Frédéric Rebetez, Managing Director and Site Leader, Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew, founded in England in 1856, is a global medical technology company specializing in advanced wound care, orthopedics, sports medicine, and ENT products. In Malaysia, we expanded our presence by opening a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the Batu Kawan Industrial Park in Penang.
What are some of your organisation’s proudest moments/milestones in Malaysia?
One of Smith & Nephew’s proudest milestones in Malaysia is the opening of our high-tech manufacturing facility in Penang in 2020. This significant investment expanded our company’s global manufacturing capabilities, created local employment opportunities, and strengthened our presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Our new facility produces advanced orthopedic devices, meeting growing regional and global demand and reinforcing our company’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and helping patients across the world to live their life unlimited.
Based on your overall experience of doing business in Malaysia, name the advantages and challenges of doing business in Malaysia.
Based on our overall experience of doing business in Malaysia, Malaysia offers excellent infrastructures, government incentives, a strong medical device industry, a skilled English-speaking workforce, and a robust local vendor network—including specialized services like sterilization—making it an attractive location for business like us to operate. Malaysia’s dynamic economy attracts many foreign investors, making it challenging for businesses to train and retain talent due to heightened competition for skilled workers.
What did you do or are still doing to overcome these challenges?
To overcome these challenges, we have partnered with Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) to develop our machinists through the German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) program, has created a great workplace based on our cultural pillars of Care, Collaboration, and Courage, and has provided upskilling trainings to our employees.
Based on our experience in operating in Malaysia, the 3 most important criteria for achieving business success in Malaysia?
Based on our experience in Malaysia, the three most important criteria for achieving business success are forging strong partnerships with local authorities like MIDA, MITI, Invest Penang, and Talent Corp; leveraging the local ecosystem of SMEs; and establishing robust collaborations with academic institutions such as PSDC.
What recommendation or advice would you give to other companies looking to invest or do in business in Malaysia?
Companies investing in Malaysia should forge strong partnerships with local authorities, leverage the robust ecosystem of SMEs to enhance supply chains, and collaborate with academic institutions. Investing in employee training and creating a positive workplace culture are crucial for retaining skilled talent. By focusing on these strategies, companies can effectively navigate the Malaysian market and achieve business success.
What are the top 3 reasons for your organisation joining the BMCC?
The top three reasons for our organization joining the BMCC are to enhance networking opportunities with British and Malaysian businesses, access valuable market insights and resources, and strengthen our commitment to fostering UK-Malaysia trade relations.
What is the top value you see for yourself or your organisation in being a member of the BMCC?
The greatest value we see in being a BMCC member is the ability to build strategic partnerships that support our growth and presence in the Malaysian market.
In one sentence, how would you describe your own experience or your organisation’s experience as a member of the BMCC?
Our experience as a BMCC member has been instrumental in expanding our business network and deepening our engagement within the UK-Malaysia business community.
