- 11 hours ago
As global industries rethink their supply chains, NCT Alliance Berhad is reimagining the industrial park through its latest managed industrial development. Ong Chou Wen and Sae-Yap Atthakovit unpack how smart technology, sustainable infrastructure and future-ready solutions are shaping the next phase of growth.
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00:16As global manufacturers and tech-driven industries diversify their supply chains across ASEAN,
00:22the question is no longer where to set up, but how to operate with greater certainty, efficiency and resilience.
00:29NCT Alliance Berhad is looking to be at the forefront of that shift.
00:33From roots in the tiling industry, its latest project marks Malaysia's first managed industrial park spanning over 910 acres.
00:42In this episode, we find out how NCT is reimagining the industrial park from smart technology and sustainable infrastructure
00:49to its vision for building future-ready industrial growth in Selangor.
00:57Hello, you're watching Investment Insider brought to you by Invest Langor. I'm Fei Kuan.
01:03Today, we're taking a look at what an industrial park can and should be together with NCT Alliance Berhad.
01:10Joining me on the show today is Mr. Ong Chao Wen. He is the CEO of NCT Alliance Berhad.
01:16Mr. Ong, thank you for joining me today.
01:18Thank you. Thank you for having me, Fei.
01:20Now, firstly, when we're talking about industrial parks, investor expectations have really evolved significantly in recent years.
01:29How are those expectations though changing when it comes to industrial parks?
01:33And why is this managed industrial park model becoming more relevant today for businesses?
01:40Investors are no longer evaluating industrial parks purely as real estate assets,
01:45but whether the location can support their business over the next 10 to 20 years.
01:50They are looking into long terms.
01:52They want assurance that the infrastructure can keep up with technological advancement,
01:57sustainability requirements can be met,
01:59and the stronger environments will continue to support their growth ambitions.
02:03Many of the earlier industrial parks served Malaysia exceptionally well,
02:07and played an instrumental role in our industrialization journey.
02:12However, the changing business needs have raised expectations,
02:16and this is where MIP model becomes relevant.
02:21In many ways, this shift reflects the next chapter in the evolution of industrial developments,
02:27and in alignment with national aspirations, we developed NCT Smart Industrial Park, NSIP,
02:35fully under the MIP framework introduced by the Selangor State Government
02:40to support business through clearer standards and professional park management.
02:46NSIP is premised upon key MIP principles such as dedicated park management to ensure coordinated operations,
02:55gated and guarded security for controlled access,
02:59shared-use facilities that improve operational efficiency,
03:04flexibly designed industrial units that cater to different business requirements and commercial components
03:10that support wider industrial community within the park.
03:15NSIP prides itself on championing ESG principles while leveraging advanced technologies,
03:22smart systems and artificial intelligence to create a more conducive environment for businesses and communities alike.
03:32That's interesting because NSIP is really where that model comes to life,
03:37especially as Malaysia's first managed industrial park,
03:40and I'd like to get into the specifics of that.
03:42Could you give us a bit more of an in-depth picture of how NSIP is fully designed,
03:48and it's designed to be a fully managed industrial ecosystem rather than just a master plan development?
03:55The conventional industrial park was skewed towards land planning and physical infrastructure.
04:02Once the development was handed over, operational coordinations in its facility was often limited.
04:12At NSIP, the approach is much more integrated and operationally focused.
04:19Our park is built with four thoughts.
04:22It boasts a connected industrial environment where infrastructure, technology, operational management,
04:30human-centric elements, security and sustainability initiatives work together cohesively.
04:37The park is overseen by a dedicated industrial park manager, IPM,
04:44responsible for ensuring the entire park's function as a well-maintained environment
04:49while acting as a central point of coordination between businesses, service providers and government agencies.
04:58We take full ownership on ongoing upkeep of all common areas,
05:04shared infrastructure to ensure we preserve its value and appeal over the long term.
05:11When investors step into NSIP, they are entering into a plug-and-pay environment
05:17where many of the operational complexities have already been anticipated and managed at the park level.
05:26Now, of course, the timing of this couldn't be more relevant because we are seeing manufacturers shifting their production bases
05:35within ASEAN.
05:37From your perspective though, what makes Malaysia or Selangor specifically such a compelling choice within this region?
05:44According to the recent Global Opportunity Index, GOI 2026 report by the Milken Institute,
05:54Malaysia ranked 23rd globally and emerged as the top performing economy among selected Southeast Asian growth markets.
06:03This reflects Malaysia's strong investment environment, supported by some economic fundamentals, a stable institutional framework and a mature financial sector,
06:16all of which continue to strengthen investors' confidence.
06:20Malaysia has grown by lips and bounds.
