end

product testing

ii) It fulfills global requirements on food safety

including the application of Approval Number

for the exporting of fish and fishery products to

European Union.

Benefits of obtaining HACCP certification

• By controlling or reducing significant food

hazards, the buyer/ consumer is assured of

the safety of the food supplied

• HACCP certification is increasingly being

made a requirement for market entry by

regulators and major buyers worldwide

• Independent assessment of the

organisation’s food safety system based on

internationally recognized standards

• Internal process improvement

• Competitive advantage over non-certified

organisations

Recipients of Certificates of Recognition

During the signing ceremony, eight companies certified under the Malaysian Certification Scheme for HACCP

through the collaboration were awarded certificates of recognition. In addition, the companies have also

been certified under SIRIM QAS International’s HACCP Certification Scheme.

The companies are:

i) Bintulu Edible Oils Sdn. Bhd. v) IOI Edible Oils Sdn. Bhd.

ii) Central Sugars Refinery Sdn. Bhd. vi) Laboost Health Beverages Sdn. Bhd.

iii) Danone Snacks Manufacturing (M) Sdn. Bhd. vii) Maestro Swiss Food Sdn. Bhd.

iv) Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn. Bhd. viii) Mafipro Sdn. Bhd.

About SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd.

SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIRIM Berhad. SIRIM QAS

International provides a comprehensive range of certification, inspection and testing services that

conform to international standards and guide. SIRIM QAS International is the market leader in this

industry in Malaysia.

Services relevant to the food sector include:

• SIRIM QAS International’s own HACCP Certification Scheme which can be offered concurrently

with or independent of the Ministry’s Malaysian Certification Scheme for HACCP

• Food Safety System Certification Scheme (ISO 22000)

• Quality Management System Certification Scheme (ISO 9001)

• Product Certification Scheme

• Microbiological testing and evaluation

• Conformity testing to Government Regulations (e.g. Malaysian Food Act, Poison Act,

Environmental Quality Act and Nutritional Labeling requirements)

• Environmental Management System Certification Scheme (ISO 14001)

• Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification Scheme (OHSAS 18001)

SIRIM QAS International is committed to satisfying its clients by providing quality, excellent and

professional services. Its customers include local and international companies, foreign certification

and inspection bodies as well as regulatory authorities.

For more information on our HACCP services, please contact:

Abd. Aziz Long

General Manager

Corporate Support Services Division

Tel: 603 5544 6802

Fax: 603 5510 6720

E-mail: abd.aziz_long@sirim.my

www.sirim-qas.com.my

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20 21

SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd Wins PrestigiousAward from MITI

SIRIM Berhad’s wholly-owned subsidiary, SIRIM

QAS International Sdn Bhd has time and again

proven that it is a leading conformity assessment

body in Malaysia, providing a comprehensive

range of certification, inspection and testing

services in conformance to national and

international standards.

The company was awarded the Quality

Management Excellence Award (Category 3) by

the Ministry of International Trade and Industry

(MITI) during the Industry Excellence Award

2006 presentation which was held at the Kuala

Lumpur Convention Centre on 19 March 2007.

Dato’ Dr. Mohd Ariffin Hj. Aton, President and

Chief Executive of SIRIM Berhad who is also the

Chairman of SIRIM QAS International was on

hand to receive the award from the Minister of

International Trade and Industry, YB Dato’ Seri

Rafidah Aziz.

The criteria used for evaluation included,

among others, top management leadership and

management of quality, use of quality data and

information, human resource management,

customer focus, quality assurance

of external suppliers, process

management, quality and operational/

business results.

As the winner of the Industry Excellence

Award, SIRIM QAS International will

be exempted from participation fees

for three international trade fairs or

three trade missions organised by

Malaysia External Trade Development

Corporation (MATRADE), and the

participation fees for exhibition space

at the Malaysia Export Exhibition Centre

at the MATRADE Headquarters and

Malaysia Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE

and Johannesburg, South Africa for one exhibition

session.

The 16th Industry Excellence Award 2006 was

organised by MITI in recognition of organisational

excellence and quality achievement and awareness

with the aim of encouraging quality products/

services and information sharing on successful

performance strategies.

