Sapura still pioneering in telecommunications industry

Sapura was first incorporated in 1975 to meet the growing needs of the telecommunications industry and its related businesses in Malaysia. It was one of the first Malaysian companies to venture into the field of telecommunications, and it played a major role in establishing the infrastructure.

In less than a decade it gained a reputation for reliability and resourcefulness. As of January 31, 1995, Sapura reported total assets of RM 402 million with a total turnover of more than RM 303 million.

Sapura has three main areas of interest: telecommunications, metal based industries, and information technology. In Malaysia, the group plays a significant role in the development of these industries.

As one of the first manufacturers of telecommunications products in the country, Sapura has achieved distinction as a pioneer of innovations. The group has two publicly-listed companies, Uniphone Telecommunications Berhad (UTB) and Sapura Telecommunications Berhad (STB), both of which are involved in almost every aspect of telecommunications.

The Uniphone group is involved in the implementation of a number of major contracts within the telecommunications industry. Its activities include the installation and maintenance of public payphones, both coin-operated and card phones, throughout Malaysia. The STB group focuses its resources on three areas: the manufacturing and marketing of telecommunications equipment, design and installation of cable networks and paging services. A prime example of its products is the S2000HF feature telephone, the first of its kind offering voice-activated answering.

In September 1990, Sapura Machining Corporation (SMC) signed a technical assistance agreement with Kyoto Engineering Inc. of Japan to spearhead its interests in the metal-based industry. With an investment of RM 36 million, SMC is the first Malaysian company to be involved in the high-tech manufacturing of engine and transmission components.

Malaysia Airlines

To keep up with the development of the tourism industry worldwide and to facilitate travelers who visit Malaysia for business or pleasure, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is committed to giving the best services to its passengers.

Aware of the fact that competing at international levels calls for advancements, its aspires to bring its passengers the finest equipment and service on every route to all of the six continents it services.

It has embarked on fleet and network upgrading programs to ensure maximum comfort, convenience and safety.

From the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, MAS connects its passengers to 35 destinations around the country, with over 3000 flights every week. Its network will soon expand to over 100 destinations, 65 of which will be international.

It has a selection of specially packaged holiday programs catering to different needs and budgets so travelers can enjoy the scenic beauty of Malaysia, once called "a tropical paradise of myriad attractions".

MAS also offers Special Interest packages for golf, scuba diving and adventure tours, as well as incentive travel, convention and exhibition packages.

IAGCM stages

Realizing that golf course development is booming in the Asia- Pacific region and that the need for experienced club managers is becoming more and more critical, the International Association of Golf Course Managers (IAGCM) will stage a first certificate course in "Club Operations and Golf & Country Club Management" beginning tomorrow at Kuala Lumpur's Pan Pacific Glenmarie Resort.

"This program is being held first in the Asia-Pacific region because of an acute shortage of qualified golf and country club managers in the region, especially Malaysia," said Simon Hanley, IAGCM secretary.

IAGCM is a non-profit body with the aim of enhancing the international professionalism of golf club managers. The association is the only one of its kind representing managers on an international scale.

Tenaga Nasional

To help realize the country's megawatt-hungry industrialization program, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Malaysia's electricity utility, will expand its generating capacity to some 8,900 megawatts by the year 2000 from a current 7,319 megawatts.

Tenaga's metamorphosis has been astonishing. A government department just a few years ago, today it is a mighty conglomerate with diversified interests in related industries as well as education.

Its turnover last year rose by 12 percent to US$2.14 billion while its pre-tax profit reached $762 million.