06:23The country offers a balanced position within the region and a business environment that's really familiar to many international companies,
06:32being the strategic gateway into ASEAN while maintaining strong connectivity to global trade routes.
06:39And supply chain networks continues to be its strengths.
06:44Selangor is a heartbeat of Malaysia's economy and possesses one of the country's strongest industrial and economic engines,
06:52with access to mature infrastructure, ports and airports, strong logistic connectivity and proximity to establish business ecosystems within the area.
07:03Most importantly, Selangor posts Malaysia's most competitive talent pool, offering businesses the opportunity to leverage our nation's largest skilled workforce.
07:18Within this thriving landscape, NSIP is well positioned to benefit from its location in the Integrated Development Region in South
07:27Selangor, Idris,
07:29located nearby KLIA Terminal 1 and 2, Port Clank, Westport and major highways, providing a strong base for companies seeking
07:38and integrated into an emerging industrial corridor.
07:43But navigating that investment journey, especially for foreign investors, isn't necessarily always a straightforward process.
07:50How would you say Invest Langor and the state ecosystem has supported that investment journey from interest stage up to
07:59actual setup and long-term expansion?
08:03I think among the challenges investors face is navigating complexity.
08:10Setting up operations involve multiple moving parts, from regulatory processes to timelines and operational planning.
08:18This is where the role played by Invest Langor and the state government becomes essential.
08:27From the early engagement stage, Invest Langor provides investors with clearer visibility into the state's industrial capabilities,
08:36infrastructure readiness, talent ecosystem, growth opportunity.
08:41This clarity is important for foreign investors who are comparing multiple locations across different countries at the same time.
08:50Beyond initial engagement, their backing continues throughout the entire investment lifecycle,
08:58facilitating coordination from the inquiring stage through regulatory approvals and implementation in a more seamless and productive manner.
09:08We are truly appreciative of the support from the Selangor state government through Invest Langor for their continued involvement,
09:17has been instrumental in strengthening NSIP's position within the broader industrial ecosystem and enhancing its visibility among both local and
09:28foreign investors.
09:30Through their involvement, we have been able to reach to a wider audience based and articulate NSIP's value proposition more
09:41effectively.
09:42We are pleased to share that within NSIP itself, we will be establishing a connected environment with relevant agencies such
09:52as Invest Langor,
09:53MIDA, the Human Resources Department Corporation, HRD Corp, Perkeso and Kuala Langat Municipal Council to streamline all their investment journey
10:05from setup to operation.
10:07I'd like to know more about NSIP specific features because if we are zooming in on a specific sector,
10:15because advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and electronics, these industries all have a very particular set of demands.
10:23For advanced manufacturing especially, semiconductors and electronic supply chains, there are things such as reliability, ecosystem depth and speed.
10:32These are all critical components. How is NSIP positioned to meet those expectations?
10:39Now we start from location. NSIP's prime location within an established transport network provides multiple connectivity options,
10:48reducing reliance on any single logistic pathway while strengthening supply chain resilience.
10:54The surrounding landscape offers access to a broader network of suppliers, technical specialists and supporting services,
11:04allowing manufacturers to tap into expertise and capabilities closer to their operations.
11:10Predictability of site conditions and a well-managed industrial environment are also important factors for high-precision manufacturing.
11:19NSIP's managed framework promotes a disciplined operating environment through coordinated oversight of shared assets and common facilities.
11:31Infrastructures designed for automation, real-time monitoring and data-enabled operations are mandatory for industries that require deeper system integration.
11:43As manufacturing becomes digitized, NSIP's smart industrial capabilities facilitates greater efficiency and feasibility.
11:54Complementing these capabilities are strategic partnerships with experts such as
12:00Spidex Express Logistics in Malaysia Sena Bahad, strengthening last mile logistic support and improving operational responsiveness within the park.
12:12These elements create conditions that allow manufacturers to focus on scaling production and accelerating innovations as opposed to stretching resources
12:23on resolving operational challenges that fall outside their core business.
12:29Now, you've mentioned partnerships and none of these achievements of course can happen in isolation.
12:35In your opinion, how important are partnerships in strengthening NSIP's development and market positioning?
12:43Partnerships are extremely important for us because no single organisation can build a future-ready industrial system entirely on its
12:53own.
12:54In fact, NSIP's attractive market proposition has been made possible through the strong alliances we've built over the years with
13:03industry experts.
13:05By working closely with the right partners, we are able to continuously build NSIP's resilience, introduce new technologies and features,
13:15and ensure the development progresses in line with changing industry needs and market expectations.
13:24Having recognised industry players involved in our projects also elevates the development in terms of credibility and building market confidence.
13:34All right, thank you very much for your time. More on NCT's future-proof visions after the break.
13:41I've been speaking to Mr. Ong Chao Wen, CEO of NCT Alliance Berhad. Stay with us, we'll be right back.