Other awards presented on the night were the

Product Excellence Award, Export Excellence Award

(Merchandise & Services), Brand Excellence Award,

the Special Award for Innovative Product and Special

Award for Quality Management.

SIRIM QAS International will not rest on its laurels

and will strive to further improve the level of its

service, with the ultimate aim of delighting all its

customers. The company aims to provide these

excellent services not just at home but also extend

them abroad. In this connection, there are plans to

set up a branch in Shenzhen, China before the end

of this year.

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Protecting The Environment While Enhancing Trade, Productivity & Innovation

AS we move towards globalisation, intense competition to emerge as the best, has pushed people, organisations and countries in hot pursuit of excellence. In doing so, regard for environment has taken a back seat or in some instances totally obscured. In view of this emerging threat, the Seminar on Environment in Trade, Productivity and Innovation organised by SIRIM Berhad on 15th January 2007 at the Sheraton Hotel, Subang was both timely and urgent.

Supported by two prominent trade organisations, namely the Japan External Trade Organisation(JETRO) and International Trade Centre UNTAD/WTO, the day-long event was a meeting of like-minded individuals from government agencies and various industries, discussing and exchanging expert views on the issue at hand.

Present to deliver his keynote address and officially opened the seminar was Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Parliamentary Secretary YB Dato Prof. Dr. Hj Mohd. Ruddin Abd Ghani, who in his speech touched on the spiraling impact of environment on global warming which has lead to erratic climate change in the last decade or so.

The Malaysian Experience

Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim, Senior Principal Consultant, Technology Park Malaysia in his paper on “Implications of Environmental Trends on Malaysian Business” presented during the seminar explained that Malaysia, as a country that is moving from being an agriculture dominated economy in the 50s and 60s to one that is fully involved in export, shares common concerns on the environment as other developed and developing countries.

Among the major concerns of the environment are: Global Warming, Ozone Depletion, Smog Formation and Acidification. An example of such concern is the smog situation that annually engulfs several countries in South East Asia where the emission of sulphur dioxide from one country can be transferred to another country in the form of ‘acid rain’.

In his presentation, Dr. Ahmad also delved on eco-label challenges and the challenges of implementing it. He said at present there is a multiplication of labels and programmes for a single product; for example bananas whereby several labels are associated to the fruit such as Fair trade, Eco-UK, ISO 14001, organic etc.

“Efforts should be put more on harmonising these labels across the world,” he added saying that the differences would only confuse consumers. He is optimistic that eco-labeling will become an important feature of future business practice globally and also in Malaysia.

Environmental Requirements & Market Access

Meanwhile, Andrew Stevenson of Trade,Environment and Development Branch of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said developing countries received inadequate support from standard-setters and donours in meeting the EnvironmentalRequirements (ER).

The benefits of compliance to the ER include market access, health and safety, resource efficiency, competitiveness strategy as well as benefits to the environment itself.

In the paper themed “Environmental Requirements and Market Access for Developing Countries” Stevenson stressed on the importance of developing countries to make adjustments to meet the requirements transmitted through the supply

He also warned that the rampant climate change could turn 200 million people into refugees amid drought and flood.

Dato Prof. Dr. Hj Mohd. Ruddin called upon the business community to look at the emergence of fast-growing green market in the developed countries spurred primarily by the legislation, which should be adopted by the developing countries.

The head of Delegation of the European Commission in Malaysia, Thierry Rommel, in his speech said as the public procurement spending in the European Union (EU) is high and worth about 16% of EU GDP, greening the public procurement rules at the EU

and the Member States could help substantially in reducing unsustainable production and consumption patterns.

‘Purchasing a “green” piece of IT equipment cansave money in many different ways, i.e. low electricity consumption, longer life time and easier to recycle or reuse at the end its life,’ he added.

He also spoke of the many other environment-related directives developed by EU in effort to encourage sustainable production and consumption patterns among its Member States.

He explained that in the EU, the production ofElectrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) is one of the fastest growing sectors of the manufacturing technology. And in view of this the European par l i ament has developed seven EU directions related to EEE, beginning with the selection of raw materials right up to disposal stage, all for the sake of the environment.

chain; as well as address the problems that are associated with growing volumes of post-consumer Electrical/Electronic Equipment waste.

