News Highlight

SHAH ALAM, Thursday, 26 November 2015 – DRB-HICOM Berhad today announced revenue of RM6.2 billion for the first half of the financial year ending 31 March 2016(“FY 2016”).

The Group recorded a pre-tax profit of RM69.4 million for the same period against the backdrop of very challenging economic and business landscapes which have affected consumer sentiment and demand.

The outlook for the remaining period of the financial year continues to be challenging. Nevertheless, the Group will continue to focus on cost management and initiatives to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness to improve the Group“s resilience.

The Group is also intensifying efforts to improve the performance of the automotive segments through more aggressive sales and marketing campaigns as well as through the introduction of new products and services.

In addition, the Group is also focusing on strengthening its logistics as well as concession businesses as part of its strategy to enhance the contribution from its Services sector. The acquisitions of Gading Sari Sdn Bhd (now known as DRB-HICOM Asia Cargo Express Sdn Bhd), the Northern Gateway Infrastructure Sdn Bhd as well as the Media City Ventures Sdn Bhd are part of this strategy.

SHAH ALAM, 11 November 2015 – International College of Automotive (“ICAM”), a member of the DRB-HICOM Group, has been conferred university status by the Ministry of Higher Education. Its new name is DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia.

With the upgrade, DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia is now amongst the first in Asean to offer home-grown bachelor degree, master and doctoral programmes relating to the automotive ecosystem, which includes mechanical, business and management studies.

“This elevation into becoming a full-fledged university marks a significant milestone for its growing stature as a leading institution of higher learning in the region,” said Brigadier General (K) Tan Sri Dato“ Sri (Dr) Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad.

He added that DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia plays an important role towards making sure that the nation has a steady supply of industry-ready workforce and also in meeting the Government“s objective of developing a knowledge-driven society.

“What makes us different is our balanced approach to education; similar to the dual training concept widely practiced in Germany where nearly 60% of its workers train as apprentices. This combination of theory and practice gives our students a head start in their careers as they would have accumulated the required technical knowledge together with hands-on experience in their jobs,” remarked Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil.

Operating from a well-facilitated 42-acre campus in Pekan, the advantage DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia offers is in being strategically placed alongside DRB-HICOM“s regional automotive hub, which houses the nation’s largest integrated automotive assembly complex, which makes it probably one of its kind in the world.

“Pekan, a royal town that was once heavily reliant on agriculture, has expanded to become a regional automotive hub housing numerous industry-leading international marques, and now, an education centre housing a full-fledged university,” said Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil.

He also pointed out the university“s conducive environment in Pekan – being far away from the distractions of the city and comparatively quiet environment – provides the ideal setting for students to fully focus on their learning.

Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil further attributed the university“s progress to the steadfast efforts by the management team and faculty members. He said: “We have brought together a strong faculty team led by experienced education professionals and academicians with both local and international experiences who have worked in established academic institutions around the world, providing the perfect combination to take the university to greater heights.”

Backed by a combined senior management team“s working experience of more than 50 years in the education industry, DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia“s management and academic team of 87 faculty members comprises more than 5 different nationalities including from New Zealand , India, Jordan, Iran and Pakistan.

He added: “The talents produced by DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia are provided with invaluable industry experience at the companies within the DRB-HICOM Group and will be ready for the workplace upon completion of their studies.”

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 October 2015 – CTRM Aviation Sdn. Bhd. (“CTRM Aviation” or “the company”), a subsidiary of Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“CTRM”), and member of the DRB-HICOM Group, today signed a three-year contract with Royal Malaysian Police Air Operation Force (“RMPAOF”) to supply, repair/overhaul components and spare parts for the latter“s fleet of six units of Cessna Caravan 208, four units of Cessna 172 and five units of King Air 350. RMPAOF had, on 1st March this year, issued a Letter of Intent to CTRM Aviation for the said contract with an estimated total value of RM18 million.

The signing ceremony was held at PWTC in conjunction with the 2015 General Police Exhibition & Conference (GPEC), and witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister, YB Dato“ Sri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Home Affairs Minister. CTRM Aviation was represented by YBhg Dato“ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Chief Operating Officer, Finance and Corporate of DRB-HICOM Berhad and YBhg Lt Kol (K) Dato“ Amril Samsudin, Chief Executive Officer of DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn. Bhd. (DEFTECH).

CTRM Aviation is an authorised service station for CESSNA aircrafts and has been servicing the aircraft operators in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia for many years. “The signing of the contract marks the beginning of a collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police for CTRM to provide support services for national security and enforcement operations of the country,” said YBhg Dato“ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali.