14:05Welcome back to Investment Insider. I'm joined now by Syab Atakovit. He is the director of NCT Alliance Berhad.
14:13Thank you for taking the time to join us for this discussion today.
14:17Now, earlier in the first half of today's episode, we talked a little bit about this, but I'd like to
14:23get your thoughts on it as well.
14:25What would you say are the key factors companies evaluate today when deciding where to establish or expand industrial operations?
14:34Well, I think actually one of the most important factors that businesses look at right now would be accessibility and
14:42connectivity to major infrastructures like the road network,
14:48you know, accessibility to airports, seaports, because all this proximity will actually give them a direct cost advantage or savings
14:59to their businesses.
15:02And the second point that would be more crucial would be the readiness of the site that is being assessed
15:11because everything is down to the speed to market, right?
15:16When your site is more ready, you know, you save time to get your production up and running.
15:23So that would also help to save a bit more opportunity costs for certain businesses that are looking at the
15:32site.
15:32I think apart from that, more businesses are also looking at digitalization and automation to be more adaptive or competitive
15:42in this very dynamic business landscape.
15:46I think all businesses are starting to go on this journey and you can automate, you can digitalize, the productivity
15:55will naturally go up.
15:59So all these factors will actually help, you know, businesses to try to achieve what they call economies of scale.
16:05So at the end of the day, it's all dollars and cents.
16:10And lastly, you know, I think whether a site has enough support for the business to adopt certain ESG initiatives
16:21into their operations or production,
16:25I think that is also important because by adopting ESG practices, they can actually leverage on certain maybe cheaper financing
16:38costs from financial institutions.
16:40Because these FIs, they have mandates to push a green agenda through their projects that have been financed by them
16:51or implemented by them.
16:53And it also allows the businesses to access to a larger pool of investors who are mandated to get involved
17:01in funding all these green projects as well.
17:04So I think all in all, those are the key factors that will affect the company's decision whether to set
17:13up an operation at a certain place or not.
17:16The factors you've mentioned, sustainability, digitalization, even identifying the right location,
17:22these are all one part of it. But then convincing the boardroom back home is another part of it.
17:28How crucial are platforms like Spark in actually building investor confidence for long term capital commitments?
17:35Yeah, Spark as we know it is always a very good platform because it leverages on Selangor's position as the
17:45country's economic powerhouse.
17:47Because a lot of stakeholders including your industrial investment promotional agencies,
17:56key stakeholders like solution providers throughout the industrial space itself,
18:02industrial park developers and also certain financial institutions or banks will also participate here.
18:09So I think a lot of developers also or rather investors also appreciate the platform for being able to give
18:19direct access to parties
18:22who feel may help them to make more informed investment decisions throughout the tenor of the exhibition.
18:32So I think there are also a lot of forums or panel discussions during Spark exhibitions itself.
18:39I think it has proven to be quite successful for us to showcase what we are doing to contribute to
18:50this managed industrial park concept or landscape
18:53and also to showcase our IR 4.0 facilities and ESG emphasis.
19:01I think all in all apart from, we don't look at it as a, we just look at it as
19:07a good platform to showcase
19:10maybe perhaps better industrial practices since you know, it's also a very good earning ground and for all of the
19:18players in the space.
19:20As everyone is just trying to make the development space a bit more competitive and healthy so that you know,
19:29it benefits investors as well.
19:31Well, NCT Alliance Berhad definitely has a lot to showcase as evidenced by the number of records that you've achieved
19:40displayed right behind you.
19:42But moving one step further, if once investors do commit and with that sort of capital landscape in mind,
19:50what specific types of industries or tenants is the NSIP targeting and what makes them the right fit for this
19:57ecosystem?
19:58Yeah, I guess the emphasis of the park has always been on IR 4.0 and also ESG.
20:06So naturally, industries who are looking to incorporate these features into their operations are what we are looking at.
20:13Particularly, you know, industries who are into advanced manufacturing, logistic operators just because of the proximity to your major ports
20:25in Malaysia.
20:27We have data centre players who are potentially coming in as well.
20:31As well as other industries who are in general just looking to automate more of their production line because the
20:40infrastructure of the park is readily supporting such implementation.
20:47Like within the park itself, infrastructure is well planned for mobility or movement of goods in between the park and
20:56there's also ample support in terms of utilities, capacity.
21:03Right, so all in all, you know, these factors can help to smoothen day-to-day operations required by these
21:12industries.
21:14I think another special feature in the park that is attractive to all industries is the 100-year flood-proof
21:23mechanism that we have designed.
21:26It's the first of its kind canal stretching 3.5 kilometres from start to finish.
21:32Yeah, so basically any industry that comes in will have a peace of mind that our park can withstand 100
21:40-year flood occurrence.