The EU Experience

Joan Watson, Executive Consultant for State of Flux Limited, UK related the experiences of leading companies in the European Union (EU) in her presentation “Beyond the Regulatory Requirement in the EU”.

She said the emergence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in environment has been prominent in the UK and other EU countries through Governance where leading companies are required to design products and processes for compliance.

According to Watson, leading companies in meeting the regulatory requirement, would develop high profile strategies and use best-practice companies as benchmark.

In turning these requirements into competitive advantage, she said companies should make environmental strategy an integral part of business as well as develop supply chain policy and practice around Environment, Social and Labour areas.

“Companies should create a corporate social agenda. One that looks beyond the mitigating harm to finding ways to reinforce strategy by advancing environmental and social conditions,” she said.

SIRIM Berhad’s say on this matter

SIRIM Berhad’s Senior General Manager for Environment & Bioprocess Technology Centre, Dr. Chen Sau Soon in raising the issue on the readiness of the Malaysian business community in implementing Green Purchasing said, implementation of the National Green Purchasing Database was critical. She commented that the developed countries were moving a step further by incorporating a Global Products Database in a concerted effort to protect the environment.

Dr. Chen in conclusion said Green Procurementand Green Purchasing that can be executed by the government through legislative framework and guidelines will see better future for environment protection in Malaysia.

22 23

MOSTI Parliamentary Secretary (second from left) launching the Seminar on Environment in Trade, Productivity and Innovation

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Islamic Science Advances Brought In for Malaysians

Great works of Muslim scholars such as Ibnu

Sina or Avicenna and Avenrace in medicine,

Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali or Algazel

in chemistry, Rhazes and Geber in music have

often been overlooked as a result of today’s

rapid development. People have long forgotten

the brilliant findings and contributions of these

Muslim scholars to the world.

With the aim of reminding Malaysians the great

endeavour of these Muslim scholars, an exhibition

on “Scientific Excellence in Islamic Civilisation:

Islamic Science Ahead of Its Time” was held at

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 8 January

2007. This exhibition, which ran for more than

a month, was officiated by the Malaysian Prime

Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah bin Ahmad

Badawi. It achieved an overwhelming response

with more than 10,000 visitors on the opening

day. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan

Zainal Abidin was among the many VIPs who

made time to visit this informative exhibition.

The success of this exhibition was a joint

effort of MOSTI and Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin, the

director of the History of Arabic-Islamic Science,

John Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt,

Germany.

The exhibition was divided into four areas: the

World of Astronomy, Geography, and Navigation;

Creations and Medical Discoveries; Mathematics,

Arts and Architecture; and Creations and

Technology.

About 150 artifacts that include replicas,

working models, models and a collection of

posters by Muslim intellectuals were on display.

In addition to artifacts, manuscripts on Science

and Technology during the world of Islamic

civilisation were displayed. Equipment which laid

the foundation for the development in the field

of astronomy in modern days were also put on

view. Equipment that interest visitors include

those that were used during the Abbasiyah and

Othmaniah dynasties to measure the distance of

the moon and the sun to fix the calendar. Besides

astronomy, medical equipment used by Muslim

experts including surgery equipment attracted the

visitors.

Dato’ Sri Dr. Jamaludin, a strong advocate of Science

and Technology, had often commented on the lack

of interest among the community, especially in the

field of Science and Technology. “It is hoped that

this exhibition would motivate young Malaysians to

be interested not only in Science and Technology,

but also in empowering and acquiring knowledge,”

he said.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation,

Dato’ Sri Dr. Jamaludin Mohd Jarjis said it is the

Government’s aim to see the rebirth of the Muslims

scholars’ achievements emerging from this exhibition

among Malaysians.

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2. Capsule products (under the BioRaub brand)

• Tongkat Ali

• Misai Kucing

• Hempedu Bumi

• Pegaga Peria

• Kacip Fatimah

• Peria

3. Packaging

• Jamu Mak Dara

• Pria Café

• Misai Kucing

• Kopi Tongkat Ali

• Kopi Pegaga

Products by the Herbal Biotech Centre

1. Herbal extract (in liquid and powder form)

• Tongkat Ali

• Misai Kucing

• Hempedu Bumi

• Pegaga

• Peria

• Kacip Fatimah

• Jambu Merah

• Daun Jambu Merah

• Roselle

• Ubi Jaga

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The Deputy Prime Minister said that the

establishment of the Herbal Biotech Centre in a

remote area is a well planned effort to generate

wealth and to benefit the local people.

