KUANTAN, PAHANG 12 AUGUST 2017: Thousands of local job applicants and fresh graduates across the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), in particular from Kuantan, Pahang, will benefit from the 4,000 job opportunities offered at the Alliance Steel Job Fair. This private-public partnership initiative is organised by Alliance Steel (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Alliance Steel), which is one of the first and single largest investors in the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), together with the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), the Pahang State Government, and Jobs Malaysia.

The Alliance Steel Job Fair was launched today by YAB Dato’ Sri Diraja Haji Adnan bin Haji Yaakob, the Menteri Besar of Pahang, who was represented by YB Dato’ Norol Azali bin Sulaiman, the State Health, Human Resources and Special Tasks Committee Chairman and Guai Assemblyman, at The Zenith Hotel, Sultan Ahmad Shah International Convention Centre in Kuantan. Also present during the event were YBhg. Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John, the Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC, and Mr. Hu JiuLin, the Deputy Project Commander of Alliance Steel.

“Over the last decade, Pahang has grown significantly through the delivery of high-impact projects and programmes by the Federal and State Governments. Private investments into the region, particularly MCKIP, have increased tremendously in recent years, reflecting the ECER’s strong position as a dynamic and competitive investment destination. Importantly, these investments have also brought immense benefit for the Rakyat, particularly in terms of job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Dato’ Sri Diraja Haji Adnan, in his speech which was read by Dato’ Norol Azali.

The Job Fair, held over two days from 12 to 13 August 2017, offers more than 4,000 job opportunities that encompass both entry-level and senior-level roles, ranging from technical, engineering, and supervisory, as well as management positions to support Alliance Steel’s operation in MCKIP.

“Private investors, such as Alliance Steel, have contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the ECER. The strong bilateral relationship between China and Malaysia provides added confidence for the company to invest in the ECER. This Job Fair is part of our efforts to facilitate and enable the skilled workforce and local talents in the Region to become a key component of the growth journey for both local and global businesses, as well as to uplift the livelihood of the Rakyat, in line with the Government’s National Transformation Agenda to create a high-income nation and knowledge-based economy,” said Datuk Seri Issace.

The Job Fair also underscores Alliance Steel’s commitment to develop and work with the local talents in Malaysia, as a key to the Company’s success in the long run. “Through Alliance Steel’s intensive training and support, as well as attractive benefits for our employees including overseas training for selected individuals at our main facilities in China, our employees will be able to obtain exceptional learning experience and work in an environment that will enable them to reach their full potential. We highly encourage the local communities to take this opportunity and build their career with us,” said Mr. Hu JiuLin.

 

Among the staff benefits offered at Alliance Steel include medical outpatient allowance, meals and accommodation, as well as transportation allowance for employees who stay more than 30km away from their workplace.

To date, Alliance Steel has committed to invest RM5.6 billion to develop a modern integrated iron and steel mill with a production capacity of 3.5 million tonnes. The facility is expected to be operational in phases by end 2017 and fully operational in early 2018. This initiative is also expected to generate greater entrepreneurial opportunities for the Rakyat in Kuantan and its vicinity, to accommodate the growing workforce and population in MCKIP.

Over the years, Malaysia continues to be one of China’s leading strategic trading partners within the region. For example, as the first industrial park in Malaysia to be jointly developed by both Malaysia and China, MCKIP has been a key catalyst to Pahang’s economic growth. MCKIP, a key component of the Belt and Road initiative, has to date attracted around RM26.9 billion in domestic and foreign investments, which in turn will create 17,327 job opportunities for the Rakyat.

The investment potential in Pahang is expected to be accelerated through the ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Kuantan Port Expansion and the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL). The Kuantan Port is expected to be ready next year and will significantly strengthen its position as the “Gateway to Asia Pacific” as well as contribute to the growth of port and maritime industries.

Meanwhile, a ground-breaking ceremony officiated by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak earlier this week marked the start of the construction of the 688km ECRL project. The ECRL will pass through at least 15 districts in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan and connect Peninsular Malaysia’s two major ports which are Port Klang and Kuantan Port. This game-changer, targeted to be completed by 2024, is expected to fuel economic growth and contribute an additional 1% to 1.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the ECER, while the enhanced connectivity will benefit local businesses and entrepreneurs along the route, including those in smaller towns and rural areas.

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