21:41You know, especially given the fact that flooding occurrences has been very prevalent in Klang Valley or Slangor itself.
21:52And I think we also have this five diamond achievement under the low carbon city challenge.
22:00We also have the NCTG app digital platform to enhance connectivity by enabling smoother communication, security coordination and daily operational
22:12instructions between tenants and our park management.
22:18That's very interesting. I mean, one century commitment.
22:23Let's talk about the operational savings now for those target tenants and the mechanics of that.
22:29You've mentioned the NCTG app and there's also a smart command center.
22:32How do these digital tools really translate into actual day-to-day cost savings on the factory floor?
22:40Yeah, I guess digitalization is about improving visibility and responsiveness across day-to-day operations.
22:47While the extent of the savings will vary between businesses, the benefits actually realized through better resources management and more
22:57efficient day-to-day operations.
22:58At the heart of NSIP's digital ecosystem is the AI command center which provides real-time analytics, predictive automation and
23:10digital monitoring capabilities.
23:13This will actually help to enable more proactive management of part-wide infrastructure and services.
23:21It also helps to optimize resources that are being utilized while supporting smoother operational performance across the park itself.
23:30For our tenants, this can translate into reduced downtime, faster issue identification and resolution, as well as more efficient use
23:41of utilities among the shared infrastructure.
23:45So the access to timely operational insights also enables businesses to make more informed decisions and improve overall productivity.
23:54So the NCTG app is the complementing factor here, which will serve as the digital touch point between tenants and
24:04park management.
24:06Because this platform streamlined communication, service requests, security related matters and access to all operational information,
24:15which will reduce ineficiencies through improved responsiveness.
24:20So beyond operational convenience, these technologies actually support our vision of creating a smarter and more sustainable industrial ecosystem,
24:31potentially to our industrial park number two, number three, so on and so forth.
24:36So that is where we are building our intellectual property through our undertakings of these initiatives as well.
24:44But beyond digital efficiency, another big point for manufacturers is labour compliance.
24:52How much of a game changer is having a centralized labour quarters built right into the park?
24:58Labour compliance has evolved from being an operational consideration into a necessity when it comes to implementation.
25:08So multinational corporations, institutional investors and global prospects or buyers are continuously scrutinizing labour practices,
25:20especially among the entire supply chain ecosystem.
25:24So a centralized labour quarters integrated within the industrial park itself,
25:30actually proves to be a real differentiator and also a solution that actually suits all coming into the park.
25:41because all these purpose-built accommodations have to be regulatory, compliant,
25:49while protecting workers' welfare, living standards,
25:53so in a way helping our park occupants to navigate through this compliance landscape.
26:00By having workers' accommodation housed within close proximity to the workplace is also another solution to help reduce any transportation
26:12challenges faced by the factory owners.
26:16At the same time, this is also one of our initiatives to contribute to SDG goals,
26:27which is in line with our ESG blueprint that we have put into the industrial park.
26:33And looking at everything that we've discussed today, before we wrap up this interview,
26:38looking ahead now, what will ultimately separate an industrial park that's going to thrive over the next decade as compared
26:45to those that will be left behind?
26:47Yeah, industrial parks have remained competitive, especially in the recent years.
26:52And I believe in the future, it will continuously involve, especially with more automated
27:02mecanism, operations, decision-making are going to be more data-driven.
27:09So, you know, industrial parks are expected to level up gradually, day by day.
27:16And with all the AI integration and data bank built through this process,
27:21I think it's good for the industry because investors who will be attracted can house their operations in the country
27:35itself.
27:36And, you know, more investments would bring about more optimistic economy performance to the country.
27:44So, industrial parks that are agile and adaptive to these changes are able to continuously upgrade their operational capabilities
27:55by maintaining higher infrastructure qualities and facilitate changing tenant requirements will definitely have an edge.
28:04So, I think, you know, as we build more and more industrial parks,
28:09and not just to say within our projects itself, we hope to see more clustering effects throughout the manufacturing sector
28:21and ecosystem being formed gradually.
28:24So, industrial park developments will actually also bring about more township developments,
28:30and the trickling down effect will bring about other economic activities as well.
28:36So, I think, in a nutshell, industrial parks will be more smart day by day,
28:44and also probably more ESG compliant day by day as well,
28:50because it's going to be more and more common in the landscape from what I see.
28:57Right. Thank you so much for sharing your views.
29:00That's all the time that we have today.
29:02I've been speaking to Seap Atta Kovid, the director of NCT Alliance Berhad.
29:07You've been watching Investment Insider, brought to you by Invest Langor.
29:11I'm Fei Kuan, and we'll see you in the next one.
29:32Oh.
30:00Now let's go.
30:11You