“Transformation does not only mean changes in the

developmental and technological aspects. It can also

be applied in the creation of herbal products, giving

them added value, so that they can be displayed

side by side with the various other products in the

international market,” he said.

He said with the transformation in the creation

of herbal products, Malaysia can generate wealth

that need not necessarily depend totally on

continuous resources.

During the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister

also witnessed the exchange of documents in

collaboration of the Herbal Biotech Centre and

Technology Park Malaysia. Also present at the

function were Science, Technology and Innovation

Minister Dato’ Sri Dr. Jamaludin Mohd Jarjis and

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.

Orang Asli from nearby settlements were also invited to the launch

Technology Park Malaysia Herbal Biotech CentreRaub, Pahang

Technology Park Malaysia Herbal Biotech Centre

in Batu Talam, Raub, Pahang was launched

by the Deputy Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri

Mohamad Najib Tun Razak on 25 January 2007.

This centre is set to explore plant biotechnology

from Malaysia’s vast natural resources without

destroying the existing ecosystem.

The centre was established to provide the

infrastructure for processing herbs for commercial

function as well as to assist biotechnology

entrepreneurs through scientific and advisory

services.

Covering a 20,000 square feet area, the centre

is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest of the

Titiwangsa Range. This centre is equipped to

process raw materials with an extraction capacity

of 1,500 litres, an encapsulation machine and

sachet packing machine.

The Centre comprises an administration office,

laboratories, processing centres and herbal

production centre with Good Manufacturing

Practice status. It also provides apartment units

for staff and visitors, especially scientists and

researchers.

All the equipment are designed and developed in

accordance to the standard of health and quality

products. The Quality Assurance Programme in this

Centre is supported by a QA unit, a Phytochemistry

Laboratory and a Microbiology Laboratory.

The Tissue Culture Laboratory is built to increase

herbal production by using tissue culture methods

in the Plant Biotechnology Centre. Besides the

laboratory, a green house is also used for the

purpose of research and special cultivation.

Five hundred acres of land has been allocated for

herbal plantations which are anticipated to have an

economic return.

The day-to-day operation of the centre is managed

by Technology Park Malaysia’s wholly-owned

subsidiary, Periwinkle Science Sdn Bhd.

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Technology Park Malaysia Herbal Biotech Centre in Batu Talam, Raub

NEW

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FEBRUARY

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Delegates accompanying the Director General of Directorate for Standardisation, Testing & Quality Certification Ministry for Information & Technology, New Delhi, India at a briefing session by SIRIM Berhad Vice President of Standards & Quality Division,Puan Robiah Ibrahim, during their visit to SIRIM Berhad headquarters in Shah Alam. – 5 February 2007

Event Highlights

Visit by the staff of Teachers EducationDepartment & Institut Pendidikan Guru,Ministry of Education to SIRIM Berhad’s Gallery, HQ Shah Alam. – 10 Jan 2007

The Official Opening of Environment in Trade, Productivity and Innovation: An International Seminar for Decision Makers and Implementers, Sheraton Hotel, Subang. – 15 January 2007

The President and Chief Executive of SIRIM Berhad, Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Ariffin Hj. Aton posing with members of Malay Businessmen and Industrialists Association of Malaysia (PERDASAMA) and their President Dato’ Moehamad Izat Emir, during their visit to SIRIM Berhad Complex in Shah Alam. - 16 January 2007

SIRIM Berhad and the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organisations (WAITRO) signed a memorandum of understanding to pledge for greater

cooperation. President and Chief Executive of SIRIM Berhad Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Ariffin Hj. Aton signed on behalf of SIRIM

and President of WAITRO, Dr. Dieter R. Fuchs for his organisation. – 16 January 2007

JANUARY

JANUARY

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SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd and their Indonesian counterpart, PT. Mutuagung Lestari signed an MoU for cooperation in several areas regarding certification.– 12 February 2007

