PENANG continues to attract foreign attention by becoming the first state in country to be chosen as a research and development (R&D) hub following the incorporation of Halagel Prolac (M) Sdn Bhd.
Halagel (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Ahmad Rodzi Pawanteh said Penang was chosen as a ‘starting point’ for the collaboration between Halagel (M) Sdn Bhd and Prolac (Thailand) Co. Ltd. Their partnership led to the formation of Halagel Prolac (M) Sdn Bhd.
He said this partnership is important to create employment in the state as Penang is a strategic base to conduct research with a few leading universities located in the northern state.
“The reason we chose Penang was mainly due to its geographic location as it is the nearest neighbour to us.
“This is because we have our own factory in Sungai Petani, Kedah, and we are executing this partnership as Penang has its potential in terms of its infrastructure,” he said during the signing ceremony of Partnership Agreement and Incorporation of Halagel Prolac (M) Sdn Bhd at St Giles Wembley Hotel yesterday.
Ahmad Rodzi said such cooperation would indeed spur the industry in Penang.
“Prolac (Thailand) Co. Ltd is taking the leverage on Malaysia’s position as a leading halal certificate body.
“It attracts their attention while at the same time we are able to move a step higher.
“We are now moving into the next phase of herbs and health supplement’s innovation,” he added.
Halagel is specialising on offering a wide range of halal brand products like toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel and Vitamin softgel.
Present to witness the signing ceremony were Yang-di Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and former Thailand Prime Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.
Prolac president Dr Aswin Wattanapramote lauded the remarkable cooperation with Halagel (M) Sdn Bhd in a bid to ‘bring the best’ for the people in Malaysia.
He foresees Malaysia has the expertise to develop the halal brand of products as both sides shared the same aim.
“I think this is the right time to have a company in Malaysia now.
“I believe we will be doing well with this newly forged partnership,” he added.
Prolac had previously signed R&D collaboration with a few universities in Thailand, coming out with products different from many others in the market by using active ingredients from pure herbs suitable for solution to human health problems.
Those present during the event were also treated to a sumptuous dinner after the ceremony.
Also present was Halagel Prolac (M) Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Tahir Jalaludin Hussain.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alvie Cheng