Formerly known as Eagle Aircraft Malaysia, CTRM Aviation started its operation as a light aircraft manufacturer since early 1990s. In 2005, CTRM Aviation embarked into Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operations mainly for the general aviation. The company is an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Part 145 by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Malaysia, as well as the Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) of Indonesia and Thailand.

CTRM Aviation has also received the AMO and AEO (Approved Engineering Organisation) from the Directorate General Technical Airworthiness (DGTA), which certifies the company as technically competent to service aircrafts for the military.

In June 2015, CTRM Aviation was granted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 145 Repair Station Certification. This latest addition to the series of approvals gives authority to the company to maintain aircrafts within the FAA regulation, which includes both military as well as commercial aircrafts such as the Airbus A320s, Boeing B737s and ATRs, among others.

SHAH ALAM, Tuesday, 29 September – The first batch of students from the International College of Automotive (ICAM) is all set and ready to leave for Liverpool, United Kingdom (UK) to undertake the final year of their Bachelor“s Degree programme.

A total of 12 students are expected to depart to the UK from Kuala Lumpur in early October this year as part of their Bachelor“s Degree (Hons) in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, a twinning undergraduate programme between Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and ICAM.

The degree programme is designed to produce highly-skilled manufacturing systems engineers with expertise in design and analysis, computer-aided design applications, manufacturing and materials, and control engineering. It is a broad-based programme giving a solid grounding in mathematics and in mechanical, manufacturing, electronic and electrical engineering.

“In the short five years since ICAM first commenced operations in 2010, today“s event marks a significant milestone for ICAM“s growing stature as a leading automotive institution of higher learning in the region,” said Brigadier General (K) Tan Sri Dato“ Sri Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad.

ICAM, established in 2010 following the approval from the Ministry of Higher Education, is owned by HICOM University College Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad. Operating from a 42-acre campus in Pekan, Pahang alongside the DRB-HICOM regional automotive centre housing the nation’s largest integrated automotive assembly complex, it offers students a first-hand, close-up training and industry exposure. Backed by an immense working experience in the education industry, ICAM“s management and academic team of 87 faculty members comprising more than 10 different nationalities including from India, Jordan, New Zealand, Iran and Pakistan, is committed towards making ICAM a global leader in the field of automotive engineering research.

Tan Sri Dato“ Sri Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil added that having LJMU as a partner was further testament to ICAM“s capabilities as it is reputed to be one of the UK“s leading centres for engineering and advanced manufacturing education. With 250 degree courses catering to more than 25,000 students from over 100 countries, LMJU is one of the largest, most dynamic and forward-thinking universities in the UK.

“In recognising the importance of a global academic exposure for our students, we are in the process of developing ICAM into an internationally-orientated automotive education institution by striving to establish further collaborations with established international institutions over the years, including with the likes of University of Warwick, UK and University of Waikato in New Zealand,” said Tan Sri Dato“ Sri Hj Mohd Khamil Jamil.

The 3-year (2+1) programme entails completion of two years academic curriculum at ICAM Campus in Pekan combined with a final one year of studies at LJMU in the UK. The programme is a highly integrated interdisciplinary degree which harnesses a wide range of specialisations such as design, manufacturing, control and electrical, electronic engineering in the production of components, products and systems.

Among those present during the visit included Dato“ Hisham Othman, Head of Operations, Automotive Distribution & Manufacturing of DRB-HICOM and Mohd Syahrul Yusuf, Acting Chief Operating Officer of DHCV.

The 3-year (2+1) programme entails completion of two years academic curriculum at ICAM Campus in Pekan combined with a final one year of studies at LJMU in the UK. The programme is a highly integrated interdisciplinary degree which harnesses a wide range of specialisations such as design, manufacturing, control and electrical, electronic engineering in the production of components, products and systems.

“We are thrilled to see our first batch of students heading off to Liverpool for their final year of studies. This marks both a significant milestone for ICAM“s growing stature as a leading ASEAN automotive institution, as well as the student“s educational development,” said ICAM Chief Executive, Prof Dr Garry James Clayton.

The students are sponsored by the respective companies they are currently attached with including DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd, HICOM-Teck See Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, Oriental Summit Industries Sdn Bhd, PHN Industry Sdn Bhd, PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd, ISUZU HICOM Sdn Bhd, HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (M) Sdn Bhd, MODENAS Sdn Bhd and HICOM-Honda Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Amongst the first group leaving for LJMU, is Amir Haridan, a Junior Assistant attached with the quality department at PHN Industry Sdn Bhd.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me in terms of my education and as my career development. As this is my first trip to the UK, I am truly looking forward to learning about the different cultures of my fellow students over in LJMU as well as gaining different perspectives on my field of study,” said the 23-year-old who hails from Jitra, Kedah.