Mr. David Lee of Customer Relations Management briefing the delegates from the National Home Builders Registration Council, South Africa on SIRIM Berhad’s products and services, during their visit to SIRIM Berhad. – 14 February 2007

Delegation from the Technical Committee on Compehensive Import Supervision Schemeon the Practice of Destination Inspectionof Imports, Nigeria being briefed onSIRIM’s products and services duringtheir visit. - 6 February 2007

MARCH

SIRIM Berhad’s Senior General Manager for Property Management & IT Services Dept. Dr. Mohamad Jamil Sulaiman

handing over the ‘key’ to Building 6, the new administration office of SIRIM Berhad to Tn. Hj. Nor Rashid Ismail,

Senior General Manager of Human Resource & Administration Dept, at a launching ceremony by President and Chief Executive

of SIRIM Berhad, Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Ariffin Hj. Aton. The soft launch of Building 8, the new headquarters for SIRIM QAS

International was also performed on that day. – 2 March 2007

SIRIM’s Activities CSR Events

Minister of Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin visiting SIRIM Berhad’s booth at The Vendor Network, KLCC. - 20 March 2007.

31

Petronas Dagangan Berhad received itsMS ISO 9001:2000 certificate fromSIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd

at SIRIM Berhad Headquarters,Shah Alam. - 27 March 2007

SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd received theQuality Management Excellence Award from the Minister of International Trade & Industries,Dato’ Seri Rafidah Aziz at Kuala LumpurConvention Centre. - 19 March 2007

Deputy Minister of Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Dato’ Khamsiah Yeop (second from right) visiting the booth displaying the Aveana brand of products at the closing of “Program PeningkatanKualiti & Pembangunan Produk”, Groom BigNegeri Sembilan. SIRIM Berhad assisted in the formulation of the product. - 4 March 2007

Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Ariffin Hj. Aton, President and Chief Executive of SIRIM Berhad exchanging documents with

MECD Secretary General Dato’ Mangsor Saad, during the launch of “Program Usahawan Glokal” by Deputy

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak,PWTC, Kuala Lumpur. - 27 March 2007

Yummm Sengggg….SIRIM Berhad’s celebration of Chinese New Year at the Multipurpose Hall,SIRIM Complex, Shah Alam. – 2 March 2007

MARCH

30

Participants of the Friendly Games between SIRIM Berhad and Fujikura, Pulau Pinang. – 20 January 2007

The caring community of SIRIM Berhad helped in sharing the burden carried by the victims of the

flood tragedy in Johore. – 26 January 2007

The staff and management of SIRIM Berhad contributed a sum of RM15,000.00 to the flood

victims in Raub, Pahang. – 2 February 2007

SIRIM Berhad staff lend a helping hand to the flood victims in Raub, Pahang to clean their houses during a

one-day ‘gotong-royong’ event. – 3 February 2007

MARCH

INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & QUALITY CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

The Global competitive environment continues to grow in intensity and scope and Malaysia faces challenges from new competitor nations and companies. In this context, QUALITY ensures a better future and technology in turn determines the quality of that future. Quality, Technology and Innovation are, thus, inseparable pillars of a nation aspiring to attain a fully developed status.

It is time to connect Quality and Technology for economic upheaval. Discover how you and your organisation can sustain a competitive advantage in the globalised business environment through adoption of Technology and Quality best practices.

As we know, Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

“Sustainable Growththrough Technology and Quali ty”

www.ite-q.com

Championed by SIRIM Berhad, Malaysia’s Premier Quali ty And Research & Technology Organisat ion

Organised by

Event Manager

Supported by

ExportersCLUB

23-25 AUGUST 2007KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE, MALAYSIA

Exhibition SecretariatExporters Club Sdn Bhd (582796-T)Suite 607, 4th floor, Block A, Glomac Business Centre, Jalan SS6/1, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaTel: (+603) 7880 0413 Fax: (+603) 7880 2817Email: info@exportersclub.org URL: www.exportersclub.org

Conference Enquiries Pn Aini Suzana Datuk AriffinSenior General ManagerPresident’s Office/Group Corporate Affairs DepartmentSIRIM Berhad(603) 5544 6508aini.suzana_ariffin@sirim.my

The First of its KindThe First of its Kind