5th March 2009, Kuala Lumpur – The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers held its 2nd Medical Industry Networking Meeting in its headquarter today at Wisma FMM. Chaired by Encik Baharudin Bin Monshie, the former Principal Private Secretary to the Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Health, and current Chairman of Infinity 21 (M) Sdn Bhd.

During the previous meeting held on the 18th February 2009 that was chaired by FMM President, Datuk Mustafa Mansur, it was confirmed by unanimous support from major organizations that attended the informal meeting to form the Pro-Tem Committee of the proposed industry group under the aegis and constitution of Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).

Today’s meeting received an unexpected overwhelming response from the number of major players that attended which include B. Braun, Swisslog, Sato, S.Kian Seng, Granulab, Abex Medical, Muzamal Industries, Meditama, Tech-Lab, and many others.

By special invitation, Mr Tiong Khe Hock, the chairman of FMM Automation Technology Industry Group (FMM ATIG), and some of its executive committee members were present during the meeting. Mr Tiong briefed those present on how the FMM ATIG was being formed in the Year 2003, and the stages of how it became the Voice of the industrial automation industry in Malaysia, where most of the major issues of import and sales taxation were discussed and tabled in the committee.

Knowing the governmental policies and the daily problems met by the medical industry, Encik Baharudin swiftly moved in and pointed out that the issues differ between various industries. He enlightened the audience that the medical industry do not actually face the issues on taxation, but rather on the representation of suitable medical products especially “nice to have” or “must have” category, and added that many medical industry players needed to understand the various processes of marketing its products to the healthcare industry.

When asked on the other medical associations that were already being formed in Malaysia, Mr Benny Yeo, Publisher and CEO of Infinity 21 suggested that the proposed industry group under the aegis of FMM could complement the others on various issues. He added that the group can work closely with other associations with regards to the forthcoming regulatory act (MEDVER), and vice versa that other associations may take participation in the other programmes that the proposed FMM Medical Industry Group is organizing.

The meeting ended shortly after a confirmation of the proposed FMM Medical Supplies Industry Group founding members and appointment of its pro-tem office bearers. Encik Baharudin Bin Monshie has been nominated as the Chairman of the group, Mr Lam Chee Hong from B. Braun as the Deputy Chairman, Ms Sidney Low from Infinity 21 as the Honorary Secretary, and Mr Ho Yeam Chan from Tech-Lab as the Honorary Treasurer.

The next meeting was fixed at 31st March 2009 at 2pm in Wisma FMM to further discuss on the roles and objectives, and the future plans of the proposed FMM Medical Supplies Industry Group.

The inaugural issue of the Medical News by Infinity 21 was launched and circulated during the meeting and received excellent response from the attendees. It will be distributed extensively to the healthcare industry in Malaysia and its neighbouring countries early this month.