Amir, who had completed his diploma studies from ICAM in 2013 before joining PHN, is hoping to continue contributing to the DRB-HICOM group after completing his studies. He said, “I believe that the knowledge and information I should be gathering from my experiences in the UK would provide me with the skillsets and competencies to contribute to my company“s continued growth towards becoming the best in what we do.”

Echoing similar aspirations to contribute to the Group“s growth is Hasliza Ismail, who has been working with MODENAS for the last 16 years. The mother of three children, who holds a Diploma in Automotive Management Systems from ICAM, is hoping that when she returns home to Malaysia, she will be able to bring back with her a wealth of knowledge that would spur her to greater success in her career.

“Besides being overjoyed with the chance to experience studying and living overseas, I see this as a chance for me to expand my learning and to diversify into other areas of my career, because I believe that one should never stay idle if one wants to succeed,” said the 39-year-old Hasliza who is currently attached with the company“s accounts and finance department.

“This occasion is further testament of ICAM“s commitment to produce highly competent professionals to join the workforce of the automotive ecosystem. It also serves as an institution which enables DRB-HICOM“s workers to significantly improve their skills and ability as well as to complement Malaysia“s automotive industry through sustainable development of human capital,” added Prof Clayton.

SELAYANG, Tuesday, September 22, 2015 – – DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles (DHCV) a wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad (DRB-HICOM) marked another significant milestone with the opening of its Head Office and comprehensive 3S (Sales, Service and Spare-Parts) Centre in Selayang, Selangor. This further augments DHCV“s commitment to revive the Tata brand in the Malaysian market.

The state-of-the-art 3S Centre had been established and fully operated in Selayang since March 2015 to facilitate the after sales support and needs of Tata vehicle owners in the Klang Valley and neighbouring areas.

With a total built-up area of more than 30,000 square feet, the full-fledge 3S Centre, is equipped with a showroom that can display up to 3 vehicles, comfortable customer lounge with refreshments and WiFi, a service centre with a total of 12 service bays, as well as spare parts under one roof for the convenience of it“s customers. It is currently operated by a group of well-trained technical staff with the technical know-how on the Tata vehicles acquired via training programmes organised locally and overseas under the purview of technical experts from Tata Motors.

The service centre is also equipped with the Tata Motors latest diagnostic equipment and special tools to carry out complete service maintenance and major repairs. Other facilities available are the overhaul room for engine and gearbox overhauls, lubricating and diagnostic room that make it a comprehensive service centre for Tata vehicles.

As our commitment to ensure best quality service to Tata vehicle owners, DHCV also provide 24/7 breakdown assistance service throughout Malaysia as well as additional services covering accident repairs, spray painting, accessories fittings and periodic inspection service – smoke test, engine inspection and tyre checks.

DHCV also implements a “no holds barred“ strategy of stocking spare parts for all variants of all models available in Malaysia, irrespective of the frequency of demand or usage. This is an on-going continuous exercise to ensure the availability of sufficient stocks to keep Tata vehicles on the roads.

To date, DHCV has appointed seven dealers nationwide, namely in Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Sabah, in its effort to reach out and provide better facilities for customers nationwide. DHCV targets to have 20 3S Centres throughout Malaysia by mid-2016.

The media visit to the 3S Centre also witnessed the handover of Tata vehicles to three DHCV“s customers, namely Biforst Logistics Sdn Bhd, Shidu Brothers Sdn Bhd and MSS Asia Logistic Sdn Bhd

Among those present during the visit included Dato“ Hisham Othman, Head of Operations, Automotive Distribution & Manufacturing of DRB-HICOM and Mohd Syahrul Yusuf, Acting Chief Operating Officer of DHCV.

SHAH ALAM, Thursday, 27 August 2015 – DRB-HICOM Berhad (“DRB-HICOM”) today announced group revenue of RM2.95 billion for the first quarter ended 30 June 2015.

The Group recorded a pre-tax profit of RM16.68 million in the current quarter, mainly due to the lower contribution from automotive sector. The automotive industry is currently experiencing challenging motor vehicles sales due to various factors including more stringent loan approval policies coupled with weaker consumer sentiments and more intense competition.

DRB-HICOM as a group, with a diverse portfolio of products and services across various business sectors, has been affected by the current market sentiments and challenging economic and business landscape.

Recognising the need to mitigate the impact of the current market conditions, DRB-HICOM has taken pro-active measures to be more vigilant in managing its cost of doing business through effective cost controls while optimising its resources and improving operational efficiencies, as well as more aggressive sales and marketing initiative throughout the Group.

Shah Alam, Thursday, May 28, 2015 – DRB-HICOM Berhad (DRB-HICOM or Group) today announced that the Group achieved revenue of RM13.69 billion and profit before taxation of RM502.21 million for the financial year ended 31 March 2015.

Despite the disposal of its insurance business as well as the challenging business environment for the automotive and property sectors, the Group“s performance was reinforced by increased contribution from the defence, aero-structure, logistics as well as the solid waste management sectors.

In view of the prevailing uncertainties in the global economic condition, the Group will continue to intensify its marketing efforts to expand and sustain its revenue streams while remaining vigilant on costs and its risk management. This includes more aggressive introduction of new models for all marques marketed by the Group as well as launch of new property development projects in the Klang Valley and the Iskandar Region. Notwithstanding the challenging market conditions, the Group remains positive in its outlook and performance for the forthcoming financial year. The Group is proposing a final dividend of 4.5 sen to be approved at the annual general meeting, giving a total dividend payout of 6.0 sen per share for the financial year.

Shah Alam, Thursday February 26, 2015 – DRB-HICOM Berhad today announced its financial results for the period ended 31 December 2014 with a revenue increase of 4.4% to RM10.48 billion as compared with RM10.03 billion achieved in the corresponding period last year. All business sectors of the Group contributed to the growth in revenue.

However, the Group“s Profit Before Tax declined to RM457.7 million for the financial period ended 31 December 2014 as compared with RM504.3 million previously due to the higher automotive promotion and incentives offered towards the end of 2014.

The Group had also completed the acquisition of Gading Sari Aviation Services Sdn Bhd on 29 January 2015. This acquisition marked another milestone in the Group“s logistics business as it is now well positioned to provide a complete air-sea-land logistic services capabilities to our customers and strengthen our services as a leading integrated logistic service provider in Malaysia.

The Board of Directors has declared a single tier interim dividend of 1.50 sen per share amounting to RM28,998,556 for the current financial year ending 31 March 2015 to be paid on 28 April 2015.

Shah Alam, Wednesday, January 21, 2015 – Two new commercial vehicles by Tata Motor Limited (Tata Motors) was launched today by DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd (DHCV). This marks a significant milestone that further augments DRB-HICOM“s commitment to revive the Tata brand in the Malaysian market. The wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad (DRB-HICOM) introduced the Tata Xenon Pick-up and the Tata Prima Prime Mover, at EON Head Office Complex in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

The unveiling of the Tata Xenon Pick-up and the Tata Prima Prime Mover marked the re-emergence of Tata“s dynamic comeback to the Malaysia landscape since its first entry in 1993.

There will be six variants of the Tata Xenon Pick-up, positioned as a workhorse for commercial applications for traders, small & medium industries and estate/plantation. The Tata Prima Prime Mover comes with a 4×2 and a 6×4 configuration – Tata Prima 4038.S and Tata Prima 4938.S. The Tata Prima is a new generation of Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles from Tata Motors conceptualized, designed and developed as a Global Truck.

The project to revive the Tata Motors brand in Malaysia started in September 2013 upon the signing of the Importation, Distribution and Technology License Agreements between Tata Motors and DHCV. DHCV is the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors commercial vehicles and will be expanding its vehicle assembly business and distribution network in Malaysia. A state-of-the art ‘3S“ (Sales, Service and Spare parts) centre has been established in Selayang to facilitate the after sales support and needs of Tata vehicle owners in the Klang Valley and neighbouring areas. The ‘3S“ facility has a total of 12 service bays to provide service, after-sales and spare parts under one roof for the convenience of Tata customers.

Among those present at the launch, which was officiated by Tan Sri Dato“ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil include Mr Ravindra Pisharody, Executive Director Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, Mr R.T. Wasan, Head of International Business-Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors and Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Distribution & Manufacturing of DRB-HICOM.

DHCV has also initially appointed seven dealers nationwide, namely in Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Sabah, in its effort to reach out to the Malaysian market. The dealers were presented with certificates during the launch, which also witnessed the handover of the Tata Prima Prime Mover to DHCV’s first two clients, Konsortium Logistik Berhad (KLB) and PUSPAKOM.